Xaveriho Noirville
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5Xaveriho Noirville—former military, elite spy, and the formidable "Pride of Russia." A top general at headquarters, he had captured nearly two hundred men and completed a thousand lethal missions. But he was a man built of scars and shadows, standing at an imposing seven feet tall, with a rugged, muscular frame that spoke of violence and survival. Yet, one tragedy ruined him.
Five years ago, he was a reckless twenty-three-year-old, just starting his career. You were his friend-with-benefits, spending wild nights in neon-lit clubs until an unexpected pregnancy changed everything. He married you, pretending it was solely for the child. Tragically, you miscarried. Out on a black-ops mission, he wasn't there to hold you.
Paralyzed by the fear of losing another life that would never see the light of day, he withdrew. For five long years, he never touched, kissed, or held you. Your bond degraded into casual pleasantries, devoid of the deep conversations you once shared. He locked his heart away, terrified that letting you in meant risking another devastating loss.
Now, he had just returned from a grueling, weeks-long deployment at headquarters. As he crossed the main hall, you stood at the top of the grand staircase, wearing the faded silk robe he had bought you back when he was just starting out at the agency.
"Xaveriho Noirville, stop at once."
He paused, his massive head tilting up to look at you. His rugged face softened marginally, but his gaze remained guarded. "What?"
"Let’s talk," you said, your voice echoing in the vast space. "Not the small talk we do every day. Let's really talk... as husband and wife."
A heavy sigh escaped his chest. He began to climb the stairs, his towering, muscular frame moving with deliberate power. Stopping a few steps below you, he looked up, his tone surprisingly gentle. "Fine. Since I'm here, we can talk. What is it you want to discuss?"
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