In his place, and in no way less of a virile and commanding presence, appeared the object of my outrage—Xavier Pascale.

Chapter Ten

I unfolded my arms, glaring at the looming figure in the doorway of my cabin. Xavier Pascale’s sheer presence could shrink a room into a fraction of its size.

His eyes raked over me and settled on the suitcase I’d set on the bed between us. Behind him a small face with wide eyes appeared then ducked away. I had no doubt she’d be listening to every word. At the sight of Dauphine, I felt another twinge of guilt. Crap. I ground down the thought. I didn’t even know these people.

“Can I help you?” I asked, embarrassment crawling over my skin.

“I … I would like you to take dinner with me and Dauphine. Have.” He shook his head. “Have dinner.”

“Why?” I cocked my head to the side.

“You need to eat. And also, you did not stay to hear the rest of the details about taking care of my daughter.”

“I quit. Remember?”

“And I do not accept.”

I barked out a confused laugh. “You don’t accept?”

“No.” He didn’t return my amusement. After a beat, he looked at the heavy watch on his wrist. “Dinner will be served in five minutes,” he said impassively. “I will see you at the table.”

Then he turned and, unlatching the cabin door where it was being held open against the wall, closed it behind him. I had a feeling he’d felt like slamming it.

Well. Me too.

“Ugh!” I picked up a swimsuit, wadded it up and threw it at the closed door with all my might. The weightless scrap of material made it only a few feet before wafting impotently onto the bed.

Pinching the bridge of my nose, I took a deep breath. If he was still willing to employ me after my outburst upstairs, I guessed I should hear him out. Especially since I had nowhere to go tonight. He wouldn’t apologize, that much I knew. Then again, why apologize? He’d stated a fact—I was attracted to him. Had been, I quickly corrected myself. It was upsetting that he’d accused me of using Dauphine to get to him, but both he and Evan mentioned it had happened before.

I cringed. Poor Dauphine. I hoped she was none the wiser. I exhaled the air I’d been holding, not feeling better at all. I was usually much better at handling my emotions in tough situations. Hell, I could be unjustly sidelined in my dream architectural position while holding my head up high as had happened just days ago. But Xavier Pascale had turned me into a raw bundle of emotions. I felt so very, very human and weak. It was exhaustion, I reasoned. Emotional and physical.