“That’s all I needed to know.”
She rests her head on my shoulder, and as we cling together in the ugliest of places, my thoughts turn to what happens next.
Desire. For retribution, for control, and for righting the wrongs of a man who should have put his family first. A man I never want to be, will never be, because the only thing thatmatters now in my life is the family I never thought I’d find. Now I have, God help anyone who stands in the way of that.
EPILOGUE
TIFFANY
It’s been weeks since my sisters left and I’ve lost my mind. I’m terrified of leaving this place. Something is telling me it’s a bad decision, and I’m not as strong as they are.
Nobody will offer me any assurances, and when I ask Sister Agatha Maria if they are okay, she can’t disguise the pain in her eyes as she brushes it off.
She says she doesn’t know and will tell me if she hears anything, but I know when she’s lying to me; it’s a feeling deep in my gut.
“Tiffany.”
Sister Grace moves beside me as I chop vegetables for the stew we are having tonight.
“Sister Agatha wants to see you.”
“Did she say why?”
I wipe my hands, and she shakes her head.
“No. Although it may be news of Alice and Rose. We can hope at least.”
I’m aware the other sisters are as anxious as I am. Word has seeped back through the stone walls of obstacles in the way of their journey. Apparently, Alice escaped the men who wereshadowing her by recruiting the nun’s help when they visited the town.
So much is telling me not to be the next one in this madness, so I made my decision early. I am not cut out for freedom. I will remain here in the Order of the Holy Mother of God and be happy forever.
I won’t put myself through the pain of life outside these walls and so, with a deep breath, I nod my thanks and head to Sister Agatha to tell her of my decision.
Whatever her reason for summoning me is, will be interesting to hear, but it won’t change my decision.
So, with newfound confidence, I head serenely toward the mother superior’s office, my mind made up and my resolution strong.
“Come in.”
If anything, her voice appears less assertive and a little shaky around the edges, and I really should have taken notice of that because when I head inside, my heart almost gives out on me because sitting in the chair opposite her is a man.
I say a man, but he is like nobody I have ever met, and his cool gaze shows no emotion as he directs it at me.
I physically shake as I stare at a god in human form. Probably crafted from others misery because he wears a dark aura like a familiar shirt.
He is intense. His dark eyes pools of infinity that promise no early release from the madness. His jaw is shadowed with stubble and set in determination.
The dark hair that frames his face is sleek, perfected by a barber’s skill. He is dressed entirely in black, an ominous presence for sure, and as he shifts on his seat, his gold watch catches the glint of light that streams through the barred windows.
“Tiffany, um, allow me to introduce Joseph Ravera.”
I nod, words deserting me as he studies me with no emotion. Not a friendly smile, not a greeting in sight as his dark gaze powers down through my soul and shreds it into ribbons.
“I’m, um–”
He holds up his hand, his voice deep and husky as he says softly, “Pack your things, Tiffany. I am here to take you home.”
“Home?”
