Page 121 of Taint My Soul

He rolls his eyes. “I don’t do romantic relationships, and I don’t fuck either.”

“Well, good for you.” I take a sip of my drink, and my intense gaze slides over to Virgil, who casually leans against the bar counter with a smirk on his lips. “Don’t forget yourself, brother. We are here solely to meet with Prince, whom you had a…” I laugh. “How did he say it… we have history.” I glance at him with a smirk.

Virgil frowns. I had told him about Prince’s proposition and laid out my plans. He’s aware it will only work if he gives Prince what he wants. Protection. It’s simple. Unless there is something I don’t know about.

“You’ve got jokes, huh? You’re the one who brought a traitor into this place. How fucking convenient.”

My jaw hardens, and I regard him with a jaded stare. “Look, I don’t want to fight with you.”

“Maybe that’s what we should do since you’re disregarding everything about family for him.” His voice is venomous. “Besides, we don’t need Prince anymore. We have Vincent in custody. Neo is dead.”

“Have you forgotten that we’re supposed to keep a low profile? Guess what happened at the family mansion about a month ago?” I had spoken to Prince about a change of plans, and he’d agreed as long as we were true to our terms.

He wants Virgil. He gets Virgil.

“Oh, fuck that! You were out fucking your boyfriend.” He continues. “I’m doing this for family. Not you.”

“Speak of the devil…” I murmur just as Prince approaches us in an all-black suit. His lips lift into a smile as he gazes at me with Virgil.

“A pleasure…” Prince shakes my hand. “Didn’t expect you to show up for the wedding, especially considering how much aversion your father has toward people like us.”

“Speak for yourself. My father’s old-fashioned.” Virgil taunts while I sip from my glass, unconcerned.

“Old-fashioned. Rigid. Anything to justify their blatant homophobia. Sickening.” He comments and grins at me.

Out of curiosity, I ask. “You are?”

“Bisexual,” he smiles. “Openly.”

“Right.” I turn to the bartender, and he pours me another drink.

“Put it on my tab.” Prince tells the bartender.

“I can pay for my own drinks, thank you.” Virgil retorts.

“Please, can we put this revulsion between you two aside? Because clearly you seem to hate each other.”

“Hate is a strong word.” Prince mentions.

“Right,” Virgil shrugs, and we pivot to the crowd. The only reason Virgil hasn’t walked away is that he’s very much needed.

“So, have you agreed to my terms?” Prince jests.

“Yes.” Virgil whines.

“Great,” Prince smiles at him. “Your shipment will leave my docks in two days.”

“Everything will work effectively as long as everyone plays their part.” I shift my gaze from Prince to Virgil, who grumbles under his breath.

“Whatever,” Virgil seethes. “I’m only doing this because Father hates messes, and I don’t want you to be caught in his trap.”

My hands clap my brother’s shoulder, firm and brief. “Thank you for looking out for me, little brother.” The corners of my mouth hold steady, but the smile doesn’t reach my eyes.

“Hmm mmm.” Virgil nods.

Just as Prince leaves, the lady dressed in blue approaches me with a champagne glass in hand. Her lashes flutter, and her full red lips hold a genuine smile. “Saint.” Her smile deepens, eyes twinkling with recognition. “Your father said we would meet here.”

“Hello.”