The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 2

When we finally pull away, he slides me down his body, but keeps his arms around my waist, holding me close to him.

'Hi,' I breathe, feeling breathless and heady from our kiss.

'Hey, beautiful,' he whispers, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

I step out of his arms and turn around to find the guys are sitting next to their respective mates, the group watching us with amusement.

I feel a surge of pride that this delicious man is mine, and that he's more than happy to show me off to his friends.

We sit down at the table and I hurriedly down half my drink, trying to avoid the pointed looks I get from the girls.

'So, what do your parents think Lex I bet your mum is pleased,' Aria says and my smile drops, I was hoping I wouldn't have to think about my parents any time soon. I glance up at Rixon and his mouth is set in a hard line, I wish Aria hadn't said anything.

'Um, they don't know yet, it's been a bit weird with them at the moment,' I hedge, hoping that they'll get the hint that I don't want to talk about it. Seb shoots me an apologetic smile and quickly changes the topic. Underneath the table, Rixon reaches for my hand and winks at me.

I manage to keep the conversation off of the subject of Rixon and me for a while, but then Jayce pipes up.

'Lexi, isn't your parents' ball soon' He asks and I wince as I remember, it's in just over a week.

'Um yeah it is, you're all invited by the way,' I offer and luckily everyone starts discussing how they'll get there, what they'll wear, etc.

'Can I talk to you for a moment' Rixon whispers in my ear, we excuse ourselves and step outside into the street. He pulls off his jacket and wraps it around my shoulders, a cliché move but still very sweet.

'I'm going to be away for a couple of days, I've got an assignment,' he explains, and I nod, trying not to think about what he'll be being paid to do.

'Do you know when you'll be back' I ask and he shakes his head.

'It should only be a couple of days.'

'You'll be back before the ball' I ask, and he raises his eyebrow in a silent question.

'I was thinking I could tell my parents about you the day before the ball, they'll be so distracted with all the preparations that they won't be able to make a big deal out of it,' I shrug, and he looks at me with amusement.

'I just want you to be happy Lex, if you want to tell your parents, that's your choice,' he replies, and I wonder for the millionth time how I got so lucky.

'I know they'll like you; it'll just be a surprise for mum,' I explain, smiling at the thought of how shocked she'll be.

'Well I hope it's a good surprise,' Rixon mutters as I give him back his jacket. We enter the bar to hear chanting at the back.