The sun crept through the cracks of the curtains, it's rays falling on the two souls that were sleeping amongst each other under a pillow of trust, a blanket of love and on a bed of friendship.
"Hey."
Xavier's soft voice brushed against Raine's skin. Her eyelids gently lifted, allowing her coffee brown orbs to shine before the man that admired them the most. A smile crawled onto Xavier's face, his blue eyes growing brighter, at the sight of Raine's own.
She scrunched her eyes in the cutest of ways, making Xavier's heart melt like snow on a bright sunny day, while she looked around the room.
Raine was still in the same position as she was the night before. Cuddled up in Xavier's lap, which had become her safe-haven over the last few days, she found herself looking up into his sapphire blue eyes.
"You ok?" He asked in a husky morning voice that Raine could easily get used to.
She shyly nodded. "I'm so sorry. I... I didn't mean to fall asleep on you." She said, trying to get off of him. However, Xavier held her in place, tugging her arms so she'd fall back on top of him.
"It's ok." He whispered, his mouth close to her ears, sending goosebumps across Raine's skin. His slight stubble brushed against her cheeks, tickling her. "Stay."
Her struggle to leave his warmth, vanished in a fraction of a second as she found herself falling into his embrace. His calloused fingers unraveled from her wrists, instead circling around her waist, pulling her as close as he possibly could. Their legs were tangled with each other and the comforter was swaddled around their bodies, wrapping them up as if they were one.
Raine closed her eyes, resting her head against Xavier's chest, listening to his thumping heart.
"You're not alone, Raine." Xavier whispered, his voice so gentle, afraid that he'd disrupt the tranquility that was looming amongst them.
"I know." She whispered back, her eyes still closed as she enjoyed the melody of his heart.
They stayed in their position for a couple of moments longer before Xavier's phone went off. Raine quickly pushed herself off of him, scooting away and leaving Xavier frustrated.
"Hello?" He said, answering the phone call with distaste. "I'll be there shortly." He notified before hanging the phone up hastily.
"Who was it?" Raine asked shyly, noticing Xavier's irritated posture.
"Jordon. I have to go talk to the managers." He said, tossing the covers aside as he got out of bed. "You stay here and rest. My chef will be here shortly to prepare breakfast for us."
* * *
Soon after Xavier got ready and left, Raine crawled out of bed and headed to the shower. The warm water felt amazing on her back as she let the rain pour over her head, washing away the reminiscence of the night before.
She got out of the shower a couple minutes later, getting ready in a pair of black skinny jeans paired with a delicate white blouse.
Just as she exited the guest room, the sweet smell of chocolate overruled her mind. Her nose led her to the kitchen where a French chef was working the stove, preparing breakfast, just as Xavier had mentioned.
"Hello." Raine greeted, taking a seat at the table. "Good morning."
"Bonjour Ms. Woods." The chef greeted back in a thick french accent, before looking behind her back. "Bonjour Mr. Thorn." He said, causing Raine to turn around where she found Xavier entering the room.
"Bonjour." Xavier replied, smiling at Raine as he came and took as seat besides her.
It wasn't long before the once empty table was filled with a variety of french breakfast delicacies. Raine and Xavier dug in without a drop of shame, savoring each and every one of the dishes.
"That was by far the best breakfast I've ever had in my entire life." Raine said, looking down at the empty platters.
"After the breakfast you made for me, of course." Xavier replied honestly, winking at Raine who blushed.
"Um... we have to meet Mr. Parker today, don't we?"
"Not we, I." Xavier corrected, wiping his hands with a napkin.
"What do you mean?" She asked in confusion.
"You need rest, Raine." Xavier replied. "I'll handle the meeting, you stay here and rest. If you need anything, give me a call."
"Xavier, no. I'm here to work with you and that is exactly what I'll be doing."
"Raine, you need to understand that you need the rest. I can't put your health at risk." His voice was stern but Raine couldn't miss the look in his eyes that pleaded her to listen.
"You aren't putting anything at risk. I'm coming with you and that is final." Crossing her arms in front of her, Raine left no room for arguments.
Xavier shook his head, chuckling at her childish behavior. "You know, you're more stubborn then you appear to be."
