Page 45 of Sins and Virtue

“That man is—” Marie couldn’t complete her sentence, memorized by him just like every woman in his vicinity.

I rolled my eyes, fists by my side. “Trouble.”

The rest of the nuns came flocking together collectively. Nearing us until we were huddling together as nearly every single one of them talked over the other.

Reverend Mother clapped her hands once, quieting all of them down. “Sisters, compose yourselves.” She said uptight. “Look, hemay be a man, but a wealthy businessman. If we approach this correctly, he will be able to provide for the church.”

The nuns hummed in agreement.

I butted in. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“Why not?” Wrinkles covered her face as the rest of the sisters gawked at me with eager vexation.

“Well,” I swallowed their dirty looks. “He’s a stranger.” Plus it sounds self-interested. I mean, doesn’t the church already have enough money? Look at the golden statues and painted ceilings. What more could you want? Greedy heifers.

She brushed me off, tsking. “Nonsense. We must have open hearts and accept only the best of those who have.” The rest of the sisters yayed in agreement, as Superior Mother side-eyed me. “Now, alright, who will go talk to him?”

In a split second, all the sisters shot up their hands, standing on their tippy toes, eager at the idea.

Lord, please help them.

Reverend Mother was taken aback, overwhelmed by the enthusiasm, as I knew there was no one better to sacrifice themselves for the cause but me.

I tapped her on the shoulder, and she gazed down at her nose. “Fine, I’ll go talk to him.” And kick him in the fucking nuts.

A suspicious gleam of distrust washed over her eyes before giving in to rationality a second later. “Alright, Blair shall go.”

The sisters lamented in sorrow. Some even hanging their heads low and pouting.

Damn, desperate much?

Nodding, I moved through them and walked further and further away as I felt thousands of pinning stares at the row of my spine. Hating that after all the hard work and stress this man put me through, I was going to have to treat him like a special guest.

Softly approaching him like a mouse, my heels paused in the grass, five feet away. His large back faced me as I caught him in a nearby vendor stand, admiring the artistry. His brows dipped in interest as he passed his hands over the material delicately. He almost looked peacefully distracted, and that was nice, if he wasn’t disturbing my peace.

“Kotyonok, if you’re going to stare, at least do it from up close.” He languidly rasped.

Don’t punch him. Don’t punch him. Don’t punch him.

My feet treaded carefully, stopping when I was side to side. Folding my arms, whispering madly, “What are you doing outside?”

He flickered his gaze up and to me. “I’m enjoying the view.”

The small, insignificant, jittery feeling conjured in my stomach, partially flattered, but I wasn’t another lovesick girl wanting his attention.

“Do you have a death wish?”

“No,” A lazy smirk brushed his lips, the intent clear that he wanted me to keep him as my dirty little secret. “Though I wish for many other things.”

Lord I—

The vendor, an older, rugged-faced Italian man wearing a plaid shirt and khakis, was intently focused on our conversation. Most likely a snitch that started town rumors.

He should be glad he wasn’t in the mafia, or his ass would have been shot.

“Let’s take a walk.” I offered.

Kon looked at the vendor and back at me, getting the idea. “Alright.”