Page 59 of No Saint

I lean back in my chair, tipping my wine glass to my lips.

“Now you’ve had time to settle in, wife,” I smirk when her eyes dart to me at the mention of that dreaded word, “How are you finding the house?”

“Fine,” she swallows, her eyes latched onto where the glass meets my mouth.

“Are there any changes you’d like made?”

“No – wait,” she shakes her head, “Yes actually.”

I place the glass down and settle my hands beneath my chin, linking the fingers so I can rest my head while I listen. “Go on.”

“The pool.”

I nod, picturing the extension off the back of the kitchen that leads to the pool, a glass structure with a sliding ceiling to let in the sun or the stars and looked towards the sea. It was a favorite room of mine.

I hadn’t swum in some time but I’d loved doing it growing up and now, the water calming my soul as much as listening to the sea and the violent way it crashes on the cliffs.

The dining room door opens and Asher storms in with heavy, demanding steps. I hold a hand, ordering him to stop and be silent.

“Gabriel,” he starts.

“While my wife is speaking you will remain quiet.”

“No,” Amelia starts, “It’s fine, I just–”

“It is respect, Amelia. You are my wife, and they will treat you as they would treat me.”

I glare at Asher who opens his mouth as if to argue but he shuts it quick, gritting his teeth and flaring his nostrils with irritation, “Go on, Amelia.”

She glances to Asher momentarily, “The pool, the door doesn’t have a lock.”

“Yes?”

“Lincoln can’t swim.”

“The boy can’t reach the handle,” Asher interrupts.

I glare at him, “I’ll have it sorted.”

“Really?”

“Yes.”

Asher scoffs.

“Is there a problem, brother?”

“No problem,brother,” he bounces his eyes between the two of us, “But I have matters to be addressed.”

“What?” I bite.

“Here?”

“Asher, I will lose my patience with you,” I warn, “What is it?”

“I’m going to go.”

I lunge, grabbing Amelia by the wrist, gently coaxing her to stay, “No you stay, Amelia. You stay. I’ll be back.”

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