Page 103 of Xavier

Oops. Was I not supposed to say anything about the cameras?

“Well, I was nervous coming here, and he assured me I would be safe here because you have an excellent security system and a few cameras.”

“Follow me and I’ll show you my few cameras.”

Something in his tone tells me I am about to be surprised by whatever he is about to show me.

We walk down the hallway past the bedroom I was in and stop at the next door.

He points to a door at the end of the hallway. “That’s my bedroom, and this is my office.”

The way he says office doesn’t sound like it’s really an office. It sounds like a code word for a labyrinth or a man cave.

He opens the door, and it takes a few moments for my eyes to take in everything.

The room is pitch black and along one side of the entire room there are about a dozen monitors mounted on the wall.

On half of the monitors are dozens of tiny squares, each showing different camera footage.

There’s got to be over a hundred cameras showing all different angles. He’s got the entire building’s surroundings covered by a camera, as well as every hallway, parking garage, and community area.

My mouth falls open as I watch someone park in the underground parking garage and walk to the elevator. On another monitor, the camera shows the person walking into the elevator and pushing the button for the third floor.

“So much for a few cameras. You have enough footage to make a reality television show.”

“Some people just say it’s an obsession, but I just like being nosy.”

“I’d say it’s more that you like being in control, like Xavier.”

“Speaking of Xavier.” He glances at me before sitting down in one of the leather office chairs.

“What about him?” I ask with a tiny bite to my tone.

I know he’s good friends with Xavier, and after the way the two of us left things, I’m prepared to hear Jordan stick up for Xavier.

I wouldn’t blame him. I was a complete bitch to Xavier. Instead of ignoring him, I should have told him how I really felt.

I love him.

I’m scared for him.

Jordan gestures for me to sit in the other chair. He waits until I’m sitting down to speak.

“I see the way you two look at one another, and I’m happy for you both, but I’m curious if the age difference bothers you.”

“No, why would it?” I knit my eyebrows together. “Should it bother me?”

He shakes his head. “I’m just making sure. X is a great guy, who’s been through some shit, but then again you don’t go to war and come back the same man.”

“Yeah, he told me about Julia.” I whisper as I remember the pain in his eyes and the knot in my throat.

He loved her, like really loved her.

Is that the same way he feels about me? Is she the reason he’s risking his life to save mine?

“If he told you about Julia, then you know how much he regrets not protecting her, and how far he will go to keep you safe.”

Jordan turns towards the computer monitor in front of him and types several commands on his computer.