Page 87 of Cursed

The question hovers in the air between us. Do I trust Sadie? The woman I’ve terrorized and claimed? The woman whose mind fascinates me as much as her body?

“I trust her,” I say, slowly. “I also trust my authority.”

Knox sneers. “Authority? You mean stalking her like a lost puppy?”

I meet his laugh with an icy glare. “Want a demonstration, little brother? I can arrange a very educational evening.”

Knox holds my gaze for a moment before looking away, his usual smirk fading.

“Enough,” Xavier cuts in. “If Landon says Sadie can help, we use her. But,” he points a finger at me, “she doesn’t get access to anything beyond what’s absolutely necessary for this operation.”

I nod once, not revealing that I already gave her access to a lot. “Agreed.”

“What about the club?” Vane asks. “If Orlov knows the significance of Purgatory?—”

“We continue as normal,” Xavier interrupts. “Showing weakness now would only encourage further aggression.”

I study the security footage again. “These aren’t Orlov’s usual tactics. He typically avoids direct confrontation, preferring to operate in the shadows.”

“Maybe he’s found his balls,” Vane suggests.

“Or someone’s backing him,” I counter. “This level of organization suggests outside influence.”

Xavier drums his fingers against the table. “Find out. Use whatever resources you need.”

The meeting concludes with assignments distributed. As we stand to leave, Xavier catches my arm.

“A word,” he says, waiting until the others have left. “This thing with Sadie?—”

“Is not up for discussion,” I cut him off.

“It is when it affects business,” he counters. “I need your head clear.”

“My head is perfectly clear.”

Xavier studies me with those cold, calculating eyes that miss nothing. “You’re different with her. The way you look at her?—”

“How?” I challenge, feeling a surge of defensiveness I can’t entirely explain.

“Like she’s more than just another toy to break,” he says. “Be careful, Landon. People like you don’t do happy endings.”

I straighten my jacket, keeping my expression neutral despite the unexpected sting of his words. “I don’t believe in endings, happy or otherwise.”

Xavier’s laugh holds no humor. “Keep telling yourself that.”

I leave, Xavier’s words lingering in my mind. As I step into the hallway, Knox and Vane are waiting, their conversation cut short when I emerge.

“Well?” Knox asks, twirling his car keys around his finger. “What’s the verdict from our fearless leader?”

“We proceed as planned,” I say. “Set the trap, find the leak.”

Knox grins, slapping Vane on the shoulder. “Perfect timing for a celebratory drink. Let’s hit Purgatory for a few hours—blow off some steam before diving into this Orlov mess.”

I check my watch, calculating the time needed to return to the penthouse where Sadie is working on our security systems. “Pass. I have more pressing matters to attend to.”

Xavier steps out behind me, already shaking his head. “I’m heading home. The club can survive without us for one night.”

Vane’s eyes narrow, a smirk playing at the corner of his mouth. “Look at you two. What happened to the Blackwood brothers who practically lived at the club?”