Page 222 of I Will Mend You
“Martina got an expert in inheritance law to look through the contracts,” Myra replies with a grimace. “There’s nothing else I can do.”
Xero steps forward, his shoulders expanding. “Does this guy need to lose five more fingers?”
Paling, she shakes her head. “No, he’s a friend who’s become an annoying asshole who won’t leave me alone.”
It takes a second for the reason to register. The reason why Gavin was always such a creep. The reason why he tattooed BDSM on his fingers. “Don’t tell me it’s because ofthat.”
Her face tightens.
I lean forward. “Seriously?”
When her gaze darts to Xero, I wrap an arm around her shoulder and walk her to the other side of the mezzanine. Xero remains in place. I’m sure having two sisters has gotten him accustomed to giving women their space.
“What happened now?” I ask.
“Don’t laugh.”
I give my head a vigorous shake.
“Do you remember when I told you about taking him to the Wonderland playroom when he was depressed about never being able to find a sub?”
Nodding, I school my features into a neutral mask.
“Well, he’s decided I’m his Domme.”
“Shit. No!”
“Shhh!” She places a finger to her lips. “He’s become obsessed.”
I lean in close and whisper, “Do you want us to have a word with him? If you don’t want Xero to do it, I can pay him a visit?—”
“No, no! He’s harmless, just annoying. He’s spent a fortune refurbishing the shop and excavating the basement for more storage.”
“Where did he get the money?” I ask.
“Computer stuff,” she replies with a shrug and returns to where we left Xero.
I follow her, my brows pulling into a frown. Gavin is more irritating than dangerous, but he also rented Xero’s execution video from X-Cite Media. His name didn’t come up under the list of members, and he didn’t rent any snuff movies. Nobody bothered to investigate him any further because he was insignificant.
Xero approaches us, his expression grave. “We’re going to be out of action for a few weeks. If this man is causing you trouble, say something now, and he’ll be gone before morning.”
“Do you have a mission?” she asks, her gaze darting from Xero to me.
Excitement bubbles up in my chest, and I grin. “Xero is taking me on a trip to France. We’ll be staying at a vineyard in the Armagnac region, then moving on to Paris to explore the catacombs. After that, we’re taking a train to London for a Charles Dickens tour.”
Myra’s eyes soften with a wistful smile. “I wish someone would take me on a romantic vacation.”
Footsteps creak up the metal stairs, making our gazes snap to the direction of the sound. Myra rushes at a fire door and pushes it open. “You’d better go. He’ll recognize you both immediately and call the cops.”
Xero’s jaw tightens. “Let me deal with him.”
I tug at his arm, pulling him towards the exit, but it’s like trying to drag a great oak. “Come on, let’s go.”
The footsteps quicken, and I release Xero’s arm and step outside into the night, knowing he’ll follow. Sure enough, he scoops me off my feet, making me squeal, and jumps off the fire escape like a superhero.
My stomach lurches during the one-story drop, and my mouth opens in a silent scream, even when he lands in a perfect crouch. As he races towards the car, I ask through panting breaths, “Are we late for the airport?”
“Private jets have no boarding times, but I’m in a hurry to introduce you to the mile-high club.”