Page 58 of Tiago

Reagan sits up.“Claire and I can help with that.We probably know most of the people.”

I cover my woman’s hand with mine.I love how well she’s fitting in with the family.It’s especially helpful that she and Claire seem like they will be good friends.Maybe that might end up being to the detriment of Ryder and me.If they gang up on us… I grin.I can’t wait.

Chapter23

Reagan

The following evening, the gymnasium is packed as we grab our seats near the front.I’m glad that so many people are showing up and taking an interest in Wilde's future.It tells me most of the citizens still have hope.This couldn’t be happening at a better time.

Tiago starts the meeting, tapping the microphone to make sure it’s live before reintroducing himself, reminding everyone about his brother, Ryder, and then bringing Dallas into the fold.

The townsfolk are calmer tonight than the last time the Wilde brothers held a town meeting.People are starting to believe that change is coming.Good change.

There’s a wave of gasps when Tiago announces the rent freeze.A lot of people had heard about it through the grapevine, but many hadn’t believed it.

A commotion at the back of the gym catches my attention, and I turn at the same time most heads spin toward the door.But I’m close enough to Tiago to hear him mutter “fuck” and look back at him to see him handing the microphone to Dallas before he starts jogging toward the exit.

I jump up and follow him.After all, he’s my fiancé.

Dallas starts talking, drawing most people’s attention back to the front.Bless him.Whatever is happening outside, I don’t think Tiago needs everyone in the building to witness it.

I reach the doorway and step outside several seconds after Tiago.My grandfather is next to me in a flash, too.He must have come after me.We were sitting together.

Ryder rushes past me and jumps down the few steps to join Tiago, who is face-to-face with Silvia.I should have known.None of us really believed she had left town, but it’s mindboggling how she thinks she can extort money from Tiago to pay for a child he did not father.

Thomas McAndrews jogs past me next and joins the brothers.Two men are blocking Silvia from approaching any closer.They aren’t touching her, but they won’t let her past them either.

I realize one of them is the sheriff when he turns toward Tiago.“We tried to keep her from entering, Tiago, but she was persistent.”The other man is one of his deputies.

Tiago stands tall, arms crossed.“What are you still doing here, Silvia?”he asks, exasperated.

I move closer to him and put a hand on his back.I want him to know I’m behind him, physically as well as metaphorically.

“I need money, asshole.Isn’t that obvious?”

“You can’t squeeze blood from this turnip, Silvia.”

I almost laugh at his comment.

“Oh please… You’re fucking rich now, and you’re awfully chummy with the people in this town.How do you think they’ll feel about you if I start spreading around the fact that you fathered a child in New York and fled to avoid paying child support?”

I inhale sharply.What a bitch.

“None of that is true, and you know it, Silvia,” Tiago responds.

She laughs sardonically.“Doesn’t matter if it’s true or not, does it?If you want to get rid of me, you’ll have to make me an offer.I think ten grand is a good starting place.”

Tiago growls.“You think you can blackmail me and I’ll just hand over a check?You’re certifiable.How about I call social services in New York instead and have them investigate the living conditions of your child?”

She growls.“There is nothing wrong with my child’s living conditions, asshole.You only have one choice here, or the news is going to spread like wildfire, and that little whore you’ve hooked up with won’t want to have anything to do with you.”

Now, I’m fucking pissed.I step around Tiago, intent on…well, I don’t know what, but it doesn’t matter because Tiago wraps an arm around my middle and hauls me back against him.

Tiago is amazingly calm.“Silvia, go home.”He speaks as though she’s incredibly pitiful.“You’re making a fool out of yourself.”

Thomas steps closer and speaks to Silvia.“Ma’am, I don’t know what the hell you heard, but Tiago doesn’t have access to a single dime of his inheritance.I’m the executor of the Wilde estate.Tiago can’t buy toilet paper without my permission.”

I have to stifle a laugh.Thomas is exaggerating.He would never decline to give any of these men whatever they ask for.I know for a fact he approved the purchase of my engagement ring just this morning, and he’s given all three men open-ended permission to buy new vehicles.However, Thomas is alsoright.He sure as hell wouldn’t give any of the grandchildren ten thousand dollars in blackmail money.

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