Chapter 78

Astonishment and wonder flickered in Xavier's eyes as he gazed at my hand gently clasping his. He offered me a shy, hesitant smile, which I returned with a small, reassuring one of my own. It was clear he understood that my willingness to touch him, despite the events that had unfolded between us, was my way of reassuring him that no harm had been done and that I was okay.

"Xavier, you're a lifesaver," Victoria declared, striding directly toward the pot of coffee that he had just completed brewing. "I need to reclaim my energy after this animal siphoned every last drop from me." She emphasized the word "animal," shooting a knowing wink at Steve.

The room descended into silence as everyone exchanged knowing glances, a collective memory surfacing of their raucous activities from the previous night. Almost simultaneously, laughter erupted, filling the space.

"Make some for me too," came a voice from the couch. "Yo