CHAPTER 36

Alexa's POV

I'm sweating so much that I'm itching to get out of the kitchen. It's Saturday and preparations have been ongoing to receive the guests. They will be here in an hour and I just rounded up in the kitchen.

After giving final instructions to the maids, I step out of the kitchen. I crack my fingers as I pass by the dinning room. It's a sight to behold, screaming exquisite decor and sophistication. A proud smile blooms on my face as I make my way up the stairs.

I can't take all the credits though.

Sofia has been here a few times to help out with all I need even though all she did was hang around the kitchen telling me the latest trends and society's gossip. I don't even know most of the people she mentioned, but I nodded along anyway, because she kept me company. I finally sent her home two hours ago so she could get ready for dinner.

I  climb up the stairs, exhaling tiredly.  I don't want to be tired. If I get too tired, I will mess up my dinner and I can't mess up. Xander didn't sign up for a wife like that. When I walk into the room, Xander is almost ready. He is seated on the bed, typing away on his phone. He's been out a few times today, attending to some things and seeing to it that his friends arrive safely to their hotel room.

Despite all my talk about having them sleep over, Xander refused. His friends turned him down anyway, claiming they had all booked hotel suites and the likes. As I stride into the room, he glances up from his phone and stares at me.

“Finished yet?” He asks, watching me.

I nod. “And now I'm feeling tired.” I sigh.

“I asked you not to handle it, but you insisted. My friends would love you anyway. And if they don't, they will have to deal with me.” He threatens and I snort.

“So, you will bully them into loving your wife. Is that what you are saying, Mr. Gold?” I ask, succumbing to my wit.

Xander's eyes gleam as he rises from his position on the bed. He stalks toward me. “I'm saying that I will do whatever it takes to protect you.” He tells me.

I exhale, looking him over. “I like the sound of that.”

He stares at me for a few seconds before he nods his head. “Good,” he says, satisfied. “Now, come here. Let me make you feel better.” He adds.

“Feel better?” I incline my head at him, a teasing smile making its round on my face.

“Yes, pretty woman.” He confirms.

“Hmm. As much as I love the sound of that, I feel sticky with sweat. Plus, time is fast approaching. Let's save that for later.” I tell him, leaning to kiss the disappointment off his face. He leans into the kiss on his cheeks even though it is brief.

“I will go get ready,” I say to him.

Xander doesn't stop me and I go ahead to soak myself in a tub for a few minutes. My body slowly relaxes, and I let out a groan as I move my body. I've been on my feet for hours and I didn't really feel pain in my legs. Practice over the years made things better for me.

I stare at my nails which I got a few days ago with Sofia. It's nicely painted white and I just love the uniqueness and design. The nail tech did a pretty great job. When I get tired of the tub, I step into the shower and let the water relieve me of my stress.

Few minutes later, I wrap a towel around my body and step into the walk-in closet. I haven't yet decided what I want to wear for dinner. Having an array of different designer dresses doesn't help so I find it quite difficult to make my pick.

After looking through the dresses for a few seconds, I make my pick. It's a red dress with long sleeves but it's a half-back. The part of my back that is left exposed doesn't reach my waist which I'm thankful for as I want to appear decent at the dinner. The dress has a sweetheart neckline that is somehow plunging and deep but it only enhances the style.

I brush my hair to the back and leave it to cover the part of my back that isn't covered. I strap on my earrings, do minimal make up since that is all I can do, carry a red lipstick on my purse and slip on the Louboutins red bottoms Xander got me.

At the end of it all, I look hot.

I blow myself a kiss in the mirror as I exit the closet. Xander is on a call, standing by the window and looking out. My eyes narrow on the jewelry box on the bed so I walk toward it and pick it up. When I open the box, the stunning necklace staring back at me makes me swallow.

It is the same necklace Sofia showed to me the other day. I really loved how elegant it looked but I couldn't afford it. How did…

My gaze trails off as I look at Xander who has gotten off the phone. “How?” I ask, speechless.

“Sofia told me about it. She said you loved it but she could tell that you didn't want to bother me. So I got it for you.” He explains.

I balked. “Xander, this costs a lot.” I exclaim, ready to drown in my tears.

“It's not that expensive,” he debunks as he snatches the necklace from the box and walks toward me. “Besides, if a masterpiece like this should be worn on anyone's neck, then it should be you, Mrs. Gold.” He tells me.

I sniff and allow him to lead me to the vanity table where I stand in front of the mirror, ready to tear up. Xander gathers my hand and gently pushes it over my shoulder, his fingers brushing over my collar bone and sending a shiver to course down my vein.

He places the necklace around my neck and I'm left gawking at the masterpiece. It fits my dress perfectly well, stunning. I smile, my fingers grazing over the diamonds.

