Xavier FINAL (Men of Steel #4) (28 page)

He started to walk away and I was so mad at him I couldn’t let him.

“That’s a cop out. You wanna be a man then you don’t get to do it in bed or when you
feel like it. You want me to trust you tell me why I should. Tell me why I should
lay wide open for you. Tell me why you demand trust from me when you don’t trust in
yourself or what you say we have. Give name to the feelings because I am so scared
that you’re gonna crush me worse than anyone ever has or anyone ever could. You have
me by the feet dangling me upside down over a snake pit and you don’t know if you
would pull me up or let me go. If you wanna be the one to save me, protect me, control
me, you better damn well man up.”

“I’m not dangling you Irish I’m holding you the fuck up. Giving you what you can handle.
If you’re sure you are ready I have no problem admitting that I am in love with you.”
He stormed towards me and grabbed my face positioning it where he wanted it. “I love
you. You know it just like I know you love me.”

I closed my eyes and let his words continue to consume me.

When I opened them he was staring straight into my eyes.

“Does it scare you?”

“No Taelyn. Not even a little.”

“What happens next?”

“Shower, then fuck like monkeys.”

“Will you ever make love to me?”

“It’ll be a first.”

“Xavier?”

His lips were on my temple.

“Say it again.”

“I love you Taelyn Patrick.”

“I love you too.”

“I know.” He kissed my lips and I laughed. “We’re gonna be late for work.”

Chapter 25

Love - X

We rode into work together and as much as I hate to admit it she was right, I did
have post cum-snuggle syndrome. I didn’t want to let go of the girl who fucked me
stupid like my brothers chicks had done to them. I thought of Dad a lot last night.
I really wished he could meet her, Carly, Bekah, and Tara. He would be damn proud
of our choices. We loved deeper than we fucked and let’s be honest, we fucked pretty
deep.

I opened the door and held my hand out for her and she took my hand. When we opened
the door Abe was standing there smiling.

“You did good X. This place looks great. Your family is gonna be proud of you.”

“We have work to do still. Gotta make the money now.” I squeezed Taelyns' hand.

“You two?”

“He loves me,” Taelyn said and smiled.

Abe’s eyebrows shot up and he looked at me.

“It happens.” I told him.

“Falcon’s done?”

“Yeah and moved up to Tarrytown. He’s gotta get Cyrus’s place done.”

“What’s he having done?”

“It’s a secret.” Taelyn laughed.

“You’re in deep Taelyn. If they’re sharing secrets with you already there’s no turning
back.” Abe laughed.

“We got it Abe thanks.”

“A shipment was delivered at five this morning. It’s all in the back.”

“You were here at five this morning?”

“Everyday.”

“Abe you need a fucking break man. Go get laid, sleep in, and surf. Man you just need
to breathe.”

“I have responsibilities.”

“I’m sure we can handle things for a while.”

“You two hash it out I’m gonna head back and check the shipment in.” Taelyn smiled.

I bent down and gave her a kiss and patted her little ass when she walked away.

Abe laughed and looked towards the door. “Uh oh.”

I looked over just in time to see Momma Joe getting out of a town car.

I walked to the door, opened it and she ran up to me and hugged me. “I have missed
you so much.” She stood back and looked me up and down. “Tell me, what has changed
with you? You look different.”

Abe laughed and interrupted, “Momma Joe, welcome home.”

“Abraham you need a vacation. I hear you are practically living here nowadays.” He
kissed each of her cheeks. “I’m serious. You and Jase use to go on spring break in
South Florida, you’ll do the same this year.”

“Things are busy here.”

“Don’t argue Abraham. Schedule it, all my boy’s will be home. How much could they
possibly mess things up in two weeks?”

Abe tried not to laugh and Momma winked. “Go. We will discuss this more on Sunday
at dinner.”

“Sure thing. Momma Joe?”

“Yes, Abraham.”

“Just so you know I tried my best to keep Xavier out of trouble.”

“I see that on the internet. Shame on you Xavier. I warned you about all that. I hired
that nice girl, where did she end up.”

“In his bed,” Abe laughed as the elevator doors closed.

“No?” Momma looked stunned.

“She did. I won’t lie. I’m actually in a relationship with her now.”

“A relationship? Oh please Xavier, don’t lie to your Momma.”

