Page 32 of Savage Saint

She was dragged, scared, and woke up handcuffed inside an SUV with a man who threatened to embed his tri-dagger in her skull. Still, once she saw Trino, none of it mattered.

She worked. Asked the right questions without being nosy. Gave orders.

Miss Romero called three armed men decorative because they were standing in her way.

She’s a mouthy little thing.

My lips twitch at the memory. The look of surprise on Thiago’s face.

Pocket Doc didn’t raise her voice, not once. Never tried to prove she belonged in the room. Instead, she took over because someone needed to—because I needed her to.

“Santo,” Maria says from a few steps above me, and I look up, meeting her worried stare. Her fingers are gripping the dishtowel in her hands, knuckles white from exertion. I also don’t miss the way she looks behind her—distrust. At my silence, she sighs. Heavy. A little shaken. “Prez, she’s showering. I’ve already left the clothes you instructed on the bed.”

An old shirt from my high school days in the States. It doesn’t fit me, but I never got rid of it out of laziness. Today, though, it comes in handy; she’ll wear my name on her back.

I shouldn’t like the thought…

“I know.”

“She looked ready to fall over, too.”

“I’m aware,” I say, tone even.

“I found her a pair of new socks, too. Said she didn’t want anything she was wearing near her again.” Makes sense. There was enough of Trino’s blood on her to make most people sick, much less want to keep the items as a memento. Again, Maria waits after that; there’s something else. Her hands grip the towel tighter, and I’m getting annoyed.

“What is it?” A touch of bite in my tone. I’m not a fan of dragging shit out.

“Are you sure about where you put her?” That makes my eyes narrow; my jaw ticks once. “It’s your room. She should’ve been grateful for any⁠—”

I cut her off with a hand up.

Every patched member and prospect has a room here. The size depends on the hierarchy, but it’s comfortable and ready for use at any time. Some brothers do. Some don’t.

Mine is for when I need it. However the fuck I choose.

Maria knows this.

“She’s under my protection.” Her mouth opens, but no words come out. My words carry more than weight; they’re law. Genesis Romero became untouchable today, and it’s going to be a shock for many in the club.

A debt owed will always be repaid. It also makes her a part of the club, whether anyone likes it or not.

I don’t say anything else and move past her, silence following me the rest of the way up. Maria’s watching me as my phone pings in my pocket. A follow-up to the unread message, and I pull the device out when I reach the landing.

The first message is from Thiago. One word.

Delivered. ~De Leon #1

The second message is from his brother.

We had a productive conversation. Henry’s feeling very cooperative now. Left him the pen and paper you asked…see you soon. We’ll be heading home tonight; the wives are waiting, and Thiago’s bitching about being gone too long. ~De Leon #2

As I read this, another message comes through.

Mom wants you in Miami in three months. Mandatory family reunion. ~De Leon #2

That causes me to snort. I don’t leave my territory unless there’s a reason worth the trip, and my godmother is one of the few people in this world who can demand something from me.

My thumb moves across the screen.