"I'm as stubborn as it get." She said pouted pridefully.
He smiled, unable to deny her of her request. "Alright, I'll let you accompany me."
"Yay!" Raine cheered happily. "I'll make sure all of the arrangements are done and the copies are made right away." She notified before leaving Xavier and heading to the computer.
* * *
Although the partnership with Parker Tavelets was huge, there weren't many people attending the conference. Xavier, being the CEO was there representing Thorn Inc while Parker and a couple of other associates from his company were present for the contract agreements.
"Mr. Thorn! Pleasure to meet you!" Parker greeted, happily shaking Xavier's hand in a warm manor, before his eyes fell upon Raine. "And who is this lovely lady?" He asked curiously.
"Hello." Raine said, shaking his hand. "I'm Raine, Xavier's personal assistant."
"Nice you meet you Raine. I hope you guys are enjoying your stay here in Paris." Parker said genuinely. Unlike all of Xavier's business partners that Raine had met, Parker was by far the most humble and down to earth person.
Parker wasn't the youngest in the industry but he wasn't the oldest either. He was a middle aged man who had come to Paris and simply fell in love with it's beauty. Moving out of the States, he made France his home and his business had flourished through the country ever since.
"We are. Thank you." Xavier said, taking a seat in front of the others who were attending. Raine sat down besides Xavier, getting her iPad ready to take notes.
"Mr. Thorn, I certainly know it isn't your first time visiting Paris, but what about you Raine?"
"Oh, it's my first time here." She said, smiling politely.
"Have you been sightseeing yet?" Parker asked while pulling out all of his paperwork from his files.
"Not really. We just landed late last night." Xavier inputted, glancing at Raine.
"Well, don't let Mr. Thorn hold you up the entire time, Raine. Paris is absolutely breathtaking. Go out and explore it." He told Raine in a playful manor, earning a bright smile out of her.
"I'll be sure of that." Raine replied. "But I'm not much of a city girl, I'll have to confess."
"Nature lover, I'm assuming."
"Yeah." She nodded.
"Well there's a gorgeous beach a couple of hours out of the city. It's something worth seeing for sure." Parker mentioned, catching Xavier's attention.
"We'll see if we can fit it in." Xavier said, looking back at Raine. "Anyways, shall we get started?"
* * *
The air was cool and the wind swirled around her hair, making it flow behind her back. Her hands dangled on each side of her waist as she walked along the cobblestone path besides Xavier.
The meeting had been a success and unlike other meetings she had accompanied Xavier with, this one had been fun and informal, all thanks to Parker's personality.
Xavier's eyes scanned the historical streets, glancing at the small shops that lined the aged road. His eyes trailed along the horizon until they stopped on the girl whose soft steps had become a melody for him.
His hands inched to hold her's, yet hesitation was on his mind. However, they say that in the battle of the heart and the mind, the heart is always the one taking the gold medal home.
His fingers reached out, landing against her smooth skin, causing sparks to ignite in his body. His fingers intertwined with Raine's as he locked hands, pulling her closer to him as they strolled hand in hand in the city known for love.
A subtle blush covered Raine's cheeks every time she glanced at their fingers interlocked together. No words were exchanged, not that they were ever needed.
Some things just couldn't be spoken in words. Some feeling just couldn't be expressed in languages that humans understood. This language was the language of the heart and the only sounds that validated it, were the sounds of two hearts beating in sync.
"Would you like to eat something?" Xavier asked, breaking the silence between them.
"Sure." Raine shrugged, glancing at the couples that passed them and admiring the love that was sprinkling in each corner of this romantic city.
They came across a small shop, nearly half the size of Cathy's Cafe, where Raine previously worked. Xavier pulled out a chair for Raine, seating her down before he entered the shop. She waited patiently, mesmerized by the small roses that were blooming in the planters that lined the sidewalk.
"I hope you like mint." Xavier expressed, tugging the chair and taking a seat. He set two small boxes in front of her, giving her his special smile that only seemed to dance on his lips, when she was around. With her, he was a different person.
With her, he was alive.
