Page 80 of Controlled

“Why, thank you, Don Salvatore. I will take the compliment with joy in my heart. And if I wanted to stab you, I think you’re well aware you’d see it coming.”

He laughed, giving me a respectful nod. “You’ve done well for yourself and your family. Maybe it is time for you to consider a few rug rats running around.”

We both laughed together. “I don’t think the world is ready for more of the Saint family.”

“Don’t be so sure. Your genes come from strong stock, your father the only real bad seed.”

I’d forgotten how much of a history he’d gone through with my father.

“Duly noted.”

His nod was by way of us both realizing there was no additional need to discuss business. The points had been made, bread broken, and the need for additional trust placed on the table.

I’d thought about Styx’s advice for hours, including on the plane heading home. Allowing my father to win another round was unacceptable.

Besides, I was eager to get back to my lovely protégé. Although I could hardly call her that any longer. She was far better than the man I’d become.

Even if I wanted to continue sullying her for a long time to come.

CHAPTER 24

Bella

Rage.

Love.

Passion.

They were often closely tied together, and with Creed, that had proven itself time and time again in the few days we’d known each other.

I still considered the night an amazing fairytale, everything a girl could want right down to the incredible sex. However, seeing the haunted look on his face, as if he was remembering something horrific from his past had reminded me that he was in a precarious position.

So was I.

This wasn’t a fairytale no matter how much money he spent on me or the fantastic places he took me. Still, the closeness I’d felt with him, including the man allowing me to be in his arms for several hours continued to jab at my mind. I was uncertain how to act around him or even what he wanted.

What I had been certain of was that he’d been afraid of hurting me, which is why he’d left, returning smelling like scotch.

I bit my lower lip, wanting some fresh air. While I’d been hesitant to try any of the locks, as I stared out the set of the French doors leading to a fabulous deck, the lake not far away, I wanted the feeling of real freedom if only for a little while. The moment I placed my hand on the latch, I glanced over my shoulder. I’d seen several soldiers walking the grounds, including Christen, who obviously didn’t like me very much after our sparring incident, but no one was in the house at this point.

At least other than the two girls I’d seen tidying up the place. They’d been polite but certainly not talkative.

And I felt so lonely, missing Jonas more than anything. I’d even turned on the news hoping to hear something but even with his father being the DA, I’d found no mention of his murder. Maybe that meant his family had bought that it was a suicide. The ache was still raw, just like what I’d felt the night before. Everything was far too complicated, so much so I wasn’t certain what to believe about anything any longer.

I turned the handle, shocked that five alarms hadn’t gone off in tandem. I took a deep breath before heading outside. For a man who lived by rules, Creed had been in a hurry, not bothering to lay then out for me.

Other than he would go hunting if I dared try to leave him.

As serious and dangerous as the statement had been, I found myself laughing about it as I walked onto the deck. The air was crisper than it had been, the light breeze providing the heavenly scent of freshly cut grass. Whoever he’d hired as a landscaper was doing an incredible job. From the perfect patterns from the lawnmower to the perfect shade of green, the area in front of the lake was breathtaking.

There was that word again. Perfect.

There was no such thing in this life or any others for that matter, including with me. But Creed continued insisting that’s what I was. As well as his salvation.

I shuddered from the thought, moving closer to the railing. I could see a soldier in the distance, walking as if trained in the military. Maybe he had been. At least I could breathe in the fresh air, which helped to start clearing the cobwebs from my mind almost immediately.

I’d paid little attention to the outside surroundings given the amazing trip. There were two boats attached to an incredible dock stretching far out into the water. It was funny. I’d had one boyfriend in my life, a guy who’d ended up far too controlling but he’d taught me to appreciate boats, even showing me the ropes driving one. They were floating silently and I wondered how often a man like Creed allowed himself to enjoy any of the luxuries he owned.

---