Chapter 71

XAVIER The scent of his cologne combined with the rich blood that runs so tantalizingly close to his skin is enough to have my mouth watering as soon as I walk into Alexandros’s study. He stands shirtless, staring out the window with his back to me, every muscle in his back taut and full of raw, potent power. Thin silvery scars snake around his left side. He places his hands into the pockets of his dress pants, causing those muscles to flex, each hardened ridge illuminated by the overhead light. “Where is Ophelia?” he asks without turning his head. “On her way back from class. Axl’s with her.” “She is late.” I drop into the seat in front of his desk and brush the hair from my eyes so it doesn’t obstruct my impressive view. “Yeah, but Professor Underwood wanted to speak to her about her test before the break starts tomorrow.” He turns and runs a hand over his beard, staring at a spot over my shoulder for a few seconds before he changes the subject. “How was last night?” “As smooth as ca