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“It’s a thing,” I said, not bothering to explain.
“You know, you’re being awfully touchy about your clothes,” Fox said. “Kamau gave me all his. It was so awesome. Not that I would wear them on a job. Those things belong in a museum.”
“Why would you want my clothes? Don’t you have your own?”
Fox looked at him with wide eyes. “I do, but it’s sort of a thing. Having the clothes of someone you greatly admire is…I can’t even put it into words.”
“You admire him?” I asked.
“He tamed you, didn’t he?”
I was about to argue when Duke stepped in. “Sorry to disappoint you, but no one tames Rae.”
I grinned at him, thankful he understood that.
“Right, you didn’t tame her. You just worked on her until she finally gave in and slept with you. Then you somehow got her to stick around, and just a week ago, you got her to confess that she’s desperately in love with you.”
“I didnotsay desperately in love—”
Fox held up his hand. “Hey, this is my story.”
I was going to argue, but we didn’t have time for that. “Let’s go.”
Duke grinned at Fox as he took the driver’s cap, then slid into the front seat. I growled at Fox as he passed and got into the car. “I am not desperately in love with him. And no one tames me.”
“Right,” he laughed. “And Funyuns aren’t my favorite snack. Tell yourself whatever works to get you through the day.”
I glared at him, but didn’t say anything else. We didn’t have time to argue about things as trivial as my feelings.
* * *
Xavier’s car was already there when we pulled in. “Dammit,” I hissed. We were still early, but not early enough to gain any intel. I was going to have to go into this blind and hope for the best. Duke pulled to a stop. I glanced at him as he turned his head just enough for me to see his profile. With the cap and sunglasses on, you really couldn’t tell who he was. I had to be grateful for that.
“Let’s do this,” Fox said excitedly, practically bouncing in his seat.
“Don’t do anything stupid,” I snapped. “And calm down. You’re supposed to be my muscle. I control you out there.”
He deflated like a sad puppy. “Yeah, okay.”
I nodded to Scottie, and he opened the door, scanning the area as he stepped out. I noticed he didn’t button his jacket. He couldn’t if he had any hope of protecting us out there. I slid out, placing my foot on the ground before sliding out in the uncomfortable dress. With my sunglasses in place and my hair pulled up to look more sophisticated, I thought I looked pretty damn good, even if I was uncomfortable as hell.
Fox stepped out behind me and together, Scottie and Fox walked behind me to meet Xavier. I approached, but didn’t hold out my hand. I hadn’t been able to gather any information on Xavier ahead of time. Like other members of the syndicate, he kept a low profile. Anything I was going to gather was going to have to happen on the fly.
“Ms. Tyler,” Xavier said, bowing his head slightly.
“Mr. Roth. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Is it?” he asked, his lips quirking up. He was okay looking. Mid-forties, by my estimate. Nice suit, expensive shoes, the most expensive watch adorning his wrist. He reeked of money and wanted others to know how powerful he was. He wouldn’t be cowed easily. He expected others to defer to him. The only way he would respect me was if I stood up to him and was just as strong and witty.
“Meeting an elusive man who has billions, but has no digital footprint? I’d say that’s impressive.”
“You’ve done your homework.”
“I always do,” I smirked. “There are stories about you that could rival the Titanic. I could guess which ones are true, but I doubt even if I guessed right you’d tell me.”
“That would be correct. And you…Lane Tyler, thirty-three. No husband, no kids…a business that seems to hide in the shadows until you want it to be discovered.”
“I keep a low profile. It does me no good to market myself when my clients will tell you anything you want to know and speak to my excellent services.”
