Page 9 of Welcome to the Sins of Blackstone
The bell echoesthrough the stone halls of Blackstone Academy, sharp and cold like everything else in this place. This building is so old, my great grandad came to this college. I’m sure if the walls could talk, the stories would be full of blood. Back in those days, there were no rules about fighting on college grounds like there are now.
The only ones who would try to fight me are the Irish, maybe even the Russians, but they both know we have more power than they do.
I don’t look at any of them. Not the girls who pretend not to stare, not the boys who step aside like I might slit their throat if they breathe wrong.
My mind is elsewhere. It’s been three days since I saw her. Maria, the priest’s niece. The girl in white, her eyes promising to save me and destroy me in the same breath.
I planned to wait longer, let her wonder why I watched her like a starving man. But today, when I walked through the Academy gates, I saw her. I knew she was Jo’s friend and had been at the party, but I didn’t realize she was a student here.
Something inside me snapped. She doesn’t belong here; I can see it clear as day.
The way she keeps her head down, books clutched to her chest like a shield.
Her skirt is longer than the ones the others wear, blouse buttoned all the way to her throat.
But it won’t protect her. Not here, and not from me.
I watch her from across the courtyard, as I lean against the wall, one booted foot crossed casually over the other, cigarette burning between my fingers.
She’s talking to someone. O’Brien. Of course.
Liam knows his place. Or at least he used to.
Right now, he’s standing too close to Maria, leaning in, smiling at her like he’s got any fucking right to.
I push off the wall, flick the cigarette away, and start walking toward them. When I reach them, Maria glances up, and her lips part slightly.
O’Brien’s smile drops when he sees me. "Messina," he says coolly, nodding like we’re friends. We’re not.
"Liam." My voice is flat, uninterested. My eyes never leave Maria. "Didn’t realize you were giving out charity today," I tell her.
Liam’s jaw tightens. "We were talking, so fuck off."
I drag my gaze lazily over Maria, letting her feel it. Her grip tightens on her books, but she doesn’t turn away.
"Maria," I say smoothly, taking a step closer. "Didn’t expect to see you here." Her lips press together like she’s deciding whether to speak.
"I transferred last week," she says quietly. Her voice is soft, but there’s steel under it.
"You should’ve told me." My words are pointed, intentional. Like we’re something. Like she owes me that information.
Her eyebrows pull together slightly, confusion flickering in her dark eyes.
"We don’t know each other," she says, voice low but certain.
Liam shifts beside her, his shoulders straightening like he’s ready to step in, which makes me laugh under my breath.
"Not yet," I reply, and see Jo walking closer to us; I roll my eyes.
Maria’s cheeks flush, but she doesn’t look away. It’s impressive, most people can’t hold my stare for more than a second without folding.
"Come on, Maria," Jo cuts in. She turns to me and shakes her head. “Are you planning on fucking every woman in the building before you finish?” Her question makes me laugh.
“I could try,” I reply as Sebastian joins me and glances at Maria, then back to me with a smile.
“We’re gonna be late for class, Maria,” Jo tells her, and Maria hesitates.
I lean in slightly, voice low enough for only her to hear. "Better stay away from me, Angel. You won’t survive if you don’t."
