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He grins at me and slides me a drink.
I take a long sip. Long Island Ice Tea. Seriously? Can he be more obvious?
I push the drink away slightly. “I’m going to set up a meeting. An important one. I would appreciate it if you were there.”
He tilts his head slightly. "Meeting? What's the nature of it?"
I lower my voice. "Silhouette. We're meeting with her tonight. I want you there as a precaution."
Xavier's eyes narrow slightly, his protective instincts kicking in. "Silhouette? Why meet with an information broker? What's the play here, Vanessa?"
I lean in, ensuring our conversation remains private. "She's a valuable asset, Xavier. Her insights could be crucial for our plans in the post-Shadow Syndicate era, but the shadows have ears, and I want you there in case things take an unexpected turn."
He grumbles, his voice low. "I don't like this, Vanessa. Information brokers operate in shades of gray."
"I know, Xavier," I reassure him, placing a hand on his forearm. "but we need allies, and Silhouette could be the key. I trust you to watch our backs."
“Our backs?” he echoes. “Who else will be there?”
I hesitate. “I need someone I can trust watching my back, and I thought of you first.” I pause. “Even over my own brother.”
“I take it Dominic isn’t attending this meeting.”
“No.”
“Does he approve of Silhouette?”
“I’ll make certain he does before I set up the meeting.”
“And if he does…”
“I won’t meet with her unless you’re there,” I say firmly.
“Do you think Dominic will agree?”
I glare at him.
“Okay, stupid question,” he murmurs.
“I wouldn’t have approached you if I didn’t think this meeting would be beneficial,” I assure him. "Silhouette operates in the shadows, and her network is extensive. Having you there ensures our safety and sends a message of strength."
Xavier's response is unwavering, a testament to the loyalty forged through shared trials. "Consider it done. I'll be your shadow." He nods, a gruff acceptance of the responsibility. "But if things go south, we don't stay longer than necessary."
I give him a grateful smile, acknowledging the compromise. "Agreed. Let's make this meeting count, Xavier."
“It’s Alex, isn’t it?” he asks.
“Yes, he’ll be there too. It's a crucial negotiation, and I want him to see the strength of our alliance."
Xavier's eyes narrow slightly. "You trust him?"
"I do." I touch his hand.
“All right. Let me know when and where, and I’ll be there. Even if you can’t see me, I’ll be there.”
“Thank you, Xavier.”
“Thank you for trusting me.”
