Page 22 of Saint (The Divine Ruin #2)
Luca
I step into Governor Moore’s study, the smell of leather and cigar smoke hanging in the air. I’ve been in this room countless times over the years, negotiating deals that benefited us both. But tonight is different. Tonight, I’m not here for business—at least not the kind he’s accustomed to.
Lily follows us in, her midnight blue dress clinging to curves I’ve already memorized with my hands and mouth. The sight of her makes my blood run hot. Mine. Soon, everyone will know it.
“Close the door,” I tell her, my voice low but commanding.
She obeys without hesitation, and the look of trust in her eyes nearly undoes me. She already has such power over me. It’s terrifying and exhilarating all at once.
Governor Moore settles behind his massive oak desk, already reaching for the crystal decanter of bourbon. His hand trembles slightly. Good. He should be nervous.
“What’s this about, Ravello?” he asks, trying to sound authoritative. “I’ve got a dinner party waiting.”
I remain standing, positioning myself near Lily. Close enough to touch her, but I refrain for now.
“I’ll be direct, Jackson,” I say, dropping the formalities. “I’m in love with your daughter.”
The Governor freezes, tumbler halfway to his lips. “Excuse me?"
“I’m in love with Lily,” I repeat, my voice steady. “And I intend to marry her.”
The glass slams down on the desk, bourbon sloshing over the rim. “What the fuck are you talking about?” His face flushes an ugly red. “This is a joke, right?”
“It’s not a joke, Dad,” Lily says, her voice small but determined.
Jackson’s eyes bulge as he looks between us. “How—when did this—” He stands abruptly, pointing a finger at me. “You stay the hell away from my daughter. She’s a goddamn teenager!"
“I’m almost twenty,” Lily interjects, lifting her chin.
“And he’s pushing forty!” Jackson roars. “Jesus Christ, Lily, he’s twice your age!”
I remain calm, watching him unravel. It’s always been his weakness—that temper. Makes him sloppy.
“I’m a grown woman,” Lily says, stepping closer to me. “I can choose who I love.”
"Love?” Jackson spits the word like it’s poison. “You don’t know the first thing about this man. What he does, who he really is.”
I slip my arm around Lily’s waist, a possessive gesture that makes Jackson’s face darken further.
“Get your hands off her,” he growls, coming around the desk.
“I wouldn’t,” I warn, my voice dropping to that quiet register that makes men pause. "You’re forgetting your position here, Governor.”
He stops mid-stride, uncertainty flickering across his face.
“My position?” he repeats, but there’s less conviction now.
I hold his gaze, letting the silence stretch until it’s uncomfortable. “Do I need to remind you exactly how much you owe me? How many problems have I made disappear for you over the years?”
His eyes dart to Lily, then back to me. “Not in front of her.”
“What’s he talking about, Dad?” Lily asks, looking between us.
I squeeze her hip gently. “All in good time, baby girl. You’ll know everything soon enough.”
Jackson’s shoulders slump slightly, the fight draining from him as realization sets in. I’ve got him over a barrel, and we both know it.
“You can’t do this,” he says, but it sounds more like a plea than a demand.
“I already am,” I counter. "I’m taking Lily back to New York with me tonight. It would be in your best interest to come to terms with that."
“Tonight?” Jackson sputters. “There are guests out there?—"
“Make your excuses,” I cut him off. “Tell them whatever you want. But understand this—” I take a step toward him, enjoying how he flinches back. “Lily is mine now. The sooner you accept it, the easier this will be for everyone."
“Luca,” Lily whispers, tugging gently at my sleeve. “What exactly does my father owe you?”
I turn to her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. Her innocence is still intact, despite everything we’ve done together. It’s part of what draws me to her—that purity I lost long ago.
“Your father and I have a complicated history,” I tell her, choosing my words carefully. “One that’s ensured his political success."
“You’re threatening me,” Jackson says, finding his voice again.
