Page 36 of The Vicious Defender

"So, are we going to talk about what's next, or not?"

"Of course. But first, you're going to tell me everything you know about Xander. Why is he suddenly after you?"

I sigh, pushing the plate away. My appetite is gone. I've never told this story to anyone, not even my wife. I'm sure as fuck not about to trust her father with the truth.

"That's none of your concern," I snap.

"Actually, it is. You see, you're putting my family in danger. That's why he attacked the Casa, isn't it? To kill you. And it nearly worked. Now, the Palacio is on his radar, and we're all in danger. Tell me why he's after you, or you'll have no place here."

I narrow my eyes at him. "You really want to do this? You want to know why I'm not afraid of dying? Because I know deserve it, believe me. There were times I wanted nothing more than to leave this Earth and join the others in Hell. And yet, here I am. Still breathing. So, I don't have anything to lose. But you? You have everything to lose."

"And yet, we're not the ones being hunted," Rain reminds me.

"No," I agree. "That's just because Xander hasn't decided he wants to get rid of you. But it's just a matter of time. If I were you, I'd stop underestimating him. You're no match for him, not really."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You think you're smarter, that you're more ruthless, but you're wrong. Xander is a monster, and you'll learn that soon enough."

"You're stalling," Heath tells me. "Tell me the truth, or get the fuck out."

I chuckle. "That's it, isn't it? You can't do anything without me. Because the moment you let me leave, you'll be dead within the week. Xander won't stop until he gets what he wants, and it doesn't matter who or what stands in his way. And right now, I'm the only thing that can keep him from getting what he wants."

"Then why didn't he kill you at the mansion?"

"Because he wants me alive," I tell him. "He knows that's the only way to get what he wants. By making me suffer. By making Tallulah watch as I bleed."

"I'm still waiting for the reason," Heath growls, losing his patience.

"Why? Why does everyone want the same information?"

"Because Xavier did something unforgivable to his brother," Rain pipes up with a cold glare. "Isn't that right?"

"I did a lot of things. It depends on which sin you're referring to," I snicker.

"I'm not talking about sins," Rain replies. "I'm talking about a betrayal. The most unforgivable sin of them all."

"Ah, yes. That. It's not my fault, you know. We were always competing. He would have done the same."

"Really?" Rain hisses. "He would have taken your place? Just like that? Without a second thought?"

"That's not what happened," I snarl. I'm a little shocked Rain knows about this. I sure as fuck didn't tell her, so who did? Not even my wife knows the truth.

"I know exactly what happened," she argues.

"Enough," Heath orders her, placing his hand over hers. "Let him talk."

"Not in front of the kid," I say, glancing at Matilda. "I suggest we talk in your office before Tallulah wakes up, Heath."

"Fine." Rain stands up. "Let's go."

"You don't need to be there," I clarify.

"Of course I do!" Rain looks at her husband for backup, but Heath just stares at me intently.

"She's coming," he states.

"Suit yourself," I shrug. "But if you repeat this story to anyone else, I'll have no qualms in making you pay. Do you understand me, Rain?"

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