Page 35 of Saint
"Love?” Jackson spits the word like it’s poison. “You don’t know the first thing about this man. What he does, who he really is.”
I slip my arm around Lily’s waist, a possessive gesture that makes Jackson’s face darken further.
“Get your hands off her,” he growls, coming around the desk.
“I wouldn’t,” I warn, my voice dropping to that quiet register that makes men pause. "You’re forgetting your position here, Governor.”
He stops mid-stride, uncertainty flickering across his face.
“My position?” he repeats, but there’s less conviction now.
I hold his gaze, letting the silence stretch until it’s uncomfortable. “Do I need to remind you exactly how much youowe me? How many problems have I made disappear for you over the years?”
His eyes dart to Lily, then back to me. “Not in front of her.”
“What’s he talking about, Dad?” Lily asks, looking between us.
I squeeze her hip gently. “All in good time, baby girl. You’ll know everything soon enough.”
Jackson’s shoulders slump slightly, the fight draining from him as realization sets in. I’ve got him over a barrel, and we both know it.
“You can’t do this,” he says, but it sounds more like a plea than a demand.
“I already am,” I counter. "I’m taking Lily back to New York with me tonight. It would be in your best interest to come to terms with that."
“Tonight?” Jackson sputters. “There are guests out there?—"
“Make your excuses,” I cut him off. “Tell them whatever you want. But understand this—” I take a step toward him, enjoying how he flinches back. “Lily is mine now. The sooner you accept it, the easier this will be for everyone."
“Luca,” Lily whispers, tugging gently at my sleeve. “What exactly does my father owe you?”
I turn to her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. Her innocence is still intact, despite everything we’ve done together. It’s part of what draws me to her—that purity I lost long ago.
“Your father and I have a complicated history,” I tell her, choosing my words carefully. “One that’s ensured his political success."
“You’re threatening me,” Jackson says, finding his voice again.
I smile, all teeth. "I’m simply reminding you of reality. I’ve kept your secrets for years, Governor. I’ve funded yourcampaigns. I’ve eliminated... obstacles. All I ask in return is your blessing to marry your daughter."
“And if I refuse?” he challenges, a final, desperate attempt.
I laugh softly. “You won’t.”
Lily’s looking at me differently now, curiosity mingled with something else—a dawning awareness of who I really am. It was inevitable. Better she begins to understand now, on my terms.
“Pack a bag,” I tell her gently. “Just essentials. I’ll buy you whatever else you need in the city.”
She hesitates, glancing at her father. I can see the conflict in her eyes, but there’s something else too—excitement. The thrill of choosing the unknown over the safe and predictable.
“Go ahead, Lily,” I encourage. “Your father and I have a few more details to discuss.”
After a moment’s hesitation, she nods and slips out of the room, closing the door behind her.
The moment we’re alone, Jackson collapses into his chair. “She’s my only daughter, Luca."
“And I’ll treasure her accordingly,” I reply, pouring myself a drink from his decanter. “But make no mistake—she’s mine now. The sooner you accept that, the smoother this transition will be."
“You’re a monster,” he whispers.
