Page 20 of Saint
As the taxi pulls away, carrying her back to her father’s world, I reach for my phone. There are preparations to be made,security to be arranged. If Lily is going to be living with me, I need to ensure she’s protected at all times.
Because once Governor Moore discovers his precious daughter is mine, all hell will break loose. And I’ll be damned if I let anything happen to what’s mine.
Chapter 14
Lily
I stumble into my apartment,leaning against the door as it closes behind me. My legs are still trembling, my body aching in places I didn’t know could ache. The cab ride home was a blur—all I could think about was Luca. His hands. His mouth. The way he commanded me with just a look.
“Holy shit, you’re alive!” Zoe appears from the kitchen, coffee mug in hand. Her eyes widen as she takes me in. “You look... thoroughly fucked. You’re a nasty, nasty girl, Lily Moore.”
I can’t help but laugh, though it comes out sounding breathless. "That’s one way to put it.”
"Details. Now.” She grabs my arm and pulls me to our tiny couch. “You disappear without a word and stay out all night. I was about to call the cops."
“I was with Luca,” I say, unable to keep the smile from spreading across my face. “And... it was incredible."
“I knew it!” Zoe scolds. “I can’t believe you gave your V-card to a man twice your age. Who are you and what have you done with my sensible friend?” She pauses for a moment, then narrows her gaze. “Was he any good?”
Good doesn’t begin to cover it. I close my eyes, memories washing over me. Luca’s mouth between my thighs. His voice inmy ear, telling me I’m his. The weight of him pressing me into the mattress. The way he seemed to know exactly what I needed before I did.
“Earth to Lily,” Zoe waves her hand in front of my face. “That good, huh?"
“You have no idea,” I murmur, heat rising to my cheeks. “He wants me to move in with him.”
Zoe chokes on her coffee. “I’m sorry, what? After one night?"
“I know it sounds crazy."
“It doesn’t sound crazy, Lily.It is crazy.You barely know this guy!”
I stand up, suddenly restless. "I’m going to take a shower.”
In the bathroom, I catch sight of myself in the mirror and freeze. My lips are swollen, my neck dotted with faint bruises. I look... claimed. The thought sends a shiver down my spine that has nothing to do with fear.
Under the hot spray of the shower, I try to make sense of what’s happening to me. One night with Luca Ravello and I’m considering upending my entire life. Moving in with him. Becoming his... what? Girlfriend? Mistress? Property?
That last word should disturb me, but instead, it sends a pulse of heat straight to my core. The way he looked at me, touched me, spoke to me—like I was precious and yet completely his to command—awakened something in me I never knew existed.
I’ve never been submissive. Not once. I’m the daughter of Governor Jackson Moore. I was raised to be independent, strong-willed, and to never let anyone dictate my choices. Yet with Luca, all I want is to surrender. To give him everything he asks for and more.
By the time I step out of the shower, my mind is racing. I wrap a towel around myself and head to my bedroom, where I begin pulling clothes from my closet.
“Are you seriously packing?” Zoe asks from the doorway, disbelief written across her face.
“I don’t know,” I admit, sinking onto my bed. “Part of me thinks I’d be insane to go back to him.”
"And the other part?"
“Feels like I’d be insane not to.”
Zoe sits beside me, her expression softening. “Lily, I’ve never seen you like this over a guy. What’s so special about him?”
I try to find the words to explain. “It’s not just the sex, though, that was... mind-blowing. It’s the way he looked at me. Like he could see right through me, right into my soul. Like he knew me better than I know myself.”
“That’s called lust, honey.”
I shake my head. “No, it’s more than that. When I’m with him, I feel... safe. Protected. Like nothing bad could ever happen to me."
