Page 83 of Fallen Saint

He steps back, allowing me the space I need. I know I’m testing his patience, but I can’t pretend.

A man in oiled jean overalls walks over to us, wiping his greasy hands on a rag. Alek and he speak for a few moments before Alek translates. “He thinks it should only take about forty-five minutes. There is a lounge if you’d like to wait in there.”

Alek, being the control freak that he is, clearly wants to oversee the repairs. Or maybe he is giving me the space I need. Scoffing, I eradicate that thought because Alek doesn’t do anything unless it benefits himself.

“May I use the bathroom?”

The man must understand me because he points at an isolated building behind the garage with a smile.

“???????.”

Alek’s mouth parts, revealing his surprise that I just thanked the man in Russian.

I don’t stick around for any praise, however, and make a quick dash for the restrooms. The moment I’m inside, I lock the door and lean up against it, taking three deep breaths. My heart beats wildly, and I’m shaking uncontrollably.

I don’t know what’s come over me.

I catch my breath and decide to use the toilet while in here even though it was just an excuse to escape. The cubical is small, but the confinement helps calm my nerves. Once I’m done, I wash my hands and peer at my reflection in the mirror above the basin.

Today has shifted something inside me, and I don’t like it. Everything was clear-cut. Take Alek down, ensure he pays for what he’s done, and leave this country with my freedom in hand. But now, I can’t stop thinking about the faces of those unfortunate orphans and the impact that will have on them.

If I end his life, I will inadvertently be ending theirs too because Mother Superior hinted that Alek’s generous donations keep the orphanage afloat. If they stop, then the work they do will be hindered, and hundreds of children will suffer because of the vengeance of one.

It’s not fair…to any of us. I’m stuck at a moral crossroad once again.

A sharp knock sounds on the door, hinting that another customer needs to use the amenities. I splash some water onto my flustered cheeks, hoping to wash away some of this remorse I feel. Another knock follows, more desperate this time.

“Just a minute!” I call out, quickly drying my hands on the paper towels.

The person at the door is clearly desperate as the knocking grows more frantic. Not wanting to impede their call of nature, I quickly unlock the door and am about to apologize, but a hooded figure bursts through the door, pushing me back inside.

Panic overcomes me.

It happens so quickly, I don’t have time to process what’s happening. However, my fight or flight suddenly takes over, and I make a mad dash for the exit, desperate to flee. But when the cloaked figure slowly removes the hood from his head, revealing their identity, I stagger backward, blinking frantically.

It can’t be…

“A????.”

“S-Saint?” My brain can’t seem to accept the fact that he’s here, he’s really here, and plays it off as some cruel trick. It wouldn’t be the first time. However, when he advances forward and passionately presses me into his chest, I know this is really happening.

“Oh, my god,” I cry, unable to stop the tears when I breathe in his scent. “You’re really here?”

“Yes, I’m really here,” he confirms, pressing his lips to the top of my head. “I had to see you again. Even if for just a moment.”

I want to say so many things, but I can’t. Words escape me, so I simply feel. We hug one another so tight, I can barely breathe, but it’s still not close enough. I can’t get enough of him, and I bury myself deeper.

“Are you all right?” he asks, frantically stroking over my hair before cradling the back of my neck.

“I am now,” I whisper, squeezing him tightly. “How did you know where I was?”

“I’m the reason the tire blew.” I don’t care how he made that happen; I’m just so glad he’s here. “Has he hurt you?”

“No,” I reply, inhaling deeply as I can’t get enough of his scent. “Are we leaving now?”

Saint gently breaks our connection so he can look at me. His chartreuse eyes spark to life, and I sizzle under the intensity. I wish I could look at him forever, but I know we’re on a deadline. “No, not yet. I don’t have a solid plan, and I won’t risk your safety that way.”

I can’t hide my disappointment.

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