Page 93 of Boss Level

Did he really just say that? Why was I surprised?

“I do.” Xander nodded. “Do you know whoIam?”

This was fascinating and terrifying and did I mention fascinating? Also, I was swooning a bit. A big bit.

“Nobody,” Dale said.

I wished I could see Xander’s face right now, for a variety of reasons, but because I pictured a slow, threatening smile sliding into place. “I’m Lewis Haddar’s oldest grandson.” Holy shit, he’d pulled out the family name. “Do you know what a man like that could do to your standing?”

“That’s an empty threat.” The way Dale chuckled, he wasn’t convinced. “You’re the family black sheep. You’ve all-but been disowned.”

“It doesn’t matter. I still wear my family name, and if you know my grandfather, you know that legacy is everything. He may not like me, but I mean a hell of a lot more to him than some random abusive prick who wields their god and faith like a shield. Walk out of this house now. Never come near Claire again. Or Judith. Or Dominic. Never let me find out that you’ve talked to anyone I care about.”

I was a strong, smart, independent woman who probably could’ve handled this myself, but was I turning into a swoony puddle at how Xander was doing it? Definitely.

He turned away from Dale, and the world slowed to a crawl. I watched, stunned, as Dale swung a wild punch at the back of Xander’s head.

And missed, clipping his shoulder instead.

NowI could see Xander’s expression, and the way his eyes narrowed was sexy in a terrifying kind of way. “Now I’m going to hit you.” He drove his elbow into Dale’s gut.

“Sir, step back please.” That was a new voice, and the way he saidpleasetold me it wasn’t a request.

The police were here. That was a good thing, wasn’t it?

Xander held up his hands and put a few feet between him and Dale.

“Elder Monson?” Officer One hovered his hand over his taser. “Are you all right?”

Fuck.

“This man just assaulted me.” Dale’s calm, authoritative mask was back.

No. Uh-uh. He wasn’t doing that here. “This ismyhome.Elder Monsonforced his way in.” My heart plummeted when Officer Two faced me, expression tight. Holy shit, I recognized him.

“It’s you.” Carl smiled. “From the gas station.”

Was this for real?

“Who else is in the house?” Officer One barked.

“My roommate, and my friend.” Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Claire and Dominic step into the room.

Dale clenched his jaw. “Roommate? That’s my wife. You took her. You’ve kept her here.”

Was he serious right now? Of course he was. “You dropped her at a gas station and she called me for a ride,” I said.

“Enough.” Officer One didn’t look happy to be surrounded by so many unknown variables. “Nobody move while we sort this out.”

“I just want to take my wife home.” Dale didn’t move.

He wasn’t taking her anywhere. “She doesn’t want to go with you.” I turned to Officer Two. “You never called me.”

“I didn’t think you were serious.”

Xander’s fingers twitched, but he kept still.

“I don’t joke about handing my business card out.” Could I pull off sweet and in control at the same time? We were about to find out. “Please. This man forced his way into my home. He threatened my roommate, and he tried to hit my friends. Please take him out of here.”

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