CHAPTER 37

Alexa's POV

Nobody seems to move for a few seconds more. Nobody says a word or anything of the sort. Lane remains hanging by the door as if waiting to see the response of everybody first before he bolts with his beloved. I feel sick to my stomach. Lina appears put of nowhere and hands me a champagne which I take a large gulp from.

Setting the glass down noisily and drawing attention to me, I rise from the couch and walk to Xander. Wrapping my hand around his, his eyes snap away from Lane toward mine and I smile at him. Our eyes seem to communicate for a few seconds before his face returns back to normal.

Xander still hasn't spoken to me about what happened with his ex-fiance but the way he had reacted told me a lot. Most importantly, the room had responded to the announcement. However, I don't let that deter me as I force Xanders with me and walk up to the duo hanging by the door.

“Hi, you must be Lane Russell. Welcome to our home. My husband has talked about you a lot in the past few days.” I tell him, watching as his eyes snap from me to Xander to the rings on our fingers.

“Lane,” Xander calls, clearing his throat.

“Xander,” Lane calls with a fake smile as he steps up to hug Xander, albeit awkwardly. The exchange is a far cry from the exuberance the others had exchanged with.

Still, I will take it. I turn my attention to the ex, smiling warmly at her before I grab my husband and announce that it's time to go for dinner. It's earlier than we should but the lightness in the air has already been ruined.

While the other couples file out to the dining room led by the maids, I wait with Xander. As soon as they are gone, I turn to him to check if he is okay.

“I'm fine,” he tells me, his lips twitching into a smile.

“You will be,” I hiss, as I folded my hands over my chest. Leaning in, I whisper in a not-so-sorry tone, “Your friend, Lane, is an asshole.” I say to him.

Xander's eyes twinkle with laughter. “I know,” he shrugs.

“An even bigger asshole than you are.” I add.

He cocks his brow at me. “Still think I'm an asshole?”

“I don't know. If you are, then you are my asshole.” I grin at him.

Xander shakes his head like he can't believe me. He grips my wrist again and we walk to the dining room with smiles on our faces. There are a lot of delicacies to choose from, I made sure of that. So, I watch the food go round. The room isn't quiet though which is a good thing.

We start with the appetizers, seared scallops with truffle oil and microgreen. There is another option which is why I glare at Sawyers date, Calista, when she complains about not wanting scallops.

“I'm sure if you look closely, you will find that there are other options to choose from. I made provisions for that.” I say with a deceptively sweet smile. Dinner hasn't fully started yet and I'm already craving wine.

Dave smiles at me before continuing his conversation with Sawyer with Lane occasionally chipping in. I breathe in the scent of the scented candles, feeling satisfied with myself about everything.

Sofia moans a few moments later, drawing attention to her. “You guys really need to try this. Do you know that Alexa made the meals we are eating? She is a chef.” Sofia announces proudly, drawing attention to me.

“Really?” Reed asks, putting down his fork.

“Yeah,” I nod with pride.

“And here I thought I could borrow your private chef for a few weeks,” he says which makes me smile. It isn't a compliment but it makes me smile.

“I'm sure she will be willing to work for you for a few thousand dollars,” I tease, smiling at Xander briefly when he squeezes my hand under the table.

“Why?” Danielle speaks for the first time since arriving. “Is he not treating you well?” She taunts, sipping her wine like she means no harm, but I know better.

Sofia and Xander open their mouths to talk but I cut in instead. “Oh, no. I'm sorry if your experiences have clouded your sight and mindset. Xander is the best husband any woman can ask for.” I reply.

There is a brief, stunned silence at the table. I can feel Xander looking at me. Sawyer and Reed turn their attention to us.

“Did we mess up so badly that we didn't even get an invite to the wedding, Xander?” Reed asked.

“I was going to invite you two, but then I remembered you mentioned that you don't attend weddings.’” He teases them.

“Not my pals' wedding,” Sawyer grumbles.

“I know, I know. And I'm sorry. I just wanted to get it over with so quickly. Dave can attest to that. Alexa didn't even wear a white dress for our wedding. We just couldn't wait.” He explains, sounding very convincing.

Lane narrows his eyes at us, “How did you two meet again?” He asks.

I almost smile as I recall what I and Xander has practiced. We are sticking to the truth as much as possible. “I work in one of his restaurants. Apparently, he had his eyes on me for a while but I never noticed.” I begin, turning to my husband to continue.

“I thought she was the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. And she is. But she was my employee and I don't do my employees.” He laughs, Dave nodding. “Well, I was driving one night and I almost ran someone over. She wasn't feeling well. I didn't take her to the hospital, instead I brought her here. It felt like a sign. So I told myself that I'm not giving her room to change her mind once she agreed to marry me.” He concluded.

“And now we are married.” I grin, flashing my ring.

“When you put it like that, your excuses are understandable. Still, I can't deny that I'm hurt.” Sawyer adds.

“That's what you two get for not moving back to NY.” Dave cuts in and I smile.

“I think its about time, don't you think?” Reed asked, turning to look at the woman he came with. “Anastasia and I have been thinking of moving back to New York.” He announces.