Raine smiled, opening up the small boxes in which the treats were wrapped beautifully with sprigs of white blossoms as a garnish. "Minty Macarons." She said, sniffing the fragrance that emitting out of the box, infusing with the crisp cool air.
"Yeah." Xavier said smiling. "I thought you'd like them since you have such a sweet tooth."
"That, I do." Raine giggled. "But I have to say, you've got a sweet tooth too." She admitted. "The only difference between you and I, however, is that you cover yours up with your black coffee obsession."
Xavier laughed, shaking his head as he sipped his black coffee. Raine smiled back at him, taking a bite of the freshly baked macarons before looking around at the people who walked past them. The soft sound of chatter was soothing and the exceptionally pleasant whether made the day even more perfect.
"May I ask you a question?" Xavier said, causing the brown of her eyes to meet the blue of his.
"Anything." Raine said, a confidence oozing from her body as she said the word.
"You said your Aunt sold your mother's ring to pay for the funeral." Xavier began, not failing to notice the flash of pain that emerged in her eyes at the single mention of her past. "But didn't you say your parents had good positions in the company they worked at?"
"I... I don't know much about it, to be honest. At the time, I... I didn't care nor did I pay attention. I was ten, Xavier. I wanted my parents back and that was it."Â Raine said honestly. "My Aunt took care of the costs, the paperwork, everything else. I was too young to understand the financial aspect of losing a loved one. I never cared about the money. It could never buy back my Dad's laugh nor my Mom's smile. I... She was going to sell Dad's ring too but I managed to steal it from her cupboard before she could get it pawned."
"Was she good to you?" Xavier asked suddenly after a moment of silence. He had so many questions to ask, but he couldn't overwhelm her. "You stayed with her, didn't you? After your parents..."
"Yeah, I stayed with her after my parents passed... She was as good to me as she could be. I don't blame her though. She never wanted responsibilities in her life. She never got married and kids were out of the question." Raine confessed. "And within the blink of an eye, everything changes. She's given the responsibility of a 10 year old girl who wouldn't talk nor eat. She wasn't ready for it and neither was I."
"Why did you really come to New York?" Xavier asked softly.
Raine looked up to him. These were questions that no one had ever asked her before. Answers that she had never revealed. "California meant the world to me. I had fallen in love with the bright blue ocean and the rolling hills that covered the landscape. I had fallen in love with all of those things that made it so special. However, I hadn't fallen in love alone, but with my parents. I couldn't stay there. I just couldn't. The memories constantly reminded me of them and I couldn't take it." Raine explained. "I didn't have much of a choice though. My Aunt refused to move and..."
Raine paused in the middle of her sentence, unable to form words. The pain that was flowing through her body was unexplainable and Xavier didn't miss the agony that was swirling in her eyes.
"As soon as I was old enough, I took my chances and escaped, never looking back." Raine whispered. "Not once."
Xavier softly set his hand on top of her, rubbing soothing circles on her smooth skin. "I'm glad you came here." Xavier replied honestly. "And I promise I won't ask anymore questions. I just have one last one though."
"Yeah?"
"There's a ball tonight. Would you do me the honor and come with me?"
If there was any pain left in her eyes, it all vanished. Her cheeks were covered in the same hue of the roses that were scattered around her. Her eyes shined as bright as the sun that hung high up in the sky . And a smile covered her face. "I'd love to."
* * *
After their short stroll around the city, Xavier and Raine returned back to their hotel, so that Raine could rest before they had to leave for the ball.
"You should catch some rest Raine." Xavier suggested, opening the door to his suite. "I have a couple of things to finish off. I'll see you in a bit."
He tugged the door open for Raine, allowing her to get inside before heading downstairs.
Raine returned back to her room instead of Xavier's where she had slept the night before. A faint blush made it's way to her face just at the thought of this morning. Waking up to Xavier's sky blue eyes made a smile appear on her face and caused her heart to thump faster. But at the same time, an unknown emotion lingered in her heart as she laid in her bed.
She had told him a truth about her life, that not many others knew. Of course Mike and Daisy had be exposed to this before, but Raine had concealed it so far in the depth of her heart, that she never thought it would resurface again. She had tucked the memories of her parents away from her life, afraid that she would break if she'd reminisce them.
