Page 8 of Dirty Little Saint

Holden Graves narrows his eyes at me, his gaze traveling up and down the length of my body. I fight the urge to hide behind Riot. I’m not a shrinking violet, but this man’s energy is dark and sinister. His power looms over us like a black cloud. After everything I’ve been through, there’s not much left that scares me. Until now.

He strolls over, taking a drink off Romulus’s tray on his way to us. “You have your grandmother’s eyes… like burnt honey or copper on fire. That’s how she got her nickname, you know? Penny. How is Penelope doing these days?”

I don’t like the gravel in his voice. It’s laced with quiet threats and vibes of the stab you in the back variety. “I’ve never met her,” I murmur.

Riot hisses. “I already told you she’s never been to Ever Graves.”

Holden throws him a dismissive look, but I can’t help but notice his pupils dilate. “I’m just testing our new friend.” He cups my elbow in his hand, and a slight ping of electricity shoots up my arm. “I’m well aware of the scandal your mother caused when she betrayed Val’s uncle all those years ago. Getting knocked up by a groundskeeper. Such a shame you had to grow up in squalor because your mother couldn’t keep her legs closed.”

I feel my cheeks burn. What is he talking about? My father never said anything about working for the Blackwells.

Valentin growls next to me, but Riot cuts him off before he, too, incurs the wrath of Holden Graves. “Don’t be a dick, Father. Maureen doesn’t deserve your disrespect.”

“Well, she hasn’t earned my respect either.” He pinches my elbow as he notices the sigil on my neck. “And I didn’t approve any of this.”

My heart races as he flexes his power, and a sharp pain travels up my arm. I hitch my breath, trying not to show a reaction. But the guys are connected to me, and they can feel it too.

Atlas smiles and slaps him on the back. “You promised me a tour of your new lab last time you came to Tenebrose. I have some new batches of oleander I’d love to have you try.”

Holden forces a smile. “No one crafts poison quite like you, Atlas. How could I say no?”

Behind that Adonis smile and those sparkling, ocean-colored eyes, Atlas, too, is a predator. A psycho who’s not just immune to poison, he drinks it for fun. And right now, with Holden’s fingers digging into my arm, I can feel Atlas’s crazy going up a few notches in my bones.

When Holden finally lets go, I cradle my arm to my chest. I rub the tender spot he pinched and feel a knot already forming. Fucker. I wonder if he’s the reason why his wife walks with a cane.

Riot rests a hand on my lower back in warning. As if my thoughts are too loud.

Atlas reaches into his breast pocket and pulls out a vial. “This one is fucking fire. It will keep your cock hard for hours.”

Holden smirks. “I’m sure Maureen appreciates that.”

My face flushes again. “Not sure that’s any of your business,” I snap.

“Oh, you’re fiery. Have to be to keep these boys’ interest. They get bored rather fast.”

“So do I. Kind of like now with this conversation.”

Holden steps toward me, and the guys close in around us. “You’re right. I’m faking pleasantries when what I really mean to do is get down to business.”

“Father,” Riot warns. “Leave her out of this.”

He shoves a finger in his face while keeping his gaze locked on mine. “Shut your fucking mouth.”

Chills race up my back.

“You have pledged yourself to Nocturnus, have you?” Holden asks me.

I nod. “I made an oath to Riot, Val, and Atlas.”

He snickers. “They belong to Nocturnus. So now you do as well. As the eldest living Graves heir, I am Nocturnus.”

Riot snorts. “Yes, we know, Father. You’re the fucking king of the castle.”

“What do you want from me?” I whisper. There is no way this man is going to let me walk out of here unscathed.

Holden snaps his fingers and Romulus scurries over like a lap dog. He places a dagger in his hand. The hilt is the same as Riot’s. “A ceremony. It’s Nocturnus law for female initiates to submit. In order to be fully accepted into our coven, you will need to take part in this most sacred rite.”

“No,” Valentin barks. “No fucking way.”

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