Page 112 of Sins and Virtue

Opening my mouth, I began, “I—”

“I’m leaving.” Konstantin broke the tense afternoon air with such a message.

What?

Why, I wanted to say but knew very well this was never going to last. This was only a temporary fix for both of us… That’s what we agreed to, but… it was all different now.

A tremble passed through my hands as I began to pick at my nails, distracting myself. “When?”

“Tomorrow.”

Chains squeezed my heart hard as it felt like I couldn’t breathe. Somehow gathering the strength to speak as I questioned, “Why?” Why so soon?

He walked over to the bed and brought his arms to rest on his knees, running a hand through his hair. “Because my time to go has come. I need to get out of this town.”

“I know but…” There had to be something to make him… not leave.

“Can we talk?”

“Sure.” I wasn’t sure at all, but we needed to get all of it off our chest.

“Come,” he directed, patting the open space next to him on the bed.

I brought my trembling hands together as my feet dragged, feeling so heavy it took me a second longer to cross the room and sit down on the bed.

Gently, he turned to me and took my shaking hands in his, dropping his head as he brought them to his lips. The heat of his touch made my soul melt. “I meant what I said the other day,even if you don’t believe me. I do love you, Blair. I want to be with you.” He spoke in a hushed tone.

The air in my chest escaped me.

There were many men who had told me pretty words, but only Konstantin had ever confessed and kept his promise.

My mouth opened. Closed.

“Again, I’m sorry.”

Shaking my head, not needing any more apologies. “Kon, I already told you—”

“I’m sorry for making you go through this ordeal. I’m sorry for making you my accomplice, and I’m sorry that I couldn’t help but fall in love with you.”

What an idiot… Didn't he realize with every moment that passed, every word he said, and every touch he gave, he made me fall too?

“Don’t be.”

He glanced at me, sharp and unreadable, a shadowed intensity in his eyes.

“There are many things I didn’t get to choose, but you— being with you as an ally and lover— was my choice.” A small chuckle stumbled from my lips. “I know I can be a bit all over the place, but I want you… I want so many things.”But I can’t have them all.

He raised his hand, tucking an escaping lock back underneath my veil. My cheeks flared at the simple proximity. “I wouldn’t have it any other way,kotyonok. And I want you to know that having a child doesn't sway me at all. He will still be mine.”

“Mmhm, Ollie is very rambunctious and possessive. He doesn’t like to share much.”

“We’re alike then. I don’t share either.”

“Then we have a conflict of interest here.”

His gestureful comment nearly made me smile, but I refused to let myself.

“What are you thinking?”