Page 54 of My Fallen Saint

Before I can tell him that it’s none of his business, Brandy chimes in. “She’s going to Vegas with Devlin Saint.”

“Oh, Jesus, Ellie.” Lamar wipes his hands on his jeans as he stands. “Have you got issues with your hearing? Or are you just filtering out what I say?”

Brandy looks between us. “What’s he talking about?”

“At the gala,” I explain. “Mr. Chivalry here told me that he’s concerned that Saint has one of those reputations. He fears I’ll be scandalized and end up a spinster living in a house filled with twenty-seven cats if I associate with him.”

“He fears,” Lamar begins, “that Saint is the kind of man who takes what he wants.”

“So do I,” I remind him. “And the bottom line is that I’m going with him to see the work the foundation is doing in Nevada in person. It’s my job, remember? As simple as that.”

“Nothing is simple with that man.”

“Fine. Consider me warned. But it’s not your call to make, is it?” My words are harsh. Cold. And very slowly, Lamar shakes his head.

“No,” he says, “it isn’t.”

My gut twists. Technically, I’m not lying to either one of them. But Brandy knew Alex and deserves the truth.

And as for Lamar … well, he’s worried about me being too close to a guy like Devlin Saint. And maybe he’s right. God knows Devlin has the power to hurt me.

They’re both looking at me expectantly, but I don’t know what to say. So I take the easy road and tell them once again that it’s only work. Then I mentally cheer when my phone rings, giving me an excuse to move into the living area.

“Ellie? It’s Anna Lindstrom.” Her crisp, efficient voice comes across loud and clear, as I imagine it always does. She doesn’t seem like someone who would let crappy cell service diminish her authority.

I wince, ashamed that I’m heading toward cattiness. After all, I have no real reason to dislike her other than the fact that she looks far too good on Devlin’s arm. And, of course, the fact that I’m pretty sure she’s sleeping with him.

“I understand you’ll be joining Devlin today on the flight to Vegas.”

I swallow. “Yes. I’ll be working on my article.”

“What a terrific opportunity for you. I wanted to let you know that he’s requested that we send a car to take you to the airport. It will be there by one. You’ll arrive at The Phoenix before four. Devlin has a dinner with some representatives of the Beyond Project, and he hoped you would join him. I’ve dined with them several times, and the whole team is excellent. I’m sure you’ll learn a lot for your article.”

“That sounds great,” I say as I tamp down that damn jealousy. “Thank you.” The Beyond Project is the organization the foundation funds that is doing the hardcore day-to-day work with the trafficking victims, so the chance to meet some of the reps who are supported by DSF dollars is definitely something I want in on.

About the time I end the call, Lamar heads for the door. “I have to get to work,” he says. “Be smart, okay?”

“I am smart,” I tell him.

“Too smart for your own good sometimes,” he mutters.

“I love you for worrying,” I tell him as I walk him to the door. “But there’s no need. Really.”

He makes a noncommittal noise as he leaves, and as I’m shutting the door, I hear my phone chime with a text. It’s Millie.

Found someone for you. Think I can arrange an interview. A lifer in Delano. Phone okay, or will you want in person?

I’d prefer in person, but I know from experience that sometimes takes longer to arrange.

Whatever’s fastest.

She replies with a thumbs-up emoji, and I grin as I head back into the kitchen for another cup of coffee.

Brandy’s behind the counter now, her hand in an oven mitt as she pulls out the muffin pan. Immediately, I start to salivate.

“Good news?” she asks, looking at my face.

“Looks like I may get an interview soon with one of The Wolf’s higher-ups.”