CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR
SAINT
The server standing in front of the shelves lined with bottles of vintage wine, overseen by a dark wood counter, pours me and Virgil a drink.
Virgil raises the glass and smiles at the young man.
It hasn’t been too long since we arrived at the wedding reception venue of Syn King and his groom.
I don’t expect Father to show his face here, and he does not disappoint.
Men in tailored suits cluster in a quiet assemblage, shoulders squared, movements efficient without haste.
Women move through the space wrapped in satin, velvet, and diamonds that catch the chandelier light like blades.
A live orchestra plays something classical and elegant.
In the crowd, Syn stands in a circle of influential men, a glass of wine in hand, laughing and chatting with the guests.
Barely minutes ago, he stood in the center of the room with his husband.
And I hate that I’m still too fucking terrified to dance with the man I’m in love with.
I hate that I’m not strong enough to fight for us.
Hell, I have never fought for anything for myself my whole life.
It’s even worse that my father is setting me up with another woman after his hopes for an alliance with the Okoro family got crushed.
“You should go meet with your bride.” Virgil tilts his glass toward the woman standing in the midst of two men in a light blue dress that really matches her skin.
“I think you should marry her.”
He rolls his eyes. “I don’t do romantic relationships, and I don’t fuck either.”
“Well, good for you.” I take a sip of my drink, and my intense gaze slides over to Virgil, who casually leans against the bar counter with a smirk on his lips.
“Don’t forget yourself, brother. We are here solely to meet with Prince, whom you had a…
” I laugh. “How did he say it… we have history.” I glance at him with a smirk.
Virgil frowns. I had told him about Prince’s proposition and laid out my plans. He’s aware it will only work if he gives Prince what he wants. Protection. It’s simple. Unless there is something I don’t know about.
“You’ve got jokes, huh? You’re the one who brought a traitor into this place. How fucking convenient.”
My jaw hardens, and I regard him with a jaded stare. “Look, I don’t want to fight with you.”
“Maybe that’s what we should do since you’re disregarding everything about family for him.” His voice is venomous. “Besides, we don’t need Prince anymore. We have Vincent in custody. Neo is dead.”
“Have you forgotten that we’re supposed to keep a low profile? Guess what happened at the family mansion about a month ago?” I had spoken to Prince about a change of plans, and he’d agreed as long as we were true to our terms.
He wants Virgil. He gets Virgil.
“Oh, fuck that! You were out fucking your boyfriend.” He continues. “I’m doing this for family. Not you.”
“Speak of the devil…” I murmur just as Prince approaches us in an all-black suit. His lips lift into a smile as he gazes at me with Virgil.
“A pleasure…” Prince shakes my hand. “Didn’t expect you to show up for the wedding, especially considering how much aversion your father has toward people like us.”
“Speak for yourself. My father’s old-fashioned.” Virgil taunts while I sip from my glass, unconcerned.
“Old-fashioned. Rigid. Anything to justify their blatant homophobia. Sickening.” He comments and grins at me.
Out of curiosity, I ask. “You are?”
“Bisexual,” he smiles. “Openly.”
“Right.” I turn to the bartender, and he pours me another drink.
“Put it on my tab.” Prince tells the bartender.
“I can pay for my own drinks, thank you.” Virgil retorts.
“Please, can we put this revulsion between you two aside? Because clearly you seem to hate each other.”
“Hate is a strong word.” Prince mentions.
“Right,” Virgil shrugs, and we pivot to the crowd. The only reason Virgil hasn’t walked away is that he’s very much needed.
“So, have you agreed to my terms?” Prince jests.
“Yes.” Virgil whines.
“Great,” Prince smiles at him. “Your shipment will leave my docks in two days.”
“Everything will work effectively as long as everyone plays their part.” I shift my gaze from Prince to Virgil, who grumbles under his breath.
“Whatever,” Virgil seethes. “I’m only doing this because Father hates messes, and I don’t want you to be caught in his trap.”
My hands clap my brother’s shoulder, firm and brief. “Thank you for looking out for me, little brother.” The corners of my mouth hold steady, but the smile doesn’t reach my eyes.
“Hmm mmm.” Virgil nods.
Just as Prince leaves, the lady dressed in blue approaches me with a champagne glass in hand. Her lashes flutter, and her full red lips hold a genuine smile. “Saint.” Her smile deepens, eyes twinkling with recognition. “Your father said we would meet here.”
“Hello.”
“It’s so nice to see you in person. You look really handsome.” She compliments.
“You look elegant.” I return the favor.
“Thank you.” She smiles.
“Our fathers have been speaking about the marriage, and I’m so excited to be a part of your family.” She grins as we walk around the room side by side.
“I can see a bright future for both of us.” I lie through my teeth, a fake smile on my lips. We stop, and I face her and watch as her eyes bubble with excitement.
“I’m thrilled.” She laughs. “Do you want to have a big family?”
“I’m not sure.” I lift my gaze and see that Mason’s watching me, a steel gaze in his eyes.
Fuck! I’m in deep trouble. Just when I thought the night couldn’t get any worse, the woman standing before me tiptoes and presses a kiss on my cheek. I’m too surprised to utter a word, but what pulls my attention from the unwanted gesture is the commotion bustling ahead of us.
Mason.
Anger flows through my veins. Burning intensely. I watch the exchange between them before I storm toward the entitled gentleman walking away.
How dare he disrespect what’s mine?
He’ll learn tonight. I’ll make sure he does.
I close the distance between us, snatching the man by the hair before he can speak. The room gasps collectively as they stand aside. I drag the man over to Mason’s feet and force him down to the floor.
It takes everything in me not to break his goddamn fingers. “Apologize.” I growl.
His gaze flickers up to Mason, a smug expression on his face. “I’m sorry.” He doesn’t mean it.
“No, no.” I shake my head and squat down to his eye level, fastening my fist around the man’s feeble neck. “Try again, asshole.”
The words stumble out of his lips, controlled and precise. More respectful, with a tinge of fear around the edges. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did. Please, forgive me.”
“Saint, just let him go.” Mason says, but I don’t give a fuck.
This motherfucker should thank whatever god he believes in that I’m in a good mood.
“He hasn’t accepted your apology.” I assert.
“It’s okay. I accept.” Mason says. I shove the man down and regain my footing. I turn around, shocked that everybody’s staring at us, including the new bride my father had scouted for me.
I think everyone in this room already knows the truth.
Cross and Olivia are here, too.
I can see it in their eyes. Too terrified. Too disappointed. Too disgusted. Reminding me of my sickness. I’m not sick. Those are not the kinds of beliefs I should hold myself to when I’m working toward a healthier relationship with Mason.
And I don’t know what to do.
Virgil’s at the bar, but he doesn’t seem to care. Syn and his husband are still looking at me.
What catches my attention is when Mason turns on his heel and bolts out of the room.