Sin and Redemption

by Cora Reilly

“And he didn’t want me anymore.”

My eyes darted to Sara, who hovered in the doorway.

“That’s not what he said,” her mother said gently.

“Not in those words, but his eyes said it all. I don’t want someone to marry me out of pity.”

“I want to take responsibility and help you raise the child. I realize it’s not something you’ll want, but we could marry to give the baby a family.”

“I earn enough money to provide for you and the child without a marriage.”

“I don’t want a marriage out of pity,”

“I can attest to his pitiless nature,”

“We discussed this with Sara, and she thinks a marriage between you and her would be the best solution in this difficult situation,”

“I’ll do whatever you think is best for you and the baby, Sara.”

“I don’t know what’s best. I don’t even want this baby. I mean—”

“Paolo’s suit would be three sizes too small for you,” Flavio muttered.

“I realize I’m not the son-in-law you wanted, but I’ll do everything I can to be a good husband for Sara.”

“It’s not you, it’s about circumstances.”

“I think Sara wants to protect her honor and the unborn child. She doesn’t really want a husband.”

“I know this marriage will be on paper only. I don’t expect Sara ...

She watched me prepare and eat two BLTs in silence but never took her eyes off me as she leaned against the kitchen island.

“I’ll marry Sara,” I said after I’d taken a swig of water.

“That’s why they wanted to see you?”

“They didn’t talk me into marriage. I was the one who suggested it when I found out that Sara is pregnant.”

“Okay.” She blinked. “Wow. That’s not what I expected.”

“I’m doing whatever’s necessary to make up for my sin.”

“Max—”

I raised my palm. “Don’t. You’re my mother. You’d find an excuse for every ...

“No, I would not,” she seethed, her eyes flashing with anger. “But you and Sara we...

“I’m not the victim. I wa...

“Yes, you were! You were forced to do something sexual you didn’t want to...

Was she blind to the fuck...

“I’m not a fucking victim, so stop calling me one. I’m ...

“You’re not! That is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard, and you’re not stupid, Maximus, so stop saying it. I’m sure if you talk to Sara, you’ll...

“I can ask Gianna. She knows her better than me.

if Luca knows, Aria knows, and then Gianna knows,”

I’d never had a problem with people disliking me.

Many of the things I did on a daily basis made me unlikable, but the reason for Flavio’s dislike wasn’t something I was proud of.

Russians had turned our lives upside down and turned me into something I’d never wanted to be.

“Get a grip, man,” I muttered and slapped my thighs. “You can do it.”

Bacon raised his head from his paws, tilted his head to the side, and gave me his concerned dog stare.

Hey Sara, (It was sad how long it took me to settle for this greeting.) This is Maximus. (I almost added Trevisan, but given our past and the lack of other people with that name in our circles, it would have made me look like more of a fool.)

Your father gave me your number. (To show her I had permission.)

Can we meet at your home to discuss where we’ll live after our wedding? Thanks, (This one was the hardest. Any kind of affectionate ending was out of the question, but I could hardly w...

“Come on, boy, let’s go on a walk.”

Sara’s younger sisters were present too.

They eyed me curiously when I stepped in. I wasn’t sure how much they knew, but given their age and their friendly attitude, probably not much.

Like all the Cancio daughters, they had inherited Liliana’s beauty. Sara came down the stairca...

“I’m sure Sara and Maximus want some privacy.”

“I’m not like that, like what happened. You don’t have to worry. You’re safe.”

“I know. We don’t need to talk about what happened. It’s over.”

“You live with your parents, right?” “Yes, I do.”

“You’ll have to move out of your parents’ house too.”

“I know, but I had plenty of time to prepare. This wedding was set a long time ago. But this is new for you.”