HIS PRETENSE BRIDE

CHAPTER 36

Alexa's POV

I'm sweating so much that I'm itching to get out of the kitchen. It's Saturday and preparations have been ongoing to receive the guests. They will be here in an hour and I just rounded up in the kitchen. 

After giving final instructions to the maids, I step out of the kitchen. I crack my fingers as I pass by the dinning room. It's a sight to behold, screaming exquisite decor and sophistication. A proud smile blooms on my face as I make my way up the stairs.

I can't take all the credits though. 

Sofia has been here a few times to help out with all I need even though all she did was hang around the kitchen telling me the latest trends and society's gossip. I don't even know most of the people she mentioned, but I nodded along anyway, because she kept me company. I finally sent her home two hours ago so she could get ready for dinner. 

I  climb up the stairs, exhaling tiredly.  I don't want to be tired. If I get too tired, I will mess up my dinner and I can't mess up. Xander didn't sign up for a wife like that. When I walk into the room, Xander is almost ready. He is seated on the bed, typing away on his phone. He's been out a few times today, attending to some things and seeing to it that his friends arrive safely to their hotel room.

Despite all my talk about having them sleep over, Xander refused. His friends turned him down anyway, claiming they had all booked hotel suites and the likes. As I stride into the room, he glances up from his phone and stares at me.

“Finished yet?” He asks, watching me. 

I nod. “And now I'm feeling tired.” I sigh. 

“I asked you not to handle it, but you insisted. My friends would love you anyway. And if they don't, they will have to deal with me.” He threatens and I snort.

“So, you will bully them into loving your wife. Is that what you are saying, Mr. Gold?” I ask, succumbing to my wit.

Xander's eyes gleam as he rises from his position on the bed. He stalks toward me. “I'm saying that I will do whatever it takes to protect you.” He tells me.

I exhale, looking him over. “I like the sound of that.” 

He stares at me for a few seconds before he nods his head. “Good,” he says, satisfied. “Now, come here. Let me make you feel better.” He adds.

“Feel better?” I incline my head at him, a teasing smile making its round on my face.

“Yes, pretty woman.” He confirms. 

“Hmm. As much as I love the sound of that, I feel sticky with sweat. Plus, time is fast approaching. Let's save that for later.” I tell him, leaning to kiss the disappointment off his face. He leans into the kiss on his cheeks even though it is brief.

“I will go get ready,” I say to him.

Xander doesn't stop me and I go ahead to soak myself in a tub for a few minutes. My body slowly relaxes, and I let out a groan as I move my body. I've been on my feet for hours and I didn't really feel pain in my legs. Practice over the years made things better for me.

I stare at my nails which I got a few days ago with Sofia. It's nicely painted white and I just love the uniqueness and design. The nail tech did a pretty great job. When I get tired of the tub, I step into the shower and let the water relieve me of my stress.

Few minutes later, I wrap a towel around my body and step into the walk-in closet. I haven't yet decided what I want to wear for dinner. Having an array of different designer dresses doesn't help so I find it quite difficult to make my pick.