Chapter 5 5. XAVIER'S POV

Just a day after the explosion, Sienna was already having arguments, working and visiting her friend.

She had argued with her dad about going out while recovering, got updated with Teo on office work and emails. Now we were on our way to Lucia's family company.

She should be in bed, resting. She should be listening to someone. Maybe, me.

But Sienna only listens when it suits her. And worse- I admire the fire in those hazel eyes. I can't even get angry at her.

I drove like a mad man when Senor Romano said to bring her home and not the hospital. She looked almost lifeless.

Carrying her to the room in my arms like she would disappear if I blinked.

Like a piece of me had been ripped out. She wasn't breathing or laughing or insulting me. I clenched my fists on the steering wheel.

I have seen lifeless bodies more times than I can count. But watching her lie there that day. It was like something undescribable. An experience I didn't want to go through again.

We drove into the parking lot of the company. She pcame down and disappeared into the building without a word and without a glance back. Not that I longed for it.

I got down, adjusted my fit and followed suit. I got in, walked to the receptionist, who was frozen staring at my face.

I was used to stares. Most people looked like they wanted something from me. She looked like she couldn't speak.

"Good morning, where can I find Ms. Lucia's office?" I ask subtly.

"Last floor by the left." She answered as if hypnotized. She didn't bother asking if I had an appointment. Such incompetence.

The elevator dings and I get out. I sat in the lobby. I could see Sienna from there, thanks to the glass walls. Beautiful. Elegant. Feisty.

That very day we met at the house, as her hazel eyes fell on mine- I got hard. No warning. Just a silent war I have been losing.

She leaned over to whisper something to Lucia, laughing over the laptop. I caught sight of her slender neck- soft, exposed. I look away before I lose control of myself.

A few hours later they were coming out. I get up to follow Sienna. She walks past me like I wasn't there. Lucia stops at the elevator, turns to me and smiles.

"You would want to follow her quickly, she might run away again." She says with a smug smile, pointing at the elevator.

I walk past her into the elevator. Sienna blows Lucia a kiss and the elevator closes. And opens way for an awkward silence between us.

She wants to say something, a lot actually. She keeps clenching her fists. Good. I'm not the only one who wants to do things.

The elevator opens. We walk out, she moves like she wants to get away from me as soon as possible. Unfortunately, she is stuck with me. We get into the car.

"Let's go to a restaurant." I say as I roar the engine to life.

"Why? For what?" She looks at me with her side eye.

"Because you didn't have breakfast and you won't skip lunch on my watch while you are recovering." She opens her mouth to protest. "Don't say you had chips."

She looks at me defeated, sighs and picks up her phone.

We got to her favorite 5-star restaurant. Trattoria Nera.

An elite restaurant with an elite and hidden gem vibe.

Sienna and I went into the building. The hostess immediately recognized her. Definitely. She had literally been coming here since she started walking in heels.

"Ms. Moretti, what would you like to have?" the hostess said with a smile plastered on her face.

"Get us something warm for a start." The hostess nods and leaves. Another man dressed in a waiter's outfit led us through a dimly lit hallway to a private booth, with the city' s view behind us.

She sat across from me. Legs crossed- trying to stay composed and unshaken.

But I have studied her well enough.

"Something warm. So you were hungry." I said coolly.

"Stop pretending to care about me and just be my paid bodyguard. Please." She hissed.

Well, I didn't expect that outburst.

"Okay. Just a paid bodyguard." I just don't understand her. What is she so upset about?

The silence between us was louder than the restaurant music. I was grateful when the waiters came in with the starter.

Warm garlic bread with herbs and a side of whipped buratta. Pane all'Agilo.

Sienna smiled and started eating. It's like she forgot I was here.

But she was stabbing the bread like it had offended personally. Maybe that's how she planned to stab me.

"The day before yesterday, you laid almost lifeless on your bed." I said quietly.

She slowly lifts her head to look at me.

"And today you are pushing everyone away. Why? What happened?" Calm talk is not my style. I haven't spoken to anyone like this in a long time.

"Are you a therapist now?" She says with widened eyes.

"Look, I have seen people die and I promised myself not to let a client die. And seeing you that day." My voice was almost cracking. I stopped. And took a bite of my bread.

"Just don't do that." I say.

"Do what?" She shoots back.

"Pretend you're ok? I have seen it plenty of times."

She drops her spoon. And stares at me- angry, confused, vulnerable.

"I see, you just want a clean record. Well, I can have my Dad prepare a trophy for you. Best bodyguard with no death records." She snaps, moves the chair back and attempts to stand.

I stretch my hand and pull her down. Thank God we are in a private booth.

She gives me a stern look.

"Get your hands off me Xavier. Why are you acting like you care?" She says pulling my hands off.

"You didn't seem bothered yesterday. And now you are all caring." She says- her voice sharp.

"So that's what this is." I say, getting up while still holding her.

"Stop this, Xavier. And leave me alone. Asshole."

She manages to get freed. She gets up again and tries to leave the booth.

I move fast and pull her by the waist. She turns fiercely.

"Let me go." She winces.

Her scent, intoxicating the last inch of self control I had left. The feel of her tiny waist on my large palm.

Sienna ruins me in ways I can't even imagine.

She stopped moving. My eyes locked with hers.

"Xavier, why are you doing this?" She asks so softly. I know she feels what I feel.

"Princess, I'd rather cut myself to bleed to death than watch you hurt. You don't even get to hurt yourself on my watch." I say, removing the hair on her face.

The air shifts. Dangerously. Heated.

We move simultaneously.

I grab the back of her hair. Her breath hitched. She didn't push me away this time.

I lowered my head slowly, giving her time to stop me. She didn't.

And with no hesitation. I pull her face into mine. Our lips crashed.

Not sweet. Hot.

Not careful. Reckless with desperation.

She kissed me like she hated me. Like she needed to forget everything.

Like her pain had found a target it could burn through.

Me.

I let her.

If this was a war, I would let her win a million times over.