Page 103 of Haunted

The question hits harder than I want to admit. “She won’t.”

“You sure about that? Because from where I stood, she looked pretty determined to expose us all. A few good fucks aren’t going to change that.”

“It wasn’t just—” I stop myself before admitting how deep Mira has gotten under my skin.

Vane grins wickedly. “Oh, this is good. Xavier’s gotfeelings.”

“I don’t havefeelings,” I snap. “I have a year-long contract that ensures her silence.”

“Keep telling yourself that,” Knox says, his usual humor returning. “But next time you want to mock my methods, remember that artists appreciate subtlety. Your prey? She’s going to eat you alive.”

“Speaking of business,” I say, pulling out my phone to check messages, “we’ve got that trade with Tyson tomorrow night. Warehouse district, usual spot.”

Knox perks up, always eager for action. “What’s the shipment?”

“Fifty kilos moving through on their way to the coast.” I scroll through Tyson’s latest update. “Clean run, no complications expected.”

“Famous last words,” Vane mutters, lighting a cigarette. “Remember the last time you said that? We ended up in a three-hour shootout with the Morettis.”

“That was different. Sofia’s father was making a point about territorial boundaries.”

Landon straightens. “Speaking of the Morettis, any word on whether they’re still sniffing around our operations?”

“Nothing concrete. But I want minimal exposure tomorrow.” I look at my brothers. “Two of us max. Keep it simple.”

Knox hops down from the barrier. “I’ll go. Could use some excitement after all that... artistry.”

“You mean after tying a woman to furniture and calling it foreplay?” Vane shoots back.

“Hey, she liked it! Bianca’s got this whole fantasy about being a masterpiece, so I made her one. Sue me for being creative.”

“Creative is one word for it,” Landon says dryly.

I ignore their bickering, focusing on logistics. “Knox, you’re with me. Vane, you and Landon will handle the club tomorrow. Make sure operations run smoothly while we’re out.”

“What about our new... acquisitions?” Vane asks, exhaling smoke. “They start their contracts tomorrow.”

“They adjust. Part of the deal.” I pocket my phone. “Mira knew what she was signing up for when she put her name on that line.”

Knox snorts. “Did she, though? Because watching her face during the ceremony, I’d say she’s still processing the reality of belonging to a Blackwood.”

“She’ll learn,” I say firmly. “They all will.”

Landon checks his watch. “It’s almost dawn. Shouldn’t we be getting back? Your prey is probably wondering where her new owner disappeared to.”

The word ‘owner’ feels heavier than it should. But I shake off the feeling.

“Let’s ride,” I say, pulling my helmet back on. “Tomorrow’s going to be a long day.”

The engines roar to life beneath us, but instead of falling into formation, I veer off toward the city center. Away from the estate. Away from the familiar route home.

“Xavier!” Knox’s voice cuts through the wind as he pulls alongside me at a red light. “Where the fuck are you going?”

I rev the engine, jaw tight beneath my helmet. “See you tomorrow.”

“Like hell!” He yanks off his helmet, blue eyes blazing with that familiar manic energy. “You’re not seriously?—”

“I said tomorrow, Knox.”

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