"Be soft. Do not let the world make you hard. Do not let pain make you hate. Do not let the bitterness steal your sweetness."
-Kurt Vonnegut
After yesterday's encounter with the new owner of Raine's childhood house, Xavier and Raine found themselves discovering more things about the past. Things that Raine had never known.
Raine had thought for far too long that the only reason for Irida's ill treatment and resentment of Raine was due to the hefty cost that raising a child came with. But if Raine's discovery of her parents' trust fund in her name that had been mercilessly sieged by Irida wasn't enough, the discovery of the true sell price of Raine's house drove her to realization.
Irida was in it for the money. And Raine had been too young, too innocent to realize that early on.
"Hey." Xavier's soothing voice brought her out of her thoughts in an insant.
"Hey." She replied back, turning around, away from the balcony where she had been lodging all morning.
With them staying at a Thorn Inc property, Xavier's arrival had brought forth a lot of matters that needed his attention, thus having him busy in staff meetings all morning long.
And while Xavier was busy working away, Raine had made the balcony her kingdom, leaning against the railing as she watching the blue ocean in the distance.
California meant the world to her, but it was also a place she had learned to fear.
With everything that happened with Malin, she had learned quiet early on after running away, that returning back home just wasn't an option for her. For two years, she had kept herself away from the memories, both the bitter ones as well as the sweet ones. But now things were different. Her past wasn't in the past anymore, it had become her present.
The home that she had been running from all along, was now in front of her, and she wasn't sure of what was to come next.
Life wasn't simple. That was a teaching that every person learned early on in their lives. But Raine had never thought that her life would be this complicated.
"What are you thinking about?" Xavier asked softly, his warm hands handing atop the soft skin of her cheeks.
"I don't know." Raine let out, turning her body away from Xavier, letting his hand fall off of her.
She hated that Xavier cared so much. She hated that he was here with her. She hated that he'd put his company aside for her. She hated all of these things because she cared. She cared enough about him to save him from her past. She cared enough about him to protect him from the demons. Her demons.
Xavier signed. This wasn't the first time Raine had closed him off and he had become accustomed to it. He was the same. He was closed off too and perhaps that's why he never pushed it with her. He wanted to know everything, every single little detail he could possibly know about the girl who stood in front of him, the girl with the chocolate brown eyes.
The girl who drove his heart wild.
But he'd only learn these things on her will. He wanted to discover her, but he couldn't force his way into her heart.
He didn't want to seize her heart, he wanted to live in it.
"The hardest thing in life is accepting the truth." Xavier uttered. "But if you make a companion in that journey, even the hardest truth becomes easy to accept."
Raine turned around, her eyes meeting Xavier's sapphire ones that were swirling with so many emotions, Raine found herself lost .
"It's good to be strong, confident, brave. But you don't always have to fight a war along." He began once more, reaching out to take ahold of her hands. "No matter how strong you are, it's not the soldier that wins the war, it's the army. Together. As a team."
"Sometimes to protect someone, you have to push them away." Raine countered.
"And sometimes those that try too hard to protect someone from getting hurt, end up hurting them the most." Xavier fought back.
"What should I do then?" Raine asked, her voice cracking as she looked at Xavier with pained eyes.
"Let that person in." Xavier whispered, pulling Raine into the warmth of his body.
Raine melting into him like ice cream melts in the blazing sun on a hot summer day. Her hands wrapping around Xavier's waist tightly as he held her close to him, his hand pushing Raine's head onto his chest so that she could hear the way his heart beat loudly, powerfully, for her and only her.
"You know that I'll never leave you alone in this mess." Xavier said. "So why do you try so hard to leave me out."
"I go through every day with you by my side, helping me with anything and everything that I could possibly need help with. I watch you protect me from the world. But every morning when I wake up and look in the mirror, I see a weak girl standing in front of me. A girl so weak that she's bringing down someone, someone she cares far too much about, with her."
"And for the millionth time Raine, you don't bring me down." Xavier stated. "How many times shall I say that to you so that you'd actually believe it?"
To that, Raine could not reply. She didn't have anything to say.
