I open the door, and he’s pulling a rolling suitcase behind him. I laugh.
When I close the door, Xander gives me a mischievous grin. “You’re going to love this.”
* * *
An hour and a half later, Xander leaves. I can’t suppress the smile on my face. Batman’s in for a surprise—this is so much fun!
16
CAGE
It’s been a very long day. Arguing over contracts with temperamental artists is never fun… so, in the end I told them either they take it or leave it. It isn’t getting any better here or anywhere else.
When it came time to put up or shut up, they shut up. But by then I had a headache forming. I left the members of Still Water, an up and coming metal band, in the hands of my capable assistant Marta. She’s no nonsense and won’t put up with any of their shit.
I sigh when I close the door to the SUV, leaning back into the seat as the driver pulls away from Nichols Towers. It’s been a long, tiring day.
“Sir,” Geno, the driver, begins.
“Yes?”
“Just thought you should know, Xander Mackenzie was at the house for nearly two hours.”
I gaze at him in the rearview mirror. The crinkles around his eyes lead me to believe he’s grinning.
“Were they up to no good?” I question. Likely up to what Tera refers to as Xananigans.
He nods. “I believe so.”
“Is he still there?”
“No. He left close an hour ago.”
I wonder why no Tera. It must have been something that wasn’t healthy for a pregnant woman. I groan inwardly.
“Uh, there’s more.”
I lift a brow. “More?”
He nods. “Meggie Melody showed up a little after Xander did.”
“Hell,” I mumble.
Geno doesn’t even bother to hide his chuckle.
“What did they do?” I question.
“Len was on guard. He did a walk-through after the other two left. He didn’t see any visible issues.”
“Great.” I’m going to have to worry when I shower or use the toilet. Those are the two most vulnerable places. In bed, Sera’s with me. They’d never do anything that could harm her.
Me, on the other hand… That Xander. Such a jokester. Add in Meggie. I’m so screwed.
When we pull in front of the house, Geno turns to me. “The moment of reckoning.”
I give him a glare, and he smirks. Insolent brat. If I didn’t like him so much, I’d fire him even if I had to face Joan’s wrath. As it is, she made sure I wouldn’t involve him in any family business.
He’s only eighteen but wise beyond his years. He’s been through a rough time like me, Damian, and Celeste. If it weren’t for Joan, I’m not sure what would have happened to all of us.
