Chapter Eight

Xavier

W hen we arrive at the Palacio, I'm greeted with open arms. Heath's men are all around the house, and my nephew is sitting in a chair on the patio, a cigar in his mouth.

"Welcome, welcome," Heath says.

"Hello," I greet him, Tallulah by my side.

He stands and walks over to us, hugging his daughter tightly. She returns the embrace and I can't help the jealousy that surges through me.

"Xander attacked the mansion. He destroyed everything," Tallulah cuts in.

"I'm not surprised," Heath says. "I'm sorry I couldn't send more help."

"Your men did all they could," I tell him. "But Xander was... efficient this time."

"Come on, come inside," Heath says, motioning for the large double doors.

We walk inside and a maid immediately appears with refreshments. I accept a cup of tea, while Tallulah chooses water.

"Where's Mom?" she asks as a maid fusses over her. "And Mathilda?"

"Your sister is not here," Heath mutters. "And your mother is asleep. I'll fill her in later. Are those dogs always this annoying?"

I glance behind my back where Zeus and Hades are play fighting.

"Not usually," Tallulah smiles.

"You'll have to train them better."

"They are perfectly trained, actually," I cut in.

"Sure," my nephew mocks me. "Now. Since you're staying under my roof, I expect you to follow my rules."

"We're not staying here," I hiss, and he narrows his eyes at me.

"Way to be grateful, Uncle. Doesn't seem like you have a lot of options to me."

"I'd rather die than accept your pity," I mutter.

"Be my guest," Heath says. "You either follow my rules, or I throw you to the wolves."

"Fine. What do you want?"

"Information," he states. "I need to know everything you have on Xander."

"I don't have much," I tell him.

"We can discuss that tomorrow. You're going to help me find the bastard."

"What are you planning to do once you find him?" Tallulah asks.

"He must pay," Heath replies simply.

"We can't kill him," she protests. "He's my brother in law. And I know the mother of his children, Ivette. We were close."

I don't respond. I don't want to think about any of that.

I pick myself up. "We're going to sleep. Where are our rooms?"

Heath chuckles. "If you think you're sleeping with my daughter in my house, you're sorely wrong. You'll have separate rooms. Tallulah gets her childhood bedroom and you can stay in the guest house."

"In case you're forgetting," I seethe. "Your daughter is my wife, and she will not sleep anywhere without me."

"She's my daughter first," Heath reminds me.

"Stop it, both of you," Tallulah cuts in. She glares at her father. "Xavier is right. We'll share a room, and if you don't like it, that's not my problem."

I can't help but smirk. "You heard her, little boy."

Heath shakes his head. "No. This isn't how it works. You follow my rules, or I throw Xavier right out. It would take one call and Xander would be here, ready to pick him up."

"Dad!" Tallulah gasps.

"I'll let you two decide what's more important. You, or him," he adds, looking at me.

"That's not fair!" Tallulah argues.

"You're not in a position to argue, mija."

"Fine," Tallulah snaps, throwing her hands up. "Fine, Xavier will sleep in the guest house."

I grit my teeth together. She gave up too easily, but Heath is right.

The Scorpion cartel has been decimated, turned to blood and dust. I haven't even told Heath his childhood friend, Phoenix, is dead.

"Go to sleep, Tallulah," I say, never taking my eyes off Heath. "Your father and I have a lot to discuss."

"That can wait." Heath picks himself up. "You both sleep, then we reconvene tomorrow. And get those damn dogs out of my sight."

W e sleep. At least, Tallulah does. She's exhausted, and she falls asleep as soon as her head hits the pillow. But I can't sleep. The guest house is luxurious and filled with expensive antiques. It's comfortable, but I can't forget what happened.

Xander's attack was a shock. It wasn't a warning, it wasn't a threat.

He just fucking started a war, and won the first battle.

And now, my men are all dead. There are no survivors. The only ones who got out besides Tallulah and me are Saul and the dogs. Even our driver and pilot were killed after they got us to the Palacio.

Xander doesn't care about casualties. He has no limits. I can't let him win. He must pay for his actions.

