Entangled: Sequel to Awakened (5 page)

“Doesn’t your business need you? I mean, with all that innovation you’re putting into place, can your staff be trusted to maintain everything in your absence?” Xavier asked.

“My staff are every bit as trustworthy as yours and it’s only one or two days. It’s not like I’m deserting them for six months.”

Linc and Alistair glanced at their daughter and raised their eyebrows in question.

Aline shrugged.

“I haven’t deserted them. I go back three days a week. The projects I put in place continue to move forward. I find it very rewarding to teach law to students as outstanding as Aline.”

“Yeah, I know what you’d rather be teaching her though and it’s not going to happen.”

“I believe that is Aline’s decision, not yours. You said you have known her for years, you have had your chance. It’s my turn now and, unlike you, I won’t fail.” Xavier was confident.

“Aline would never stoop to being one of your conquests,” Bradley snarled.

‘STOP. STOP IT!” Aline shouted. “I want both of you out, NOW!”

“But….” Bradley began but was stopped with a glare from Linc.

“I agree with our daughter. You both need to leave now. Your behavior is a disgrace,” Linc said quietly.

Xavier snapped his briefcase closed and stormed from the room. Winning Aline was proving much harder than he’d expected but, he was more determined than ever to make her his.

Bradley moved over to Aline. “I’m glad that bastard has gone.”

“Out, Bradley,” Aline growled. “I meant what I said.”

“But…”

Alistair placed his hand on Bradley’s shoulder. “Leave her son.”

Bradley expelled a loud sigh of frustration and stomped from the room.

Alistair and Linc moved to the bedside.

“What the hell was all that about?” Linc asked.

“They seem to think I’m an object of some sort that they can argue over. “ Aline said angrily. “I met Xavier for the first time yesterday and he has it in his head that I’m going to fall into his bed. Bradley still thinks I’m going to develop feelings for him even though I have told him a hundred times, it’s not going to happen. They are two of the most frustrating men I have ever known.”

“I can’t say I blame them, sweetheart. You are a beautiful, caring, loving woman. I understand why they are arguing over you.” Linc consoled.

“Well they can find someone else to argue over. I don’t want either of them.”

Chapter Five

Callie wheeled Aline into the lecture room and positioned the chair so it wouldn’t obstruct anyone. She placed a portable table on her lap and her notebook, pens and textbooks on top. “Thanks, Callie,” Aline acknowledged.

Callie sat behind a table next to her friend and readied her own books and pens.

Aline had been dreading coming back to class for two reasons. The first, she had made a fool of herself in front of her classmates but as they passed they enquired how she was, said they were pleased she was back and, wished her well.

The second, more terrifying reason, was seeing Xavier again. She had neither seen nor heard from him since booting him out of her hospital room the previous evening. She had no idea what mood he would be in when he saw her.

She was deep in thought when the object of her apprehension strode in.

“He looks so fuckin’ awesome in a suit,” Callie gushed.

“Ssshh,” Aline whispered furiously.

Xavier pinned his gaze to her as he removed his jacket and loosened his tie. She couldn’t prevent the heat that spread over her body culminating in wetness between her legs. With his shirt stretched taut across his muscular chest and his tight pants hinting at what lay beneath, Aline thought he was a perfect specimen of male.
What a pity he’s such an ass.

“Welcome back to class, Miss Bennett-Miller. I trust you are feeling better and I’m pleased to see your injury hasn’t prevented you from attending and obtaining your degree. I know how much you are looking forward to returning to our hometown when we both leave here in six months’ time.” He licked his lips and winked at her.

She glanced around and noted the other students’ curious expressions. Her anger at Xavier built. Her face heated.

“Are you hot Miss Bennett-Miller? You are awfully flushed.” His smirk sent her anger through the roof.

Oooh, fuckin’ asshole. Well, two can play your games. Let’s see how you like being embarrassed.
She gave him what she hoped was her prettiest smile and batted her eyelids. “It is a little warm in here since you walked in, sir.” She fanned her face with her hand.

“Would you like me to open a window?”

Aline tilted her head to one side. “I’d be most grateful, sir. It would help to bring the temperature down and as you can see, I’m unable to do it myself.”

He turned to open the window and when he swung back, he flushed red. Aline had pushed the blanket covering her legs, to the floor. She had hitched her skirt high to reveal a large expanse of toned, shapely leg. Her legs were parted but the skirt was just low enough to cover her groin. His imagination took over. “Fuck,” he muttered. He moved swiftly to Aline’s side and as he replaced the blanket over her knees he whispered, “well played, Aline but I
will
win.”

He hurried back behind his desk and subtly rearranged his pants to alleviate the pressure of his dick pressing hard against the zipper.

Aline couldn’t let it go. “Your face is quite red too, sir. Are you also feeling the heat in the room?”

“I’m quite comfortable, thank you,” he answered in a clipped tone. 
Wait until I have you alone.

Callie and the other students shifted in their seats alerting both Xavier and Aline they were not alone in the room.

“I think now we have established who is hot and, who is not, we will begin,” Xavier said.

The following three hours flew past. Aline took copious notes and made numerous notations in her textbooks. Xavier was an excellent lecturer. He gave them their evenings reading and an assignment which was due in two weeks. He made it abundantly clear, there would be no extensions. The class was then dismissed.

Students filed from the room. Callie packed up her own and Aline’s materials. By the time they were done, they were the only students remaining. Callie stepped behind the wheelchair but before she could move, Xavier spoke.

“Callie, may I ask you to wait outside please? I would like to speak with Aline privately.”

Callie started to leave.

