Chapter 77
I wriggled around my bed before I reluctantly woke up. I opened my eyes and rubbed them gently. I yawned and sat upright to stretch my tired muscles. I woke up tired and in need of a massage. I waited up all night for my parents but they didn't show up instead they sent texts apologizing and promised to be home as early as possible.
My face drifted to Xavier's bed, it was empty but undressed so I knew he came back home. Xavier returned home from work very late. I was fast asleep when he returned. I tried calling him at different intervals but he texted me saying he was busy and running a night shift. He asked me to lock the doors and stay in he took the spare key with him.
Devin got uncomfortable and left.
It was strange because I expected him to lust after me and try to touch me. I just wanted to know if he would fall but surprisingly he didn't. My tummy growled at the thought of getting dressed for school. I honestly couldn't wait for it to be over, I was sick and tired of getting ready every day.
As I got dressed and was doing my edges, I heard Mom's voice.
"Emily!" She called and wrapped her arms around me. She pulled me into her usual tight hug and left pecks on my cheek. "I've missed you so much, baby."
"Mom," I responded. "I've missed you too. Where's Dad?"
"Outside I think."
"How was your trip?" I asked wearing my backpack.
"I'll tell you about it when you get back from school. You should hurry up, Xavier is all dressed."
I gave a nod and walked to the car. James offered to take us to school so I sat in the backseat with him waiting for Xavier and the driver.
"Your hair is nice," James complimented.
Fallacy.
There was absolutely nothing different about my hair. It was packed in a ponytail and I only did my edges. I just took it that he was trying to start a conversation and I was right.
"I can change the car if you no longer like it."
I wore a blank expression because I couldn't remember complaining. I ignored him and continued looking out through the window. What was Xavier waiting for? He was the one delaying us.
"Emily you just have to make a choice and I'll get it for you. I'll also get you driving lessons, pick a date you want."
I scoffed and just tilted my head to him. "I don't need all these James."
He better not ask what I needed because I need him to leave me the fuck alone.
"If you want, I can teach you myself. That way, you'll feel more relaxed and not tensed."
"Thanks, I'll pass," I said politely turning down his offer.
That was the last thing I was going to say on the topic. He must be joking to think I feel relaxed around him. I exhaled the moment I saw Xavier walking toward the car. I wish I could hit him for keeping us waiting but I couldn't.
Xavier flung open the passenger seat and lowered himself in. He made no statement, no sound, and didn't move an inch. James waited for a second before turning to Xavier. James smiled and informed Xavier that he was driving. As he said it, I raised my eyebrow.
"Xavier will be driving you both to school, I want to have a father-children moment with you guys."
I didn't say anything and expected Xavier to persist but he didn't say anything. He just turned over to the driver's seat, fastened his seatbelt, and slammed his leg on the accelerator. This was unlike Xavier but I wasn't in the position to ask what was happening to him.
Xavier drove us and James kept trying to converse with us. I didn't have anything to say so I just responded to his questions and ignored the rest. When I looked behind and saw a car following us I turned to James.
"Are they following us?"
"You mean the bodyguards? Of course."
A deep furrow appeared on my forehead, I didn't understand why we needed bodyguards.
James only smiled and gave no explanation. I was uncomfortable going to school in a Bentley and having extra guards.
"I thought you said you wanted to have some father-children moment?"
"I did—I mean, isn't that why Xavier is driving?" He questioned me.
"Having these kinds of cars follow us and the bodyguard thing just makes it feel like I'm choking. Are you evil? There's no need for this."
When I finished talking he was still smiling, probably wondering why I was curious to know.
"Emily, it doesn't work that way. As long as you're wealthy, the child of a rich man, or in the limelight, you'll need extra security. You can't just walk around as every other person does."
"Having your freedom gone sucks," I grimaced.
"Not exactly losing your freedom, you just become a public target, and common sense demands you're protected."
I gave a slight nod not wanting to fully accept his explanations.
"What would you do if you saw a black card?"
My eyes widened with his question. I had never thought of the possibility of ever coming across a black card. I've heard people say an average centurion card holder has a net worth of $16m.
"That's rare," I replied to James and thought of what I would do.
"You mean I just see a black card or I have access to it?"
"You have access to it," he replied.
"I'll probably return it?" I said unsure of my response. "After buying my parents a house." I quickly added.
I needed to be honest, I'd make sure I bought my parents a big house before I returned it. I hate missing opportunities and that might just be the only opportunity I get in God-knows-when.
James laughed at my response. I think he was impressed that I didn't lie. It was hard to notice Xavier was still in the car because he barely said anything or joined the conversation.
"A house?"
"Yes, a really big and beautiful house. I think I have a clear image of what I'd order for if I had the card."
"That's impressive."
I gave a nod and looked through the window. Xavier came to a halt and unfastened his seatbelt. I couldn't force him to join the conversation but I wished he did, at least. It was easier knowing what was going through his mind than being unaware.
"You didn't carry a lunch pack?"
"Missed it," I replied opening the door.
"I'll return with one for you."
I smiled and it was the first time I was smiling sincerely at James. Maybe he's a nice person after all.