Page 35 of Gilded Saint

“What did you tell him?”

“That you are happy and in love. I repeated everything Aunt Ludie spouts to anyone who will listen.”

“Why would he ask you?”

“I’ve no idea. But that’s the reason I called. Be careful, Willow. The man gives me the creeps by simply being, but his questions…I get the feeling he doesn’t know where you live. He’s trying to find you.”

“Why?” My twisty stomach sinks. “He wouldn’t go up against the syndicate.”

“A sane man wouldn’t. A narcissistic, egotistical monster might.”

“And Leandro checks all the boxes.”

“Do you have security?”

“Yes,” I say automatically.

“Do you?” There’s an insistence to her tone that makes her sound like a mother.

“John doesn’t accompany me to the studio. I technically haven’t left the grounds. Our building is in a complex, and I stay within the perimeter. What are the chances Leandro could…” Why would he want to find me is the question I want to ask, but Scarlet’s right. Asking why assumes rational thought. “What else? Tell me something good.”

I don’t want to hear about the capo’s psycho brother. I left that world behind.

“How’s Orlando? Have you seen him?”

“Have I ever. I’m his newfound best friend since you’ve been gone.”

“He doesn’t call me.”

“Does he call anyone?”

“Probably not. Maybe I should learn how to play one of those games he plays.”

She snorts. “Good luck with that. I suspect he has a bit of a crush?—”

“On who?”

“One of his classmates. I saw him walking with her along the beach.”

“Not alone?” Orlando’s on the young side for a marriage, but there are plenty of families within the Grigi who would love to marry into Titan Shipping. “He’s got to be careful.”

“I don’t think she’s one of ours.”

“Oh.” Sadness falls over me. That’s not any better. He’s probably too young to fall in love, but someone Father doesn’t approve of will never be an option for Orlando. Not if he wants to run Titan Shipping one day, which he does.

“Don’t worry. He’s probably just ogling her tits.”

“Ah, she’s endowed?”

“She might be a grade or two older. She’s got a set.”

“Oh, Orlando.”

“You don’t need to worry about your little brother. He’s got a bright future as a heartbreaker.”

“Until he’s forced to marry.”

“Please. You think he’ll be any different from the others?”

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