Read Entangled: Sequel to Awakened for Free Online Page A

of her room and it swung open. He froze as he stepped in. A man was in her bed and, instead of Aline leaning back on her pillows, she was leaned back on his chest. The man’s arms were wrapped around her, resting far too close to her breasts as far as Xavier was concerned. His temper spiked.
    Aline appeared to be asleep so instead of bellowing and ripping the man from the bed like he wanted to, he gritted his teeth and asked, “who the fuck are you?”
    The man smiled at him. He’s in bed with my girl and the fucker smiles at me!
    “Hi,” the handsome young man whispered. “I’m Bradley Wright.”
    So, this is Bradley. Aline said he was only a friend. Friends don’t hold another man’s girl like that and gaze at her tenderly like he was when I entered the room. She might think they are only friends but it doesn’t appear Bradley has received the memo.  Xavier’s blood was beginning to boil.
    To make the situation worse and add to Xavier’s angst, Aline turned toward her side and snuggled further into her friends’ chest. She threw her arm around him. When Bradley kissed the top of her head, Xavier felt steam shooting out of his ears.
    “Have a seat,” Bradley said.
    Xavier dropped his briefcase onto the floor and plonked onto a chair. The man before him had no idea how hard Xavier was fighting to keep his temper under control. He had visions of tearing Bradley from the bed and flinging him straight out of the window.
    “You must be Xavier Pierce. Aline mentioned you would be in to help her study. Thank you.”
    “It’s no trouble,” Xavier mumbled. Something was nagging at him, other than this man being in his girl’s bed with his arms wrapped around her.
    “We can’t wait to have her back home. Her family, friends and of course myself, miss her terribly.”
    The penny dropped. “Bradley Wright. Wright Constructions.”
    “That’s me. I’ve been working with my father since I graduated with a Business Degree six months ago.”
    “Our biggest competition,” Xavier mused. My informants tell me you are very innovative and are making some major changes to take the company forward.”
    “You are well informed. My father is encouraging me to pull our company out of the past and become more competitive.”
    “Good for your business. I’m going to have to ensure we stay on top of our game and abreast of what the latest technology has to offer if I don’t wish for us to be overtaken.”
    “You flatter me, Mr. Pierce but, we are a very long way from being a threat to you.”
    “I think Mr. Wright, from what I am told, you underestimate your ability.”
    “Please, call me Bradley. I guess time will tell.”
    “Xavier. Yes indeed. Time will tell. What is your interest in Aline?”
    “I have known her and been friends with her since our first day at school. Unfortunately her feelings don’t match mine at this point in time but they will.”
    Confident bastard. “So you believe she will change her mind about your friendship?”
    “Yes, I do but, tell me Xavier, why should it interest you?”
    “I intend to have her for myself.”
    “You do? Have you asked Aline if it’s what she wants?”
    “Aline doesn’t know she wants me yet, but she will.”
    “Again, time will tell.” Bradley smirked.
    Xavier wanted to knock the smirk from his face. Wanted to beat him to a pulp.
    Aline rolled onto her back. “Will you two quit beating your chests like cavemen? Neither of you will ever be more than a friend.” She sat up straighter and turned to face Bradley. “You and I have had this conversation a thousand times. I love you but as a friend, nothing more.” She spun back to Xavier. “You Mr. Pierce are dangerous. You are over confident, too sure of yourself and I think, manipulative. I would be well served to stay clear of any entanglement with you. The jury is still out on a friendship.”
    Well, well, well. The woman has more fire than I anticipated. This will be fun.
    “Bradley, please get out of