Page 64 of Merciless Sinner

We sit next to each other, and Killian looks me over, studying me again as if he's trying to work out if I'm real or not.

"So, how are you really?" he asks as if seeing straight through me. "You used to be able to tell me how you truly felt. I can see you're doing your best to put your best face forward."

"I guess I'm still transparent, then," I reply.

"It's just brother's intuition." He nods. "To look at you, I would never think you don't remember us, but I'm glad that you've allowed us to help you."

A stab of guilt tugs on my insides because that's not entirely true. If Virgo hadn't stopped me from escaping, God knows where I'd be now. Probably far away in South America.

"It's been difficult,” I tell him.

“I'm sorry for what you had to go through and that I wasn't there. I can't tell anyone how bad I felt. That's why I moved back to Ireland. I couldn't stand to be here knowing what happened to you and our parents. I blame myself a lot."

"It wasn't your fault."

"Maybe so, but I should have been there that night when you were attacked."

"I think that was by design, don't you think?"

"Yeah. Someone knew I wasn't going to be there. I guess when you get your memories back, we’ll know.”

"You sound like Virgo." I drop his name because I want to test the water. “He thinks I’m going to get my memories back, too.”

"Please don't say that I sound like him." He looks heavenward, then back at me. “But I guess he's as hopeful as I am. How are you doing with him?"

"I'm not so sure. Do you know what happened to me in Monte Carlo?"

"Yes. It was the only way I would allow the marriage."

Embarrassment stabs at my insides, but I keep my thoughts focused. "I made foolish mistakes, and I can't take them back. I was in trouble, and he helped me. If not for him, then I don't know what would have happened to me."

"So, you're okay with following through with this marriage? It's in a few days, Olivia."

"I have to be."

"It only needs to be for a year. I don't know if he's told you that part, so I'm telling you. I want to make sure that you have all the information you need before you go into this."

I wasn’t aware of the length of time, but knowing helps me put things in perspective.

"We’re doing our best to work together.” Cillian bites the inside of his lip. “Now that you're home, our only priority is finding out what happened. We all agree that this threat needs to be dealt with so you can get back the life you once had."

"What if I don't remember and I decide to go down a different path? A different life outside the mafia?"

He reaches out and takes my hand. "That’s something we'll have to respect, whatever you choose, and I will make sure you get to live whatever life you want. No matter what Virgo wants. Okay?”

“Okay.” I nod, but I know Virgo won't let me go.

ChapterSeventeen

Virgo

I'm at the Creed meeting, sitting in my usual chair next to my father. Dante is to my right. The men have just started filing into the room to start tonight's meeting.

Tonight is the night they find out that Olivia is back.

Apart from the people I've ruled out, I feel like I can't tell friend from foe. The men all arrive within the next minute, and all are seated, including Cillian. It's strange seeing him here amongst the group. He's sitting next to Seamus. Years ago, he was next to his father, just like I am.

It's sad how times have changed. I look around at the twelve crime lords and their subordinates who make up the Creed.

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