Page 75 of Fallen Saint

“Ah, you made it.” Oscar stands in the doorway, wearing a red velvet robe and holding a cognac glass. He looks like a fucking cliché.

On instinct, I shrink back, desperate to flee, but Max still grasps my arm in a punishing grip. I’m not going anywhere.

“Is Alek inside?”

Oscar hasn’t taken his eyes off me, and I can’t shake the feeling that Alek has no idea that I’m here. “Let me go.” I wiggle against Max, but the action spurs Oscar to move from the doorway, granting us entry.

I’m dragged into what I presume is Oscar’s home, struggling every step of the way. Both men ignore me and chat among themselves. I need a weapon. Or an exit. Anything. I examine my surroundings, but everything passes me by in a blur as Max continues to manhandle me.

When we venture down a long hallway, I dig my heels into the carpet, not liking the sudden devious vibe. Oscar opens a door to what looks to be a dining room. However, I have the sneaking suspicion we’re not here for food.

No one else is present inside, alerting Max to what I already know. “Where is Alek? You said he’d be here.”

Oscar smirks, the sight not at all pleasant. “I did?”

Max’s face falls as he knows his oversight will cost him. He attempts to reach into his pocket for his cell, I assume, but two men appear out of nowhere and stop him. Now he’s the one to be manhandled as they drag him from the room, kicking and screaming.

When they shut the door, I rub over my arm where my flesh stings from Max’s fingers digging into me and look around. A large table holds a silver candelabra burning candles brightly, setting a mood which turns my stomach.

“I’m sorry for all the mystery, but Alek wouldn’t let you out of his sight. I thought we could get to know one another without any distractions.” Oscar finishes his drink and places it onto the mantel.

“Why?” I ask, genuinely curious.

He gestures for me to take a seat. But I’d rather stand.

“Something about you intrigues so many. Alek. Saint.” I’m unable to hide my response when he says his name, and Oscar reads it instantly.

He circles me, just as a shark would of their prey. “The moment I saw you two together, I knew he felt something for you that I didn’t think he was capable of ever experiencing.”

“Excuse me?” There is no need for him to explain who he speaks of.

“He watched your every move. You moved. He moved. He was drawn to you like a moth to a flame,” he explains, coming to a stop in front of me. “He cares for you.”

My chest rises and falls, betraying my nerves.

“So I need to know what makes you special.”

I’m so sick of hearing this. “I’m not special. I’m just me.”

Oscar shakes his head slowly, reaching out to brush a strand of hair behind my ear. “I need to find that out myself.”

In a quivering breath, I ask, “How?”

When he takes two steps back and snaps his fingers, I know I’m about to regret my question. The door opens, and a man and woman, who I’ve never seen before, enter. They are both absolutely breathtaking.

The man looks like a Greek god and the woman a blond goddess. The man only wears what I can describe as baseball pants, and they don’t leave much to the imagination. The woman wears a sheer sarong dress tied around her neck. The transparent material reveals she’s naked beneath.

Instantly, I turn my cheek, embarrassed to be looking at them when so scantily dressed. I can’t imagine they enjoy being paraded around half naked this way. However, it’s a different story for Oscar.

“Please, there is no judgment here,” he says, gently coaxing me to look at them. “This isDominic and Ingrid.”

Those names caused Alek to freeze. At the time, I remember wondering who these people were, but now that I’ve met them, they are no doubt Oscar’s playthings. Just as I am Alek’s.

Still, the question remains…why am I here?

“What do you think of them?” Oscar asks, sweeping his hand out toward them.

They stand motionless with their eyes straight ahead.

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