"That makes sense."
"Don't get it twisted though," Saint adds, his expression turning serious. "I'm not actually a saint. I've done bad things. I'll do even worse in the upcoming war. The name's aspirational, not descriptive."
The honesty is refreshing. He's not trying to present himself as perfect, just as someone trying to be better than his bloodline.
"But I can promise you this," Saint continues, his voice hard. "My brother will never touch you. None of the Vipers will. I'll make sure of it personally if it comes to that."
"Thank you."
"No problem." He's quiet for a moment, then a smile tugs at his lips. "You know, I noticed something today."
"What?"
"You and Phoenix look great together."
My cheeks flame instantly. "We don't… We're not—"
"Relax," Saint says, clearly amused by my reaction. "I'm just saying, there's nothing wrong with wanting something better than what you had before. Phoenix is a good man. The best, actually. If you're interested in him, you could do a hell of a lot worse."
"I'm not! It's not like that," I stammer, even though we both know I'm lying.
Saint just grins. "Whatever you say." He pushes off the wall, heading for the door. "Eat. Rest. Phoenix will probably check on you later."
Then he's gone, leaving me alone with my flaming cheeks and the plate of spaghetti.
I eat slowly, tasting nothing. My mind is too busy replaying Saint's words, replaying the kiss from this morning, replaying every interaction I've had with Phoenix since I showed up on his doorstep.
*There's nothing wrong with wanting something better than what you had before.*
Is that what this is? Am I just gravitating toward Phoenix because he's the opposite of Cole? Because he's kind where Cole was cruel, gentle where Cole was violent, respectful where Cole was controlling?
Or is it something more?
I don't have answers. Don't know how to untangle my feelings when everything is so complicated, when a war is brewing and people might die.
I finish eating and set the plate aside. Lie back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. Outside, I can hear rain starting to fall. The patter against the clubhouse roof is soothing. The kind of sound that usually helps me sleep.
But sleep feels impossible tonight.
I'm too wired, too aware of everything happening around me. The Iron Phoenix preparing for war. The Vipers coming. Phoenix downstairs somewhere, probably strategizing with his brothers, probably not thinking about the kiss we shared this morning.
Probably being the president instead of the man who looked at me like I was something worth fighting for.
The rain gets heavier, drumming against the roof and windows. I close my eyes, letting the sound wash over me. I must drift off eventually because the knock on the door startles me awake.
I sit up, disoriented. The room is darker now. Evening has fully settled in. The rain is still falling, steady and strong.
"Come in," I call, my voice rough from sleep.
The door opens, and Phoenix steps inside.
He's changed clothes. He’s wearing a different T-shirt, his hair slightly damp like he's been out in the rain, and he looks tired.
But when he sees me, his expression comes alive.
"Hey," he says. "Wanted to check on you. Make sure you're okay."
"I'm fine." I sit up fully, suddenly self-conscious about my rumpled clothes and probably messy hair. "Saint brought me dinner."
