Page 95 of Vicious Behaviors

Acts of service have always been important to me. It’s why I joined the army right out of college. It’s why I didn’t hesitate when Quantico came knocking on my door, eager to recruit me.

However, I haven’t felt like I’ve been doing much good in the world lately. Not since I came back home. Not since I was assigned to Marcello’s case.

I push that thought aside and allow myself to bask in the moment. The pride in Mother Superior’s eyes tells me all I need to know. I’ve succeeded in winning her over and securing these classes at Sacred Heart.

Now it’s up to me to prepare these girls for the world that awaits them. Not every man they will meet will be Prince Charming. Sometimes they may look like a knight in shining armor and turn out to be the worst piece of shit in existence. Sometimes the only person you can trust is a villain. They at least show you who they really are from the jump.

When class ends, the gym is still buzzing with excitement. The girls are practically glowing, each one stepping into their power with every bounce of their step and flush of their cheeks.

“It seems I may have been wrong in my initial assessment of this class’s value,” Mother Superior admits, approaching me as I towel the sweat from my forehead. “The girls clearly enjoyed it.”

“This was so much fun!” Sister Agnes exclaims, practically bouncing.

“Sister, please show some decorum,” Mother Superior chides her, though there is no real heat behind her words.

“I’m just happy the girls had a good time while learning to defend themselves.”

“So am I,” Sister Margaretta adds, her expression unreadable but her tone sincere.

“Does that mean I have the job?” I ask, arching a brow.

“Yes,” Mother Superior says, folding her hands neatly. “However, given how much interest the girls have shown today, let’s make this a permanent extracurricular class held every Saturday morning instead of once a month.”

“You have yourself a deal.” I extend my hand.

Sister Margaretta eyes my hand as if it could bite her. But with a subtle nudge from Sister Agnes, she relents and takes it, her grip firm but quick.

“You won’t regret this,” I say, grateful for finally doing something I actually enjoy.

“I hope not. There were some things about your presentation that I didn’t like. Still, the girls responded well to your… let’s callit, vernacular language. As long as they are happy, so am I. Now, if you don’t mind, I have other matters to attend to,” she says, briskly turning to leave.

However, I still catch the way her eyes flick back to Frankie yet again. Frankie beams right back at Sister Margaretta with a smile so wide, you’d assume she had just won an Olympic gold medal.

Sister Margaretta’s loving grin only falters when she starts to retreat from the gym just as a young man rushes in, bumping into her in the process.

“Sorry, Mother Superior,” he mutters, scratching the back of his head while glancing awkwardly past the nun’s shoulder.

“Luciano,” she greets, the warmth instantly replaced by a scowl.

“When are you going to start calling me Lucky, Sister? We’re practically family now.”

“This was a girls-only event…Lucky,” she says, the nickname tasting like vinegar on her tongue.

“Yeah, yeah, I know. Just here to pick up my girl.”

Sister Agnes chuckles at my side as Sister Margaretta visibly fights the urge to roll her eyes.

“Very well. Just make sure Frances stays stateside this time.”

“How long are you going to keep holding that over my head? I told you that wasn’t on me. I had nothing to do with it. That sh… I mean, that was all her uncle’s doing. Not mine.”

“So I’ve been told. Still, it’s you I hold responsible for anything involving my Frances. Darius, too.”

“I promise, they are both in good hands, Sister.” He flashes her a sly wink.

“That remains to be seen,” she mutters. However, her features soften when she glances over her shoulder and sees Frankie grinning back at them, looking like she’s never beenhappier. “Just keep my sweet girl smiling like that,” she says quietly, “and we won’t have a problem.”

“Don’t worry, Sister. I totally intend to.”