Page 37 of Cruel Saint

It didn’t take long for me to find Imogene, even in a sea of people. She stood out, her shimmering beauty drawing my attention like a moth to a flame. Especially in that dress.

When I first I saw her in it earlier in the week, I knew she deserved to have it.

I tried to convince myself the only reason I bought it and treated her and Melanie to a day at the spa was to endear Imogene to me even more.

To piss off Liam even more.

Deep down, there was a part of me that did it because of the look of pure happiness I observed on her face as she admired herself in the mirror that day in the store.

Also because she looked absolutely gorgeous in the dress, her blonde hair falling in gentle waves to her mid back.

But what had my cock straining against my pants tonight was the sight of her crimson lips. As sexy as they were, they were a fucking inconvenience. I was here for one reason, and one reason only.

Revenge.

I needed to remember that.

Squaring my shoulders, I confidently started across the patio, transitioning into the charming and charismatic man I needed to be in order to earn favor with these people.

I only made it a few steps before Liam approached, an expression of forced congeniality plastered on his face.

“Mr. Saint…” He extended his hand toward me, playing the part of the gracious host. “So glad you could make it.”

I mirrored his enthusiasm, acting as if we were old friends.

Little did he know we once were.

“I appreciate the invitation.”

“Not at all.” He patted my back, steering me toward a group of well-dressed men. “There are a few people I’d like you to meet. You may recognize Jimmy here from his recent senatorial campaign.” He gestured at the man of average height and build, his blonde hair slicked back, a carefully crafted smile painted on his face.

“Senator Turner.” I offered him my hand. “It’s a pleasure.”

James Mitchell Turner had come a long way from the district attorney he was just a few years ago. Now he was a U.S. Senator with his eyes on a possible presidential run in the next election.

Paid for in part with bribe money he’d received from Liam to make sure the man they’d accused of murdering me never got his day in court. He’d used his position and influence as a prosecutor to approve plea deals for several defendants awaiting trial on various drug-related offenses. In exchange, these inmates agreed to attack Jonah while he was being held without bail.

Jonah wasn’t the first inmate James Turner helped silence, either. Nor was he the last.

“And this man here is the only person I trust to manage my investments, Alton Sinclair.”

“Is that right?”

Since the last time I’d seen him, he’d definitely put on some weight and lost a bit of hair, his formerly full head of dark hair now receding.

“I’m in the market for a new financial advisor.”

“And you are?” He arched a bushy brow as we shook hands.

“This is Gideon Saint,” Liam explained. “He helped Ginny last weekend. He’s also the CEO of Growth Ventures.”

As expected, Alton’s interest in me immediately piqued, probably seeing dollar signs in his eyes.

“I’d hate to think what could have happened if you hadn’t been there to help her,” James said somberly, always the politician.

“We all do,” Liam offered on a hard swallow.

“I’m glad I could be of assistance.” I gave them a congenial smile. “Speaking of which, I’d like to say a quick hello to the guest of honor. If you’ll excuse me, gentlemen.” I started to turn, not wanting to be around them any longer than necessary, especially since none of them seemed remotely suspicious about who I was.

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