“I am and get this, I’m in love.”

“With Miss Patrick?” She looked shocked.

“No one else.”

“Xavier, you’re joking right?”

“Swear to God above.”

She looked at me and I thought any moment she was going to reach up and feel my forehead
to make sure I wasn’t sick.

“The redhead?”

“Yes Momma.”

“Okay dear.”

She went and sat down. “You alright Momma?”

“Of course I’m alright. I’m happy you have found someone to give your heart to.”

I had to laugh and she looked up at me. “I knew it. You’re pulling my leg.”

“You hired her. You must have known I’d fall for her.”

“Xavier that is not at all why I hired her.”

“I know why you hired her. You thought there was no way in hell I’d try to get into
her panties.”

“Whatever it is in those panties must be very special,” she mumbled.

“Xavier?” Taelyn yelled.

“I’m telling her you said that,” I whispered to Momma.

“You wouldn’t dare hurt her feelings. Xavier she has a sweet voice, we don’t chose
who we love it just happens--.”

“Out here still.” I yelled back.

“You don’t make her feel insecure Xavier. Don’t make this uncomfortable for us.”

“You only ordered four guitars? I thought you’d have two for each.” She stopped and
looked at a stunned Momma Joe.

Chapter 26

Meeting Momma

“Oh, hello. I’m sorry to have interrupted.” I looked at the woman who looked like
she may fall apart any moment and then at Xavier’s devilish grin.

“You didn’t interrupt. Taelyn this is my mother, Josephina Steel. Momma, this is--.”

“Taelyn Patrick?”

“Nice to meet you finally Mrs. Steel.” I walked up and held out my hand.

“I was just telling Momma that I’m glad she found you.”

She shook my hand and she smiled at me. Xavier shared her smile. I couldn’t help but
smile back. It should have been an awkward moment but it was far from. She and I stood
still shaking hands and smiling when Xavier cleared his throat.

“Momma you wanna tell her or should I?”

“Xavier she’s beautiful. Taelyn you’re a stunning young woman.”

“Thanks?” I giggled. “Xavier has your eyes, the shape anyway and your smile.”

“I suppose you’re right. He looks like my Jonathon. He’s the only one with his eye
color and skin tone.”

“Momma tell her.”

“Xavier that’s enough,” Josephina gave him a look.

Xavier laughed.

“Oh, oh I see. You saw the picture. It was Daniel, my ex-Daniel’s, doing. He thought
it would be safer if I didn’t put up a current photo.”

“Taelyn, she thought--.”

“Xavier I am warning you,” Josephina stopped him.

“She thought there was no way in hell I would--.”

“Son,” she warned again.

“She didn’t think I’d fall for the girl in the picture.”

I was shocked. He had told her that he had fallen for me.

“See Xavier now we have upset her.”

“No. Not at all. It was one of the worst pictures I’ve seen.” I laughed and she visibly
relaxed.

Xavier took my hand and his mother smiled.

“Taelyn, you and I should have lunch today. I’d like to get to know you before the
others get in.”

“The three of us can have lunch together Momma.”

“I didn’t invite you.”

I laughed and Xavier scowled, “This is all between her and me. I don’t need any help
okay?”

“I didn’t offer help.”

“Momma--.”

“I would love to go to lunch with you Mrs. Steel.”

“Taelyn I think--.”

“I can do that for myself Xavier. I’m capable of--.”

Mrs. Steel’s laughter stopped me. “Oh thank God I was worried I threw some poor little
girl to the wolves.”

“I have three brothers who act just like him.” I smiled.

“And she likes how I act right Irish?”

“Yes Xavier.”

“Are you catholic Taelyn?” Mrs. Steel asked.

“I am.”

“Wonderful you’ll attend Mass with me?”

“Momma, she and I--.”

“That would be wonderful Xavier, she and you both. Oh I am so happy right now. I will
leave you two alone for a bit. I will be back to fetch you around one?” Mrs. Steel
hugged me and then kissed each of my cheeks.

She got into the elevator and waved as the door closed.

“She seems amazing.”

“She’s taking over already.”

“She’s being kind Xavier.”

“Regardless. This is still a you and me thing. They don’t dictate how we live, or
how we love.”

“Of course not.” My head felt like it was in the clouds today, and I loved it.