I smile, all teeth. "I’m simply reminding you of reality. I’ve kept your secrets for years, Governor. I’ve funded your campaigns. I’ve eliminated... obstacles. All I ask in return is your blessing to marry your daughter."
“And if I refuse?” he challenges, a final, desperate attempt.
I laugh softly. “You won’t.”
Lily’s looking at me differently now, curiosity mingled with something else—a dawning awareness of who I really am. It was inevitable. Better she begins to understand now, on my terms.
“Pack a bag,” I tell her gently. “Just essentials. I’ll buy you whatever else you need in the city.”
She hesitates, glancing at her father. I can see the conflict in her eyes, but there’s something else too—excitement. The thrill of choosing the unknown over the safe and predictable.
“Go ahead, Lily,” I encourage. “Your father and I have a few more details to discuss.”
After a moment’s hesitation, she nods and slips out of the room, closing the door behind her.
The moment we’re alone, Jackson collapses into his chair. “She’s my only daughter, Luca."
“And I’ll treasure her accordingly,” I reply, pouring myself a drink from his decanter. “But make no mistake—she’s mine now. The sooner you accept that, the smoother this transition will be."
“You’re a monster,” he whispers.
I sip the bourbon, savoring its burn. “Perhaps. But I’m a monster who’s kept you in power. Who’s made you wealthy beyond your mediocre talents? Who’s disposed of enemies you didn’t even know you had.” I set down the glass. “And now I’m the monster who’s going to be your son-in-law.”
Jackson stares at me, defeat written across his features. “What do you want me to tell Jill? The press?"
“The truth,” I say simply. “That your daughter has fallen in love with a respected businessman and philanthropist. That you couldn’t be happier about the match.
” I straighten my cuffs. “We’ll announce the engagement formally next week.
I expect you and Jill to attend the party and appear supportive. ”
He nods numbly, already calculating how to spin this to his advantage. Politicians are nothing if not adaptable.
“One more thing,” I add, moving toward the door. “If you ever try to turn Lily against me or interfere in our relationship, our arrangement is over. And I’ll make sure everyone knows exactly what kind of man their Governor really is.” I pause, hand on the doorknob. “Are we clear?”
"Crystal,” he mutters.
I step back into the hallway to find Lily waiting, a small overnight bag clutched in her hands. Her eyes are wide, searching mine for answers.
“Ready?” I ask, offering my arm.
She takes it, her grip tight. “What did you say to him?"
“I reminded him that happiness comes in many forms,” I reply smoothly, leading her toward the front door. “And that your happiness is what matters most.”
It’s not entirely a lie. Her happiness does matter to me—more than I expected it would. But she doesn’t need to know everything yet. There will be time for that, for her to understand the full extent of who I am and what I do.
For now, it’s enough that she’s coming with me willingly, stepping into my world with those trusting blue eyes and eager body. I’ll corrupt her slowly, carefully, until she’s as much a part of my darkness as I am.
The butler appears with her coat, his face carefully blank. The staff always knows more than they let on. I help Lily into it, my fingers lingering on the nape of her neck.
“What about the dinner guests?” she asks quietly.
“They don’t matter,” I tell her, guiding her toward the door. “Nothing matters except us now.”
As we step outside into the cool night air, I feel her shiver against me—from cold or anticipation, I can’t tell. My car waits at the bottom of the steps, engine running.
“Are you sure about this?” I ask her, pausing before we descend. It’s the only moment of doubt I’ll allow myself. The only chance I’ll give her to back out.
She looks up at me, those blue eyes reflecting the mansion’s lights. "I’m sure about you,” she says simply.
It’s enough. More than enough.
I lead her down the steps toward my waiting car, toward New York, toward the life I’ve planned for us. Behind us, the Governor’s mansion glows with wealth and power—power I helped build, power I can just as easily destroy.
But tonight isn’t about destruction. Tonight is about possession. About claiming what’s mine.
And Lily Moore, with her innocent eyes and eager body, is most definitely mine.