Cruel Saints

So much better.

Feeling more relaxed than I’ve ever felt in my life, a smile spreads over my face as I walk to the door. Softly, I unlock it, and stepping out into the hallway, I glance around as I lock the suite behind me.

I don’t have any pockets, and while I walk toward the stairs, I unclasp the necklace around my neck and slip the key onto it before fastening it back in place.

My eyes keep darting everywhere as I take the stairs to the lower floor. The only sound comes from the creaking wood beneath my feet. Curious to see what my new home looks like, I turn to my left and into the foyer. When I walk through an archway, I’m met with two hallways to choose from.

Deciding to explore the left one, I slowly make way through the art-covered walls as I glance into random rooms.

I find the studios where I’ll hopefully learn how to fight. There is a variety of training equipment, and mirrors cover all the walls. There’s no sign of the instructor, and I decide to stop by later so I can make an appointment for private training sessions.

I continue to explore, and when I reach another open door, I peek inside. Seeing weapons, I step into what seems to be the armory. A blonde-haired woman glances up from where she’s standing by a broad counter containing handguns. Behind her, cabinets filled with more weapons line the wall.

“Miss Lucas. Welcome,” she says, a professional tone to her voice. “I’m Miss Dervishi.”

The instructors must’ve been told of my arrival.

I smile at the weapons trainer. “Thank you.” Then I glance at the wide variety of firearms.

“Would you like to pick one? The shooting range is through that door.” Miss Dervishi gestures at a doorway as I hear shots being fired. “There’s also a more extensive shooting range outside.”

“I’m just looking around,” I explain as I walk closer to the doorway where the shots are coming from. “I’d like to start training tomorrow, though. Do I have to schedule a specific time?”

“Would you like private sessions?” she asks.

I nod as I glance back at her. “Preferably, please.”

“I’m afraid I only have seven o'clock available. Would that suit you?”

“Seven is perfect. I’ll be here.”

I take a step into the shooting range and look at the stalls. There are ten, and only one seems to be in use.

Another round of shots begins, and I step a little closer until the target comes into view. Whoever’s shooting is really good. The hole in the head of the target keeps growing as one bullet after the other hits the same spot.

Wow. I hope I can learn to shoot like that.

The shooting stops, and then a man steps out of a stall, the firearm he’s using held firmly in his right hand.

Oh crap. Lucian Cotroni.

Our eyes meet, and it only takes a second for the impassive expression to return to Lucian’s face, making him look dark and threatening.

For a second, the woman in me can’t help but admire his strong features. He is handsome… maybe too handsome. Our eyes lock, and the deadly expression in Lucian’s dark brown irises reminds me he’s not just any man.

A different kind of danger emanates from him than what I’m used to feeling from Dante. Where Dante is depraved, this man seems in control of everything around him. He gives me the impression he doesn’t act irrationally, and every move he makes is calculated.

I guess that’s what it takes if you’re going to be the head of the Mafia.

Lucian’s strong fingers flex around the weapon's handle, and knowing how well he can handle a gun makes my fear intensify. My heartbeat picks up, and spinning around on my heels, I dart through the doorway and rush out of the armory.

Holy mother, that was intense.

I focus on calming my racing heartbeat as I hurry back down the hallway. With only six of us here, I get a feeling it’s going to be hard to avoid the other guests.

I don’t look into any more rooms as I pass by them, and when I finally reach double doors that are pushed open, I let out a breath of relief. Stepping outside, my lips part at the beautiful nature surrounding the castle.

Wide steps lead down to a path that’s lined with trimmed trees and the odd cast iron bench. Flower beds are scattered everywhere, bursting with colors.

My body moves forward as if it’s being called by the path, and soon my feet find a comfortable pace as I follow it.

I take a deep breath of the fresh air and smile as the sun warms my skin. Lucian is soon forgotten as emotion wells in my chest from being able to walk outside.

God, I missed this. So much.

The sound of water catches my attention, and not long after, a beautiful fountain comes into view. It’s situated in a courtyard that’s framed by ivy. It looks like a secret garden.