Page 91 of Taint My Soul

When he sees me, his eyes light up with excitement. There’s a little box in his hand, wrapped in red gift paper. I breathe in slowly, wearing a smile just as Sinclair approaches me. My eyes are still on him even as he takes a seat in the corner booth.

“The man’s here. Party’s ready.” He circles over to the counter and fishes a bottle of red wine from the bar as if he’s found a special treasure that’s been hidden for hundreds of years. “I know how you love your wine, so I got you something.”

I approach the counter, and he hands the bottle to me. “Thank you.” I look over my shoulder, unable to keep my eyes off him.

“Go to him.”

“It’s complicated, Sinclair.” I sigh and bow my head in shame.

“Just go to him first,” he pats my back. “We’ll talk later.”

I pick up the bottle of wine and move toward him through the rising party. Seeing me, he straightens up and relaxes against the leather booth. He’s nervous. Of course, he is. I slide into the booth opposite him. Our knees touch under the table, sending a frightful tinge down my spine. I put the bottle of wine on the table separating us.

“I’m sorry I left early.” He apologizes, and he stretches his hand to me, but I don’t take it. I can’t. Shame presses against my chest from every corner. I’m not quite ready for everyone to know about this part of me. I lean back against the booth and let out a sigh. He notices my reaction and chews on his bottom lip.

“I got you a gift.” He slides the gift box to me. “Open it.”

I take the box and tear through the wrapping paper. My body itches with excitement as I open it and find a silver necklace suspended by the letter SK. “I saw it at the store and thought it would be perfect for you. I mean, it’s not that expensive, but I really hope you like it. Syn told me he was throwing you a birthday party in a non-conventional way. He basically invited me, and I had to stop by.”

“I love it.” I interrupt his rambling. “Thank you so much.” I can’t remember the last time I got a gift with so much thought put into it. I loved it. And I’d fucking love it if I could kiss him right now, but kissing him here… I’m not sure everyone would be comfortable with that. I bite my bottom lip and look up at him. “Thank you, Mason. I appreciate it.”

“Of course. Happy Birthday, Saint.”

I’m thirty-nine. I’ve spent my entire fucking life trying to please the man who birthed me. I don’t even know who I am. I can’t even wrap my head around what I feel for Mason. This makes everything really complicated, but maybe I can figure it out. Maybe I can fight for what I want.

“Happy Birthday to you…” The crowd approaches the table in a sing-song voice. My sister drops the red velvet birthday cake on the table. A soft chuckle escapes my lips as they sing for me. My heart swells with fulfillment, and I blow out the candles when the song ends.

“Thank you.”

“Come on, make a wish,” Cross says.

“I think wishes are too old for me. I’m almost forty.”

“Thirty-nine, but still.” Olivia shrugs with mild laughter.

I cut the cake and take a bite after I’ve put it on the paper plate. I cut one for Mason, too, and gently pass it to him.

“Thank you.”

Cross takes the cake to another table and the attendants with him.

“Do you want to come home with me tonight? Think about it,” I tell him, and he nods, tight-lipped. “I need to speak to my cousin.”

“Of course.”

As I approach the counter, Syn pours himself a glass of brandy. He takes a sip and sets it down on the table. “The birthday guy.” He jests.

“I didn’t even remember my birthday.” I scoff and shake my head. “Thank you.”

“Anything for my big cousin.” He grins and winks at me. “So, what did you want to talk about?”

“Um, I have questions.” I look behind me and see Mason perched on the booth and staring out the transparent glass wall. “I want something different from meaningless sex.”

“And you’re coming to me?”

“You have been open about your sexuality, so I figured you’d be the best person to talk to.”

“Well, yes. I have had my fair share of intense, mind-numbing sex, but that part of me has ended because I’m getting married in two weeks.” He declares. “What do you want to know, Saint?”