Page 6 of Welcome to the Sins of Blackstone
When I returned homelast month, I had only heard their name in passing, whispered at the church, spoken in my uncle’s sermons about corruption, muttered in warnings from the older women in town.
But it was Jo who told me the truth.
"The Messinas own this city, Maria. You don’t see it because your father kept you away, but trust me nothing happens in Blackstone Hollow without their say-so. Every business, every police officer, every goddamn thing you see. It’s theirs."
"And Massimo?"I had asked hesitantly.
Jo scoffs. "The worst of them. He’ll chew you up, spit you out, and laugh while he does it. Stay away from him."
I wanted to believe her. I really did, because before Uncle Dominic sent me away, she was my best friend. We grew up together, and talked all the time, even when I was away.
My parents died when I was young, and in the will it was written that I would live with my uncle and not my mother’s family. The moment I came, he sent me away to a boarding school. He always told me it was the best for me, and to keep me safe. Safe from who, I don’t know and every time I tried to ask, he would change the subject.
Now I’m back and standing here, meeting him properly, feeling the weight of his gaze on me.
Massimo Messina is standing in front of me, looking at me like he already owns me.
Jo’s words replay in my mind.Stay away from him.
But I already know I won’t, or he won’t stay away from me.
Because something tells me Massimo Messina isn’t the kind of man you can stay away from, nor is he a man who doesn’t get what he wants.
I recognize Massimo’s father, Giovanni Messina. His reputation alone makes most men fear him, but standing in the house of God, he wears a mask of civility. My father speaks to him like an equal, but I know better. My father preaches about sin, but Giovanni controls it and I’m sure his son has learned from him.
Massimo leans slightly back, hands in his pockets, watching me. The smirk from before is gone. Now, his expression is unreadable except for the sharp glint in his eyes.
"Come here, Maria," my uncle says. "I want you to meet the Messinas properly." I step forward, swallowing hard. "This is my niece, Maria," he introduces. "She come back home now, and will finish the last few weeks here."
Massimo’s lips twitch slightly, but he doesn’t speak. His father, Giovanni, nods approvingly. "A pleasure, Maria."
I force a polite smile. "Nice to meet you, sir."
Then, uncle Dominic turns to Massimo. "And this is his son, Massimo."
I already know who he is.
I’ve known him from the moment he touched me last night at the party, his voice dripping with sin when he whisperedHello, Angel.
But now, I have to pretend I don’t know him. I say nothing, but a small smile spreads on my lips.
Something flickers in his gaze, and then a devilish grin appears.
Like he knows this is a game, and I’m already losing.
I wasn’t supposed to meet them. This wasn’t meant to be how my life was going to be planned out.
My father has already got me married to someone he has approved of, but I don’t think Massimo is going to let that happen.
Chapter 4
Massimo
She’s beautiful up close. Last night, in the haze of music and dim lights, she was stunning. But here, standing in a white dress, her dark lashes lowered, her voice quiet but steady, she’s divine.
Too fucking good for me. To fucking pure for me.
And yet, I want to ruin her.
