Page 31 of The Keeper

A flurry of activity in front of one of the houses on my street caught my attention. Several cars were parked near it, which struck me as odd. This particular home had been empty since I’d moved here nearly ten years ago. Every so often I’d see gardeners tidying up the lawn or clearing out the brush from all the rose bushes but that was it.

I slowed down and pulled over, wondering if whoever owned it finally put it up for sale. It’s a really nice house. The kind those Hollywood types would scoop up for some Christmas-themed rom-com. The whole village could be in a movie with its little cobblestone streets and cozy shops and English charm. I laughed at myself. I always appreciated architecture but a location scout, I was not.

A man and woman engaged in a tense discussion by the front door. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed someone exit one of the cars. She stormed over toward them carrying a large envelope.

My heart stilled.

Victoria had piled her hair up in a loose bun, exposing the delicate skin of her neck. Gone was the sexy cream-colored outfit from last night’s event. Instead, she wore jeans and a loose-fitting top. It was just as sexy and made my cock just as hard.

I ran my hand through my hair, debating whether or not to get out. The conversation between them appeared heated.

“Fuck it,” I muttered, exiting my car.

The sound of Victoria’s distressed voice carried across the yard.

“This is not happening,” she proclaimed. “I can’t make it any clearer. I have all the necessary paperwork from my attorney plus a full payment ready for transfer. We’re done here.”

“Your mother already—“

“My mother has no say in what I do anymore,” she yelled. “I’m paying double what you were offered. It’s done.”

“That’s the dumbest thing I ever heard,” the man standing in front of the door exclaimed. “This offer was agreed to before you even got off the plane. Helena made it clear she’d be sending someone to finalize everything and sign the paperwork to close it out.”

“Ms. Chase, please,” the woman said in a soft, even tone. “I realize this is hard for you and the fam—“

“I’m not signing anything that originated with my mother or her lawyer. If you want to close on this house,” she lifted the envelop, “this is the only deal you’re being offered.”

I paused at the edge of the lawn. Her voice was tinted with real pain. I didn’t like hearing her so upset. I wanted to make it better for her in some way. Seeing her this agitated sparked a deep, non-negotiable urge to protect her. Fiercely protect her. My hands balled into fists.

“Hey, what’s going on here,” I demanded, stalking over to them.

When Victoria turned I had the same reaction I always did. Her beauty was strong enough to knock me down. So was the look of utter shock consuming her gorgeous features.

“This doesn’t concern—“ The man glanced at me with a haughty attitude before he recognized me. “You’re Xavier Maddox.”

“This isn’t the time or place for that bullshit, mate,” I growled. “I’ll ask one more time. What’s going on here.”

This idiot practically fell over himself walking toward me. “You don’t understand. I’m B-Ben Arrington,” he stammered, “from Building As One. Your club has done a lot of work with us—“

“Still doesn’t answer my question.” I crossed my arms, staring down at him.

“We’re purchasing this cottage to renovate it.”

“Sounds like the lady here doesn’t want that to happen.”

Ben regained some of his composure. “I understand but it’s not hers. It belongs to her parents.” He shot Victoria a petulant look that made me want to rearrange his entire body. “They’ve already accepted the offer. We just need—“

“Yeah, I heard all of it from the street,” I retorted, ignoring Victoria’s open-mouthed stare. “Has any money actually exchanged hands between you and her family. Any promissory notes?”

“No.”

“I’m no expert but it sounds like there’s no actual sale yet.”

“Mr. Maddox, we appreciate your interest,” the woman interjected, “but this is a private matter.”

“And you are?” I inquired.

“Natalie Moran. I’m the realtor.”

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