Page 21 of Midnight Legacy

“Danzer after my grandpa.”

Jordan shot Xavier a look before typing on his phone.

“What’s going on?” I asked. “Someone needs to tell me why my uncle being alive is so much drama.”

Xavier sighed and it sounded like it came from the depths of his soul. “Danzer or Dante or Uncle Dan is the person running the operation Malcolm was involved in.” He let his words sink in, staring at me.

“I…” My teeth bit the inside of my mouth. “The business that involved young children?”

Xavier nodded grimly. “I can see why your father didn’t want him around two young girls.”

I tucked my knees against my chest and wrapped my arms around my legs. In my memories, Uncle Dan had been the man who swung me high in the air and caught me when I jumped out of the apple trees. He’d been my hero when my parents had told me off. Deep down inside, I regretted insisting on attending the funeral and tarnishing those memories. I’d wanted to be Xavier’s wife and share his life. I was beginning to realise there were benefits in being kept in the apartment like Megan.

There was nothing to say, so to avoid everyone watching me, I wandered to the window and watched the lights of the city. I jolted when Xavier’s head rested on my shoulder, his hand splayed over my tummy. Our eyes met in the window. There was no need for words between us, he knew me better than I knew myself some days.

The intercom buzzed and Jordan lifted the phone. “Did anyone order takeaway?” he called out.

“Yeah, I ordered Thai earlier,” I replied, leaning back into Xavier.

“Fuck, yeah,” Ash retorted, getting up and heading to the door. “I’m starving.”

“Thanks, baby.” Xavier kissed the side of my neck. “I forgot about dinner.”

I slowly turned in the circle of his arms. “I want to be there for the opening tomorrow night, but after that, I’ll stay inside until the baby’s born.”

My entire adult life, I’d craved independence and control. It was hard to relinquish that control to anyone. Xavier didn’t reply, but his arms tightened, and he kissed my forehead. We stayed there watching the city until Jordan and Ash returned with our food.

The scent of spicy noodles made my mouth water, and the atmosphere changed from heavy and oppressive to jovial with boxes of food being passed around the table. The guys could eat a lot of food, so I’d ordered different dishes to cater to everyone’s preferences.

Bottles of beers were passed around the table, and everyone started to relax until it no longer felt like we’d attended a funeral today. Megan laughed as Jordan fed her noodles from his chopsticks and Ash finally smiled.

My phone pinged as Megan started to clear the plates away.

We need to talk, Uncle D x.My heart was stuck in my throat and my hand trembled. I didn’t reply, merely handed my phone to Xavier.

His expression changed from calm to a force ten gale in an instant. His thumb hit the number and he put my phone to his ear. “Where the fuck did you get my wife’s number?”

Jordan automatically lifted his phone and started typing. I swear that phone had every app known to man on it. He made a circular motion to Xavier.

“I don’t give a fuck who you are…” Xavier fell silent, his gaze fixing on me. “She already has family. Just stop!”

He pushed himself back from the table, his chair hitting the floor and making me jump.

“Listen, do you think I’m going to let you anywhere near her? She needed someone to care for her when her family died. She needed someone to care for her when she was thrown into the care system by that asshole Clive. Cassandra does not need an uncle, who didn’t even know his family was dead, in her life now.”

Xavier’s jaw tightened as he paced. “If she’d wanted to talk to you, she wouldn’t have handed her phone to me. Are you fucking serious?”

He held the phone beside him for several seconds. “He says if he doesn’t speak to you immediately, that he’s going to demand your father’s estate.”

I held out my hand and Xavier reluctantly put it in my hand. My thumb hit the speakerphone button and I set it on the table.

“Uncle Dan?”

“Cassandra, it’s so good to hear your voice. Is he treating you well?”

My eyes met Xavier’s. “What do you want, Uncle Dan?”

His laugh washed over me, evoking memories from my childhood. “I’m your only family left in the world.”

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