Page 69 of Sins and Virtue

Right on time.

My eyes flashed over, needing to break from his intense yet collected presence. Focusing on the fireworks, which decorated the night sky in different neon colors and eccentric shapes, one after the other. The wind carried theoohsandaahsas locals came out from their houses or looked through their fresco windows to admire the show.

I froze in place, trying my best not to let him get beneath my skin. Trying not to even look at him. Icouldn’t.

Even sitting next to him made me unsure about myself, which was dangerous. Yet my recklessness loved danger. It was attracted like a moth to a flame.

There was no denying our physical attraction; fuck, I can only imagine the sex would be passionately delirious. We would fuck each other’s brains out, or at least until we would pass out.

Everything too thrilling only led to regret, falling tears, and broken hearts.

But I couldn’t afford that now.

My life wasn’t mine anymore, not only because of my religious obligations but also because I wasn’t only living for me. But for him too.

And if I’d dreamt of being reunited with him one day, then I would spend eternity alone, even if it crushed my silly dreams of love.

“Tonight has never been more beautiful,” his rough accent slipped out.

I recognized he was talking to me and replied subconsciously. Watching the scenery in the heaven above. “Oh, yes, it is.”

A deep ramble eased from his lips as he shook his head. “Not it,you.” Konstantin admitted.

That’s when I made the mistake of looking back, and the world slowed down to fractions of decimals. The mix of midnight blue clashed with earthy green. Entwining us in a duel of craving and aching for the other.

Two souls who, in the midst of tragedy and chaos, collided, just aiming, hoping they would find someone.

Slowly he leaned in, his face inching closer and closer, his musky, clean scent rendering me weak. The air in my lungs dispersed as anxious anticipation burned in my veins.

Was he—

Any thought ceased to be when his lips pressed against my cheek, etching his mortal existence into my skin before backing a centimeter away.

The air became tense, our eyes holding the same untold truth, and for some reason I knew nothing will ever be the same.

I blinked, preparing my mind. “What… was that for?” Surprised, as my voice tried to show little of it.

“For saving my life,again.” He emphasized as the corners of his lips lifted and contorted to a smile. One so rare and true, it made whatever was around us insignificant.

Damn him.

Damn me.

What was I going to do?

Because neither of us would survive this.

Chapter 11

Blair

“Father, I must confess.” My lips parted, dispelling a deep sigh. The heavy burden crushed my chest as if they were boulders on it.

I hitched the skirt of my A-line black lace dress a bit and knelt in the confessional booth, bringing my hands together seeking repentance.

The white veil was sitting on my crown as I moved it away from my face.

My gaze lingered on Father Andrea, watching him behind the screen. The edges of his face were blurred, nearly indistinguishable from any other common man, as white candles burned from the candelabras as the smoke of incense lingered in the darkly lit room of the church.