30 Not so fast

"Where were you?" mom dragged me away from my friends.

"I just went to use the washroom." I lied. I gave Raven an apologetic look. I was assuring him that everything went alright and mom didn't let me finish.

Mom pulled me towards a table where dad was busy chatting with a couple. I didn't see their faces but by the amount of stares towards them and a whole staff of maids surrounding the table, I guessed who they were.

"Behave well," she advised me.

As we reached the table, their chatter halted and the couple turned towards me. I was met with a pair of the same cold blue eyes just like his and a warm brown ones.

"She is my daughter, Isabella Hills." Dad introduced me with a smile on his face.

"Accept my greetings Mr and Mrs Millers. It's really nice to meet you." I greeted them formally with a strict smile.

Actually mom told me to say this otherwise I would have said some thing like 'Hey, wassup?' 

"You are such a beautiful young lady." The lady, who I assumed was Xavier's mother said with a polite smile.

She was strikingly beautiful and looked really elegant in a formal black dress. She seemed nice. Everything about her was warm and welcoming unlike Mr Millers.

I don't know but something was off about him. He looked at me like a predator looking at its prey before pouncing on it. His blue eyes held the same intensity as Xavier's. He looked like him too. I can easily foresee an older Xavier standing in his position.

He didn't say anything but kept staring at me. I started feeling nervous and tried to divert my attention. Thankfully at that exact moment Xavier walked down the stairs exactly like I predicted and they excused themselves.

He was wearing a black tuxedo. His slightly wet hair hanging effortlessly on his forehead as usual. He looked so handsome, just like a prince walking down with grace and power. There were two men behind his sides loaded with weapons.

Why do they need so much security?

His eyes met mine for a brief moment and I forgot humans need to breathe. Everything that happened in his room came rushing to my mind and I felt my cheeks heating up.

The amount of noise and cheers were deafening me. I placed my hands on my ears and moved towards the end of the room avoiding his burning gaze.

Everyone was going to the front to had a better look at him. I saw Sandi running towards me and I was relieved to see her. We both stood at the far end of the room while Mr Millers made some speech which I couldn't make out due to the noise.

I could still see him standing on the stage, cutting the cake. He looked like a little child. Raven and Dylan were standing on his sides cheering. Raven rubbed some cream on his face and that's when something historic happened.

He smiled!

I literally thought I would never see him smile.

After the dinner, soft music was played and couples started dancing. I didn't see mom and dad anywhere. Mom told me earlier that dad will be introduced to the businessmen after dinner so I guess they were busy with that.

I was standing there awkwardly looking out for Dylan. I didn't know where he went. At least I could dance with him. A few boys offered to dance with me which I politely declined. I don't feel comfortable dancing with strangers. I could easily notice men gazing at me like predators which I was ignoring for a while now.

Sandi was dancing with Raven and I didn't want to ruin their moment. He said something in her ear at which she smiled and hid her face in his neck. They looked adorable.

I was busy giving them goo goo eyes when I heard someone clearing their throat behind me. I turned around to a tall man who looked like he was in his late twenties, smirking at me.

"May I have the honour?" he offered me his hand. His presence intimidated me a little. He was really good looking with a huge buildup body. But the look on his face was pure evil.

I was thinking of some excuse when an arm snaked around my waist catching me off guard.

"She is here with me." A familiar voice brushed my ears.

The man looked scared suddenly and it didn't take me long to realize who was behind me.

"Oh! Never mind," he nodded and left without looking back.

I turned around slowly avoiding making an eye contact with him. His hand was now on my back. Hesitantly, I placed my hands on his shoulders. I noticed stares burning in my back. He pulled me closer and I didn't defy. Being with him made me feel safer.

"I can leave if you don't want to," he whispered near my ear.

"No please, don't leave me." my grip on his shoulders tightened while we swayed slightly to the music.

"Say that once and I will never." He whispered more slowly. His words plucked the strings of my heart.

What did he mean? 

I looked up to see if he was messing with me but everything on his face was making me believe what he said. His eyes were not cold anymore. I saw emotions swirling through them loud and clear.

Emotions? 

When did this happen?

I felt weak.

He leaned down and my breath hitched.

No! 

This can't be happening! 

Not so fast…