Chapter 41: Chapter 41

After they'd dropped off Joseph at Kate's apartment, Xavier glanced at Peyton in the backseat as his driver wove them through the dark city streets. She hadn't said much thus far, and her contemplative, lost expression was poking holes in his chest.

He took his mask off and tossed it aside, glad to be rid of the thing. "Come over here."

She turned her head and blinked as if she didn't understand.

Concerned, he leaned over and wrapped an arm around her waist, depositing her sideways on his lap. He untied her mask and dropped it on the seat, then cupped her cheek. "Are you tired?"

"A little." She smiled as if to null her acknowledgement. "I had fun dancing with you."

"Same here." He watched shadow and light play across her pretty face and got trapped by the dark navy of her eyes. "You and my father seemed to have quite the discussion."

"Ah, yes." Her breathy laugh washed over him. "It would appear your mother is already planning our wedding."