Page 169 of Taint My Soul

SAINT

Istride toward the entrance of the building. My eyes scan several soldiers standing in their positions to secure the Red Vault. It takes every goddamn thing in me to be here after the trauma I experienced at the hands of my father. I've never really gotten the chance to meet eye to eye with the motherfucker who used Elio as a pawn in his dirty games. I would be at the war front if I wanted to ruin any fucking organization, not hide behind another man and use him to push my agenda.

It's been four months, but stalking down this hall makes my blood boil. Even though the memories of the terrible experience we had in our separate lives were gone, I couldn't shake off the tremor running through my bones.

I'm here for Vincent Bishop, and him alone.

This is his reckoning.

A reminder to anyone who'd dare to touch what's mine. I’ve killed for my Elio, and I would do it over and over again no matter who it was. But Vincent, I won't give him a quick death. I'll torture him until I break his spirit.

Nobody stalks my city, goes against my family, and tries to burn what I’ve built to the ground and goes scot-free. I'll come after you with everything we have.

The soldier on duty unlocks the door, and I stride into the dark, cold space with Bernard and the doctor behind me. There, in the darkness, Vincent hangs from the ceiling, hands bound in chains. His head falls forward, long locs shielding his face, limbs dangling inches above the steel floor.

A hoarse chuckle drills out of him, then he coughs repeatedly before he laughs again. “Came to visit.” He lifts his gaze to me.

“No. Just here for a reminder.” I take off my jacket and hand it to Bernard. He takes it and stands aside in the dark corner. “How are my soldiers treating you?”

“Like shit.” He spits on the floor and grins.

“That’s what I pay them for.” I chuckle and fold my sleeves up to my elbows. “I’ll be here every two weeks to check on you.”

“I have been expecting you. Pathetic that it took you more than four months to show up. Where's your pup?”

“Away from the likes of you. Elio is thriving.” I meet his gaze with a grin.

“Quite sad that you let a traitor into your family. I’d slit his throat if I were in your place.”

A disappointed breath leaves me as I meet his gaze. I’m just here to teach him a lesson, and this motherfucker unknowingly pushed me too far. I've changed my mind. He’ll have it far worse tonight. “I think it’s best if you accept your failure.” I move behind him and pull a knife. “I mean, you had months to tear my family apart, and you still lost. You're basically a pawn if you look at it from my perspective. All this for Daddy’s validation.” His body vibrates when the steel rests against his skin. He struggles against the chains. There's no way he'd break through reinforced steel. And with that, I know I've hit a nerve.

“Don’t…” he barks, muscles flexing as he pulls the chains, but his efforts are futile.

“I’ll leave a mark that will remind you of every wrong thing you have ever done.” My grip tightens as I carve into his skin.

One grueling letter after another.

The steel presses into his skin, tearing his flesh open. Blood gathers at the edges of the blade, sliding down his back.

He doesn’t make a sound. Only quiet, ruthless grunts.

I won't stop.

I cut deep enough to leave a long-lasting scar, as I leave the truth imprinted on his skin.

F-A-I-L-U-R-E.

I wipe the blood against his skin and walk around him, fastening my grip around his jaw.

“Every time you look in the mirror in the afterlife, Vincent Bishop. Remember that I, Saint King, did this to you. I did this as revenge for everything you did to him.” My hand tightens around the blade so hard my veins pop in my arm. “Go to hell, motherfucker.” I pull the blade and slash it across his throat.

Blood gushes down his neck, eyes wide as he stares at me in absolute shock. I clean my blade on his skin and look over my shoulder. “Make sure he survives.” I tell the doctor, and he barrels toward Vincent’s body.

“I need assistance!” The man in white scrubs yells. I head out of the cell while three soldiers come running in with a stretcher and pincers.

The love of my life is waiting for me at home, and we’re running late to the function we’re supposed to attend. Bernard and I enter the boat, which takes us off the island to where our ride waits.

Security stands at all the perimeters of the venue as we arrive on the island from the boat. A glamorous red carpet leads through the hall, which opens into a dance room. “We are here.” I tell Elio as we stop at the entrance and take in the beautiful sight Prince Kane had put together.