Chapter 21: Dealing With Thugs || Comforting Lilia
The pounding on the door grew more violent. "Open the fuck up! Rent's due, asshole!"
Lilia's lips curled in disgust. "Those motherfuckers are early. They said they'd give us a week. Why today of all days?" Her eyes flicked to Xavier, her expression hardening. "I'll handle this. Stay out of it."
She yanked the door open before Xavier could protest. Five thugs barged in, their bulk filling the small apartment. The lead thug shoved Lilia back, his eyes raking over her body with predatory interest.
"Where's Eamon?" the thug demanded, his voice rough.
Lilia's chin lifted. "Not here."
The thug licked his lips, his gaze lingering on Lilia's chest. "Remember what I said last time about what happens when rent isn't paid?"
Lilia's voice was ice. "You gave us a week. It hasn't been a week."
The thug's hand shot out, gripping Lilia's shoulder before sliding down her arm. "We're not running a charity. We come when we want to collect." His fingers traced lower, his grin widening. "If the rent isn't ready, then you should be ready to—"
Suddenly, Xavier's hand clamped around the thug's wrist like a vise. The thug turned, his expression shifting to pity as he took in Xavier's bandaged state.
"Kid, do yourself a favor and leave," the thug sneered. "We'll get our rent from your pretty friend here in a much more... pleasurable way."
Xavier's eyes locked onto the thug's, his voice dangerously calm. "What do you think happened to me to put me in this condition?"