Page 17 of Detectives in Love

“I’d prefer not to,” Ernest says evenly. His eyes stay on me, unflinching. “And trust me, you wouldn’t want me to either if you knew what this was about.”

Xavier lets out a sharp exhale, his irritation breaking through. “Then why didn’t you catch him alone?” he snaps, sarcasm threading his voice with just a trace of anger beneath it. “Wouldn’t that be more your usual style?”

“That’s exactly the problem,” Ernest sighs, almost weary. “You haven’t left his side all day.”

“Stop stalking us,” Xavier hisses, stepping in closer. If I didn’t know him, I’d think he was about to punch Ernest—but Xavier’s not that reckless. And Ernest, being the rich and powerful bastard he is, probably has ten bodyguards stashed in that car, ready to twist Xavier’s arms behind his back before he even gets the chance.

“I’m looking out for you.”

“I never asked you to.”

“It’s not your call. Our family has enemies, and you’re giving them even more reasons to—”

“No,” Xavier cuts him off. “Youhave enemies. You and your company.”

“Which means you do too. Like it or not, you’re my family, and that makes you a target.”

Xavier snorts. “Oh, please. This isn’t about me being in danger. You just can’t help poking around in my business—like the nosy little crow you are.”

That one hits Ernest right in the ego. His face twists with anger as he snaps, “Well, if I’m a nosy crow, then you’re a sulky teenager, pining after something he’ll never—”

“Enough!” I cut in, stepping between them. The tension crackles in the air, but I’m not letting this go any further. I glance at Ernest, but he doesn’t so much as blink, his gaze fixed on Xavier like it’s burning a hole through him. “If you’ve got something to say, Ernest, say it. Now.”

There’s silence as Ernest turns to look at me, like he’s willing me to read his mind. When that, unsurprisingly, doesn’t work, he exhales sharply.

“Maybe another time.”

“Fantastic,” Xavier says, taking hold of my elbow and steering me toward the taxi. “Preferably never.”

“I wouldn’t have to go this far if you didn’t make a habit of ignoring problems,” Ernest says, his voice cold as he addresses Xavier’s back.

“I have no idea what you’re on about,” Xavier replies, throwing him a sharp look over his shoulder.

“Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten everything too?” Ernest shoots back.

I glance at Xavier, trying to piece together whatever cryptic mess this is, but his expression gives nothing away. Whatever’s going on, he’s not planning to explain it.

Without another word, they each climb into their cars, leaving me no choice but to follow Xavier back into the taxi.

A moment later, the driver returns—silent, visibly rattled—and we’re back on the highway.

“What was that about?” I ask, watching Xavier as he stares out the window, lost in thought.

“Don’t worry about it,” he says, waving the question away like it’s nothing.

My phone buzzes in my pocket.

1 unread message from my sister.

Monica:Saw the article. Anything you want to tell me?

“Newt.”

“Mhm? What?” I look up and meet Xavier’s eyes.

“When we get home, remind me to sweep for bugs,” he says.

“Ernest up to his old tricks?” I ask, brow furrowing.