Page 340 of Vicious Saint
“Or else you’ll what? Trash your bedroom again? Break your father’s things? Go rogue and torture the man your father and…” Mom clears her throat. “Theothershave been trying to get information out of?”
Wait…what?
They finally caught the piece of shit fake security guard?
When did all of this happen?
Other than at the hospital, Saint’s been nothing short of cool, calm, and collected. On his meds. It’s the only other reason I felt comfortable leaning on him so hard.
And now I find out he’s been sheltering me from his very own breakdown this entire time?
Oh my God.
I’ve been so caught up in my grief, I didn’t even think about Saint’s mental health. Or the consequences if he was to fall apart too.
I am a total selfish, nasty bitch.
Sadness mixes with shame, causing burning hot tears to cascade down my cheeks.
“I’m so sorry, Letterman.”
Saint holds out a hand, motioning for me to relax, even though I can practicallyfeelhis temperature rising.
“Get…the fuck…out.” He snarls, and I don’t need to look at my mom to know she’s scared.
Or look at Saint to know he’s skating the edge.
I won’t be the cause of his destruction, not again.
Therefore, it’s my turn to shelter him.
“I’ll go,” I announce, rising from the tub and swiping a towel off the hanger. “Please just stop arguing.”
Saint’s expression is as apologetic as mine was a few seconds ago. “Trust me, you shouldn’t.”
“You’re probably right. But I’m gonna anyway.”
“I’m happy to hear it.” Mom’s voice softens. “It’s for your own good, Hendrix.”
Somehow…I doubt that.
I’m proven why about ten minutes later, as I step off the elevator, finding Mom, Vic, and Auntie, along with a tower of a man waiting for me in the foyer.
Black suit, suspenders, holding a present.
A FUCKING PRESENT.
Remember the temper I mentioned earlier? The one I couldn’t find in me to flare? Well, turns out, some timely reminders is all it takes to rear its ugly head.
So ugly, Saint has to hold me back from mauling people.
“How fucking dare you!” I launch a slipper at Vic over Saint’s shoulder, hitting him straight in the chest. “How fuckingdareyou try and replace him already!”
Mom’s frowning next to Auntie, and although genuine, pisses me right the fuck off. So, she gets a slipper too.
Bonus point for nicking Auntie.
“I’m so sorry, baby,” Mom cries. “I know how much Carlo meant to you…how hard his death has been on you. But we don’t have a choice.”
