Wilted Flower

Craving You

Xavier and I headed to Paris—a way to escape, even if just for a little while. He said he had connections there, so we'd be safe. When we arrived at our hotel, the woman at the counter lit up at the sight of him, her gaze lingering just a bit too long.

"I've booked you the two largest rooms, Mr. Silvestre," she said, a little too eagerly.

"Thank you," Xavier replied coolly.

We headed to our rooms in silence.

"You need to get some sleep, Maya," he said once we reached my door.

"Are you okay?" I asked, noticing his tense expression. He hadn't brought his blood bags with him.

"Don't start, Maya," he snapped.

"I'm just saying... we were in a rush, and I know you forgot them."

"I'll be fine," he muttered before disappearing into his room. I sighed, walking into mine. I changed into my sleepwear, too tired to argue further.

The next morning, I woke up to the smell of breakfast. Xavier was already in my room.

"What are you—?"

"I brought you breakfast. Eat, Maya," he interrupted, his voice firm.

I got out of bed, grabbed an orange, and started peeling it, glancing at him with a small smile.

"What?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.

"Nothing. You're just always so... tense," I replied. "We're on vacation. You should relax."

"I am relaxed," he grumbled, heading back to his room.

I spent most of the morning reading in my room. By noon, I was getting restless. I knocked on Xavier's door and found lunch already brought in, but he was nowhere in sight. I ate and waited for him, but an hour passed before he finally walked in.

"Where were you?" I asked, curious.

"So now you're concerned about my whereabouts?" he replied, his voice edged with sarcasm.

"No... I just—never mind," I said, shaking my head.

I stood up and faced him. "We're going to the pool. I've been cooped up in here for too long."

"No, I'm not. Vampires don't like water."

"Too bad. You're still coming," I said, not giving him a choice.

I grabbed my clothes and changed into a pair of shorts and a pink blouse since I didn't have actual swimwear. The pool was quiet, and I slipped into the water, relishing the coolness against my skin. A few minutes later, Xavier appeared by the pool.

"See? You're here," I teased.

"Only because I have nothing better to do than babysit you," he replied dryly.

I grinned and splashed some water in his direction.

"Maya!" he shouted, stepping back in surprise.

I couldn't help but laugh.

"Why are you so playful? You're like a child," he said, clearly annoyed.

"See? You're not relaxed."

For a brief moment, I thought I saw a flicker of a smile on his face.

"You know, when I was younger, my stepfather and I would go to the nearest water park during the summer. I loved it," I said, my voice soft with nostalgia.

Xavier stepped closer to the pool, crouching by the edge. I swam toward him, our eyes meeting.

"What about your family? Your dad?" I asked gently.