Page 66 of Real Tree / Fake Boyfriend

“How did you find me here?”

“I followed you earlier.” Rossi let out a low whistle. “Nice place. I didn’t know you had friends in such high places.”

Julien hurriedly fished out his wallet and ignored the chill in his fingertips, which had settled into his bones. It had nothing to do with the blizzard he was standing in, either. “Here. Take your fucking money. I’m done now.” He thrust the twenty-five hundred dollars at Rossi, who took it and counted it out.

Julien expected him to be satisfied, but when Rossi pocketed the money, he turned his gaze to Julien once more. “There’s a late fee, bud. It’s after six. I want another fifteen thousand.”

Julien stared at him. Rossi had to be joking. When did he have any authority over how much money Julien owed? Julien made his deal with Lou, and, yes, Lou had adjusted the total more than a few times in ten years. But Julien didn’t make the deal with Tony.Who the actual fuck doeshe think he is?

“Fuck off. That wasn’t part of the deal. You’re the one who pushed the deadline up. I still have two days, according to your uncle.”

Rossi’s eyes were on the house again. “What, afraid to ask your friends for help? You weren’t afraid of asking the boss for help when your mom was sick. I’d hate for this to get messy when you’ve cooperated nicely before all of this.”

Julien’s blood boiled, and he stepped forward to grab Rossi by the coat, but the door opened, spreading more light onto the snow-covered driveway.

“Julien?” Tyler looked between him and Rossi, his eyes wide. Confusion settled on his face. “What’s going on?”

Julien wanted to howl. This was the last thing he wanted.

Rossi patted Julien’s arm and grinned. “Hey there. I’m Tony, Julien’s friend.”

“Tyler, get back inside.” Julien’s voice came out lower than he meant to, but he wouldn’t let anything happen to Tyler, not on his watch. He would never forgivehimself.

“Ah! So, you’re the Tyler I’ve heard about. I’ve gotta say, you have a great place,” Rossi said, a grin spread over his sharp features.

Tyler stood in the doorway. His eyes darted from Julien to Rossi. “I… didn’t know Julien had friends in the area.”

Julien gave the slightest shake of his head. He didn’t know if Tyler could even see it. “I owed Tony some money.” He tried to let his words carry all the meaning in each syllable. “But he’s got it now, so he’ll be on his way.”

But then Hailey appeared over her brother’s shoulder. “Are you guys crazy? It’s negative a thousand out here.” She registered that there was someone else in the driveway and squinted. “Hi?”

“Hi there, Doll. I’m Tony, Julien’s good pal. Ain’t that right, Jules?” Tony shoved a sharp elbow into Julien’s side.

Julien huffed and cleared his throat. “Yep.”

“Well, come inside. We’re about to eat,” Hailey said. “I… guess we can set a place for you, Tony. No one should be out in this weather.” She looked at Tyler, and the pair stared at each other for a long moment.

“Sounds great.” Tony shoved Julien away from him before striding toward the house. “I’m starving.”

Julien watched with dread as Tony brushed by the twins and entered the Ashford home. Julien followed but stopped once Hailey closed the front door. He hooked an arm around Tyler’s waist.

“We have to get him out of here,” he whispered, trying to think of what they could do. He couldn’t call the cops. The Rossi family wouldn’t let him get away with having one of their own arrested. But he couldn’t just sit there and let a dangerous man sit at the dinner table with this innocent family.

“Who is he? I saw him talking to you earlier,” Tyler whispered.

“Anthony Rossi.” Julien looked over Tyler’s shoulder.

Tony took a seat at the table next to Wally.

Julien pressed his face closer so he wouldn’t be overheard. “Ten years ago, I borrowed money from the Rossi family to pay my mom’s medical bills.” He clenchedhis jaw. “That money you gave me was supposed to be the last of my payments. But now he wants more.”

Tyler’s eyes widened, and his throat bobbed as he swallowed. “He’s like a mafia guy?” he whispered.

“Kinda, sort of, yes,” Julien admitted. “And he’s dangerous, but I can’t risk calling the cops. I’ve done too much shit for the Rossi family. They’d find a way to put me in jail or worse if we did.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?” Tyler asked. “Earlier. I could have helped you.”

Julien shook his head. “I don’t want you involved in this, Baby.”

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