CHAPTER FOUR

THE BIG HOOK 

Once she reached the hallway, she leaned her body against the cold marble wall and slapped herself—a sharp, stinging wake-up call.

​"Get it together, Kat!—cut it out! "she hissed to herself, her breath coming in ragged gasps.

 "You have a boyfriend. You have Jackson. He’s normal. He’s safe. Xavier is... Xavier is a death wish." She reminded herself.

​She flipped her phone open, her hands trembling.

 "Hello?" she heaved breathlessly

​"You sound like you just ran a marathon, darling," Emily’s voice purred through the speaker. 

"Or like you’ve been doing something much more steamy and interesting than cardio."she teased 

​"Emily please, not now," Katerina whispered, glancing back at the gym door where Xavier was likely still watching her like a hawk.

​"Oh, but it is now," Emily replied, her tone shifting  playfully.

"The Romano-Wilson Gala is tonight, Kat. The theme is 'Masks of the Empire.' Your father is already fitting his crown, and Jackson is currently picking out a tuxedo that matches your eyes. He’s been blowing up my phone for an hour asking where you are."

​Katerina closed her eyes, the guilt of one minute ago at the gym hitting her. 

"The gala. Right. I totally forgot."she signed, running her hand through her hair frustration.

​"Do not forget, babe" Emily said, her voice dropping to a low, meaningful hum. 

"It’s the biggest night and party of the season. Everyone will be there—including the police commissioner, your fathers friend. It's the perfect place to show the world you’re a united front with Jackson. Unless... you’ve found a reason to stay home alone?"

​"I'll be there, Em," Katerina snapped, cutting Emily's long prep talk that she wasn't in the mood for; trying to regain her composure.

​"Good. Wear something that screams ‘ 'you can ogle but you can't touch’....give those bachelors attending the party ‘ a run for their money” 

"See you at eight." Emily chirped

​Katerina hung up, staring at the blank screen. She turned back toward the gym, to tell Xavier he needed to get the cars ready.

​But Xavier wasn't near the boxing bag anymore.

​He was standing right behind her, so silent he hadn't made a sound when coming. He was leaning against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest, watching her with a look of pure, cold amusement.

​"The Gala, huh?" he rumbled, his voice dripped with a dark warning.

 "A room full of liars in masks. Tell me, Katerina... which mask are you planning to wear tonight?— The one that loves the boy in the tuxedo...... or surrender to the sinner hiding behind you"

​He moved closer, his eyes darker.

​"“I’m going to the party as well, and Jackson Reed will see the real me before the clock strikes twelve.”

                     *************

The ballroom was a masterpiece— decorated with white lilies, flowing champagne, and a sea of guests hidden behind ornate gold and lace masks as the orchestra played inciting classical music 

​Jackson looked perfect.as always. His tuxedo was tailored to his lean frame, and his smile was the picture of warmth. He leaned in, his breath smelling of expensive bourbon. 

"You’re quiet tonight, Kat. Is it the security? I told your father my dad’s units are patrolling the estate. You’re safe with me."

​"I know, Jackson," Katerina lied, her eyes reflexively darting to the edge of the ballroom.

​There, leaning against a marble pillar, stood you know who.

Xavier didn't wear a mask; he didn't need one. His cold gaze was enough to keep the elite at a distance. In a black-on-black suit, he looked sexy, his focus never leaving Katerina.

 Every time Jackson touched her waist, she saw Xavier’s jaw tighten—a taunting warning that made her toe curl beneath her stiletto heels 

The heated memory at the gym replaying in her heat, she suddenly felt so hot....so hard to breathe; it annoyed her to the core that Xavier had such an effect over her body without doing anything.

“ Is it just me or is this ball getting quite hot?” she said, her face flushed.

​"No it's not….i think you're nervous darling”

“ Dance with me," Jackson pleaded, pulling her toward the center of the floor as the orchestra began a haunting waltz.

​As they swirled, Jackson leaned closer to her ears ,his voice dropping to a whisper. 

"My father wants us to finally announce the engagement tonight, Kat. It’ll solidify the alliance between the Romanos and the Commission. It’s what everyone expects."

Katerina's heart dropped.

​"Jackson, it’s too fast— it's too early, I'm not ready" Katerina stammered, her heart hammering—not for the boy holding her, but for the man watching her.

​Suddenly, the music shifted, and a hand—strong, gloved,—slid onto Katerina’s waist, physically keeping her away from Jackson. She was taken aback for a moment to process what just happened likewise Jackson 

​"The Don requested a security rotation," Xavier’s voice rumbled cutting through the air. 

"I’ll take it from here, Reed."

​Jackson’s face flushed with fury and contempt 

"He’s a bodyguard, Kat. He doesn't get to cut in."

​"I’m not cutting in," Xavier said, his eyes dark as he stared Jackson down. "I’m taking what’s mine—” Xavier stops to glare at him

Continues “ to guard and protect”

​Before Jackson could react, Xavier swept Katerina into the dance floor.His grip was firm, his hard chest pressing against her silk, slender body. 

For a moment, the ballroom vanished. There was only the scent of his cologne and the electricity between them.

​"You’re playing a dangerous game, Katerina," Xavier whispered into her ear, his breath sending shivers down her spine. "Dancin’ with a sheep while the wolf is right behind you?.”

“ Why…why did you do that…you don't get to cut in like some egoistic jerk?” Katerina said, sounding tough pushing down the chilling sensation she got just being close to him.

"Ego has nothing to do with it," he said smoothly, tilting his head, "I just like being the one you can’t quite predict.” He said cutting her off of any comeback. 

He's breath fanned her as he held her petite waist, pressing her soft fragile body against his solid, rock hard ones.

Just the perfect combination 

Jackson, infuriated by Xavier Carter intrusion after he had seen enough of the way Xavier occupied her personal space, the way he leaned in during the short dance that seemed like forever. Jealousy sparked within him 

​At that moment, Jackson approached. 

​Jackson didn't just walk up to her. He walked to the center of the dance floor and signaled the orchestra to stop. The music died into an expectant silence.

​"Excuse me! Everyone!" Jackson shouted, clinking his champagne glass with a fork to get the audience attention 

​Katerina froze. 

“ What is he doing now?” She signs in frustration as Xavier step back from her, giving her space 

​Jackson turned to Katerina, beckoning her forward. The keen eyes of Don Romano watched from the balcony with narrowed interest. 

Under the gaze of the entire Mafia elite, Katerina felt trapped.

​"Katerina Romano," Jackson said, his voice trembling with a mix of love and a need to own her immediately in front of Xavier.

He dropped to one knee, the velvet box in his hand snapping open to reveal a diamond that looked like a shard of ice. 

"You are my world Katerina ... .i love you so much, don't want to wait another day without the thought of you being mine—Will you marry me and let me take you away from all of... this?"

​The room gasped excitedly, awaiting a reply.

Katerina felt the air leave her lungs.

 She was flustered, speechless. She looked at Jackson’s hopeful face, then her eyes involuntarily sought out for one man in black.

​Xavier.

​He hadn't moved, but his demeanor had shifted. His hand was clenched so tightly around his champagne. His eyes dark— a silent command screaming at her to say NO!!!!.