Page 69 of Fallen Saint

“I wanted to talk to you about the masquerade ball,” he says casually. As if devirginizing me in front of a bunch of strangers isn’t a big deal. “I know what you heard sounds awfully…confronting. But I wanted you to know that I will make it as comfortable for you as possible.”

“How?” I spit with heat. It’s out before I can stop myself.

Alek reaches for the glass and swirls the wine around before taking a sip. “The way my friend Oscar explained it probably has you thinking I’ll throw you down on the floor and fuck you senseless while everyone cheers me on.”

My cheeks heat at the description. “And aren’t you?” I challenge, folding my arms across my chest.

“You mistake my affections for you. I would never do that. Not to you,” he adds as my next comment would have asked if he’s done it before. “We will be in my bedroom with only a few close friends in the room.”

No guessing who these friends will be.

“You will be under the covers. It will be discreet. This isn’t something new or perverse. It’s been happening for centuries throughout many cultures.”

His flippant explanation pisses me off. “I assume a white sheet will be laid down so your ‘close friends’ can ensure your bride is a virgin?” I air quote, annoyed. “This is completely barbaric.”

I don’t care that my docile act has slipped. There is no way this is right. And nothing Alek says will ever change my mind.

“I don’t expect you to understand. We are from different worlds. And I realize how hard this is for you.” But he doesn’t realize jack shit.

“You have no idea what it’s like in my position,” I rebuke, shaking my head. “It’s easy for you. All you have to do is roll on top of me, wiggle around for a few seconds, and then get a pat on the back for a job well done.”

My voice is raised, and I am shooting daggers in Alek’s direction, so you can imagine my surprise when I witness a small smirk tug at his full lips. “Is that what you think of me?”

His question catches me off guard, but I soon recover. “Youreallydon’t want to know what I think of you right now.”

No doubt my act is up, and Alek will guarantee my soup is poisoned so he can wipe his hands clean of me. But I’m beginning to see that I should never expect anything when Alek is involved. “On the contrary, I want to know everything.”

He shuffles closer toward me in the booth so our knees touch.

“If you think that’s what sex is like”—his voice drops an octave lower as he leans into me—“then I am so pleased to be your first. I will worship every inch of this glorious body, ensuring no part is left untouched.”

I swallow in disgust but can’t hide my embarrassment when I feel my cheeks flush.

“And only when you’re begging for me…is when I will show you what making love is.”

I’m expecting him to press his lips to mine, give me a sneak peek of what he promises, but he doesn’t. He simply pulls away and reaches for his wine like he didn’t just speak sweet nothings into my ear.

I need a moment to gather my thoughts because what the hell was that?

How dare he assume he can win me over with a seductive voice and some empty promises? Does he expect me to bat my eyelashes and drop my panties now that he’s fed me some bullshit lines? He has another thing coming if he does.

And I want him to know it.

“I will never beg,” I promise.

Alek leans back in the booth, extending his arm out to rest on top of the plush leather. “Never say never, ???????.”

“What does that mean?”

He smiles and it’s genuine, which startles me. “A number of things, but to me, it means precious, which is what you are.”

I’m thankful when a lady saunters over to say hello because I need a breather from this conversation. However, when I peer up and meet her icy blue eyes, that gratitude turns to dread. Something shifts in Alek, and he appears regretful she caught him in a vulnerable moment.

“Alek, you didn’t tell me you were coming here this evening. And with a friend, no less.” Although her words are playful, nothing about this woman is lighthearted.

Her monster heels add to her already tall stature. Dressed in a black jumpsuit, she has a gold laurel leafed headband positioned perfectly in her long ebony hair. Something about her feels…familiar, but not in the sense that I’ve seen her before.

She must feel me staring because she focuses her attention my way. “I’m Astra,” she says, her gold bracelets jingling as she gives me a small wave. “Alek and I have been longtime friends. Isn’t that right?”

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