Page 16 of Sins and Virtue

“Do that and I’ll make sure you’ll only know pain for the rest of your life.”

Indignation pierced my heart as I slapped the gun out of my face. “You think I don’t know pain? Do you know the sacrifices I’ve made to get where I am now? Do not talk about suffering when all I do is live in hell with my mind.” I was brutally harsh as I grabbed the collar of his orange prison uniform.

A small indiscreet shift fazed over his features like my words had some type of effect on him. “Then you’ll know what to do.”

I closed my eyes, regretting that I let my emotions get the best of me.

The man was a stranger, and he was already recalling bad memories of the past.

Damn.

There was no running away from this like before. There was only one option, to face it head-on.

The soft tap of the water droplets against the window calmed my nerves.

“Alright,” I caved, slowly reopening my eyes. “So what’s your plan?”

He stilled. No response coming from him.

Searching his midnight ocean eyes, there was a bleakness, and then I realized.

“You don’t have one.” Fine lines of irritation burned in my words, causing me to cross my arms.

“Don’t blame me,kotyonok.I just got out of prison. If you haven’t noticed, I’m doing this as I go.”

There was an instinctual need to slap him in the face, but I restrained myself because my vows ordered me to comprehend and be lenient.

Lord, help this dear child of yours.

“Not everyone has such intelligence, so I understand you can’t think that far ahead. Let’s think.” I slyly insulted him as I urged to get rid of him. As fast as possible. One where no one could suspect him of leaving. A massive crowd of people would distract and draw attention away from him.

In the church, there were many events held throughout the year; if only there was a way to host a massive event and give him leeway to escape. Remembering the inmate from earlier praying a Lent prayer.

“Wait! Easter is coming up. During that week the town and the church will be flooded with festivities, mass, and celebrations. No one, not even the police, would dare investigate since most are religiously compromised. That would give you an opportunity to escape unnoticed.” I told him.

The corner of his lips tilted upward, making something in my stomach do backflips. “Along with that pretty face, you have a smart brain.”

Of course he had to ruin it with his mouth. Typical.

“I wish I could say the same. But alas, that’s too much to hope for. There are some things even God can’t fix.”

He let out a sigh of impatience but dealt with me. “When is Easter?”

“In four weeks. That should be enough time for you to prepare.” And to get the hell out of my life. I thought as I repressed a smile.

“Don’t be too happy yet.” He flicked my chin, his touch simmering afterwards as I longed to forget about it, but it was stuck there. “In four weeks, a lot can change. Who knows,kotyonok,you might even miss me when I’m gone.”

My brows jumped at his insinuation.

“Insani homines somniare possunt.”Crazy men can dream.

To that, he responded without blinking an eye. “Fortuna favet fortibus.”Fortune favors the brave.

This motherfu— he knew Latin too?

“Talented, aren’t we?” I eyed him dubiously.

“That’s no talent. When you want to be impressed, you’ll be crawling back to me for more.” Konstantin’s words teeter on the tip of his teeth.