Page 29 of Mass Sins

“Did he take you to a restaurant?”

“Yes.”

“Where?”

“L’Osteria. It’s this kinda fancy Italian restaurant.”

“Did he pick you up?”

“Yes, and he paid for the food and he also drove me back home,” I assured him, knowing those would’ve been his next question.

He studied me with his brown eyes. There was a crease between his brows, telling me how unfazed he was. “Does he wear a white collar when he’s not at work?”

Sin laughed, and I rolled my eyes. “No, he doesn’t. I haven’t seen him wearing it yet. He’s a normal guy.”

“He’s a priest.”

“So what?”

Dad shrugged. “Nothing. Just wanted to point it out. I think it’s funny.”

I sighed as Dad winked at Sin. He was trying to mess with me. Only he was allowed to.

“I had a really good time, and I’m seeing him again on Wednesday. We’re cooking dinner together at his pace.”

“Sure you want that?” Dad asked, raising a brow at me. “Do you trust him that much already?”

“Yes.” I frowned at him. I knew he only meant well, but he needed to take a step back before I changed my mind about Joska. “I trust him more than I ever trusted Shawn.”

I hated to say my ex’s name, and Dad knew that, but I had to make a point. Sighing again, I lowered my gaze and stabbed my noodles with my fork. “I have a good feeling about him, and I know he won’t treat me badly. Not with his brother existing.”

“That’s for sure! Tabor wouldn’t let it slip if Joska played with your feelings. Me and the other guys wouldn’t let that pass either. Don’t you worry about that, Connor.”

I looked up again to see Dad eyeing Sin carefully. There were many more questions he wanted to ask about Joska, but when he looked at me and saw my silent plea not to ruin this for me, he kept those questions to himself.

“Fine. Just know that I’ll be the first to hurt him if he breaks your heart.”

I smiled tightly and put my hand on his arm. “I know, Daddy.”

But he wouldn’t have to.

I was sure of that.

Chapter 11

JOSKA

It was rare having people coming into the church during weekdays, but when they did, it was mostly tourists who came to visit Boulder and decided to check out the insane architecture of some of the building in the city.

The church I worked at was one of those buildings. It was fascinating and huge, and when people came, I liked to tell them all about its history, and sometimes even show them the belltowers.

The man who was slowly walking down the aisle toward me didn’t look very touristy though. He had a deep frown between his brows, and once he reached the few steps leading up to the altar I was standing on, he raised those thick brows and asked, “Are you Joska?”

If he was here to massacre me, I should’ve said no. But he must’ve been a very sick man to kill me in a damn church. “I am. What can I help you with?”

I was being as polite as I always was while doing my job. I was wearing my vestments like I always did when I was inside my church.

“I’m not here for help. I’m here to warn you.” The man’s voice was dark and raspy, and he sounded serious.

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