“Callie stay. I have nothing to say to Mr. Pierce and no desire to speak with him.”

Callie glanced between her friend and her teacher unsure as to what to do. “Hun, I’m sorry but, I’m not getting in the middle of your argument. I have to agree with Xavier, you need to talk. Especially after the show you both put on at the beginning of class.”

Callie hurried from the room.

Aline sighed. “What do you want, Xavier? I have told you, I’m not interested in you.”

“Oh, I think you will be when you hear what I have to say.” Xavier pulled a chair in front of her and sat.

“You cannot possibly have anything to say that would interest me.”

“Hear me out please.”

“Very well, but you are wasting our time.”

Xavier felt his patience wearing but he spoke calmly. “I was speaking with the Senior Lawyer in my law department this morning. He tells me he has received an application from a Miss Bennett-Miller for a position we have available. The position would see you fully trained in Corporate Law as it pertains to my company. You would have the opportunity to assist on multi-million dollar contracts all over the world. Eventually you would be left to manage deals on your own with full autonomy. There would always be a senior to assist if you need it.”

Shit, I’d forgotten I applied for that position. He’s offering me my dream job. But, what does he want in return? Maybe nothing. Yeah right.
“Who does your training?”

“I do.”

Shit, figures. So much for thinking it’s a large company and I probably wouldn’t see much of him.

“It’s an interesting development. You see, I had discussed with your parents that I had an opening available that I was going to offer to you. Despite what you may think of me, I’m an excellent businessman and I recognize a brilliant mind when I hear one. You, my love, have an exceptional mind and a passion for law I have not seen in a long time. You would make a very valuable addition to my team.”

“So you’re offering me the position?” Excitement bubbled through her.

Xavier stood and paced, his hands in his pockets.

Aline followed him with her eyes as he walked back and forth. She jumped when he stopped, placed his hands on the arms of her chair and leaned close.

“I am offering you the position with a six figure salary, travel and the opportunity to become an unequaled Corporate Lawyer, but…”

“But, what?”
I knew the arrogant bastard would want something.
Her skin prickled.

“There’s a condition. The position is yours but you’re mine. On my arm
an
d in my bed.”

Aline felt bile rise into her throat. She spoke through narrowed lips. “Mr. Pierce, I have told you repeatedly, I will
not
come to your bed. I would be prepared to attend galas or whatever else it is you attend but, I will not be your whore.”

Xavier reeled back as if he’d been slapped. He’d had no intention of making her feel like she would be his whore. “I’m not asking you to be my whore, I’m asking you to be my lover.”

“No, Mr. Pierce. You are offering me a position with money if I agree to crawl into your bed. That sir, is being a whore!”

“No, I am paying you money to be one of my lawyers.”

“Semantics, Xavier. Your terms are unacceptable. I will find a position elsewhere.”

At least we’re back to Xavier.
“Think about it and give me your answer at dinner tonight. I’ll pick you and Callie up at seven.”

“My answer is no. No, I will not accept your offer and no I will not go to dinner with you.”

Xavier dragged his fingers through his hair. Frustration fairly bounced off him. “I have already booked the restaurant for five. Secondly, your father, Linc called me this morning. He said he would like to discuss an idea with me over dinner so, regardless of whether you attend or not, your parents and I will be going. I own the largest and most dynamic company in Dalton. Do you really want to settle for a position with a second rate company. One where you will never get a chance to make your own decisions?”

Sneaky Bastard.
“Very well, I will attend dinner but only because I want to spend time with my parents before they leave. Finding a position with another company is not my preferred option but it’s a hell of a lot better than what you’re offering.”

“So, you are saying that to avoid being with me you’ll take a position where you’ll probably be frustrated on a daily basis. And, that’s if you are accepted somewhere else, which is highly unlikely.”

Aline’s anger went from zero to sixty in a nanosecond. “Tell me why it’s unlikely. I’m an honor student, my grades are near perfect.”

“Exactly. You’re far too smart. They will be concerned they don’t have the work challenges to satisfy and keep you. They will select someone mediocre by comparison.”

“You’re a bastard!”

“So you have told me on more than one occasion. I have not achieved my position by being nice. I will have your decision after dinner tonight.” He folded his jacket over his arm, picked up his briefcase and moved to the back of her wheelchair. He lowered his head next to her and whispered in her ear. “You will make the right decision.”

“I was wrong. You’re not a bastard. You’re a fuckin’ smug bastard.”

Xavier laughed loudly as he pushed her from the room.

***

Back in their dorm room, Aline was unusually quiet as Callie helped her onto the bed.

“What’s wrong honey? What has Xavier said that’s upset you?”

“I’m just tired. Maybe it’s the medication.”

“Tell me what Xavier said. It’s clear he’s upset you.”

“He offered me a position with his company. It’s a dream job.”

Callie clapped her hands. “He said he was going to ask you to work for his company. That’s wonderful. I’m so happy for you.”

“I haven’t accepted.”

“What do you mean you haven’t accepted?” Callie threw her hands into the air.

“Apparently, the position and Xavier are a package deal.”

“I don’t understand.”

Aline explained her conversation with Xavier.

Callie drew in a deep breath when Aline was finished. “I think you should do it.”

Aline was gobsmacked. She was sure Callie would agree that Xavier was a bastard. “What?”

“I think you should do it.”

“Are you
crazy
?”

“No, hear me out. Xavier is handsome with a smokin’ hot body. He has the largest company in Dalton. Think of what you could learn. You could move on to pretty much anything you want once you have a resume showing you have been trained and employed by Pierce Construction and Development. The world, as they say, could be your oyster.”