Memories were a beautiful thing, a form of magic that could you transport you into a world of wonders. However, at the same time, memories reminded you of all the things that you'd never get back. The emotions that you'd never feel again.
For Raine, the memories of her mom and dad were priceless. But at the end of the day, they were just memories. She could spend hours of her days thinking about all of the things they had done, experenced and tackled together. But they would still be mere memories. The truth was, and will always be, that she'd never see her parents again.
She'd never feel her mother's warm fingers brush her hair away from her eyes and she'd never feel the texture of her dad's sweater gliding across her arms every time she'd go to hug him. She never again get to smell the aroma of her mother's special saffron rice at the dinner table, nor the musky scent of her dad's perfume that used to give her headaches.
Memories could make one see, hear, and even experience moments. But memories could never make one feel.
* * *
Raine woke up a hour later.
The constant thoughts of the past had exhausted her more then she could imagine and before she knew it, her eyes gave out, transferring her into a world of dreams.
She pushed the blanket off her body, confused as she didn't remember ever wrapping herself in a blanket to begin with. Shrugging, she scooted off the plush bed, about to exist the room when she noticed a large red box resting on the dresser besides the door. A note was adorned right next to the big bow that topped the box.
Although you'd look beautiful in anything you'd wear, I think this dress was made for you.
-Xav
A smile crawled up onto Raine's lips as she torn the wrapping paper off the box, uncovering one of the most stunning gowns that Raine had ever seen.
It was a cool mint green color in a soft chiffon material that flowed perfectly, like the waves of the sea. It was a one shoulder gown with an illusion back, adorned with crystals at the top. It wrapped around her waist perfectly fitted, showcasing her stunning figure and then flowed off of her waist effortlessly.
Raine's excitement doubled as she rushed to the bathroom, eager to get ready.
* * *
"Beautiful." Xavier whispered. "You look beautiful, Raine."
Just as she had gotten out of the room, her hair done up, her face painted in the slightest coat of makeup, and her body adorned in the prettiest dress, Xavier had been in a loss of words.
Despite his confession, he couldn't get enough of it. Beautiful used to be a word he didn't believe existed. The world was far to tainted, far to corrupt, far to damaged to allow true beauty to survive. But here he was, standing before a girl to gave a definition to something he once considered undefined.
"Thanks." She blushed, tucking a few loose strands of hair, behind her ears and looking into his blue eyes.
Out of all of the struggles she had faced all her life, his eyes seemed to be the hardest for her. They saw her as she was, not what she tried to be. She could lie to everyone, hide behind every false facade but the blue oceans that lived in Xavier's eyes, saw everything.
They saw her painful tears that she concealed skillfully and they noticed the small laughs she'd occasionally let out. They noticed her smiles and they noticed her sorrows. They paid attention to her sleepless nights and they admired her pleasant dreams.
His arm rightfully took it's position on Raine's waist as they walked into the car and made their way towards the venue.
The palace at which the ball was taking place, was a short drive from the hotel. Bedazzled in jewels and ornate chandeliers, the whole room was full of elite men and showstopper women, dressed in designer clothing. The shiny marble floors emitted tapping sounds as stilettos pranced upon them. A 40 piece orchestra was playing a fancy melody while some guests socialized and others danced.
Xavier entered the hall with Raine by his side, guiding her through the room. Many of the men approached Xavier, desperately trying to get his attention, proposing business ideas or trying hard to make friends with him.
However, while the people around hall were focused on him, Xavier was focused on the beauty that was standing besides him.
"May I have this dance?" Xavier asked.
Her eyes grew wide as she stared at Xavier. "I... I don't... I can't dance." Raine confessed.
"Neither can I." Xavier shrugged. "But this chance is far to good to be given up by things we can't accomplish. Why not enjoy this moment in whatever way we can." He proposed, holding Raine's hand and guiding her to the dance floor.
His hands made their way to her waist as he pulled her close. Raine's arms landed on his chest and soon enough they were swaying with the music.
"I thought you said you couldn't dance." Xavier told her teasingly, twirling her around before bringing her back into his body.
