Page 76 of The Devil's Saint

I clear my throat.

“He’s going to be busy looking after Eric’s businesses,” I lie. Or is it? Someone has to take over. Most likely, it’s going to be him. “I think I’ll take you up on the offer and hire a professional instructor. Plus, they say swimming is great for healing wounds.”

She agrees, rubbing away a bit of fluff that landed on her pantsuit, then lifts her bag and car keys as Owl enters the room. His eyes run over my body, making me instantly stiffen.

His tone is gruff when he asks, “Ready?”

She smiles and nods.

“Where are you off to?”

“The prison to visit Eric.”

I keep my gaze focused on my mom, unease settling in my bones and making me shiver.

“I don’t like the thought of you going into that place,” I say worriedly.

“It’s my job to worry about you, sweetheart. Not the other way around.” She hikes one perfectly shaped eyebrow. “Besides, I’m not on my own. Owl’s coming with me.” I don’t allow my eyes to shift his way, fixing them firmly on her. “I’ll be perfectly safe. I promise.”

I don’t know what worries me more. Mom going to prison or my mom being alone with Owl. I don’t care if he’s Chains twin or Colton’s uncle. That man is a walking creep.

“Please be careful,” I call out as they stop outside the door.

“Stop worrying. I’ll only be gone about an hour or two,” she calls back before she leaves, and I hear a car horn beeping. Colton’s here.

Perfect timing.

“Hey.”

Colton’s eyes flash with wonder when he steps into the room.

“Thanks for coming,” I say, lifting two bottles of water from the cooler, my smile lighting up when I take in his outfit.

He’s wearing dark sweats, sneakers, and a short-sleeved tee that shows off the impressive ink for his forearms.

“No problem. I come on command every time a girl tells me to,” he says with a wink, making sure I don’t miss his sexual innuendo.

I roll my eyes.

“Ready to get down to business?”

His brows lift. “Now you’re really getting me excited,” he jokes.

I crook my finger in a come here motion.

“Let’s go, hornball.”

He stays silent, following me all the way to the gym.

“A workout session, really?” he mocks in disappointment.

“No. A self-defense lesson, actually. And you’re going to teach me.”

A look of shock and surprise crosses his face.

“You want me to teach you how to defend yourself?” he scoffs.

“Why not? I’ve seen the way you handle yourself in school. You took out four football players once, all by yourself.”

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