Sighing, he rises, tucking his dick into his jeans, and takes the girl along with him as he walks to the door. Thankfully, they’re both still clothed, but if I had walked in moments later, I would’ve probably found them buck naked on my sofa.
Once he shuts her outside with a kiss and a pat on the ass, Seth makes his way back to the living room, flopping on my sofa as if he owns the fucking place.
“What are you doing here, Seth?” I question, setting my wallet, keys, and phone on the table. Grabbing my duffel from beside the sofa where I keep the rest of my collection, I unzip it to check what I’ll need to complete the job—my Glock is already in its holster, but I think I may take a few extra items. Also, having my duffel will allow me to shove some clothes in.
Seth sighs. “Just wanted to spend time away from work. Arthur is gone for a few days, so I figured I’d chill here.” I glance up at his words. I know our boss is out of town to see Giuliana, and I wonder if the other guys know where he’s headed.
He told me he’s going to see her, so he must’ve informed one of them of his whereabouts. He never leaves the compound without certainty that he has men watching his back.
“Oh?” I quip, hoping Seth will offer me more than that, but he doesn’t look my way, and I know there’s something he’s hiding. I don’t have time for this shit.
Crossing my arms in front of my chest, I watch him for a moment, trying to assess just what he’s not telling me. But the first thing I ask is what’s burning a hole in my chest.
“Where has Arthur gone?”
“He said he had something important to do.” He utters the words that still my heart. Would he go a
nd kill Lia? No. He may be a monster, but I doubt he’d be that vicious. She means the world to him.
“Important? Seth, tell me.” My words are gruff, causing the young man to close his eyes as if he’s wondering if it’s a good idea or not. I’m tempted to grab him by the shoulders and shake the information out of him because when he glances my way, I realize he must know where Giuliana is.
“Listen, Lance, there’s—”
“Where is she?” Stalking toward Seth, I grab at his T-shirt, tugging him from sitting to flailing in my hold. “Where. The. Fuck. Is. She?” I enunciate each word with every shake of the youngest of the Cavalieri.
“He’s in San Antonio. I don’t know if that’s where she is.”
San Antonio? That’s where he’s sending me.
Why would he send me to the same town as Giuliana when he doesn’t want us together?
Giuliana
A cold shiver wakes me from a deep sleep, causing my body to go rigid. It feels as if someone is watching me. As if I’m not alone in my room. The hair on the back of my neck stands on end, and I’m alert in seconds, holding my breath, listening for a sound, but the room is silent.
When I blink and open my eyes, I notice something on the floor near the door to my bedroom. Even though the space is small — with only a single bed, closet on the opposite side to where I’m lying, and the desk and chair at the window which overlooks the gardens — it’s chilly when the sun isn’t streaming in.
My attention falls to a white envelope lying on the floor of my bedroom inches away from the door, beckoning me toward it. Kicking off the sheets tangled between my legs, I make my way toward the item. Picking it up, I flip it over, but there’s nothing to inform me who it’s from. The silvery light from the moon casts an eerie glow over me as I settle at the small table by the window.
My name is scrawled on the front of the envelope, and when I open it, I find a letter inside folded in three. The page shakes in my trembling fingers as I unfold it.
Giuliana,
We are pleased to welcome you into Her Lady of Sorrows as a full-time student. As your lessons continue, you’ll be sent to complete various tasks within the community. Each time you leave the convent, you will be escorted by two senior nuns, along with another student.
Once you’ve completed the ten tasks assigned to you, we will schedule your ceremony where you will receive your habit, your contract to be signed immediately with two witnesses present, and you will be married into the church.
Remember, we have rules, and if they’re disobeyed, there is severe punishment. Your father has confirmed the payments for your time here. As each of the months pass, you will be schooled in certain jobs that require your utmost care and attention.
We have various clients who need assistance with their frail family members. You will learn what it is like to be a minder, caring for people who aren’t able to do it themselves. This is part of your job as a child of the Lord. Your prayers will allow them peace in their pain.
Anything you do within the walls of the convent is to be kept a secret. All you see, learn, and experience will be part of you taking your place as a permanent member of the church.
You are not to leave the grounds unsupervised at any point. Should you be found exiting the perimeter, you will be punished accordingly by being locked in our solitary confinement room to pay for your sins.
Remember, He can see everything that goes on, and He will need you to repent. I will personally teach you how to do that and seek forgiveness of any sins.
Father Eugene