Chapter 2: A Close Call

Cole's pov 

I turned back slowly toward Xavier, letting out a stiff, awkward laugh. "Look what? Look beautiful? Look gorgeous?"

I folded my shaking hands into tight fists behind my back, desperately trying to hide my trembling fingers. Xavier just stood there on the stairs, staring up at me with an unreadable gaze.

"You look... different," Xavier said, his voice quiet and even. "Taller."

I laughed awkwardly again, my heart slamming against my ribs the longer I stayed trapped under his heavy eyes. I forced myself to turn away, casually waving a hand.

"Well, it's been a year since we last saw each other. It's only normal that I've... changed. Or grown a bit taller."

Xavier said nothing to that. He didn't argue or probe. He simply turned around without another word and headed back down the stairs toward the open living room.

The second his back was turned, I let out a long breath I didn't even realize I was holding. I leaned against the hallway wall for a second, clutching my chest.

That was too close, I thought, my head spinning. Is this really how I have to live for the next ninety days? I'll be lucky if I don't end up developing high blood pressure at this rate.

Remembering that Xavier said he would be coming upstairs in an hour, I quickly hurried down the carpeted hallway and slipped into the master bedroom. I knew I had to keep the fake silicone breasts on, touch up my makeup, and stay fully in character before bed so I wouldn't accidentally give myself away.

I rushed straight into the adjoining bathroom, locking the door behind me. I unzipped the heavy red gown and peeled off the stiff bra, glaring at the red marks left on my skin.

"Stupid thing," I muttered under my breath, rubbing my sore ribs. "This thing has been digging into my bones all day."

I handled my business quickly, washed my face, and reapplied a fresh, light layer of makeup. Then I dragged the silicone bra back on, grimacing at the cold sensation against my chest, and pulled my long hair up into a tight, neat bun.

I would have dropped dead before even making it into this house if I had to wear hair extensions on top of all this, I thought, staring at my reflection in the mirror. The bra is already wildly uncomfortable. How much worse would extensions be? I'm glad I grew my hair long, though I never thought this was what it was going to be useful for... shit.

I grabbed a pair of baggy, long-sleeved silk pajamas from the closet and put them on, making sure the top was loose enough to hide my frame. I padded over to the massive king-sized bed, slipped under the heavy duvet, and closed my eyes.

I desperately hoped to fall asleep before Xavier came through the door.

But sleep didn't come. Every time I closed my eyes, my mind raced with every single terrifying scenario waiting for me if Xavier ever found out I was actually Clara's twin brother.

What if he sues the family? What if he throws me in jail? What if he just breaks my legs right here? I groaned silently, tossing and turning under the sheets.

Suddenly, the heavy bedroom door creaked open.

My eyes snapped shut. I froze under the covers, keeping my breathing slow and steady as I pretended to be fast asleep.

Quiet footsteps echoed across the hardwood floor, followed by the soft rustle of clothing. I couldn't help myself. Curiosity got the better of me, and I cracked one eye open just a sliver to peek toward the closet.

My eyes widened. Right there in the dim light was Xavier, standing completely stripped down, showing off his bare backside as he reached for a towel.

I instantly snapped my eyes shut again, my face burning hot.

Stop looking, you idiot! I scolded myself internally, burying my face deeper into the pillow. Although... damn. He actually has a pretty nice ass.

Soon, the sound of running water drifted out from the bathroom. The steady hum of the shower was strangely soothing, and before I even realized it, the sheer exhaustion of the day caught up to me. My eyelids grew heavy, and I drifted off into a deep, restless sleep.

I didn't know how many hours had passed, but mid-way through the night, a warm pressure against my back slowly pulled me out of my sleep.

I stirred, feeling a large, solid hand sneaking around my waist. I blinked in the dark, my heart instantly leaping into my throat. I prayed I was just having a weird nightmare.

"Clara..." a low, sleepy murmur came from right behind my neck.

I held my breath, completely paralyzed.

Xavier's warm fingers began lazily playing with the waistband of my pajama pants. 

What the hell was he doing?!