And yet, the idea of killing my own brother makes my heart hurt. What's left of it, anyway.

I toss and turn in bed, unable to find peace. The next day, when the sun is peeking out from behind the mountains, I make my way to the main house. It's time to speak with Heath.

"Xavier," he greets me. "How was your sleep?"

"Poor," I tell him honestly. "Can we get this over with?"

"Let's go to the dining room. Breakfast is being served."

We walk through the long hallways and into a large dining room with a table fit for fifty people. But the only ones sitting there are Heath's wife, Rain, and their younger daughter, Mathilda. The younger girl immediately tenses when I enter the room. She's always been afraid of me.

"Good morning," Rain greets us, getting up to kiss her husband on the cheek. All I get is a death glare. I'm not surprised.

"Morning, sunshine," Heath says. "Is Tallulah still asleep?"

Rain nods. "I checked on her. Those damn dogs are in the bed with her, and they destroyed a pillow. There's feathers everywhere."

I smirk, and she turns to me with a nasty look.

"Something funny?"

"It's pretty hilarious seeing you two interact," I say, sauntering over to a chair and filling my plate to the brim. Mathilda watches me quietly, and I ignore her. "I guess some things are meant to be. Like me and your daughter."

"That remains to be seen," Heath tells me. "For now, you're on my property, and you're at my mercy. Do as I say, and you might just survive."

"Why do you think Xander wants to kill me so badly?" I ask him, leaning back and popping a strawberry into my mouth. "It's because he's afraid, you know. Of the great Xavier."

"He's not afraid of you," Heath scoffs.

"Then he's a fool. I have connections, knowledge, and experience. And the only thing he has is an ego."

"We all have our downfalls," Rain comments. "Don't get too confident, Xavier."

"You'd know," I smirk. "I know the only reason Xander hasn't killed you yet is because you're family. Otherwise, he'd have disposed of you ages ago."

Rain's smile turns icy. "Watch it."

"Leave my mom alone," Mathilda pipes up, glaring at me.

"Mathilda, eat," Heath orders her.

"I'm not hungry," she argues, standing up.

"You will sit, eat, and shut up."

Mathilda hesitates, and finally, her shoulders slump. She sits back down and picks up a slice of toast, not eating it.

"You have no authority here," Heath reminds me. "Not anymore. So don't try to rile us up."

"Or what? You'll throw me out?"

"Yes," he confirms.

"So, are we going to talk about what's next, or not?"

"Of course. But first, you're going to tell me everything you know about Xander. Why is he suddenly after you?"

I sigh, pushing the plate away. My appetite is gone. I've never told this story to anyone, not even my wife. I'm sure as fuck not about to trust her father with the truth.

"That's none of your concern," I snap.

"Actually, it is. You see, you're putting my family in danger. That's why he attacked the Casa, isn't it? To kill you. And it nearly worked. Now, the Palacio is on his radar, and we're all in danger. Tell me why he's after you, or you'll have no place here."

I narrow my eyes at him. "You really want to do this? You want to know why I'm not afraid of dying? Because I know deserve it, believe me. There were times I wanted nothing more than to leave this Earth and join the others in Hell. And yet, here I am. Still breathing. So, I don't have anything to lose. But you? You have everything to lose."

"And yet, we're not the ones being hunted," Rain reminds me.

"No," I agree. "That's just because Xander hasn't decided he wants to get rid of you. But it's just a matter of time. If I were you, I'd stop underestimating him. You're no match for him, not really."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"You think you're smarter, that you're more ruthless, but you're wrong. Xander is a monster, and you'll learn that soon enough."

"You're stalling," Heath tells me. "Tell me the truth, or get the fuck out."

I chuckle. "That's it, isn't it? You can't do anything without me. Because the moment you let me leave, you'll be dead within the week. Xander won't stop until he gets what he wants, and it doesn't matter who or what stands in his way. And right now, I'm the only thing that can keep him from getting what he wants."

"Then why didn't he kill you at the mansion?"

"Because he wants me alive," I tell him. "He knows that's the only way to get what he wants. By making me suffer. By making Tallulah watch as I bleed."

