Xavier was halfway to the fridge when Zara's voice rang out.
"Hey, make me breakfast," she called, her tone casual yet commanding.
He paused, turning slightly to shoot her a flat look. "I'm not your slave."
Zara smirked, leaning back into the couch. "You're right. But I could make you one if I wanted to."
Xavier snorted, shaking his head as he opened the fridge. "I'd love to see you try."
Zara, ever the dramatist, rose from her seat and made her way to the kitchen. She hopped up onto the counter effortlessly, her legs dangling as she tilted her head at him. "You know," she began, a mischievous gleam in her eyes, "there are plenty of people out there who would love to be my slave. And here you are, refusing me."
Xavier closed the fridge door, holding a carton of eggs in one hand and a loaf of bread in the other. His gaze slid to her, a smirk forming. "What can I say? I'm not like other people. And besides, being your 'slave' sounds exhausting."
Zara gasped dramatically, clutching her chest as though he had wounded her. "How dare you?" she exclaimed, her voice dripping with mock offense. "I'll have you know, I'm delightful to serve."
Xavier leaned against the counter opposite her, placing the food items down as he crossed his arms. "Delightful isn't exactly the word I'd use," he quipped, his smirk widening.
Zara narrowed her eyes, pointing a finger at him accusingly. "Careful, Steele. You're on thin ice."
"Thin ice is my specialty," he shot back, his voice low and teasing.
She huffed, flipping her hair over her shoulder with exaggerated flair. "Well, for your information," she declared, "I would never take you as a slave."
"Good," Xavier replied smoothly. "Because I'd never be one."
Their gazes locked, the playful tension thick in the air. Zara finally slid off the counter, landing gracefully on her feet. "Enough chit-chat," she announced, smoothing her fuzzy shorts. "We're taking Apollo for his check-up today. Don't think I forgot."
Xavier raised an eyebrow. "Oh, joy," he deadpanned, though the corner of his mouth twitched.
"And," Zara added, a wicked grin spreading across her face, "I can't wait to see Dr. Hayes."
At the mention of the handsome veterinarian, Xavier stiffened ever so slightly, but he recovered quickly, masking it with a neutral expression. "Dr. Hayes?" he repeated, feigning indifference. "The guy who calls Apollo 'his favorite patient' every five minutes?"
"The very one," Zara confirmed, her grin only widening. "He's so sweet, isn't he? Apollo loves him."
"Sure," Xavier muttered, turning back to the eggs and bread. "Apollo loves everyone."
Zara chuckled, grabbing Apollo's leash from the hook by the door. "Don't be jealous, Xavier. It's not a good look on you."
"I'm not jealous," he replied, not bothering to look up.
"Right," Zara teased, winking as she sauntered out of the kitchen. "You keep telling yourself that."
Xavier shook his head, the faintest smile tugging at his lips as she disappeared around the corner.