"Anyways..." Xavier said, releasing his hold on her petite frame. "...I had a conversation with Jordon early on this morning and I need to discuss a couple of things with you."
"Is everything ok?" Raine asked with concern.
"I don't know how you personally define ok, but for the sake of answering your question, yes. Everything is ok."
"Xavier." Raine said, giving him a pointed look. Obviously, she wasn't pleased with that answer, despite the fact that it had been a fairly positive one. She was done with the sugar coating, she wanted the truth, no matter how bitter it was.
"I know." Xavier said, letting out a breath. "Everything's fine. I mean... we didn't really get anywhere."
"What do you mean?" She asked in confusion.
"Jordon went to Sacramento in hopes of finding the whereabouts of either Malin, the least his father. To our misfortune though, neither were accomplished. Charles Hadleigh isn't in Sacramento at the moment. In fact, he's in Washington DC, apparently handling some legal matters."
"Ohh." Raine muttered, looking down.
"Jordon was hopeful on tracking Malin down to Charles' house but that didn't work out either. He raided Charles' mansion but came back empty handed. Malin isn't there." Xavier continued.
"So now what?" Raine asked. "How are we going to find him, Xavier?"
"I wish so dearly to give you an answer, Raine. But I couldn't possible lie to you. I don't have an answer to that question and for that, I apology."
"You don't have to be sorry, Xavier." Raine said. "This isn't your mess, it's mine."
"It's ours." Xavier corrected.
Raine stared at him, in a loss of words. She didn't know how this could possibly be real. It all seemed like a dream. He seemed like a dream.
Every girl wishes for a prince charming to come recuse her from her prison. It was a fairytale that she'd heard often before falling asleep by her mother who'd found love the same way. But she never thought it would be real. That she'd find someone who'd treat her like a princess and be her prince.
"Although I'd love to stare at you all day and hold you in by arm forever, we have some important stuff to do today." Xavier winked at her, lightening the mood. "And I'm gunna need my beautifully amazing partner to help me."
"I'm all game." Raine smiled brightly. "What's the plan?"
"I like the confidence." Xavier smirked. "Now just keep it up for a couple more hours and then, we can do something a little more... relaxing later."
"Fine by me." Raine blinking in response. "But can we please eat first, I'm starving." She admitted, causing Xavier to chuckle as he guided her to food.
* * *
"Now let's talk business." Raine declared after the last bite of possibly the best sandwich Raine had ever had in her enitre lifetime.
Xavier had spared no expense in making sure Raine's visit to California was full of happiness and fun and he was willing to do anything to make her smile for a second longer in times of such pain and sorrow. He wanted her happiness and if that required him finding the best deli in the entire city of San Francisco and making one of his employee wait for 2 hours in a line to get it, Xavier would do it in the blink of an eye.
"Ok Babe, are you ready for this?"
"I certainly am after that meal." She beamed.
"Great." Xavier nodded, pulling his computer in front of his eyes. "I need to asked you a couple of things first. I had Jordon look into Irida May's profile and I found a couple of skeptical things as well as a lot of holes in her past."
"Ok." Raine nodded. "I don't know a whole lot about her, considering the fact that she wasn't too fond of me to tell me her deepest secrets." Raine laughed dryly. "But I'll tell you everything I know."
"First question." Xavier began. "You told me that after your parents passed away, Irida was given custody due to the fact that you had no other living member alive in your family. Also, she sold your house, so where did you live? I mean, where as Irida living?"
"She used to live in Santa Cruz." Raine answered. "It's on the other side of the bay. Not as much of a posh area as Pebble Beach, but she never was finacially stable to begin with."
"That's really interesting." Xavier mumbled.
"Why?" Raine asked. "It isn't a shocker. Irida's job didn't pay well to begin with and looking back at it now, I think she was alway jealous of Mom's career. That's what drove them apart. Mom wasn't that close to her really, and Dad absolutely hated her."
"If that was the case, when your parent left for that business trip, why did you stay with her?" Xavier asked curiously.
"It was Mom's idea." Raine said. "The only reason Dad agreed to it was because of some work related thing."
