Xander stood by the window, the golden afternoon light slanting across his sharp features, arms crossed over his chest. But his reflection in the glass wasn't calm—it was tight-lipped, tense, like a man who had just crossed a line and couldn't decide if it was bravery or recklessness.
He wasn't sure why he'd reacted the way he had.
He'd dealt with Lillianne's tantrums before—hell, he was used to it. He'd perfected the art of indifference. But the second Erin's wrist had been grabbed, something in him had snapped. No warning. No strategy. Just instinct.
He sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose. Erin had looked so calm, so composed, but he had seen the flicker of discomfort in her eyes. And he had acted on instinct, placing himself between them, his voice colder than it had been in years.
Too much instinct…
A knock broke his thoughts.
Cassian stepped in without waiting for permission, as he often did. The office had gone quiet again. The man was both his shadow and his conscience, and right now, he clearly intended to be both.
Cassian closed the door behind him with a quiet click and leaned against it, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
"So," he said slowly, "just to confirm—you threw out your fiancée in front of half the building, humiliated her, and defended your assistant." He blinked once. "Are you absolutely sure about what you just did?"
Xander didn't answer immediately. He exhaled through his nose, still staring out the window.
"She tried to lay her hands on Erin," he said flatly.
Cassian's brow twitched. "You've seen her provoke people worse and not get a word from you."
Xander turned, finally facing him. "She didn't just provoke. She got physical. And Erin…" His words trailed, lips tightening.
Cassian raised a brow. "And Erin …?"
Xander's eyes flicked away. "She's different."
That made Cassian chuckle under his breath, though it wasn't mocking. Just… surprised.
"Different enough to risk breaking off this political engagement? I know the Volkovs are more powerful compared to the Thornwells. But they are second only to you. And their alliance has done a great deal in maintaining this business empire."
Xander said nothing.
Cassian pushed off the door and approached, his tone gentler now. "Look, I'm not judging. God knows Lillianne's a handful, and she's not exactly loyal material." He shrugged. "But this isn't just about breaking an arrangement. Her family won't stay quiet. Yours won't either."
Xander's jaw flexed. He knew all of that. He'd been raised to consider every move a calculation. Every alliance a tool. But what he felt when he saw Erin flinch—that wasn't strategic.
That was personal.
Cassian studied him for a beat, then added quietly, "You've been different lately. Ever since she came around."
Xander narrowed his eyes. "I'm still in control."
Cassian gave him a look. "Sure. Just try not to burn the entire building down in the process of figuring out what she means to you." He moved toward the door but paused. "For what it's worth… I think you did the right thing."
Xander watched as Cassian left. He didn't respond. Not aloud.
But deep down, the smallest part of him agreed.
Moments later, a soft knock sounded again.
Erin poked her head in. "Hey. Can I come in?"
Xander straightened. "Of course."
Erin stood near the door for a moment, watching him. He hadn't looked up since she walked in, fingers still tapping idly at a closed file on his desk—though the unreadable tension in his jaw betrayed that he wasn't working at all.
She stepped forward quietly, her voice soft, almost hesitant.
"About earlier…" she began. "Thank you, Xander. For standing up for me."
He lifted his gaze then, and she felt her breath hitch just slightly. There was a quiet storm in those eyes. Not angry—just… conflicted.
Erin continued before she could lose her nerve.
"I didn't expect you to say anything. I know it must've looked like I could handle it, and I could've. But you didn't let it get that far. You stepped in—loudly, firmly, like you were already furious before she even finished speaking." She laughed under her breath, barely a sound.
"Honestly, I've never had anyone do that for me. Not like that. Not when it meant risking your image, or crossing someone like her."
She paused, unsure how much she should say.
"You didn't owe me that, but you did it anyway. I know it'll cause a ripple—and I just… I want you to know that I noticed. I really did." Her fingers twitched at her side, then curled into her palm. "So, thank you. It meant more than you probably realize."
He waved a hand dismissively. "You don't need to thank me. I just did what anyone should've."
Erin raised an eyebrow. "I'm not sure everyone would've reacted the way you did."
A beat passed. Then Xander stood up and walked to a side table, pulling out a takeout bag. He held it up. "I bought this for you."
Erin blinked. "You… bought me food?"
He shrugged. "I'm still trying to make you fall for me. I figured I'd try something sweet."
Erin stared at him for a moment, then let out a soft chuckle. "So that's why you defended me. To win this silly challenge."
Xander frowned. "That's not—"
"It's okay," she interrupted lightly. "It's working. Just… in a weird way."
He handed her the bag, and she took it with a small smile.
"I don't know much about relationships," she said, "but I'm pretty sure takeout on a table isn't exactly a swoon-worthy gesture."
"I'll think of something better next time," he said with a smirk.
There was a comfortable pause. Then Erin added, her voice softer, "Even though I appreciate the defense… Lillianne is still your betrothed. It didn't feel right—her standing there while you…"
He cut in, "It's arranged. I don't love her."
She nodded slowly. "That may be true. But it still matters. At least to people like her."
Xander fell silent.
Erin glanced at him once more, then turned toward the door. "Thanks for the food."
And then she was gone, leaving him alone with his thoughts again—but this time, with her scent lingering behind.