Tanner and company marched right into Neville’s office building. With his guys behind him and fury fielding his actions, there was nothing standing in the way of saying what he came to say. This game he played with Melanie was over, because now that Tanner was in her life, for good as far as he was concerned, there was no room for Neville and his ego.
Tanner charged right toward the closed door with Neville’s name in capital gold letters.
“Oh, um, excuse me, you can’t go in there.” The twenty-something receptionist came to her feet. “Do you need to make an appointment?”
“No,” Tanner replied as he kept walking.
“Sir, I’m sorry, but—”
“What’s your name, darlin’?”
Tanner smiled as Cash’s question shut the receptionist right up. He reached for the door handle and shoved the heavy door open. As soon as Tanner and Jax stepped through the door, Neville jumped to his feet, which was saying something considering he’d had a busty redhead sitting on his lap. Thankfully they were dressed, because Tanner really didn’t want to see any of Melanie’s ex’s bits and pieces.
A nasty bruise covered the left side of his forehead, presumably from the crash. Tanner wouldn’t have minded seeing a few more marks on the vile man.
“What the hell are you guys doing in here? Who are you?” Neville demanded.
The redhead adjusted her dress and stepped back toward the wall of windows.
Neville reached for his phone. “My assistant will have security up here—”
“She’s busy right now,” Jax replied with a chuckle.
Neville narrowed his eyes. “You’re Tanner.”
“I’m glad to know you’ve admired me from afar. I’m flattered.”
“Get the hell out of here before I have you arrested.”
Tanner crossed his arms over his chest. “You can call the cops, but this is a public building and I’m only here to talk.”
With a nod toward the woman hovering behind him, Tanner said, “You may want to consider making this more private.”
Neville didn’t even turn around, he simply gave a gesture toward the door and the redhead scurried away. Once the door was closed and they were alone, Tanner seriously called on every single bit of willpower he’d ever known not to reach across that desk and put his fist through Neville’s face.
But he was an officer of the law and he also respected Melanie. He would get this done the right way and not pull more violence into the mix.
“Who’s this?” Neville nodded toward Jax.
“Jackson Morgan,” Jax replied as he came to stand next to Tanner.
“So, what, are you guys here to beat me up? Give me a warning?” Neville asked. Clearly the man was terrified, but he remained behind his desk. “I’ll press charges if you touch me.”
“Don’t flatter yourself,” Tanner replied. “The last thing I want to do is touch you. But I will tell you this, Melanie is off-limits. You’re divorced. Focus on your political career, as pathetic as it is, and let her go.”
Neville stared for a moment, then laughed as he shoved his hands in his pockets. “Get the hell out of my office. Whatever is between Melanie and me is none of your concern.”
Tanner took a step forward, but Jax put a hand on his shoulder. Just another reason he’d brought his small army with him.
“Melanie isn’t anybody’s business,” Tanner clarified. “She’s her own person and she’s decided you are no longer part of her life. You will be respectful of her decisions or you will be removed from your position.”
“Bullshit,” Neville spat. “You have no power over me. Nobody will remove me, and not only that, I’ll be the next senator, so you’re the one who will be removed from your position.”
Tanner took a half step forward, keeping his eyes locked on Neville. One of the most important lessons he’d learned in the military and through his years on the force was never back down. And of all times in his life, his relationship with Melanie and their future was the most important thing he’d ever fought for.
“I’m not spending my day here arguing,” Tanner went on. “This is your warning that you can either stay out of Melanie’s life, mine and our baby’s as well, or face the consequences.”
Neville’s nostrils flared as his eyes narrowed. “Is that a threat?”