Page 6 of Perfect Sin

“I hope you know where to look. This has never been my house, but I’m with you,” I tell him.

“We look everywhere. You’ve got an excuse to hang out in the library, something I’ve never done. I’ll search the office once I convince him I’m willing to learn the family business.”

* * *

Lucien leadsthe way through the gothic monstrosity my father calls home. There are turrets, freaking turrets. Every dark corner I expect Wednesday Addams to emerge with her headless doll. The fact that there’s very likely a torture chamber somewhere on the premises makes the house a likely inspiration for the fictional family.

Sure enough, there is a library in one of the towers. It extends along two levels, with ladders that wheel along the shelves to reach the books on the top. Like the rest of the house, it’s dark, overly ornate, and creepy as fuck.

I can see why Lucien thought to check this room. If I were going to hide a ledger detailing my illicit earnings, this would be the spot I’d choose. It’s in plain sight, but in a way it won’t stand out. Which means I’m going to have to look at every book in the room, but without drawing attention to myself.

“Ms. Blackthorne, can I help you find something?” one of my father’s goons asks me. I’m definitely going to need an excuse to spend an extended amount of time in this room. Judging by his reaction, there’s got to be something hidden amongst the shelves.

I smile what I hope is my most charming and innocent smile. He relaxes. “Technically, it’s Mrs. Sinclair, but Raven works–“ I pause hoping he’ll supply his name.

“Jerome, Miss Raven,” he introduces himself. Still a bit formal, but it’ll work for my purposes.

“I’m very glad you’re here, Jerome. Maybe you can tell me how the books are organized. I can’t imagine there aren’t the books I will need already here, but I’d like to speak to my father about taking some college classes online.”

The remaining tension seeps away. My excuse seems to make perfect sense, and though I’ll actually have to register for a couple of classes online, at least I can argue I need to study in this room. I doubt anyone will want to explain to me why they wouldn’t want me hanging out in the library of all rooms.

Jerome scratches his head. “I’m not sure. I think the books are more arranged for looks than any actual system.”

I pout, pretending to be disappointed. Of course they are arranged like that though, because how would one classify a ledger on the Library of Congress or Dewey Decimal systems? “That’ll make finding reference books more difficult, but I’m sure they must be here somewhere,” I say instead.

“What must be here?” Damien speaks and makes me jump.

“Father you startled me.” Truth. “I was just telling Jerome here that I was wondering if there were reference books in the collection. I was hoping to speak to you about taking a class or two online to work toward a college degree.”

“Why would you need a degree? Your purpose is to be a wife to an important man,” he states as if I should be satisfied with such a fate.

“Sin doesn’t even have a career,” I point out. Butterflies erupt in my stomach. He’s said he wants me to remain married to him, that it serves his purposes, but even knowing him as little as I do, he may not mean it.

“Not yet. He’ll inherit a large fortune. I don’t like that you defied me, but I have to admit, this could work out better for me in the long run. The Whitmore fortune far exceeds anything the Campbells have at their disposal.”

“All the more reason for me to take business classes, Father. Surely, we can’t expect him to take care of the household finances. It would allow him to focus his attention on far more important matters.” The words burn my feminist soul, but this is the part I need him to believe I’m resigned to play.

He nods. “Yet again, you’ve made a good point. I’ll allow you to take some business classes.”

I give him the same fake smile I gave Jerome. “Thank you, Father. It’ll also help keep my spirits up while those horrible people try and keep him from me.”

“I’ll have a workstation set up in here for you. Find a program, one that is online only. I don’t want you out of the house alone.”

“Of course, Father,” I agree.

His eyes narrow. “You’re being very compliant.”

I shrug. “You’ve agreed to my marriage with Sin, and really it isn’t so hard to live in such a wonderful home.”

Just as I suspected, he’s susceptible to flattery, like most narcissists. “I’m glad you’re coming around. Now if your brother shared your attitude, everything would be perfect.”

Oh, what an opportunity. “I could speak to him, if you’d like.”

“I may have underestimated your usefulness to me, Daughter. See if you can convince your brother to join me tomorrow in my office.”

I nod. I’m thoroughly going to enjoy bringing him down.

The Ally

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