"I don't get it."
"Remember how I told you about the security that was at our house a couple of weeks before everything blew out?" Raine asked to which Xavier nodded. "Well, I think it had to do with that. They didn't trust anyone else. I rememeber Mom convincing Dad to let me stay with her sister."
"Well one thing's for sure." Xavier announced after thinking for a couple of seconds. "Something was definitely up. Jordon's right. It seems too naive to consider this an accident."
"I can't believe I never saw this." Raine said shaking her head. "I was trying so hard to forget everything, to erase the painful memories, that I didn't think about the possibilities."
"It's not your fault, Raine." Xavier assured. "Don't beat yourself up becuase of this. Just be happy that you have a chance now to get to the truth. Better late then never, right?"
"Yeah, I guess." She nodded. "So what was so interesting about Irida's house?"
"Because apparently your discription of her house and my finding about her house was polar opposites."
"What?" Raine asked, scrunching up her face in confusion.
"Raine..." Xavier began softly. "...Jordon sent me Irida May's profile, and although her records don't show much about her past life, nor do they tell me much about you, it does show that she moved two years ago."
"Two years ago?" Raine thought out loud. "That's right after I ran away."
"That appears to be the case." Xavier nodded. "Also, I think I know what she spent the 7.2 million dollars on. Raine, her new location is in Palo Alto. I got ahold of her closing paperwork for the property she purchased. It's a seven bedroom house, in the most elite neighborhood of the city, for a total of 9 million dollars."
"9 million?!" Raine exclaimed, her eyes widen in shock.
"According to the paperwork, yes." Xavier replied. "I also checked the estimates from around the neighborhood. All of the houses, mansions should I say, they're all in that price range."
"But that's crazy." Raine said, completely caught off guard. "When we lived in Santa Cruz, she literally had nothing. She was struggling to survive. Our house... it was small and she... It just doesn't make sense."
"I know, Baby." Xavier said, grasping onto her shoulders softly. "But that's the truth that you'll have to accept it. The reason why Irida was so keen on getting you married off to Malin was so that she could finally get rid of you and execute her real plans."
"Using all of my parents' money." Raine connected the dotes.
"Exactly." Xavier remarked. "Not only did she have the trust fund money that was rightfully yours, but she got a load of money from selling your house. She was waiting for you to leave so she could spend all of it without you questioning her sudden splurge." He explained. "When Malin came along, psycho for you, she saw that as an opportunity to finally get rid of you. Once you'd be...married off to him, she could finally unveal the loads of cash she'd been hiding. But to her misfortune, you said no."
"And she was furious." Raine added. "The look in her eyes, I remember it. She wanted me married and out of her life more than anything. "
"Exactly. Just think about it, you ran away about two years ago right?"
"Yeah..."
"So why wasn't there ever a missing report filed in your name?" Xavier asked. "Irida never filed a complaint, never went to the police, never tried searching for you. In fact, as soon as she realized that you were gone, she bought that mansion and moved to Palo Alto."
"The only person that tried to trace me was Malin."
"Damn right." Xavier slamed his fist on the counter. "Which I still am inquiring on. How the hell did Malin manage to find you on the other side of the country?"
"I have no clue." Raine shook her head.
"There has to be something. Someone even, that helped him get to you."
"But who?" Raine asked in irriation. "I left nothing that could trace back me!"
"Whoever it is, they won't be able to hide for long." Xavier said with determination. "We'll get to the root of it soon."
* * *
The drive to Irida's house was filled with tension.
It had been two years since she had last seen her Aunt and there was nothing that could calm her down.
As expected, Irida May's house was nothing less then a mansion. The modern architecture, with giant panoramic windows, gloriously sculptured fountains, and exquisite landscapes were flashing wealth at first glance, catching Raine's breath. However, although the mansion was one of the finest she'd seen, it didn't compare to that of Xavier's.
Xavier laced his fingers with her, his jaws clenching at he glared at the mansion.
"All of this belongs to you." He gritted out. "It's all rightfully yours."
