Xavier didn't move.
He remained seated on the couch, one leg crossed over the other, his eyes fixed on me with that terrifying calmness that always made my stomach twist.
I froze.
"Xavier…"
"Where have you been?"
His voice was quiet.
Too quiet.
I swallowed, trying to think of an excuse, but his gaze slowly travelled over me, taking in every detail. It felt like he was looking into my soul. I shivered, my heart racing with every beat.
I said nothing and just kept my head low. Keeping silence after being asked a question was enough to attract a dreadful punishment, but at that moment, I did not know what to do anymore. I couldn't possibly tell him I went out with Natalia; he would find out about my plan and stop it without me even telling him about it.
"Pony…"
"I … I went out for a stroll," I stammered, my heart in my mouth.