“You’re tired aren’t’ you?”

“I’m happy. But you look upset. Why?”

“I’m not ready to share you. I just got you and now.” He stopped. “They’re gonna stomp
all over us and I’m not ready for that.”

“They love you. They won’t stomp.”

“Oh they’ll stomp, and meddle, and push so fucking hard it’s gonna drive me crazy.
Then it’ll drive you crazy.”

“That’s what makes this
you and me thing
so strong. I get it. I was raised the same way. By the way, I like you crazy.”

He smiled, “You do huh?”

“Let me explain, I like you crazy when we’re alone.”

“We’re alone now.” He reached behind me and grabbed my ass.

“We are aren’t we?”

His mouth crashed onto mine. His kiss full of need and dominance. His tongue stroked
mine and my hands found his hair. God I loved his hair. It was so silky and sexy.

My skirt was moving up and his hands were kneading my ass. “I love you Taelyn.”

“I love you.”

“Say it again.”

I laughed against his mouth, “I love you.”

The elevator dinged alerting us the door was about to open.

He growled and set me on my feet. “Stand in front of me. No way in hell to hide what
I got for you.”

The door opened and three men walked out laughing, they stopped when they saw me.
There was no mistaking who they were.

“That’s her?” One whispered.

Xavier’s hands gripped my hips and pulled me harder against him.

“She’s hot,” another said.

“She’s fucking your brother for fuck sake Z.”

I looked over my shoulder at Xavier. His lips formed a line and his stare was incredibly
intense.

“That’s Cyrus?”

“That’s all of them.”

I laughed and stepped forward and he held tighter.

“Xavier, go say hello.”

“Fine.”

He let go and I grabbed his hand. His grip became stronger as we walked towards them.

“

Cyrus?” I smiled.

“Taelyn. Nice to put a face to a name.” His voice was thick like Xavier’s when he
was, oh wow.

“Sure is,” the one with kink written all over his face walked up and hugged me.

“Zandor?”

“How did you know?”

“You got dirty written all over you that’s how. You can let go of her now.” Xavier
sneered.

“He’s doing it to get you going.” The man in the suit who must have been Jase smirked
at me and then gave Xavier a quick hug. “We owe you big time.” I heard him whisper.

Zandor laughed and let go of me and then hugged Xavier and kissed his cheek, “Hey
pretty boy. Nothing to say? What’s wrong cat got your tongue, no wait that’s not it,
kitty got your balls?”

“Keep your shit up and you’ll have my balls, smacking your girls.” He stopped and
looked at me and shook his head. “Sorry Taelyn.”

“It’s called shit talk Xavier. I can handle it. These three are much easier to handle
than my three brothers.” I winked at him and he chuckled silently.

“Was that a dare?” Zandor asked.

“Nope. Just a statement Zandor. I can hang with the best.”

“So she literally has your balls?” Zandor looked at Xavier.

“I have balls of my own, there just bigger than yours and higher up.”

Cyrus and Jase laughed out loud and Zandor’s eyebrow raised. “I don’t believe you.
So how about you show me yours and I’ll show you mine.”

“Okay that’s enough.” Xavier took my hand.

“Damn you got it bad.” Zandor laughed.

“What we have is between us, end of subject.”

It was quiet for too long and I knew he was upset.

“Cyrus can you come look at something with me?” He squeezed my hand. “For the wedding.”

“That okay with you X? I swear I’ll be gentle.” Cyrus winked at him.

He dropped my hand. “Whatever.”

Jase looked at me and smiled a soft smile. “X, show us around here would ya?”

He ran his hands through his hair, “Yeah, sure.”

And he walked away.

“Lead the way girl.”

We sat at my desk.

“I found some pretty interesting things online. I know you want it small but thought
you may be interested in a few things that can make it even more special for the two
of you.”

“Sounds good let’s see what you got.”

I clicked on a link, “This is a man in Tarrytown who has birds. Homing pigeons to
be exact. They look exactly like doves. He comes to the event and releases them at
a specified time. You call her Birdie. You said you wanted birds. I think that these
would add a nice touch.”

He smiled and nodded, “It would be perfect actually. You got his number.”

“Yep I’ll email it to you. I also found these nests. I don’t know how many people
you’ll have in attendance but these would make beautiful centerpieces for the tables.”