“There is no place like home, really. Anastasia, when you do decide to move, let me know. I will get you settled in no time.” Sofia tells the other woman who nods at her shyly.

Conversation floats from stories to business and back to different recounting of their lives in London. Danielle and Lane keep to themselves most of the time. I try to engage Calista and Anastasia in a conversation but end up talking to Sofia all through.

When dinner ends, the maids sweep in to clear the table as we stand from our seats. Filled, I hook my hand with Xanders as we stroll to the living room with others.

“Thank you so much for the dinner, Alexa. Xander is one lucky bastard.” Sawyer mutters to me.

“Thank you, Sawyer.” I nod at him.

“Is dinner ending so soon?” Calista asks Sawyer as she tugs his arm like a cat demanding attention. “The night is still young. How about we hit the club?” She asks, looking at our faces, one after the other, but lingering Sawyer.

“I mean, one of my socialites friends told me about the new club that just opened but I declined because it was opening night. It's no longer opening night so we can all go.” Sofia adds, looking at Dave who shakes his head at her, smiling.

“Dave?” Xander calls.

“My woman gets whatever she wants,” he replies, leaning down to kiss her cheeks.

Sofia giggles, turning to look at me. I smile back. In a few minutes, we all settle in the bar of our vehicles, ready to make the rounds to the clubs, Sofia and Dave's car leading the way.

*****

In half an hour, our cars pulls up at the bar. Just as Sofia claims, there are people milling around the parking lot and people going new. Knowing NY, this place would be the new hits for some weeks.

Xander holds my hands as we walk into the bustling club, finding our way to the VIP area in seconds. Music is blasting from the speakers and I can feel my body relax. Sofia doesn't sit still as she immediately tugs me with her to the dance floor, claiming the song playing is her favorite song.

I laugh and mirror her moves on the dance floor, adding my own twist and flare to the movement. We sing along to the song since I know it too, screaming at the tops of our lungs and joining the other dancers high on whatever.

“Danielle is such a bitch!” Sofia says to me when she leans in in the middle of dancing.

I laugh at her unexpected words. “I've been dying to tell you how proud of you I am for speaking up to her that way. She thinks she will have it easy. Dating someone else in the friendship group.” She hisses.

I laugh again. “I just had to remind her a little that she doesn't own him anymore. And she never would.” I tell her.

“Atta girl!” Sofia screams, laughing widely. I can feel thousands of eyes looking at us,  but none of them matter because Xander's fixed stare on me is the only one that matters. “Now, go get your man. He can't seem to take his off you.” She yells due to the loud music, looking away from me to Xander.

I nod and leave her to be in her element, knowing Dave will join her pretty soon. When I get to Xander who is still looking at me, I take my seat on his lap. His hands curl around my waist and he inches me closer to him, my hands draping around his neck.

It's all for show.

“Enjoying yourself?” He asks, a fulfilled smile on his face. Fuck, my husband is so sexy.

“It will be even better if you kiss me,” I tell him.

Xander's warm breath caresses my skin as he leans in, his eyes locking onto mine. The pulsating music fades into the background, replaced by the pounding of my heart.

His lips brush against mine, soft and gentle at first, sending shivers down my spine. Then, with increasing intensity, he deepens the kiss, his tongue exploring, claiming.

Time stands still. The crowded room disappears, leaving only Xander's embrace. His hands cradle my face, holding me close.

The kiss ignites a fire within, melting my doubts and fears. I surrender, my lips responding eagerly, our passion unfolding like a wildfire.

The world narrows to the sensation of Xander's mouth on mine, the taste of his desire, and the promise of forever. Breathless, we break apart, eyes locked, hearts racing. The music swirls back to life, but our connection remains, a palpable spark.

Xander's gaze holds mine, his voice barely audible over the music, "You're mine.”

“I know,” I smile and peck his lip, wiping the lipstick stain at the corners of his mouth. Feeling overwhelmed, I say to him, “I'm going to go to the restroom.”

He doesn't argue so I get down from his lap and grab my purse. I am reapplying my lipstick to my lips moments later when the bathroom door opens and Danielle walks in. I don't turn to stare at her as she comes to stand beside me.

“So, you are my replacement?” She asks, setting her purse aside and flicking her dark bouncy hair.

“A better replacement, don't you think?” I ask her.

“Maybe. But anyone with eyes can clearly see the difference.” She says with a suggestive tone that should piss me off.

Instead, I smack my red painted lips together and gather my things. That's when I turn to her. “And anyone with brains in their head can see how jealous you are. Should you be threatened? After all, you are engaged to one of his close friends. A nice score, by the way.” I stop and sigh, stepping closer and playing with a few strands of her hair.

“Word of advice, Danielle,” I say looking her in the eyes while she swallows. “Let bygones be bygones. Leave the past in the past. Understood?” I ask her, shocked at my own words but I don't show it.

She doesn't nod but I pretend she does anyway, staring like a lost sheep. “Good.” I say and walk away, leaving her to her racing thoughts.