Page 37 of A Sinner's Saint

“Sure thing, Santo. Girl says she’s here for Vin.” The second man presses a button that makes the gates open.

“She’s his girlfriend. Put her on the list,” Santo says. I recognise him from the cemetery. He was the one who was digging up the grave earlier today.

I walk through the gates, stopping in front of Vin’s brother. “Thank you,” I tell him.

“He really not expecting you?”

I shake my head. “He… uh… usually comes to my place. But he’s not… I don’t think he should be alone right now.”

Santo nods his head. “What you saw today… I…”

“I didn’t see anything,” I quickly cut him off. “Other than someone drowning in his grief. I’m really sorry.”

Santo’s features soften ever so slightly. “Thank you,” he says, pausing before adding, “Vin… How is he really?”

How is Vin?If I’m honest, he’s struggling. But I’m not about to tell a single soul that. Not unless I thought it would help him. And right now, I don’t.

“I think that’s something you need to ask Vin yourself.”

“I’m asking you. You’re close with him. I thought I was, but I missed something I never should have fucking missed. So, again, how is he doing?” Santo repeats, his tone hardened.

“Honestly, he has good days and bad. But I can’t tell you anything. I won’t betray his trust. If he wants people to know something, he’ll tell them. I’m sorry.”

The surprised look on Santo’s face tells me the guy’s not used to hearing no. “Okay then. Just… whatever you’re doing, keep doing it.”

I nod my head and continue up the front steps of the house. Before I reach for the knob, the large wooden door swings open. And another man in a matching black suit stands on the other side. “Come on in,” he says.

I’ve heard the stories about Vin’s family. I’ve been here before, seen how tight security is firsthand. But showing upalone? Being in this house? With all the men in black suits standing guard…

Well, you’d have to be stupid to not believe all the rumours. I haven’t really thought too much about them. I don’t know if I care about what his family does, or if I should. It doesn’t involve me, and I know that Vin loves all of his brothers. And judging by the brief interaction I just had with Santo, they are fiercely protective of Vin too.

After thanking the suited-up hulk, I make my way upstairs and stop outside of Vin’s bedroom door. Suddenly feeling full of nerves. What if he really just wants to be alone and doesn’t want me here? He could send me away.

Shit. Maybe I should have called first.

The door opens and a shirtless, restless-looking Vin stands in front of me. “Cammi? You okay?” he asks, running his eyes all over me.

“Can I come in?”

Vin steps to the side, giving me space to walk into his room.

“Close the door,” I tell him as I make my way over to his bed. I slide my feet out of my shoes and crawl up on the mattress, laying my head on his pillow.

“What are you doing here, Cammi?” he questions from where he’s now standing on the other side of the bed.

“You didn’t come to my place,” I explain simply.

“I’m really not good company right now.” Vin turns around and walks over to his dresser. He picks up that little tin. I know what’s in it, and I also know that he thinks he needs it.

“Vin, I need you to come and lie down with me. I need you to hold me.” As much as I try to keep the desperation out of my voice, I know it’s there. I can hear it.

Vin sets the tin back down on the dresser and comes over to the bed. Then he climbs on and curls up next to me while his fingers brush along the side of my face. “What’s wrong?”

“I feel like you’re slipping away from me. I can’t lose you, Vin.” I move over so my body is pressed right up against his.

“You are never going to lose me, Cammi. I’m just… I don’t want you to see me when I’m at my worst.”

“That’s exactly when I should see you, Vin. That’s what girlfriends are for, you know. To be there for their boyfriends when they need them.”

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