Page 40 of X: Command Me through Alexander’s Eyes

“That doesn’t really make me feel better,” she admits.

“Don’t think about it.” I draw her to me, feeling calmed by her body against mine. “Right now, I want you to think about what I’m going to do to you in that dress.”

This earns me a smile. “I don’t know how I’m supposed to concentrate with you looking like that.”

“She does look fantastic, doesn’t she?” Belle interrupts.

“Yes.” I agree absently.

Belle finds the sought-after vase we’ve forgotten and brandishes it in triumph. “Here. Oh, wait!”

She whirls around and pulls something from a drawer.

“Sorry!” she says to me as she moves between us a moment later. When she steps away, a rose in full bloom is tucked into Clara’s hair.

“Perfect.” I can already imagine that being the only thing I allow Clara to keep on later.

“I need to go. Philip will be downstairs.” Belle kisses her goodbye. “See you there!”

Clara looks relieved at the reminder that she won’t be alone with me. I wonder what it’s like to have friends at these things. Usually, I feel surrounded by snakes. It must be comforting.

“Shall we?” I offer her my arm. “If we don’t get going, I’m going to spread you across the kitchen counter.”

She bites her lip, but it doesn’t hide the excitement glinting in her eyes. Is that because I’m taking her to a party or because she wants to be spread across the counter?

I shake away the temptation to find out. “Let’s get to the car before we miss the party, Miss Bishop.”

“Lead the way, X.”