Page 50 of The Fall of Sin (The Sins of Saint 2)

“You know how I feel about card readings, Elena.” There was no mistaking the anger in his voice, the animosity that radiated in waves off him and toward his aunt.

I stood straight and took Elena’s hand, trying to move in front of her. “It was my idea. I asked her to do a reading for me.”

He didn’t take his glare off Elena. It was as if he didn’t even hear me speak, as if he refused to acknowledge my existence…until his eyes caught sight of the cards. Grooves formed on his forehead, and he shot a warning glare her way, an entire conversation taking place without a word being spoken. But I felt it, I felt something pass between them, something I wasn’t supposed to pick up on.

I took two steps and leaned into Saint. “I asked her to do a reading for me. Besides, it’s only cards. There’s not much truth to it.”

When he looked my way, I could see there were words burning on the tip of his tongue, begging to reprimand and scorn. And I anticipated it with squared shoulders, yet he proceeded to surprise me by biting his tongue.

“Elena, would you assist Mila in getting ready for the ball? Also, pack an overnight bag, as we’ll be staying at a hotel in Rome for the night.”

“Of course, Marcello. Come, Mila. We have much to do.”

I tore my gaze from his, about to step around him, when he grabbed my elbow and pulled me close, crashing his lips against mine, kissing me as if my taste was the antidote to the poison that blackened his soul. Our mouths were locked in a passionate kiss for five seconds which seemed to last a lifetime. It was amazing how his lips could make all the bad around us disappear, placing the entire world on mute.

He broke the kiss and leaned back as he scrutinized me from top to bottom. “You feeling okay?”

“Yes. Why?”

“No reason. I just remembered in the elevator you weren’t feeling well.”

I smiled. “I’m fine now. Promise.”

“Good.” His expression softened. “Now, go put on that red dress I’d like to tear from your body later.”

I shot him a lopsided grin. “Demanding much?”

“Oh, you have no idea.”

“I think I do.” I bit my lip as heat spread across my cheeks and turned around to walk the other way. I made sure I swayed my hips just a little extra since I could basically feel his heated stare on my ass.

17

Saint

“Did you find out anything?”I slammed the door shut as I entered my study where James waited.

“He’s going to be there.”

“Son of a bitch.” I stomped across the room.

“It only makes sense for him to be there since he’s the only person who can represent the Torres family.”

I took a seat and clasped my fists together. “I don’t trust him near her.”

“I don’t blame you. Especially if he knows about that added clause to his father’s will.”

“Any indication that he does?”

James shook his head. “If he does know, he’s doing a pretty good job at being ignorant.”

“My father knows about it, which makes me wonder how he’s planning on playing it.”

“What do you mean?”

I brushed my fingers against my jaw. “If I was my father, there would be two ways I’d want to play it. One, tell Raphael and try to manipulate him into doing my bidding. Two, not tell Raphael and see how it plays out, hoping the fucker will be dumb and greedy enough to do something stupid, which would in turn keep his hands clean.”

James narrowed his eyes. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but if Raphael does something stupid, would that not involve hurting Mila?”

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