Page 19 of Scarred Heir

“What issue would that be?” I brought Sable’s hand to my mouth and brushed her knuckles along my lips. Her breath caught in her throat when I kissed the back of her hand.

“It doesn’t concern you,” he said. “But I would like a word with Chance.”

“I only wonder if I could help in some way.”

“Not unless you’re going to clear his debt.” Bello laughed. “This fool is late on payment, and now he owes me ten grand that he can’t pay.” He shook his head. “I might have given him a few more days, but this is not the first time he’s done this. The last time I had to beat it out of him, and that was only for two hundred bucks.”

Ten thousand?That was the amount that caused Sable to sell herself to me? Then again, it might as well have been a million to her. She couldn’t afford it either way.

How many times had she done this to protect her brother? Did I want to know? The thought of her running around cleaning up Chance’s messes infuriated me.

“Before you try to haul him out of here to settle his debt, there is something you should know,” I said.

“What’s that?” Bello glanced at Sable before returning his attention to me.

“This woman belongs to me.”

Sable tensed when I spoke about her as a possession, but she put herself in this situation. If she wanted my help, she would have to follow my rules.

“She’s with you?” Bello asked suspiciously. “When did that happen?”

“I don’t answer to you.”

“Of course you don’t.” He released Chance. “I meant no disrespect.”

“None taken.” I stared at him for a moment. “At least, not yet.”

The Bello family had stepped out of line a couple of times in the last few months, but when my father eliminated Gian Gallanti for setting up a botched hit on mine and Marchello’s life, they straightened themselves out. No one wanted to be on my father’s hit list.

“It’s just that Chance owes me money, and I can’t let that go,” Bello said. “It isn’t right. I have to make a living too.”

“I don’t expect you to let that go.” I glanced at Chance. “I wouldn’t. I respect how you make a living, and no one should take advantage of that.”

Sable let go of my hand because she probably thought I was about to give her brother up. But I’d be a fool to reject her open offer to give me anything I wanted.

I shut her down with one stern glare before taking her hand again and resting it on my lap. She adjusted her posture but didn’t object.That’s better.

“As I was saying,” I continued. “I will take care of whatever Chance owes you. My relationship with his sister shouldn’t put you out.”

“I appreciate that.”

“But once this debt is paid, I’m trusting you will not lend to him again.” I leaned back in my chair. “Because if you do, I might not be so forgiving.”

“I understand,” Bello said. “I’ll make sure my men know he doesn’t have any credit with us.”

“I’ll have my attorney contact you.” I reached across the table and extended my hand for him. “You’ll have your money in a few hours.”

Bello shook my hand as he looked between me and Sable. “Enjoy your evening.”

“I intend to.” I nodded as he walked away.

Sable released a long, unsteady breath.

“So that’s it?” Chance asked.

“I believe you should be thanking me for saving your useless life instead of asking me stupid questions.” I finished my wine. “And no, that’s not it.”

Sable removed her hand from my lap and tucked her hair behind her ear. Despite her clothes and windblown hair, she was still the most beautiful woman in the room. There were plenty of plastic surgery, fillers, and hair extensions to go around.