Though Xavier somehow trusted Giselle's safety with her friend, jealousy had wrapped him around its finger. Whenever Giselle and Chris interacted, it felt like he was on the sidelines.
He watched as she walked out of her room, trailing behind Chris who jogged out of the house with her bag. She walked toward Xavier and stood in front of him, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
Xavier took both her hands in his and stared at her face. His stone of a heart melted. Her brown hair framed her innocent face in waves. So simple. So beautiful. He couldn't take his eyes off her.
"What?" she asked softly.
Xavier shrugged.
"Where's your bag?" Her voice was low and raspy as if it was hard to talk. He'd done this to her.
Xavier shook his head.
"Xavier?"
He pursed his lips and nodded, unable to trust his voice.
"Talk to me," she whispered, her emerald eyes misty.
He waited, trying to form words. He inhaled a shaky breath. "I'll miss you."
Her eyebrows merged. "You're coming."
He shook his head again.
She slipped her hands out of his grasp. If she hadn't been so vulnerable, he was sure she'd have argued with him instead of pleading. "You're coming. Please..."
"You don't understand these things. But, I can't leave right now."
"How would I understand when you refuse to tell me?"
Xavier took a step forward but she stepped back, rejecting his affection. He stopped, teeth clenching. Did she not want Chris to see that they were together?
"Why?" she asked.
He licked his lips. "It's the gang..."
"But you left it."
"I have something to finish here."
"What do you have to finish? You told me you left it."
He sighed. "I'll be there, Giselle. Just give me some time to figure things out. Trust me." Xavier bit his tongue to prevent himself from extending that sentence to,"the way you trust Chris."
"When?" she asked.
"Soon. I promise."
She blinked. "I'll be worried. Promise me you're gonna be okay."
His heart warmed. His lips spread into a small smile. "I love you."
She closed her eyes. "Just promise me."
He stared at her. "The only way I'd leave you, would be if I completely lost my mind."
She smiled for the first time since Abbott's death. It was contagious.