The Girl He Marked by Laila Callaway novel Chapter 2

Lexi's POV.

I don't speak to my parents for three days.

We avoid each other easily, but I spend my time constantly hoping that there will be a knock on my door, and it will be them, ready to accept my mate.

I meet with Rixon the day before the ball, I drive over to his house and update him on the situation with my parents, not that there is much to say.

'Please can we go somewhere, somewhere other than here, I can't stay here with them hating you,' I beg him as tears run down my face.

He wipes them away with his large hands and pulls me against his chest. I close my eyes and listen to the sound of his steady heartbeat to calm me down.

'Okay, we'll leave,' he whispers and kisses my forehead.

We come up with a plan to sneak him into the ball, his brother will create a diversion, allowing Rixon to cross the border unnoticed.

The day of the ball I go to work at the clinic as usual, but I leave early to get ready. I have a shower and dry my hair, leaving it in natural waves.

I'm just starting my make—up when there's a knock at my door, I freeze then slowly turn around.

'Come in,' I call, my heart racing as I see my mother enter the room. She glances anxiously at me before stepping inside and hanging my dress up on a hook.

'Don't let it crease, come down in an hour,' she says quietly, not looking at me as she heads back to the door.

'Mum, please—' I stand up and she pauses, her hand on the door.

'Don't Lexi, please don't, I can't do this right now,' she whispers, looking at me so I can see the tears brimming in her eyes.

She shuts the door behind her, and I sink back onto my chair, feeling like someone has just kicked me in the stomach. I finish my make—up, but before I put on my dress, I decide to give my father one last chance.

I walk over to their house, knowing that even with the ball in less than an hour, he'll probably be in his office.

The door is slightly ajar, so I push it open, seeing my father sat at his desk. He looks up and sets his mouth in a firm line as he sees me.

'I don't want an argument, I just want to know if you've thought any more about what I said,' I tell him, keeping my voice calm and quiet. He narrows his eyes at me and leans back in his chair, sighing heavily.

'Have you thought about what we said' He counters and I swallow my irritation.

'Do you not trust me to make my own decisions Do you honestly think I would be with him if he wasn't a good guy He treats me so well Dad, I wish you'd give him a chance,' I implore him, but I can see from his hard—set eyes that it's hopeless.

He's silent for a moment before he sits forward and picks up his pen.

'Your mother and I will never accept him,' he says and returns to his work, effectively dismissing me.

'Just remember, this was your choice,' I say quietly and shut the door behind me as I leave.

I return to my room and slide on my dress, which somehow manages to save my mood. By the time my doorbell rings, I'm actually excited for tonight.

I won't let my parents ruin my evening.

I answer the door to find Aria's gay best friend, Jasper, standing on my doorstep looking incredibly handsome in his black half mask.

'Lovely to see you again, Lexi,' he greets me, kissing both my cheeks.

'You too, Jasper. Please will you help me' I ask, holding up my intricate silver mask.

Once we are ready, he offers his elbow and escorts me over to the main house, where music is already resounding across the garden.

People are trickling slowly into the ballroom, the queue weaving on a carpet across the grass. Huge urns full of flowers are placed everywhere, and fairy lights have been hung between the buildings.

I have to admit, Mum has done an incredible job, as usual.

I try to recognize everyone, but the masks obscure their faces and it's difficult. It's a good sign, it means Rixon might not be recognized tonight. Jasper and I accept a glass of champagne as we enter, I sigh contently as my eyes scan over the glittering chandeliers high hanging from the ceiling.

Music fills my ears and I smile at all the couples swirling across the parquet floor, twirling to the waltz that is playing.

Mum really has gone all—out.

Lucia and Aria find us, and we stand by the wall, watching couples dance.

'Cheers to a wonderful night.' Lucia raises her glass, and we clink our glasses.

The sun soon sets, and the chandeliers cast a warm, golden glow across the room.

I glance at Jasper's watch and my stomach twists with nerves as I realize that Rixon will be crossing the border any minute now.

If everything goes to plan, the guards will be distracted chasing Ben and Rixon will be able to slip into the ball.

'Come, dance with me,' Jasper proposes, holding out his hand for me to take. I glance around, catching sight of my father talking with some guards, they rush out of a door at the back of the room.

Ben has crossed the border.

'Bachata Are you sure' I ask him and he grins mischievously at me. He leads me to the middle of the floor and pulls me close against his body.

I take a deep breath and concentrate on following his lead as I start to twist and turn my body in time with his. We step in total synchronization across the floor, our bodies grinding perfectly against each other. He spins me around and pulls me so that my back is pressed to his front, he lifts my arms up and trails his hands down my sides.