Page 110 of Sixth Sin

One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten.

I’ve counted every one of them in this bed. In these clothes. I can’t face anything outside these four walls. This room is my safe place. It’s where I listen to the clock, watch the sun, and wait.

The east wing is so peaceful.

Far away from the shouts and chants of the crowd gathered outside the iron gates. Some want me to leave. Some want me to answer for my sins. A few want me to die. I should’ve been prepared for this. The leak came from an “anonymous” source, but it has Rosten’s disgusting stench all over it.

“Miss Romanov?”

Rolling over, I glance toward the door to find Hilda standing there, a forlorn look etched in the lines of her face. “Has there been any news about Violet?”

She shakes her head. “No, ma’am, I’m sorry.”

“Oh.” I figured as much. Even my calls to Detective Rubio have been ignored. Violet has been gone for three weeks and nobody seems to know why. Dejected, I roll back over and wait for the click of the door. When it never comes, I peek back over my shoulder to find her still standing there. “Is there something else?”

“You haven’t answered your phone.”

“Can you blame me?” I snap. “There are only so many times you can be called a whore. Although, I have learned how to say it in five different languages.”

“Miss Boone has tried calling you for four days,” she blurts out, stepping further into the room. “The estate’s number is inaccessible, so she sent this.” Reaching into her apron, she pulls out a white envelope. It looks like it’s been through atomic warfare. As if reading my mind, she adds, “Lars opens your mail for security purposes. I’d never intentionally invade your privacy, but…” she trails off again, worrying her lip.

“What’s wrong?”

Instead of answering, she shoves it toward my chest. “Here.”

I don’t want to take it, but before I can stop myself, Milly’s slanted, left-handed words stare back at me.

Alexandra,

I thought you should know Dominic’s mother passed away last Thursday. The hospital says it was an allergic reaction to a new medication. There wasn’t any money for a burial, so she was cremated over the weekend. Dominic’s not doing well. I know things aren’t good between you two, but you’re the only one who can get through to him.

I just thought you should know.

Milly

My chest aches. My eyes burn. My hands shake.

I read it three more times and each time the ache, burn, and shaking intensify.

Dominic.

He needs me.

“Hilda, I—” I look up to find her gone. It doesn’t matter. Nothing matters except getting to him. I don’t care if he wants me there or not. Stumbling out of bed, I tear down the hallway toward the shower.

Twenty minutes later, I walk out of the mansion for the first time in ten days.

Lars leaves the limo idling in the driveway as I bang my fist on Dominic’s door again. “I can do this all day, McCallum.”

When there’s still no answer, I walk to the window and try my best to see inside. There’s no movement. No sign of life, but his damn car is here. Frustrated, I continue around the side of the house, and, ignoring Lars’s protests, I climb over the wooden gate. The patio is deserted, so Ipress my nose against the glass pane and peer into an empty house.

“Dominic, please. I know I pushed you away, but I was scared. I still am. All I know is when I’m with you I feel safe and terrified all at the same time. I don’t know who I am anymore but deep down,” I yell as my voice breaks, “I think you do. And that’s why I pushed you away. Because the truth is, I’m not scared of you. I’m scared of me.”

Silence.

“Dominic.” His name is a weak sigh. A final plea. A sinner’s prayer.

Silence.

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