Raine looked away, blinking the tears back. Xavier was correct and there was no denying that. The money that was the very foundation of this property belonged to her and no one else.
"It's ok." She whispered, squeezing his hands. "I'm fine."
"You've been working your ass off for years! You've been living in unsafe conditions, running across the company, working late hours, struggling! All of these things that you don't deserve, that you've never deserved."
"I never wanted such a lifestyle Xavier." Raine said looking up at him with honestly. "Money and mansions don't make me happy, being loved does."
"Raine, I know you're not that type of a person. You don't care about money and that lavish lifestyle. But Raine, this is rightfully yours. Hasn't it ever crossed your mind that your parents worked so damn hard so that you could have this?"
"Well it doesn't matter now that they're gone." She softly said. "All I want to know is that truth behind my parents'...death. And get rid of Malin so that I can live my life in peace. And ask my Aunt what I did wrong, why she made my life a hell when I never caused her any trouble."
"I give you my promise Raine, I'll help you get the answers to these questions with everything I've got. I hope you trust me enough to let me help you."
"I do trust you, Xavier. I trust you more than anyone." Raine declared. "Know that."
"I do." He said, cupping her face in the palm of his warm hands.
He wasn't sure whether it was the looking in her eyes or the way his heart started beating a bit faster, but Xavier found himself leaning in. Leaning into the desires of his heart. And so far in his life, there had only been one thing his heart had desired. And that was her.
Although they were in a place that held bitter memories for Raine, they all seemed to dissolve into thin air when Xavier's lips handed on her own, capturing them in a toe curling, breath taking, and heartwarming kiss.
It said to Raine all of the things Xavier couldn't bring to his lips. It conveyed all of the emotions that his heart had tried a million times to say.
They pulled away breathless, gasping for air as their foreheads rested against each other.
Xavier winked, not revealing anything more or less. Just as Raine was about to question him some more, however, an unfamiliar voice interrupted them.
"Excuse me? May I help you?"
Raine pulled apart from Xavier but he kept his protective stance in front of her, eyeing the security guard that stood before them.
"Yes." Xavier said. "I'm looking for Irida May."
"Ms. May isn't available at the moment. She's out of the country and won't be returning for a while."
"Damn it." Xavier muttered as Raine let out a breath.
"I can leave a message for you if you'd like." The guard suggested.
"No. That's alright. I'll try to catch her some other time." Xavier shrugged, turning around with Raine.
* * *
"Hey." Xavier said, pulling Raine's arms back so that she could come crashing into his chest.
"Xavâ" She said, startled as her head collided with his muscular chest. "What are you doing?"
"Come somewhere with me." He asked, smiling down at her with his bright blue shine.
"Where?" She whispered.
"Somewhere." Xavier winked.
Raine rolled her eyes, giggled as she peeled herself off of Xavier's body, making a run for their car.
"Well hurry up them Mr. Somewhere." She teased.
Xavier shook his head, unable to hide the grin on his face as he walked after Raine, hopping into the driver seat.
"Where's Nick?" Raine asked, frowned as he began the car.
"Sent him home." He smirked. "I'm very capable of driving, you know."
"Really?" Raine asked, raising in eyebrow in amusement. "Ok cool, then let's take Highway 1 on our way back, ok?"
"Why?" He asked, confused.
"Nothing. It'll be a good place to show off your driving skills." She smiled innocently.
"Sounds like a plan." Xavier announced, pulling the car onto the road as they sped off.
"So where are you, Prince Xavier of the mighty Thorn Kingdom, taking me?" Raine asked dramatically.
"King." He corrected.
"What?"
"You said Prince. It's King though." He smirked.
"Oh how dare I disheartened the mighty King." Raine laughed, rolling her eyes.
"And to answer your question, a special place the Queen will surely love."
* * *
After the short drive, Raine and Xavier pulled up next to a deserted beach.
The sun was setting at the sky was painted in a cool shade of purple that set the mood just right for the sweet date Xavier had planned.
"For you, my Little Rose." Xavier said, moving out of her way so that Raine could see just what he'd done.
"Woah, when did you get all of this ready?" Raine asked, stunned by the gorgeous site before her.
