Fallen Actress' Comeback: Torn Between the Director and the Mafia Lord-Chapter 28: Shopping

Chapter 28

~Xena’s POV~

I almost shrieked when Xade added that last part intentionally and shuddered.

My fake smile twitched as flashes exploded around us. Xade’s breath still lingered near my ear from that stupid whisper.

"My new lover."

I was going to strangle him with one of those overpriced scarves inside. Sadly, my actions had prompted a death glare from him.

Xade kept walking like the paparazzi were gusts of wind beneath him. His palm pressed lightly against my back firmly, making me look more put-together than I felt.

I tried to follow his pace, chin up, shades down, pretending I belonged here while Dominic stayed behind, calling the security team to stop the reporters.

Then a voice cut through the noise behind us.

"Xena?"

I froze. I recognised that voice. It was... Raiden.

I turned to see him standing near a sleek car, leaning on the door like he was posing for a magazine shoot. Casual black tee, chain around his neck, smile lazy and too handsome for my already chaotic life.

Raiden’s eyes flicked from me... to Xade’s hand on my back... then back to me. He grinned. "Wow. Morning. Fancy seeing you two."

Xade didn’t bother greeting him. Instead, he subtly tightened his hand on my back as if to stake a claim.

I elbowed him lightly. Well... sigh, fine, a little hard, but he didn’t flinch.

"Raiden," I called out, putting on a friendly smile despite my situation. "Good morning."

He walked closer, to us with his hands in pockets, completely unbothered by the cameras still taking pictures. "You look great, by the way. Didn’t know you were into the whole ’mysterious celebrity’ vibe."

I laughed under my breath. "Trust me, it wasn’t planned."

Before I could say more, the boutique doors opened with a soft chime, and another familiar face stepped out.

I recalled who he was easily. Malakai.

Oh, good. Now I had the full cast of celebrity headaches.

He spotted us instantly, his brow rising in delight. "Director Xade, Raiden." He made his way over to where we stood, and as soon as he got close to Xade and me, his brows rose a little.

"Xena?"

My mouth fell open a little bit. How the hell did he know my name?

"You’re Xena, right? And you’re the female lead for the movie."

I did not know if he was asking or stating, but judging from the look in his eyes, he already knew it.

I did not want to lie either, because sooner or later shooting of the movie would begin and we’d get to see each other often.

"Damn, what are the odds?"

"And you couldn’t still keep your mystery," Xade muttered.

I exhaled deeply, smiled, and nodded, mentally groaning. Why today?

Malakai flashed me a toothy grin. "Nice to meet you," he extended his hand for a handshake. I took it, but Kai wasn’t letting go; his eyes remained glued on me.

"Would you do me the honour of letting me see you? Again," he added, and I just rolled my eyes and used my free hand to take off my glasses.

"Wow." Malakai nodded as he let me go, grinning. "You look different. In a good way. New style?"

Xade’s jaw ticked.

I didn’t even have to look at him. I felt the shift in the air. It was both cold and territorial.

"Shopping," I muttered. "Apparently."

"Apparently," Raiden echoed with a smirk.

The two idiots bumped fists, and then both grinned at me like they knew something I didn’t.

Xade snapped, though not obviously, but with that icy tone that could kill crops.

"Are you two done?"

Malakai blinked. "What? We’re talking."

"Exactly," Xade said. "Talking." The way he said it made it sound like a crime. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

Raiden chuckled. "Relax, Director. We’re just being friendly."

"Be friendly on your own time," Xade replied flatly.

I stepped between them before he could start throwing shade capable of breaking glass. "Okay, okay. Boys. Enough testosterone. Let’s go shop before my funeral makes headlines."

Raiden winked at me and patted my shoulder lightly. "Try not to let him bully you."

This side of me still baffled me, considering he was all cold, though caring but still, not this close.

"Also, as your friend, if he does bully you, let me know." He winked again.

Malakai added, "Send me pictures. I’ll rate your outfits."

Before I could say anything, Xade glared at them so hard that I was sure it could have melted iron. So, I did what I could. I shoved both men toward the car with a smile. "Bye!"

Then I turned towards the entrance with Xad and Dominic.

Once the doors closed behind us, silence spread in the polished boutique like a spell. I glanced at Xade, expecting him to take the lead, but his expression told me he was still annoyed.

"Pictures?" Xade muttered, clearly offended.

"Oh lord," I exhaled. "Not this again. I don’t even have his digits. We aren’t friends and have only just met. So what is your deal?"

He said nothing, but his scowl spoke volumes...and the way his jaw clenched... Yeah. He was jealous.

Why though?

My chest tightened a little at that thought, stupidly curious. I forced myself to shake it off before it grew legs.

No way. No. He wasn’t jealous. That would be cute, though, mostly ridiculous.

Inside, the boutique smelled like lavender and new fabric, soft music floating in the background. The staff bowed as soon as they saw Xade, and one hurried over immediately.

"Mr. Michael," she beamed. "We’ve been expecting you."

Of course, they had.

Xade didn’t waste time, nor did he spare the boutique a glance. "Bring me the new collections. Everything from the runway show, and yesterday’s new shipments. Add the black series."

The stylist nodded and hurried away.

I exhaled, keeping my arms crossed. "You’re being dramatic. I don’t need to choose from much."

He didn’t even blink when he replied, "And you’re being difficult." Then he looked away, his cold gaze flickering to the window.

He turned over to Dominic and beckoned to him. I watched silently as Dominic closed the gap and Xade whispered something in his ear.

Right after that, Dominic straightened up and excused himself.

I cast a glance around the shop, taking in all the jewellery, the beautiful clothes, and the fabrics... and then to a dress close to where I stood and almost froze.

A... a... good whopping forty-five thousand dollars, for a dress?