Page 66 of The Sinner’s Desire (The Sinner’s Touch #1)

“Sleeping all three of us together?” Bruno asks.

“Not exactly together .” Amos chuckles under his breath. “But at Lilly’s place, once a week. The three of us.”

For now , I silently promise myself, because I have no doubt I’ll adopt him. I won’t give up until I do.

“How many finger days till then?”

“Four, starting today,” my boyfriend answers.

“Will I get to eat popcorn?”

“Make a list of your three favorite foods and I’ll make them,” I promise.

I know Amos pulled strings like crazy to arrange for Bruno to spend one night a week with us. It’s better than nothing, while my lawyers keep pushing the adoption process forward.

“Four finger days,” he says with a grin. “I want popcorn, more popcorn, and sundy .”

“Okay. Double popcorn and sundae.”

He nods, eyes shining with joy—and I know it’s not about the food. It’s about the chance to spend more time with us.

“Thank you,” I whisper so only Amos can hear.

“For what? I’m the lucky one. I got two amazing companions.”

It’s been a few weeks since Theo and I survived the attack. Things are so calm now it almost feels eerie.

I’m not na?ve enough to think Maria’s given up. If her partner was bold enough to come after us in broad daylight, I don’t believe she’ll just walk away.

My relationship with Amos has completely changed since that night at the hotel. Now I feel he treats me as an equal, not as the fragile girl who needs constant protection.

Still, like Theo and Bruno, I have twenty-four-hour security following me. Not like before—now they’re my shadows.

I don’t exactly love it, but if it gives my boyfriend peace of mind, it’s a small price to pay. Honestly, most of the time I forget they’re even there. Like the first team, they don’t come inside; they monitor from the entrance, guarding the building, which gives me plenty of privacy.

I’m still not really speaking to my brother, though I know we’ll have to sit down and deal with things soon. He’s the only family I have left.

Nora hasn’t reached out—not even one phone call.

I heard she’s busy with her divorce. And she’s apparently been avoiding public appearances.

The newspapers spent days covering the child exploitation businesses Ramon ran, and I suspect my mother’s “seclusion” isn’t entirely by choice. In high society, everything is about reputation, and I doubt her friends are eager to be seen with her now.

Nora has no bond with us. I don’t think she ever wanted one. She only cares about herself. She didn’t even ask about the attack I experienced, too focused on distancing her name from Ramon’s.

I was right. She was never meant to be a mother. That’s a full-time job requiring dedication—and above all, love.

I’ve been reading everything I can about single motherhood because I’m not assuming Amos will take this on with me. No matter what the future holds, I want Bruno as my own.

I’m also researching how to help a child who’s experienced trauma like his. From what I’ve learned, he’ll need therapy, and we’ll need to respect his healing process, though some scars may always remain.

I already feel like he’s my son. His little arms around my neck and his sweet scent are the highlight of my day—along with being with my gorgeous giant, of course.

Bruno smiles more now, and sometimes even lets himself act like the little boy he is.

Our movie and popcorn nights, once a week, are making it harder and harder to return him.

I’d give anything to erase the pain he’s been through, but since I can’t, I’ll build a beautiful life for my little boy moving forward.

I just got back from the recovery house where Amos arranged for the rescued children to stay while they await their families.

I don’t know how he managed it, but he organized everything so they wouldn’t have to go to orphanages, given the special circumstances.

They’re being cared for by psychologists and nurses.

Bruno was transferred there too—and now has a room of his own. Still, I can’t wait to finally bring him home with me permanently.

I’ve been looking at houses to buy, and there’s one in particular that has stolen my heart.

It’s not near the city, but the property is almost like a small farm. I’ve even thought about maybe raising horses one day. I’ve read that animal interaction helps children who’ve been abused.

I’ve decided to take a break from college for a semester or two. My studies can wait—Bruno can’t. I don’t want to leave him with nannies, especially now. He needs to feel safe, and I’m afraid if I pull away because of school, all the progress we’ve made will be lost.

I’m almost home when my neighbor from across the hall opens her door. I’ve seen her a few times in the elevator—a very sweet older lady. She moves a little slower these days, but she’s always smiling. And she has the most adorable little poodle, Fluffy.

“Lilly, sweetheart, how are you?”

“I’m good, Mrs. Ester. And you?”

“Oh, darling, how many times have I told you? Just call me Ester,” she smiles. “I just made some fresh coffee. Would you share a cup with me?”

I hesitate for a second, glancing quickly at my watch. Amos will be here any minute, but seeing the loneliness on her face, I can’t bring myself to say no. “Of course. Let me just drop off these bags and I’ll be right there.”

She seems unsure for a moment but then nods. I open my door and put the groceries in the kitchen, then send a quick message to Amos, just in case he arrives while I’m next door.

I know he’d worry if he didn’t find me home.

Only then do I head out, ready to do my good deed for the day.