The beach was adorned with the lights of hundreds of candles that drew out a path in the soft warm sand, towards a beautiful white tent, under a romantic table for two.
"I think you've forgotten that I happen to be a man of many talent Ms. Woods." Xavier mused happily.
"A picnic at the beach. Reminds me of Paris, doesn't it?" Raine asked beaming as she shrugged off her sandals, letting the sand bathe her toes.
"Quite so. However..." Xavier paused, leaning in to kiss her cheek. "... this time, we won't have a media frenzy to distract us."
Raine blushed, remembering the moment. "Well, I'm excited. Let's go!"
There was a cool breeze, but it was nothing Raine wasn't used to. The chilled air kissed her skin before it flew through her hair, pushing it behind her shoulders.
"I'm glad you like it." He replied honestly.
"You mean love it!" She corrected.
"Anything for that smile of yours." Xavier said, pulling out a seat for Raine, before sitting down in front of her. "I wish I could make you smile like this every day, every minute, every second of your life. But due to the circumstances at hand, I'm helpless."
"You're doing more than anybody else would Xavier, and for that, I could never repay you."
"You've repaid me in ways you'll never understand." He spoke, staring at her so intently.
"Then make me." She whispered.
"That's a story for any other time Babe, but for now, shall I treat you to some dinner?" Xavier smirked.
Raine giggled, her cheeks tinting pink under the yellow glow of candles that surrounded them. "Please." She smiled. "I'm starving."
"Of course." Xavier winked. "Give me a sec."
Suavely pulling out his iPhone from his pocket, Xavier quickly made a phone call. "Hello? Yes. We're ready now." And with that being said, the phone was cut off, all of his attention turning back to the beauty sitting before him.
Raine was staring out at the water that crashed against the shore every couple of seconds, unleashing a roaring sound that was anything but fearful. The ocean had always brought peace into her life. Even when she was sad, there was nothing a short walk to the beach couldn't fix.
"What are you thinking about?" Xavier asked.
"The ocean." She replied instantly. "I didn't know how much I missed this place until I came back. Thank you, Xavier. Thanks for bringing me back here. I missed this."
"You don't have to thank me Raine, I'd do anything for you."
Xavier's reply was simple and sweet, but nonetheless, caught Raine's breath and made her heart beat a little faster. It wasn't anything new though.
Raine had gotten used to it. Used to him. His words, his smile, the way he stared at her as if she was the only star in the sky. He made her feel beautiful.
"Why are you doing all of this?" Raine asked. It was a question that often lingered in her mind. What had she ever done to get a man like Xavier? He was a man in millions, billions even. A man whose heart was made of gold.
"Because it will make you happy."
"And why does that matter?"
"Because you're you." Xavier smiled.
"What are we, Xavier?" Raine asked, her heart lurching in her chest at the sight of his blue eyes turning a dark cobalt color as they widened.
"What do you want us to be?" Xavier breathed out, his hands reaching for her soft ones.
"I don't know..." Raine whispered, her eyes diverting from his as her heart beat widely in her chest.
And it was the truth. She didn't know what he was to her. Nor did she know what she wanted him to be. But if there was anything she knew, it was that she needed him. In every was possible.
"Well I know what I want you to be," Xavier suddenly said, standing from his seat and gliding over to her. His fingers reached out for her hands, grasping them softly before he pulled her up.
He paused for a second, letting himself drown in her eyes that were staring at him, awaiting an answer.
A smile etched Xavier's face as he pulled on her hand, causing her to lose her balance and fall into his arms, just the way she had when they'd first met. His arms wrapped around her waist, catching her. He looked down at her, just the way he had the first time. And in that moment, he knew what he wanted.
"I want you to be mine."
______________________
A/N: I know it's been long but hey guys! I've been so busy with summer classes and stuff that I hadn't gotten a change to sit down, clear my mind, and write. But with that being said, I hope all of you enjoyed this part. The story is taking a turn and we're going to find out a lot more about Raine's parents soon! Please show some support and vote! Stay tuned!
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Breathe