Riven was testing him.
And Xavier refused to play.
Roughly, he turned Riven around, keeping his grip firm as he pulled the shirt down his shoulders, careful to slip the sleeves past his bound wrists. He didn't miss the way Riven shuddered slightly at the contact.
Not from discomfort.
From something else.
Xavier ignored it.
"Awfully rough with me, aren't you?" Riven teased, voice smooth despite the firm handling. "You're stronger than you look, Xavier. Oh wait, I mean you look very strong."
Xavier didn't acknowledge the words.
Didn't react.
Didn't give Riven the satisfaction.
Instead, he moved next to remove Riven's pants.
But the moment he reached for them—
Riven grinned.
A wicked, knowing grin.
Like he had been waiting for this moment.
Like he was enjoying making things as difficult as possible.
Xavier froze.
Just for a second.
And that was all he needed to decide: No.
He wasn't going to give Riven this victory.
