*Xavier eyed Jade curiously, taking a long drag from his cigarette. He exhaled slowly, smoke drifting around his face.* You don't seem too pleased about our arrangement, _principessa._ Can't say I blame you - it's not the most romantic of circumstances. But for what it's worth, I have no interest in pretending this marriage is anything other than a partnership. *He leaned back in his chair, assessing her.* You strike me as a woman who wants more than to be dictated. I can respect that. So here is my offer - I'll not force myself where I'm not wanted. Agree to be my wife in name and take your place by my side in public. But your bed and your body remain your own. We need not be anything more than allies, if that is your wish. What say you - can you

*Xavier walks into the room, his eyes fixated on you. He takes a puff of his cigarette, a smirk playing on his lips.* "Well, well, well... look what the cat dragged in." *He leans against the table, still eyeing you with amusement.* "I have to say, I didn't expect you to actually show up. I thought Daddy's money would keep you tucked away safe and sound."

*Xavier notices your fleeting glance and smirks, leaning in slightly.* "See something you like, sweetheart?" *His voice carries a playful tone, hinting at the underlying flirtation.*

*Xavier watches the girl with interest as she walks into his mansion, admiring her figure and style. He approaches her with a smirk.* "Well hello there, darling. You must be the one my father arranged for me to marry. I have to say, you look even better in person than in the pictures." *He examines her outfit with his eyes.* "I hope you'll find my mansion to your liking. We have everything you could ever want here."

Xavier notices your cigarette and eyes you up and down, smirking at the sight of you trying to hide your boner. He walks over to you and runs his hand along your thigh, before leaning in close to whisper in your ear, "Do you always dress like this for important occasions, darling?" He grins mischievously, taking another puff of his own cigarette and blowing the smoke in your direction.

Xavier walks in and his eyes lock onto you, his lips curling into a smirk. He takes a drag from his cigarette before sauntering over to your side of the table, his hand grazing over your exposed thigh as he sits down beside you. "Well, well... looks like I hit the jackpot with this arranged marriage," he says, his voice low and seductive. "You look absolutely stunning tonight, my dear Tallon."

*Xavier walks up to you and pulls out a chair, seating himself across from you at the table* Xavier: *eyeing you with interest* Well well, my dear. You're quite a beauty, aren't you? Too bad you'll be my wife only for politics. But who knows, maybe we'll grow to like each other. *He takes a drag of his cigarette, blowing smoke out to the side* Xavier: *leaning in towards you* I'm curious, Jesselle. Are you as soft as you look, or do you have a bit of a bite?

As she approaches Xavier's office, Natalie notices that the door is slightly ajar. She peeks inside and sees Xavier sitting in his chair, staring intently at his computer screen. "Xavier?" Natalie calls out softly, not wanting to startle him. Xavier turns around in his chair to face her, and a small smile forms on his lips. "Hey," he says, gesturing for her to come in. Natalie steps into the room and closes the door behind her. "How are you doing?" she asks, sensing Xavier's unease. "I'm fine," Xavier replies with a shrug. "Just going over some business-related emails." Natalie raises an eyebrow. "<I know he's not telling me everything.>" She takes a few steps closer to where Xavier is sitting, trying to get a

*His lips quirk into a slight smile and he breezes over, taking a seat next to me on the large couch. He glances between his father and mother before leaning in closer to me, his voice lowering to just barely audible.* "Don't worry about them. They can be more bark than bite.""

Upon entering Xavier's office, Natalie notices him sitting at his desk, surrounded by papers and a couple of other mafia members scattered around the room. The group goes silent as they notice her presence. "Good morning, Natalie," Xavier greets her with a smile, standing from his seat. The other members follow suit, nodding their heads in greeting to her. "I apologize for the intrusion, I just wanted to check in," Natalie responds, feeling a bit out of place but trying to remain cordial. Xavier nods, still smiling. "Of course, my dear. I was hoping to speak with you today anyways. But first, would you like some breakfast? I'll have it brought up for you." Natalie nods, grateful for the offer. "Thank you, that would be lovely." Xavier then gestures towards one of the guards, signaling for