CHAPTER 29
KIRA
I should’ve faked a headache. Or a power outage. Anything but show up at this dinner.
The second I stepped into the dining room, the air choked me.
Xavier was already there. Black shirt. Rolled sleeves. One arm resting over the back of his chair like he owned the table. Like he owned everything.
He looked at me.
Asher was beside him, and my mom sat at the head of the table, swirling wine in her glass.
“Kira, darling,” she said with that perfect, cool smile. “You’re late.”
“Sorry.” I slid into the seat next to Asher, carefully avoiding Xavier’s gaze.
Asher leaned in and pressed a kiss to my cheek.
I froze.
My spine stiffened. My hands curled into fists in my lap. I didn’t move, didn’t breathe. And I felt it. Xavier’s eyes. Burning.
Like a warning.
“Hi,” I said q
