C143 So wet for me

Xavier's stride was predatory as he pursued Cathleen across the gravel drive, the crunch of stones under his shoes punctuating his intent. She reached for the SUV's handle, sleek and silver under the sun's glare, but Xavier's hand shot out, beating her to it with a swift, deliberate motion. He pulled the door open wide, the hinges groaning softly under his control.

"Mrs. Knight," he began