Chapter 52: A Challenge
Riven had been testing Xavier’s patience all day, but he wasn’t getting the reaction he truly wanted. Teasing, flirting, even fake-falling hadn’t done anything to break through that cold, stoic demeanor.
So, he did something drastic.
The moment Xavier turned his back, Riven lunged toward the sharp edge of the metal tray that once held his food. It wasn’t anything deadly, but a little self-inflicted harm was bound to make Xavier move.
And move he did.
Xavier rushed forward before Riven’s wrist could make contact, grabbing him with bruising force. One hand wrapped tightly around Riven’s forearm, the other around his waist as he yanked him backward.
For the first time, Riven heard Xavier’s voice.
A deep, furious growl. "What do you think you’re doing?"
Ah. So he did speak.
Riven let out a small huff, tilting his head up at him. "Oh? You do have a voice. And here I thought you were a mute."
Xavier wasn’t amused. His grip was still unrelenting, his dark eyes narrowed with pure irritation.
Riven sighed dramatically. "Relax. I wasn’t going to do anything serious. Just a little scratch, you know? I mean, if I’m supposed to be your precious master’s prized possession, I should be kept immaculate, right? I feel disgusting."