Her innocence draws me to her. My obsession keeps me coming back. I will break Kaye Pennington, no matter what it takes. Cruel Beginnings takes place three years before the start of Cruel Intentions. When Xavier's father marries Kaye's mom, it tangles their futures together forever. In life, you have to decide if what you want is worth the evil you do. For Xavier McCade, the answer is always yes. Note: Cruel Beginnings sets the scene for Xavier and Kaye's relationship in Cruel Intentions.