Xavier stepped forward so slowly it felt like time had stopped. His presence filled the room like smoke choking out the air. His chest was still heaving from the confrontation.

She didn’t move.

He was right in front of her now. His face only inches from hers. His breath was hot. His body radiated fury.

“You call her a whore,” Xavier said, his voice low, dark, laced with venom.He tilted his head, lips curling as he let the next words fall out slow. Delicious. Dangerous.

“You call her a slut…”

He smiled then.

A smile that didn’t touch his eyes. A smile full of war.”But let’s not pretend, Mother. You’re...