Page 25 of Xavier

“Not personally.” Tillie looked extremely uncomfortable, but not like she was going to balk.

“Wouldn’t expect you to know them personally, honey. You know who the Miles family is, though. Right?”

She took a deep breath, then met Knuckles’ gaze with a direct one of her own. “I know they have mafia ties. Other than that, not much. They’ve been in the news some.”

“Yeah. They try to keep a low profile, but it’s hard not to get noticed.” He took a breath and let it out slowly, waiting patiently. I knew he wanted Tillie to ask questions, but she looked like she was at a loss.

“Knuckles. Just say what you need to.” I wasn’t going to let my president make Tillie uncomfortable when there wasn’t a reason. “She’s not gonna faint if you tell her the truth.”

Tillie surprised me by addressing Knuckles. “Look. I don’t have a problem with what you do. If all of you are like Xavier, I know you’re not shaking down mom-and-pop shops for protection money or some shit. That’s not who Xavier is. He wouldn’t stand for anyone else doing it.” Knuckles’ lips twitched but he held his expression blank. “Having said that, I know you’re not always on the right side of the law. And I know you kill when you have to.”

Knuckles shrugged. “Or when someone needs it.”

“Exactly!” Tillie’s smile was genuine as she continued. “I’m sure every single one of you has a mean streak in you, but you’re not the kind of men who’d beat up on people weaker than you are.”

“I like this girl, Xavier. Wasn’t sure about her at first. Seemed a little too gentle for this place, but she’s got fire.” The big oaf grinned. At my woman.

“You got your own old lady, asshole. Don’t grin at mine.”

“Wouldn’t think of it. And you’re a jealous prick for thinkin’ I would.”

“Damn straight I’m a jealous prick!” I draped an arm around Tillie and pulled her closer. “Mine.”

“Why not just pee on her and be done with it?” The voice wasn’t one I recognized. Instinctively I turned, sweeping Tillie behind me to keep myself between her and danger. “Knuckles.” He addressed our president instead of me, which was just as good.

“Antonio.” Knuckles stood and took the hand Antonio offered. “Thank you for coming on short notice.”

“Kiss of Death has made my life easier since our collaboration began. And, to be honest, if we work something out here it’s going to benefit me much more than her.”

“What does that mean?” I could feel my hackles rising. “Who are you talking about?”

Antonio turned his attention to me. “Antonio Miles.” He held out his hand. I didn’t immediately take it, but Antonio didn’t drop his hand yet. “Xavier, I presume?”

“That’s my name.”

“I’m here to help Ms. St. Martin with a piece of property, which includes a house she might wish to liquidate.” Antonio didn’t seem impatient and still stood there with his hand out, like he knew he had to let me have time to make up my mind.

I thought about telling the bastard to fuck himself, but that was the green-eyed monster inside me I hadn’t realized existed. I took his hand in a firm grip. “Sorry. I’m a bit rough around the edges.”

“No apology necessary. Might I speak to your woman?” The bastard had to be all polite and shit. Didn’t change my answer.

“Not alone. You want to talk to her, you do it here.” My tolerance only went so far.

Antonio grinned. “Of course. Ms. Matilda St. Martin?”

“Tillie,” she said.

“Tillie, then. Please call me Tonio.”

“Why would you want to speak to me?” I felt Tillie curl her fingers into the waist of my pants.

“Because you have a house I’m fairly certain you’d like to never see again. I’m willing to pay you a fair price for that little farm.”

“You realize that place isn’t safe. Right?”

Antonio smiled at her. “Of course, you’d warn me. But yes. I’m fully aware of everything going on there. So, my question to you is, would you be willing to sell the property to me?”

“Not that I’m not grateful or anything, but why would you want that place? I don’t know you, but you seem nice. I don’t want anyone getting hurt.”

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