"I'm still waiting for the reason," Heath growls, losing his patience.

"Why? Why does everyone want the same information?"

"Because Xavier did something unforgivable to his brother," Rain pipes up with a cold glare. "Isn't that right?"

"I did a lot of things. It depends on which sin you're referring to," I snicker.

"I'm not talking about sins," Rain replies. "I'm talking about a betrayal. The most unforgivable sin of them all."

"Ah, yes. That. It's not my fault, you know. We were always competing. He would have done the same."

"Really?" Rain hisses. "He would have taken your place? Just like that? Without a second thought?"

"That's not what happened," I snarl. I'm a little shocked Rain knows about this. I sure as fuck didn't tell her, so who did? Not even my wife knows the truth.

"I know exactly what happened," she argues.

"Enough," Heath orders her, placing his hand over hers. "Let him talk."

"Not in front of the kid," I say, glancing at Matilda. "I suggest we talk in your office before Tallulah wakes up, Heath."

"Fine." Rain stands up. "Let's go."

"You don't need to be there," I clarify.

"Of course I do!" Rain looks at her husband for backup, but Heath just stares at me intently.

"She's coming," he states.

"Suit yourself," I shrug. "But if you repeat this story to anyone else, I'll have no qualms in making you pay. Do you understand me, Rain?"

"Perfectly," she seethes.

"Good. Then let's get this over with."

"Wait," Mathilda pipes up, standing up. She glares at her mother and points a finger in her direction. "I'd like to know, too."

I laugh out loud. "She's too young for this shit. How old are you now, Mathilda? Twelve?"

"I have to agree," Rain nods. "Mathilda. Your room."

"But I-"

"Go," Heath barks, and Mathilda's mouth snaps shut. The young girl glances at me once again before running off, leaving us alone in the large dining room.

"She doesn't need to hear this," Rain repeats.

"Agreed," Heath says.

"Well, then. After you." I motion to the doors, and Rain and Heath exchange a glance before walking through the doors and heading to his office.

"In here," Heath motions for a door. We all pile inside, and I walk over to the window, looking outside. It's a nice view, and I can see the window of Tallulah's childhood room where I tucked her in last night from here. I hope she'll be able to forgive me for what's about to happen.

"Are you going to tell us, or are we supposed to read your mind?" Rain hisses, crossing her arms.

"You're so annoying," I mutter.

"So are you. Hurry the fuck up. Or should I remind you of how badly Xander wants to hurt you, and my daughter?"

"Our daughter," Heath corrects her. "And that won't be necessary, Rain."

"It's no secret Xander wants to hurt me. He's said as much on more than one occasion," I remind them.

"He said he was going to make you pay," Heath replies. "And my daughter is in danger because of him, isn't she?"

My mouth remains clamped shut, and my nephew bangs his fist on the desk.

"All those death threats," Rain says softly. "He's never going to stop, is he?"

"No. He won't."

"And this is why, isn't it?" she continues. "Because Xavier was the first to betray his brother. Right, Xavier?"

"Rain," Heath warns. "You're not helping."

"It's fine," I shrug. "She's right. That's exactly why."

"You're his brother," Rain continues, shaking her head. "How could you betray him?"

"I'm a scorpion, just like the rest of them. And just like the rest of them, I'm a bastard."

"Then explain," Heath urges me. "I've never been interested in your past, but now it seems crucial. How did you do it? And when?"

"You know the story, don't you, Rain? Did you hear it from Xander himself?"

"No," she admits. "I got it from his wife, Ivette. You remember her, right?"

"Barely," I lie. "How do you know Ivette?"

"She and I met once," Rain admits.

"You mean you were friends. Before she got married."

"Yes," she nods.

"And what she tell you?" I hiss.

"Just the truth."

"Which is what, exactly?"

"You, your brother, and Ivette grew up in an orphanage together."

"Common knowledge," I hiss.

She crosses her arms. "Until the day Xander got adopted. Or rather, you did."

My jaw ticks. I didn't think Ivette would've ever mentioned it. She was too ashamed. Too hurt.

"You can't blame me for that," I argue. "Heath's grandfather didn't meet me. He only met Xander. If he saw me first, he would have picked me. He was a smart man."

