Bad Habits: A Dark Anthology - Yolanda Olson Page 0,14
Lady of Heavenly Hope. We’re glad to have you here. If you would please convene in the corridor, I will show you to your accommodations as well as show you where our meal room is,” I tell them with a fake smile. “There aren’t many rules. If you’re doing votives, and would like to remain silent, there are many places where you can pray in silence.”
“And if we’re here for work?” Mr. Tall, Mysterious, and Handsome asks. I don’t know why he has such an effect on me, but I don’t meet his gaze when I respond to his question.
“You can check in with Father O’Kane,” I grin stupidly, and everyone nods slowly as they take in the old building that I know is hundreds of years old.
At the door, I step aside, waiting for everyone to move out of the room and step into the hall. When he reaches the doorway, he stops, pins me with those chocolate eyes, and waits. I’m not sure what he’s looking for, but I can’t offer him more than a smile.
“You didn’t think I’d be back for you?” he questions me in a low tone that sends heat skittering down my spine. “Guess some things just happen for a reason.” With a shrug, he steps into the hall, leaving me staring at his back. I can't help but notice how the dark material tapers along every dip and peak of muscle that’s hugged by the cotton.
I want to retort. I want to bite out a response of questions that burn the tip of my tongue, but I can’t just yet, so I nod then lead the group down the hallway and into the lunch area. It’s just a large hall that’s stacked with tables. Breakfasts are served in the smaller living area, but because lunch is so busy, we use the bigger space.
With every door we reach, another guy or girl leaves the group to make themselves comfortable in their rooms. Eventually, I’m left with the stranger who kissed me.
“Looks like it’s just me and you, little nun,” he coos in my ear, the warm breath from his lips causing every hair on my neck to stand on end. “Will you be a good girl, or is there something darker beneath your robes?”
From the top of my head, to the tips of my toes, I tremble at his words. I’m alight with both excitement and fear. Something about this man instills heat inside me, it warms me for a moment, but then I wonder what he’s truly doing here.
“I’ll see you at dinner this evening,” I nod, averting my gaze from his, because I know the moment I look into those deep dark pools, I’ll be lost in the abyss.
His hand catches my arm, his grip tight, but he doesn’t hurt me. He leans in farther, allowing his lips to brush along the column of my neck, just behind my ear.
“I don’t like playing games, little nun,” he murmurs low and gravelly. “So, you either help me get the information I need in here, or I send you across the border where they’ll fuck you up so bad, you won’t recognize yourself.”
Tugging my arm free, I glance up at him, meeting his endless gaze with a sardonic smile. “Nothing, and I mean nothing, can fuck me up more than I already am.” I step away, needing air to breathe that isn’t filled with his woodsy, spicy scent. “You'd do yourself a favor by not judging every book by its cover,” I bite out before turning on my heel and leaving him. I can feel his stare, hot on my back as I make my way into the church, which sits not far from where the guest block is.
The moment I step inside the cool interior, I can inhale deeply, not worrying about smelling that arrogant asshole who thinks he’s God’s gift to women. I don’t need a knight in shining armor, or inked armor, or whatever the fuck he is.
“Is there something you’re not telling me?” Alexia asks in a hushed whisper when she steps up beside me. The altar is empty, except for the candles that sit on the baptism table.
“What do you mean?”
She glances at me, narrowing her blue eyes as she grins. “He’s here. Back for you? Or back to break all the church rules?” She waggles her eyebrows, causing my face to flush with heat.
“I don’t know why he’s here, but whatever he wants, I’m not going to be