Page 63 of Cursed

“She wasn’t fucking there,” Xavier growls, slamming his fist on the bar. “Apartment empty.”

Knox gasps with exaggerated shock. “Maybe she didn’t enjoy your company as much as you thought.”

Xavier’s hand shoots out, grabbing Knox by the throat. “I said back off.”

“Easy,” Vane says, not making any move to help. “We’re just curious why the great Xavier Blackwood is here instead of buried in his prey.”

Xavier releases Knox with a shove. “It’s better this way. Even I shouldn’t break the rules I created.” He signals the bartender. “Scotch. Neat.”

Xavier downs his scotch in one swallow, then taps the bar for another. “Let’s talk about Orlov. The samples he sent over are shit compared to what Tyson’s crew has been moving.”

I welcome the change in topic. Business will help my mind from drifting back to Sadie.

“Tyson’s product is consistently above ninety percent pure,” I note, setting my glass down. “Orlov’s barely hitting eighty according to my tests.”

Knox snorts. “And charging premium prices. That Russian fuck thinks we’re idiots.”

“He’s testing boundaries,” Vane says, eyes narrowing. “Seeing what he can get away with.”

I lean forward, lowering my voice. “His operation in Moscow is solid, but expanding here means he’s stretched thin. Quality control is suffering.”

“Or he’s deliberately undercutting us,” Xavier counters. “Thinking we won’t notice because we’re distracted by... other pursuits.”

“I don’t trust him,” Knox says. “Something’s off about that whole operation. The numbers don’t add up.”

Xavier nods. “Have our chemist run another analysis on the latest shipment. If it’s still subpar, we return to our original deal with Tyson.”

“Tyson’s crew has the distribution network we need anyway. Screw expansion,” Vane throws in.

“Speaking of Tyson,” Xavier interjects quickly, “he wants to discuss expanding the carnival’s route next season. More stops mean more supply.”

I recognize Xavier’s pivot for what it is—a desperate attempt to keep his mind off Mira’s empty apartment. Still, he’s right to focus on business.

“Tyson’s people are reliable,” I agree. “Unlike Orlov, who changes his story every time we speak to him.”

“Slippery bastard,” Knox mutters.

“We’ll give him one more chance,” Xavier decides. “Then we return to our original agreement with Tyson and see if he can up the supply.”

I tap my finger against the empty glass, letting the brothers debate Orlov versus Tyson. Their voices fade into the background as my mind drifts back to Sadie. Is she thinking about me? Or is she frantically trying to erase every trace of me from her systems?

“Landon,” Xavier snaps. “Are you with us?”

I blink, forcing myself back to the present. “I’m here.”

“Then what do you think about Tyson’s proposal to expand his carnival route through Newark?”

“It’s risky,” I reply. “The DeMatteo family has that territory locked down. We’d need to negotiate transit rights or risk a war.”

Vane rolls his eyes. “Always the cautious one.”

“Caution keeps us alive,” I counter, signaling for another whiskey. “Unlike your approach, which is why we’re still cleaning up after that mess in Philadelphia.”

“Fuck you,” Vane snarls. “Philadelphia was a calculated move.”

“That nearly got Knox killed,” I remind him. The bartender slides a fresh drink toward me, and I catch it without looking. “Tyson’s carnival provides excellent cover, but expanding too quickly attracts attention.”

Xavier nods. “For once, I agree with Landon. We need to be strategic.”