"But the problem is, you were both there. He had to pick one," Heath muses. "So, you stole the opportunity from your own brother."

"He would have done the same," I say, and the words sound hollow, even to my own ears.

"Is that so?"

"You heard him," Rain interrupts. "The two of them were competing their whole lives. And he won. He won, and Xander lost."

"He never stopped competing," I mutter.

"And you stole a life from him," Heath argues. "A good life. One filled with money and power. One he was entitled to."

"I was entitled to it, too."

"Maybe," Rain admits. "Or maybe it was just meant for you, and not him. But he won't believe that."

"No," I shake my head. "He won't."

"You need to turn yourself over to him."

I look up at Heath. "Like hell I will."

"You have a choice. Either give yourself to him, and live. Or die."

"I'm not ready to die," I snarl.

"Then you need to end this," Heath argues.

"I'll do whatever it takes," I promise.

"Including sacrificing your wife?" Rain asks softly.

"No," I snap. "Tallulah will always be my priority. I'll always keep her safe."

"Will you?" Rain tilts her head.

"Of course."

"You're not very good at keeping promises, Xavier."

"Watch it, Rain. This is my fight, not yours. Stay out of it."

"It's not my fight, or hers. But it will be ours if you don't stop him," Heath argues.

"This ends with his death. There's no other way."

"You really want to kill him?" Rain asks. "Your own brother?"

"He wants to kill me, too. Do you think he would have spared any of you? Do you think he would spare your daughter? If he's allowed to live, everyone I love will die."

"Do you even care about Tallulah?" Rain asks.

"Don't," I warn her. "Don't bring her into this. You have no idea what you're talking about."

"You can't keep her."

"That's not your decision to make," I growl. "Remember the little deal we made?"

Rain's lips tighten, and I smirk. "Exactly. You know I let you and Heath go free. You know what the conditions for your betrayal were. Your firstborn."

"We didn't expect you to turn her into a mindless sex toy," Heath seethes.

"No?" I laugh. "You did the same to your wife. What, you don't remember?"

"That's different. We're meant to be. Tallulah is a child."

"Meant to be? You're only together because I allowed it to happen," I hiss. "And Tallulah is a grown woman. She can decide what she wants."

"And you've convinced her, is that it?"

"Yes," I smile.

"She's your godchild, Xavier. You're supposed to protect her, not take advantage of her."

"You have no idea what I've done for her. You think she was ever just a fuck toy? No, I kept her by my side, protected her, trained her, and loved her. And it's her choice. It will always be her choice."

"Even if her choice kills her?"

"I won't let her die. I promise."

"You just promised you'd keep her safe," Rain reminds me.

"Safe is a relative word. I'll do everything in my power to keep her alive. Does that suffice?"

"It doesn't. It doesn't even come close," Rain tells me.

"It will have to do. I have nothing else to offer. All I can do is my best. And I have."

"Laughable." Heath stands up, his eyes filled with animosity as he stares me down. "You're laughable, Uncle. Do you even hear yourself? You can't keep her safe."

"You'd be surprised. Besides, she's my wife. I won't leave her side."

"You'll have no choice."

"Why not?"

"Because you can't stop the inevitable."

"You're wrong. I can."

"No," Rain shakes her head. "You can't. Xander is out for blood. His own blood. And you can't stop him. You won't be able to do it on your own."

"I have my cartel," I mutter.

"Oh, you mean two dogs and Saul?" Heath laughs. "You need our help, Uncle. And we will help you, for the sake of our daughter. But we have our own conditions."

"Let me guess. You want your kid back," I roll my eyes.

"Of course. But more importantly, we need you to keep your wife here, with us. With her family."

"No," I say with pleasure.

"No?" Heath roars. "No? Fuck you, Xavier. Accept our help and our demands, or I'll kill you right here and right now."

"You can't kill me," I say calmly. "And neither can he. I'm the one who will get the last laugh. And I'll never give up my wife."

"What are you going to do?" Rain asks, placing a hand on her husband's chest. "If you give him to Xander, Tallulah will be heartbroken. He'll be dead before we can blink, Heath. Don't you get that?"

