Page 45 of The Sinner’s Desire (The Sinner’s Touch #1)

I toss my phone onto the bed, a little frustrated, after sending a message to my brother.

I know Amos told me Ethan was still unreachable, but after what I found out about one of their company’s real activities, I’m afraid something might’ve happened to him.

I did some research on pedophilia and didn’t find much beyond what I already knew: most of the time, it’s just sick individuals who sometimes exchange images of children among themselves.

There aren’t that many organized groups, and only a few articles even mention them, referring to them vaguely as “pedophile rings.”

From politicians to actors and famous writers, there are plenty of well-known names caught up in scandals like this. And ever since I learned about it, I’ve been thinking about doing something to help those kids.

I have more money than anyone would need in multiple lifetimes. Maybe I could use a good part of it to defend those who have no one to protect them.

I talked to Amos about the idea of creating an institution to help these kids recover and give them a second chance. He seemed interested.

I even thought of a name: Trust Again .

Yes—because after meeting Bruno and seeing how he reacted when he thought Amos had abandoned him, I realized these children need more than financial support. They need love and care, too.

I wait another ten minutes just to be sure my brother really won’t reply, then I grab my purse and head for the elevator.

I’ve arranged to meet with a realtor today to look at an apartment, and Theo is going to meet me at the real estate office.

It’s about a ten-minute cab ride, so I need to hurry. I haven’t decided yet whether I’ll buy a car.

I mean, first I’d need to take lessons—I don’t know how to drive. I’d also like to join a gym. I need to work out a bit. I’ve always been sedentary. Aside from the mandatory PE classes in school, I’ve never done anything. My favorite sport is sleeping.

I reach the ground floor and greet the doorman, who’s talking to a beautiful redhead.

“Mrs. Sofia, I’ll make sure to receive your package,” he says.

“Thank you so much. I won’t be here to sign for it.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep it safe until you return.”

“You’re the best, Jacob,” she says casually, making the doorman, a man in his sixties, blush.

“Good morning,” I say, addressing them both.

The girl turns around, and I’m struck by the beauty of her green eyes. “Good morning.” Her voice is soft, at odds with her vibrant appearance. “My name’s Sofia.” She offers her hand.

“Would you be offended if I said you’re the perfect image of a romance novel heroine?”

She furrows her brow, looking confused. “I’m not sure I understand.”

“I’m a romance fan, and every redhead in those books has green eyes—though you’re missing the freckles.”

She laughs so hard she holds her stomach. “Oh my God, you’re great. Have you lived here long? I’ve never seen you before.”

I like her instantly.

Some people might’ve taken offense at my bluntness, and it’s a relief to see she just thinks I’m a bit crazy.

“I’m Lilly Ross. I just moved here a few days ago. I’m staying in my brother’s apartment—well, his and his friend’s—until I find my own place. Before this, I lived in Paris,” I blurt out, because once I start talking, there’s no stopping me.

“Welcome, Lilly. I just moved here recently, too. Maybe we could grab a coffee sometime? You’re the first person I’ve met in this building.”

“I’d love that. I’m back in Boston after years away, so I could use some tips about the city. I’m practically a tourist now.” I exaggerate.

We chat for a few more minutes and exchange phone numbers.

A little later, still smiling, I open the taxi app to check if it’s arrived yet.

Not bad, Lilly. You managed to connect with two people in about a month. Maybe you’re finally starting to grow up and figure out how to deal with other humans.

“Aren’t you going to say anything?” I ask Martina over the phone.

I spent the afternoon with Theo, looking at more apartments, but I think I’ll go with the first one we saw. It seems like the perfect size for me, and the location is great too.

“I can’t. I’m still trying to process my jealousy first.”

I laugh, cheeks heating up. I haven’t had the courage to tell Theo just how close Amos and I have gotten, but with Martina, I couldn’t keep the secret—though I did leave out just how filthy my boyfriend can be.

“Don’t be silly. You’ve got a prince at your disposal—or if you change your mind, a hot football player straight out of a Florida summer.”

“Correction: I have an almost-ex prince who treats me like I’m made of glass, and I’m pretty sure he doesn’t want me. If he did, he’d have made a move by now. The other option is a football player who’s had more action than a porn star.”

“Amos wasn’t exactly a choirboy either when we started dating.”

“And how do you deal with that?”

“I don’t think about it. I’ve discovered I have a homicidal streak. If I start thinking about all the women who’ve been in his bed, I’ll lose it. So I focus on the fact that right now, he’s mine.”

“That’s the difference: Raul isn’t—and never was—mine.”

“Then break it off with Vicenzzo, Martina. Or at least think seriously about it. You’re both hurting each other. Even if it’s not true that he doesn’t love you, you clearly don’t have feelings for him. Not the kind a fiancée should, anyway.”

“I’ll disappoint my family.”

“I doubt that. Your parents adore you and want to see you happy. So do all your relatives, really. There’s nothing wrong with changing your mind if it’ll spare you from suffering.”

“Sometimes I feel like you’re an old woman full of wisdom.”

“No, I’m just a thinker. The fact that I’ve never had a real relationship doesn’t mean I haven’t thought about them.

The books I’ve read, watching my mother’s failed marriages—all of it taught me to tell the difference between what works and what doesn’t.

I know what I want—and what would never work for me. ”

“And Amos works for you?”

“For now, yes.”

“And is it worth fighting with your brother over?”

“Ethan can’t interfere in my choices. At first, I was afraid to tell him the truth, but Amos is right not to want to hide. “

“I agree with that. It devalues your relationship to keep it in the shadows, as if there’s something to be ashamed of. But from what you’ve told me, he’s still unreachable.”

“Yeah, but I’m not giving up. I want to prepare him so he won’t be shocked when he gets back. Anyway—on another note—are you sure you don’t want to come to Nora’s charity event?”

“Let me think for two seconds,” she mocks. “Hmm . . .no, thanks. Besides having to deal with your mom and that insufferable man she calls her husband, I really don’t want to be the third wheel for you and Mr. Sexy Yellow Eyes.”

“Don’t be silly. Theo will be there too. And anyway, I don’t even know if Amos will make it—he texted me five minutes ago saying an emergency trip came up.”

“I’m kidding. I’d totally come as a third wheel for you guys, but seriously, ask me to do anything but spend time with your parents.”

“Ramon is not my father.”

“Until your mom remarries again, yes, he is,” she jokes.

After we hang up, I think about the red dress I plan to wear. I really wish Amos could come—even though that makes me a coward. Just thinking about seeing Nora and Ramon again makes me want to hide at home.

“This will be the last one I attend,” I promise myself.

I can make a generous donation next time, but there’s no way I’m spending the rest of my life helping my mother pretend we’re a happy family.