Page 82 of Rear View
My rally boy adjusted his mic, linked his hands, rested his forearms on the table and graced the media with his overpowering presence. “Let’s get this shit show started, shall we?”
A rumble of laughter rolled through the room, followed by shouts of “Xavier!” when each reporter vied for his attention.
My heart swelled. I was happy for him. Happy for them. Just…happy.
He tipped his head toward an older female reporter in the second row, giving her first go.
“Anna Pronger fromSports Weekly. This question is for both of you. You’re new to WRC3, but already in competition for the lead. You’re climbing the rankings fast. To what do you contribute such rapid success?”
Popping a shoulder, Xavier said, “The team.”
“Who’re you?” a hard voice said from behind me.
My spine seized and I turned. A man stood there, his brow furrowed low. Close. Dangerously close. I tried to speak, but my throat closed over, stealing my voice.
“She’s Xavier’s girlfriend,” Sheila spat, her stare raking him up and down. “Who are you?”
He cocked his head, a bizarre interest twigging in his eyes. Not sexual, but predatory in its own right. “Derek. His uncle.”
Uncle?My gaze narrowed, taking in his height, and the sharp angles of his jaw. There was something there. His eyes weren’t arctic, but the coldness in them had me taking a step back.
“When did you two meet?” he asked.
I frowned deeply.When did we meet?What the hell? “Huh?”
The media laughed at something Xavier said in the background.
Derek folded his arms over his chest. “Tough question, is it?”
Xavier’s family or not, the man was an ass.
I twisted my sleeve, my gaze flicking around as if a way out might suddenly appear. I just wanted him to leave me alone, and maybe answering would get him to back off. “A while ago. Why?”
He scoffed. “Where’s Lorelei?”
Lorelei? Who’s Lorelei?“What?”
“Pretty face, but not the brightest, are you?” He shook his head. “Did he tell you anything about his mother?” he asked, enunciating each word as if I were slow.
Oh, God!His uncle, looking for his mother. A mother Xavier didn’t want to be found. Every instinct in me screamed this was about his dad. I took a steadying breath.Stand tall, Ryah. Stand tall.“I’m not sure that’s any of your business.”
Sheila’s eyes were wide as they darted toward the stage before returning to Derek. “Who let you in here?”
His scowl was dark. “Family’s always welcome.”
My stomach twisted as I took another step back. “Somehow, I doubt that.”
“I highly suggest you go, Derek.Now,” Sheila warned.
He eyed her up and down. “I’m not done here.”
The drum of fast-approaching footfalls closed in. I turned in time to see Xavier stalking toward us, his fury-filled eyes hard as ice. Arm shooting out, he shoved Derek, who careened back several feet.
X squared himself to his uncle, hands fisted by hissides, tendons straining against his skin as he snarled through his teeth, “Step the fuck off.” Taking my wrist, he drew me behind him.
Alec took position at Xavier’s side. “Too goddamn far, Derek.”
“Xavier!” Earl called in warning.
