Page 27 of Angels of the Night

“That’s the best thing I've heard over the last two days! Do I know the person? Do they live here, at The Base?” Ardan's eyes were shining with newfound hope, his voice enthusiastic.

“Of course, you know them. They are Peyton, Alasdair's best friend, and they are ready to go there whenever you say.”

Meanwhile, unaware of the agitation at The Base, Zachary started the daily routine he quietly slipped back into by repainting a few bikes he’d revamped and intended to sell. Just like his hands, the man's mind was busy with a lot of thoughts, all of them centered around the situation Saint's revelations about Phillip created.

No matter how hard he tried, Zachary couldn't forget the man's kisses, the aroma of his mouth, the soft touch of his lips, the tingles he felt when their tongues danced together. The memories of him in Saint's arms with Caleb curled next to him, sleeping peacefully, made his heart ache, but not always in a bad way. It was rather a kind of longing. He felt empty, incomplete.

Zachary couldn't understand how a man who treated him and the blond young man with such care and affection could tarnish the memory of someone who wasn't there to defend themselves. Saint's words changed the image Zachary had of Phillip, and he cursed his ex-lover for stealing away the beautiful memories he had of the man.

Hearing the sound of steps on the barn's floor, the man raised his head, surprised to see there the person almost everyone at The Base cherished and protected, the school's principal, Peyton. The air of vulnerability surrounding them was even more noticeable, making them look like a lost child.

A bitter smile appeared on Zachary's lips when he realized Saint's manipulative strategy. Knowing that he wouldn't be believed, the master of deceit sent the sweet creature to spread his poisonous words. The clever plan of his was doomed to fail, he thought, smiling triumphantly.

“Look, kid, I know you came prepared to convince me of the truth behind that man's words, but I'm not your guy. Not today, tomorrow or any other day. I have to confess I'm a little disappointed in you, Ardan and Alasdair. I wouldn't have imagined any of you agreeing to play his dirty games.” Lowering his head, Zachary focused on the painting job, completely ignoring Peyton.

“You're wrong. I've came prepared to be belittled, laughed at, spat on and a thousand other reactions you might have. But, when the life of an innocent is at stake, I'm willing to take any risk.”

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