"If I'm dead, then so is he. And then, who will protect Tallulah?" I demand.

"Her father," Heath says. "Me."

He calmly pulls out a gun and places it on the desk between us. Rain tenses.

"Are you going to use that on me, Heath?" I ask softly.

"If it means protecting my daughter, then yes."

"But not yet," I guess.

"You're right. Not yet. But the time will come. I've been waiting to end you for years."

"And I've been waiting for a chance to kill you."

"Why haven't you? What's stopping you from killing all of us?" Rain asks.

"Because the moment I do, my wife's heart will break," I admit.

"So you admit she loves us," Rain says victoriously.

I smirk. "Not as much as she loves me."

"In a fucked up, twisted way," Heath reminds me.

"It's not my fault you didn't want to see her potential."

"Potential?" Heath repeats. "She was a child. You turned her into a monster. A sex-addicted toy."

"That was not my doing. You made her into an assassin," I remind him.

"And you made her love a monster."

"If you really want her back, and for her to survive this, then I'm her best chance."

"Maybe," Heath concedes.

"Definitely," I nod.

"Fine," Heath hisses.

"No," Rain interrupts, pushing herself between us. "Heath. Think about this. You know the truth now. Why he wants him. If we give him up, he will die. It's all we've ever wanted."

Heath looks up at me. "Actually, there's something I want more."

"And what's that?" I ask.

"An eye for an eye," Heath smirks. "The deal you had us make. I want the same one from you, in exchange for protection and two hundred men to help you end your brother once and for all."

"What?" Rain gasps.

"I want your firstborn child with my daughter," Heath says. "If and when that happens, he will belong to me."

"No," I spit. "Never."

"Then no deal. And if I hear so much as a whisper of your name, I will kill you. I'll take the risk that it'll hurt my daughter. Do we have a deal?"

"You can't be serious," Rain says, her face growing pale.

"I am. Deadly. I want your firstborn son."

I put my palms on his desk and spit out my answer at him. "Fuck no."

"Fine," Heath shrugs, putting away the gun. He clicks his fingers and the room is suddenly filled with guards. "Take him away."

"Where?" Rain gasps.

"Outside."

"Fine. Have it your way," I nod, heading towards the door. I stop right next to Rain and put a finger under her chin, lifting her gaze to mine. "Too bad you've always been such a pain in my ass."

"Xavier," she hisses, but the guards are already pulling me away. I shrug them off and head outside.

"Let me guess," I sigh as I walk forward, feeling guns pointed at me. "I have no choice."

"That's correct," Heath's old friend, Liberato tells me. "You have forty-eight hours to figure out your next move, Xavier. Don't waste them."

"And until then?" I demand.

"Until then, you can enjoy our prison cells in the basement," he smirks with cruel delight at my misfortune.

"Fine," I shrug. "Let's go."

"No," someone hisses, and suddenly, my wife is between me and the guards, her face angry and determined. "Let him go. He's a guest here."

"A guest who will soon be a prisoner," Liberato tells her.

"No," Tallulah argues. "He will not. I'm his wife, and he's staying with me."

"Stay back, Tallulah," Heath says, coming down the staircase. "He's dangerous. He'll hurt you."

"I'd never hurt her," I growl.

"I'm sure," Heath sighs. "But we can't trust that."

"Daddy," Tallulah turns her angry eyes onto him. "I will not be denied. Not anymore. Now, get your guards the fuck out of my sight. I won't tell you again."

Heath stares at her, and then his gaze flickers to me. The look is murderous, and he walks up to his daughter, pushing her behind him.

"Get your hands off her," I hiss and jump forward, but three guards grab me and hold me back.

"My house, my rules," Heath says. "Now take him to his cell. He's dangerous. We can't let him out until he's decided to comply with our terms."

"Daddy," Tallulah says, tears filling her eyes. "No. Don't."

"Shush," Rain says softly, hugging her daughter. "Let them go."

My wife starts to sob as the guards force me downstairs, and her cries haunt me long after I'm shoved into the darkness of my prison.