I say nothing but commit the name to memory, and she smiles. “Then we arrived at The Order of the Holy Mother of God, and for the first time in our lives, it was as if we belonged. Sister Agatha Maria was warm, loving, and wise, and became more like a mother to three emotionally deprived girls. The other nuns were gracious and friendly, and we weren’t afraid anymore.”
It’s only now that I’m starting to see the full picture, and I don’t blame the sisters for their choice. It was the obvious one, and I hate that for them. I reach for her hand.
“There is nothing to fear here, angel. I am on your side and always will be.”
She turns to me and smiles, and her tone is soft as she whispers, “Why is it that the man I trust the most was the one sent to destroy me?”
“You’ve got that wrong.”
“Have I?”
She leans back, dragging my hand onto her knee, and she plays with my wedding ring almost as a distraction.
“I’m not complaining, Simeon. I understand who you are, what you are, and I’m good with that.”
“Are you?”
“Of course. You see, for my entire life I’ve been surrounded by monsters, using me to sharpen their claws. I’m at home in the cage and I recognize this one comes with benefits that I would be a fool to ignore.”
Her impish smile reassures me, and she cocks her head toward my bedroom.
“I’d like a tour if it’s not too much trouble.”
“Of course, but you had better open your mind because this tour isn’t for the faint-hearted.”
I love the sudden light of excitement in her eyes as she stands. “Then lead on and don’t leave anything out. If you shock me tonight, I’ll consider it a night well spent.”
CHAPTER 30
ALICE
Simeon’s home has surprised me. Then again, I shouldn’t be shocked at that because the man himself is one big surprise. He is dark, strong, dangerous, and corrupt, and yet they are his strengths. He is also kind, compassionate, and caring, and so incredibly sexy I have forgotten my earlier calling. It’s surprising I no longer even consider returning to the convent. Preferring to live a life of sin with him instead.
He shows me around his apartment and, despite the outside, inside is a surprisingly comfy space. It may be industrial, sleek metal, leather, and fur with all the modern gadgets, but it’s an extension of the man living here.
I am used to grandeur, antiques, tapestries, gold, and tradition. After a while, that becomes slightly vulgar when wealth is demonstrated and hung on the walls like trophies. The only things on the walls here are steel and abstract art. Huge paintings of master strokes exist alongside black and white silhouettes of naked women. It suits Simeon and as we head into his huge modern kitchen, I’m surprised when he points to a metal barstool at a huge island with a black marble top.
“Coffee?” He raises his eyes in question, and I nod, loving this more domesticated side of him.
“Thanks.”
He appears at ease here, his shirt open to the waist, strong muscles rippling as he reaches for the mugs, his hair slightly messy from the trip, and his shoulders relaxed as the tension slides from them now we are safe in the familiar.
I study him with interest as he moves around his industrial space, and my heart flutters when he glances my way with a soft smile and an appreciative wink.
“You are a good addition to my home, Alice.”
“Addition.”
I lean on the counter, gazing at him with my chin resting in my hands.
“Like all of my possessions, I demand the best, and that is you.”
“So, I’m your possession now.”
“Of course.” His heavy wink causes me to smile.
“Then you are my trophy.”
