Page 54 of Mass Sins

“There it is,” she said with a smirk. “You remember, don’t you? It’s been a while. Fifteen years, I believe. It was your birthday. You just turned thirty and you were celebrating all alone at the club.”

They were all looking at me. The strangest, most uncomfortable feeling washed over me.There’s no way…

“Oh, don’t look at him like that. You couldn’t possibly think that he was a saint? Priest or not, you got yourself a real asshole wrapped in a collar and robe, hiding behind prayers he doesn’t even believe in.”

“I don’t understand…” Bennie looked at me with a deep frown between her brows. “You had sex with my sister?”

“I—”

“Not just me. Poppy too. We had a threesome. It was fun.”

“Goddammit, Alexis!” Connor hit his fist on the table again. “That’s enough!”

“It’s in the past,” I added, trying to make a point. But I knew that wouldn’t be enough. Bennie was upset, and this time, I had no idea how I’d make things right again.

“Excuse me.” Bennie stood up from the table and walked out of the dining room, wiping away tears.

“You can leave.” I feared Connor’s words were directed at me, but when I looked at him, I saw him glaring at Alexis. “Go. Think about what you’ve done tonight and don’t come back unless you want to apologize to your sister.”

“How am I the asshole here? He fucked me fifteen years ago, and now he’s fucking her. He’s playing with her! I’m trying to be protective here.”

“I’m not playing with her.” I had to justify myself. I wasn’t going to let her ruin my relationship. “I’m in love with Bennie, and whatever we did fifteen years ago was clearly nothing but a hookup. I couldn’t even remember your face. That should’ve told you enough.”

I was being rude now, but I thought it was necessary.

Connor seemed to agree. “Leave, Alexis. And clean up your act.”

She clenched her jaw as she pushed herself away from the table. Standing up, she emptied her wine glass and slammed it back onto the table before glaring and pointing at Connor. “You always protect her. Ever thought about the fact that you might’ve been the one who made me become this way?”

With one last glance in my direction, she left the room and excited through the front door, slamming it shut behind her.

Connor ran his hands through his hair. “What an embarrassment,” he muttered.

“It’s not your fault, Connor. I’m sorry I was the reason why she started all that. I swear I did not remember her.”

He looked at me and shook his head. “I believe you. It’s been years. You should go talk to Bennie.”

I nodded. “I will.”

“And don’t you worry. She’s not upset because of you. It’s her sister’s fault. She’s never been very kind to her. Even when she got sick.” He reached out his hand and patted my shoulder. “Go.”

Connor was a good man.

He needed some time to warm up to me, but I was glad he saw me for who I was, and not for the asshole I used to be. Although, even back then, I was always very respectful and clear with women. I never made any empty promises.

“Thanks, Connor.”

I got up and headed upstairs to find Bennie. Her bedroom door was closed, and I took a deep breath before knocking softly and letting myself in. She was sitting on the edge of the bed, with her hands in her lap, picking at the skin around her nails.

“Hey,” I said gently.

She didn’t look up, but her lips curled up ever so slightly. “Hi.”

“That was something, hm?”

“Yeah. But…I warned you. I told you my sister was crazy.”

I sat down next to her and put my arm around her shoulders to pull her closer to me. “You did warn me.” I waited a moment, before I continued with, “I know it’s messed up, but I truly didn’t remember her. It’s been so long, and I normally don’t remember girls I slept with. It was a one-night-stand. I just wanted you to know that.”