Page 69 of Hostile Saint

Vice complained, “I want some Torque love.”

“Vice, I’m on a morning potato withdrawal, dude. Get your ass home.” He chuckled. “Do me a favor and talk some sense into Prez’s thick skull. I’m neck-deep in—”

Knock! Knock! Knock! “Yo, Torquey baby! It’s Rattler. I’ve got some pissed bunnies claiming there’s no hot water. These damn bitches are making my ears bleed—”

Then he hollered to someone else, “I’m on it! I’m telling the man now. Back off, little girl…” The voice faded as Rattler left the door.

Understanding Torque had his hands full, Prez waved his hand through the air in surrender. “Alright. Stay put. Justice, proceed with caution. Let’s see what we can find out without tradin’ favors. Feel me?”

“I got an Old Lady in mind who can get in there, staying low key. Just give me time for her to set up the visit.”

“That’ll work. Torque, be sure to speak with Kansas to keep them updated.”

In case the orderly who was sleeping in the hallway decided to wake and do his job, I sat on the floor in between Lacey’s nightstand and bed. With one leg stretched out in a casual manner, I enjoyed the quiet while watching Pretty Girl. She was laying on her belly, her arm hanging over the edge of the bed. Her delicate fingers fiddled with a loose string on the knee of my jeans as she asked, “I wonder if I have a mom worrying about me.”

She didn’t. Not anymore, so I stayed quiet.

After more silence, she asked, “Where does your mom live?”

I swallowed. “She doesn’t. She passed when I was a baby.”

Lacey and I were officially parentless by the tender age of seventeen.

“Aww.” Her cool hand touched my face. “I’m sorry.”

My face leaned into her touch. It had been a tough day that I couldn’t share with her.

“Your hair is soft.”

I inhaled her. She smelled like a perfect flower that had yet to be discovered. “Is it?” Internally, I moaned as she ran her fingers through my waves, making my eyes slide shut.

“I hope this doesn’t embarrass you, but I think you are very handsome.”

If there were any doubts that Lacey and I were only together because of our horrid past, they faded away. She knew nothing of all we had experienced together, yet was still so attracted to me.

My eyes opened to stare into hers. “I think you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen or will ever see.”

Her little lips parted… “Tate, someday, can I kiss you?”

“Only if you want me to fall madly in love with you.”

Sweet cheeks blushed. “Okay. Deal.”

Her smile told me someday, I would get that kiss.

Someday, I was going to get to kiss my wife again.

Every night, I visited that beautiful girl. That’s why, after a week had flown by, I had easily fallen asleep at the dining room table one late morning. Slam! I jerked up in my chair, clueless to what was happening. Vice was sitting to my right, at the end of the table. Lynx was at the other end to my left, glaring at Dagger.

Dagger was standing in front of me on the other side of the table and had smacked it to wake me. “Time you learn to drink coffee.”

“Let him sleep,” grumbled Lynx.

I rubbed my eyes. “What time is it?”

Dagger tilted his head. “Have you not been washing your ears in those long ‘I’m not whacking off’ showers? I just told you. It is time you learn to drink coffee.” He set a cup in front of me. “And can you please clean up your drool?” He gestured to a puddle in front of me.

Lynx’s voice was low and edgy as he warned, “Leave him alone.”