Page 70 of Savior

There’s never a moment that I don’t feel our differences viscerally. Never a moment, she doesn’t remind me she’s better than me.

“Well, I’m glad you’re safe. I’m going out with Jenny from work, so I’d best be getting ready. If you need anything, Sloane, don’t hesitate to call. I love you.”

For the first time in my life, I get off the phone without returning the sentiment, and there’s a nagging feeling in my gut that it has a lot to do with the priest sitting by the stage back out in the club’s main room.

He’s made me realize just how much shit I’ve been accepting in my life and also that I don’t want to accept being treated like shit any longer where I can help it.

I put all my money in my bag and head back onto the floor after checking my hair and changing my panties into different ones.

I forgo covering a damn thing other than that. He thought he could withstand coming to my work, then he is going to see who I truly am. There’s no reason to hold back any longer.

As I walk toward Luca,sitting in his chair and facing me head-on, the music changes to something slow, as no dancers are on the stage.

Love The Hell Out of Youby Lewis Capaldi blasts through the room, and I can’t help but smirk at how the lyrics make so much sense for our situation. Even though we’re far from anything I’d consider love, I can’t deny how I feel when I’m near him.

I love a good love story as much as the next girl, and I’ve always dreamt that it would come when I least expected it and be a sweep-me-off-my-feet kind of love. But never did I think it would come as an untouchable man.

I stop between his massive thighs, chin held high in the air. “Father, what brings you toHappy Endingstonight?” I ask him.

He’s trying to keep his eyes on my face and not let them wander. The muscle in the side of his jaw ticks with the effort.

“Is there somewhere we can speak in private?” he asks me, and I smile politely, as I would with any customer.

“Certainly, sir. If you see Cherise up front, she’ll give you a price for renting out one of our esteemed private rooms.

“That’s how we’re going to play this?” he sneers.

I back up, my arm still pointed to where Cherise sits at the cash register by Jerry. Both are watching my bare-breasted exchange with the priest.

“Alright,” he grits out, sliding off his chair and stomping to the front door, his chair swiveling in haste.

Ardesia’s wife walks up. “Hi, I’m Brynne!” She holds her hand out, a gleam in her eye.

I smile and shake her hand. “It’s nice to meet you. Even under the circumstances,” I say.

“Hey, I’m in awe of you. I can see why Father Russo is questioning his faith.”

I arch a brow at her in question.

“You’re beautiful. But there’s an aura around you, girl.” She shakes her head in silent appreciation.

“Are you married to me or her?” Ardesia asks her.

And even though I’ve not been formally introduced, everyone who’s anyone knows who he is.

The Grim Reaper of New York.

Brynne rolls her eyes, moving back into her husband’s lap. “Now, Daddy, don’t get jealous.”

He smirks playfully, the monster he is slithering behind a softer facade than he wore a moment ago. “I don’t like to share, bunny. You know that.”

Something about the exchange makes envy dance in my stomach.

Father Russo returns to the table, exasperatedly grabbing his glass and chugging some down. “Do you know how foolish I look as a priest buying one of those rooms? She looked at me as if I had three heads! I hope you’re happy!”

I can’t help but fight a smirk as I look toward Cherise, who winks at me.

“Well, you won’t regret it, Father. Which dancer did you choose to take with you? I’ll get them for you.”

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