HIS PRETENSE BRIDE

CHAPTER 38

Xander's POV

Over the years, I have learnt from different situations to expect anything from the universe. And when I say anything, it could be anything. What, however, I didn't see coming is Lane Russell and Danielle Lore. She was going to be Danielle Gold. She was going to be my wife. She was going to be married to me.

I exhale as I look away from Lane. He's gone to the other side of the club and I know he can feel my eyes on him. Watching him. Over the past two years, Lane hasn't turned up for our yearly hangout. I haven't really thought anything of it except missing him. I know he is fine since we regularly check in with each other as I do with others.

What I cannot comprehend is how he is with Danielle.

I take a swig of whatever the bartender served me in my tumbler, downing the harsh liquid for a second before putting the glass down. My attention shifts to Reed as he approaches me alone with Dave and Sawyer, leaving their women behind. I look around the club trying to spot Alexa since she is like a moth to my flame but she is nowhere in sight. I haven't seen her since she excused herself to use the restroom. 

I reach for my phone in my pocket to text her to ask her where she is but Dave snatches my phone from me as he takes his seat on the space beside me. I turn to glare at him but he doesn't bulge.

“Let your woman be for a few minutes. I promise, she is capable of taking care of herself.” He tells me and I frown.

“As if you do that,” I eye him.

“Oh trust me, I do. I try not to make my wife sick of my constant check-ins on her.” 

“I don't think she can be sick of you. You both are obsessed with each other.” I roll my eyes.

“Well, that makes four of you.” Reed says. He is settled on the couch opposite the one I and Dave are sitting on.

I chuckle and lean back into my seat as Dave hands me my phone again. “Your wife is with Sofia. I'm afraid of what those two women can do together.” He says.

“Don't be,” I grin. “There are grown women who are capable of taking care of themselves.” I add.

He glares at me. “Motherfucker!” 

Sawyer shakes his head at us at our banters. Dave and I have always been the ones with clashing energy in the group. Funny how we are the closest. We also understand each other best. No other person comes close in the group.

I lean back in my seat and fill my glass with the tequila bottle Sawyer brought with him. “So, tell us about Anastasia. We haven't heard much.” 

Reed shakes his head, a grin threatening to split his face. I usually don't bother with whatever women or dates Reed brings to our annual dinner, but because he mentioned moving to New York earlier, I have every cause to believe that it's because of her.

“Yeah, Reed, tell us about Anastasia.” Sawyer nudges him and he rolls his eyes again.

Clearing his throat, Reed starts to talk. “We met at a bar. Not what you are thinking, she is not my usual type. Very serious and quiet. We have been taking things very slow, moving at her pace. She's gone through some things and moving to a new environment will help her out a lot.” He explains.

A low whistle escapes Dave's lips. “Damn, boy! You sound like a love sick puppy.”

“Ain't that a good thing?” Reed grins.

“It is,” I nod, understanding every bit of it. “You love her but just to be clear, does she love you?” I ask.

The whole group turns to me and it's takes me only a few seconds more to realize how that sounded. Fuck. I don't even mean it that way. I open my mouth to speak but Reed cuts me off with a shake of his head.