“Oh, Zane, you’re home. Your friend was just about to leave, but I told him you were coming home to—”
The ground went from under me as Leo D’Angelo stood, a wicked glint in his eyes. “Zane, just thought I’d stop by and see how you’re doing.”
“We’re fine.” I moved closer to Grams right as Nate came through the door.
“Hey, what’s up? I’m Nate. Nate Miller.”
“I’m… a friend.” Leo smirked.
A crackle went through the air and Grams glanced up at me. “Zane, dear, what is going on?”
“Nothing, Grams. Leo was just leaving. Isn’t that right?”
“Sure am. It was good to meet you, Miriam. Maybe I’ll see you around again sometime soon.”
An icy chill went through me. Nate caught my eye, a silent understanding passing between us. But I didn’t suspect Leo was here to cause any trouble. He was just asserting his authority, reminding me of what I stood to lose if I didn’t pay up on time.
Fuck.
I was in way over my head, but the severity of the situation didn’t hit me until I saw him sitting opposite Grams like he was an old friend of the family.
“We’ll walk you out,” Nate said, surprising the shit out of me.
Leo nodded, shoving his hands deep into his pockets. “Miriam.”
“Goodbye.” She cast me a weary glance and I gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
“I’ll be right back.”
I followed Leo and Nate outside, trying to keep my cool. Closing the door behind me, I made sure to move away from the trailer before I said, “What the fuck do you think you’re doing coming around here?”
Leo smirked. “I like to scope out my investments. Take an inventory as such.”
“You stay away from here. I swear to God, if you—”
“Relax.” Nate shoved a hand into my chest and pushed me back a little. “How much?” he asked Leo.
“Excuse me?”
“How much to settle his debt, right here, right now.”
“You don’t have that kind of money, kid.”
“Try me.” Nate stepped forward, pulling his wallet out of his pocket.
“Miller,” I hissed but he ignored me, pulling out a stack of one-hundred-dollar bills.
Leo’s eyes shone with alarming interest. “Well, well, isn’t this a surprise.”
“How. Much?”
“That’s not how our arrangement works.”
“It is now.” Nate didn’t back down even an inch. It was impressive from the guy who always seemed so indifferent about everything. And although it didn’t sit well with me that he was bailing me out, I was fucking relieved he was here to stop me from doing something stupid.
“Name your price to get the fuck out of here and never come back.”
“Two large.”