“There,” Xander mumbles softly when he finishes. He takes a step back as if to see the result of his handwork. “You are so beautiful, Alexa.”

My heart warms at the compliment, something deep and light fluttering in my stomach. Without thinking too much about it and choosing to act on my emotions again, I turn around and go to capture his lips with mine, kissing him slowly.

It's a brief kiss, but it makes all the difference not when Xander's hand wraps around my waist, melting me to him. He moans into my mouth and my lipstick smudges his mouth. The intense need that burns through me at the moan can't be explained.

But he pulls back when his phone pings in his pocket.  I watch him take it out, his face lighting up with excitement. That's when I took a really good look at him.

Xander is wearing a formal, tailor- fitted suit that molds his muscles and long shoulders perfectly well. He looks delicious enough to eat, and when he catches me staring, I don't hide my blush.

“Let's go. They are rolling in now,” he says as he grabs my hand and leads the way.

I follow him in silence, my heart beating fast at the thoughts of meeting Xander's closest friends. The maids as I had instructed them are waiting around to do their jobs. When we pass by them, they compliment my outfit, which makes me smile.

A car pulls into the winding driveway just as I and Xander step out the door. We take a few steps forward, watching as the door opens. The chauffeur comes down before going ahead to unlock the door for the people inside. A man steps out first followed by a woman wearing a short white dress.

“Reed Patterson,” Xander whispers as we watch Reed hook his hand with the lady's. She has a big, appreciative smile on her face, looking like a woman in love.

When the duo draws closer, I'm able to make out their features. Reed has piercing blue eyes, dark brown hair that have been slicked back and he is really tall. Xander pulls me along with him to greet his friend.

I watch the exchange between them, smiling so much that I fear my cheeks will hurt. They are saying a lot of inside jokes I don't understand, hugging and whispering and then laughing. I stare at the woman looking lost beside Reed. She is so pretty.

“Hi, welcome to our home. I'm Alexa,” I tell her, trying to make her feel at ease.

“Anastasia,” she smiles back.

“Reed, meet my wife, Alexa.” Xander tugs me closer as he introduces me. “Alexa, my childhood close friend.” He tells me.

Reed's eyes sparkle with interest when he looks at me. He looks from me to Xander like he doesn't believe it. “Hi,” I say to him, giving him my hand.

He takes it with a small smile. “Welcome to the family. You are the one this asshole snatched up.” He jokes.

“Lucky me,” I tease, glancing at Xander for a second before looking at him.

The exchange moves on pretty quickly and then they go in to be taken care of by the maids. The next two cars roll in pretty quickly. Sawyer Johnson and his date, Calista, whom Xander tells me they have been in an off and on toxic relationship for years, approach Sofia and Dave.

Sofia rushes to me, throwing away the sophistication that comes with wearing the burgundy velvet dress she has on. She hugs me, appraising my looks while the men talk. When Xander introduces me to Sawyer, he merely nods in my direction, not at all surprised. I greet his date warmly and watch them go in.

“Come on, let's go with them. Lane will be late.” Xander tells me, pulling my hand.

The guests have made themselves comfortable in the living room, chatting amicable amongst themselves. They look like they have a lot to say to each other. Not wanting to intrude, I go ahead to make sure that everything is set for dinner. Since Xander insists that we wait for Lane, we don't head to the dining room.

“Girl, this place looks amazing!” Sofia says when she sneaks up on me in the dining room.

I smile as I turn to her. “Thanks to you.”

“Own the compliment.  You did it all. All I did was run a few errands and talk your ears off. God, I talk a lot, don't I?” She asks me.

Is that a trick question? I want to laugh out loud. “I like you the way you are,” I say to her instead.

“I know!” She exclaims. “Dave loves me that way too.”

I laugh, tug her hand and we head back to the living room to meet the others. Sawyer smiles at me when I walk in, leaning closer to say something to Xander. When Xander looks up, smiling, I confirm that it is about me. I'm about to take a seat with Sofia who has snatched a champagne flute from the table of the waiter for the night. We are about to take a seat when two people walk in. I don't even realize that our other two guests have arrived.

Xander stands up to greet his friend but he freezes when his eyes meet the lady Lane came in with. I freeze too, watching, as the temperature drops in the room. The chattering quiets down and everyone sits rigidly. Xander isn't moving.

“What's going on?” I asked a quietly shocked Sofia.

Sofia doesn't take her eyes off the petite woman in a black silky dress and stunning jewelry set. Lane is holding onto her hand and there is a smile that sets me off on her face.

“That's Danielle,” she whispers.

It takes me a moment to understand who she is just as Lane clears his throat to speak.

“Everyone, I'm sure you know Danielle. We are engaged now.” He announces as the room drops into a pin-drop silence.