Page 49 of Merciless Sinner

Today was good and left a positive effect on me given the circumstances.

Now I’m sitting on the bed in the bedroom, flicking through an art history book I found in Virgo’s library.

It was Eden’s idea to read it after dinner when she thought I looked bored.

I knew she was gently trying to rekindle my interest in my previous fascinations, and it worked.

Worked like magic to suck me in.

The book has a collection of Medieval and Renaissance art that I was already interested in. In my travels, I was fortunate enough to visit Rome. While there, I went to the Vatican and saw all the glorious paintings inside the Sistine Chapel.

Many of those are in here, along with other paintings and artwork from an array of countries I would love to see in real life.

I’ve been reading for the last two hours, and I’ve definitely been thoroughly intrigued. I don’t feel anything close to a Harvard graduate who had an internship at the British Museum, but the spark of interest I must have felt to pursue a career in this field is there inside me.

I felt it with every page I turned, and I wondered what it must have been like for me to accomplish so much.

Reading has also provided a much-needed distraction.

A distraction from Virgo.

It’s late again. Not as late as the time when I attempted my escape last night, but still late.

It’slater.The time Virgo promised to catch up with me.

I’ve been listening out for him and waiting.

Waiting and wondering what tonight might bring. I know he wasn’t bluffing when he told me he was going to collect.

I’ve also been wondering what we could have been like as a couple since he’s the complete opposite of me. Other than attraction, I don’t know what I’d have in common with him, or what we’d even talk about.

Maybe… we didn’t talk much.

The thought instantly brings heat to my cheeks, and I allow my mind to explore the idea.

If we were seeing each other in secret, then maybe all we did was spend time in bed.

But Amelia said she thought we were talking about marriage. If we were, then there must have been more to us than sex.

There must have been something that clicked between us to create chemistry.

I wouldn’t know what that thing is if it slapped me in the face because he’s so closed off. Like a wall. Or a gate.

The handle on the door turns, making me jump out of my thoughts.

That could only be him. Eden is the only person who’s come up here to get me for one thing or another, and she always knocks. Even if she’s just left the room.

The door opens, and sure enough, it’s him.

At the sight of him, I straighten, and my hands go limp while holding the book due to his menacing presence which changes the atmosphere.

Suddenly, everything feels small, including me, with thatAlice in Wonderlandeffect again. This is the first time I’ve seen him in here. But I know he must have come in when I was asleep. This is his room, after all.

Virgo’s eyes are glued to me as he walks in, shrugging out of his biker jacket. Once it’s off, he tosses it back onto the hooks on the door.

“Hi.” His deep baritone is lower.

“Hey.”