A blush coated her cheeks as she smiled shyly. "Ok, ok." Raine giggled. "I have a confession to make."
"Oh really?"
"So you know how there's bathroom singers?" Raine asked, to which Xavier nodded. "Well, I'm quite the opposite. I'm a bathroom dancer." She let out with embarrassment, giggling as Xavier's spun her around.
"A bathroom dancer?" He asked with amusement.
"Yup." She admitted. "When I was little, I spent hours in the bathroom every morning, dancing around."
"You're some girl, Raine." Xavier whispered, leaning his forehead against her's as the swayed to the soft notes.
Their hands, their feet, the motion of their hips swaying with the soft romantic tunes weren't the only things in sync. Although the music was powerful, their hearts beating in sync, was far more melodious then any other sound in the world at that moment in time.
Raine's petite body fit perfectly against Xavier's. Her hands molding in his own, while her head looked up to Xavier, who was slightly taller, his Mediterranean blue eyes shining amongst the candles the glowed around the perimeter of the room. They focus of her face. Her long lashes and her fair skin, that was made for him. For him to admire. For him to desire. For him to bestow. For him to like. And for him to love.
Right there, in that moment, when's her lips curved up and her cheeks presented a sweet little dimple, Xavier knew, that there was no other girl, no other person that held a power upon him; but her.
That soft, sweet, beauty that twirled in his embrace, who's eyes drove him wild, would be the death of him.
"Raine, you...you're just--" Xavier began, his heart about to reveal every emotion that he felt when she was close to him. However, before he could continue, a foreign voice interrupted him.
"Xavier? Is that you?" Said a lady, walking up to the duo. She was wearing a black gown with a plunging neckline and stilettos. Her long blond hair was curled around her flawless face and her piecing blue eyes focused on Xavier.
As soon as Xavier saw her, a sour expression made way to his face. Raine's arms unraveled from him and she took a step back, watching as the lady approached Xavier with long strides.
"Megan?" Xavier recognized. "What are you doing here?"
"Honorable guest of course." Megan replied, flipping her hair behind her shoulders. "I didn't know you'd be attending too, or else I would have definitely arrived with you." She said in a flirty voice. "Well, now that you're here, why not make things more interesting. Wanna head out?" She suggested. "Just like old times..."
"Not interested." Xavier said dryly.
"Oh come on Xavier." Megan whined. "Please don't tell me you're actually enjoying this."
"I am most certainly enjoying this, and if you'd excuse me, I can continue doing so." Xavier stated, emotionlessly.
Megan was about to continue when her narrowed in on Raine, who was silently standing besides Xavier, looking around and trying to escape the awkward moment she had caught herself into.
"And who's this?" Megan asked with distaste.
Raine's eyes met Megan's and with a polite smile, she began introducing herself. "Hi, I'm Xavier'sâ"
"She's someone special and most importantly, none of your concern." Xavier said, his hands circling Raine's waist, flaunting her.
"Someone special?" Megan repeated with shock as she frowned at Raine. "And her?"
"Yes. Is that a problem?" Xavier questioned with authority.
Megan's eyes did not leave Xavier's stern face as she stuttered. "N-no. Umm... well, I'll see you around." She said quickly before leaving them.
Xavier smirked as he watched her figure disappear in the crowd. Once he was sure she was gone, he turned his attention back to Raine. "Sorry about that." Xavier said with a hint of guilt.
"Don't be." Raine smiled, shaking her head. "She was pretty keen on being your date. You've crushed her heart Mr. Thorn." Raine teased playfully.
"And I am keen on getting rid of her." Xavier chuckled. "She's the daughter of one of our previous partners." He clarified. "And perhaps the most clingy women I've ever been associated with."
"I can tell there's many of them." Raine said, smiling smugly.
"There are." Xavier admitted. "None of them special though."
______________________
A/N: Aloha fellow readers! Sorry for the delay, I was on spring break, catching up on hours and hours of sleep before my next quarter begins! Well, I hope all of you liked this chapter and the cute Xaine moments. Next one is going to be a romantic one! I'll try to update soon!
Question of the day: Bathroom Singer if Bathroom Dancer?
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