Page 40 of The Cute Psycho

I'm still rooted to the spot, admiring the room, when Lina taps me on the shoulder, handing me a few clothes.

"We're a similar size, so this should do until we get you more clothes. You can finally get rid of the habit," she says, looking me up and down and scrunching her nose.

I don't even know how to reply as I take the clothes from her. I've never worn anything other than the clothes provided at Sacre Coeur, so this is a new experience for me.

Impatient, I put the clothes on the bed and start pulling at my habit, ready to be rid of it. Lina's lip curls up as she sees my excitement, and she closes the door, so I can have some privacy.

Looking through the clothes, I choose a green dress that's not too short nor too long.

"I don't have any bras that would fit you, but we can buy some tomorrow," Lina comments, and I nod, pink staining my cheeks. That's the one area where Lina and I don't match since I've been cursed with huge breasts. Still, it's not like I've worn anything other than a bustier before. Although, looking in the mirror after I've donned the dress, I can see how the form would be more flattering with a bra.

"Wow, I can barely recognize you," she breathes when she sees me. My hair, too, is unbound and flowing down my back.

"It certainly feels different." I keep on looking in the mirror as if I'm seeing myself for the first time.

"You have no idea how happy I am that you're here." Lina leans her head on my shoulder, smiling at me.

"Me too," I reply.

Too happy.

And that makes me slightly afraid. Because now that I've tasted happiness, if it's wrenched away from me, itwillkill me.

The day has even more surprises in store as I get to meet my sister, Venezia. My first impression is that we look nothing alike. While Marcello and I may have our coloring in common, since both of us have blonde hair, Venezia's is a soft brown color. Her eyes, too, are a hazel shade compared to my light brown ones.

I keep staring at her, trying to find some commonality, but there's none.

"You're so pretty," I say at some point, overwhelmed by the fact that she looks exactly like a doll.

She blinks twice before a blush creeps up her neck, and she lowers her eyes.

From what Lina had told me, I would have expected her to be bolder and more outspoken, but the Venezia in front of me is shy, second-guessing her every word.

"Thank you," she eventually whispers.

Our conversation is a little stunted, as neither of us can come up with a topic. But we'll have enough time to get to know each other.

"Can I... " She starts, rather nervously, "Give you a hug?"

"Of course!" I answer immediately, wasting no time in tugging her into my open arms.

Saying good night to Lina and Claudia, I head to my own room, still in awe that I get to have a space all mine.

How many times have I dreamed about this very thing? Before Lina had come along at Sacre Coeur, I'd been rooming with dozens of other girls. The notion of having something to myself when everything had been shared has always been hard to understand.

Laying my hand on the bed, I trace the contour of the silky sheets, excitement forming inside of me at the thought of sleeping in such luxury.

I quickly shower, drying my skin properly before sliding between the sheets. I sigh deeply, the coolness of the material against my naked skin feeling divine.

His hand wrapped around my throat; he pushes me roughly on the altar. My back hits the cold table, my eyes wide with terror. Swiping aside all the religious paraphernalia, I see a cross falling to the ground, the sound reverberating in the church.

He surveys me from head to toe, his molten gaze sweet yet biting, like a Pagan God waiting for his sacrifice, my demise the fuel for his very essence.

"Stop," I whisper as his fingers tighten around my flesh, stopping my airflow. For a moment my breath hitches, and I can only stare at those dark eyes that aim to consume me — body and soul.

His other hand is roaming freely on my body, goosebumps appearing as he trails his fingers up my thigh, until he stops at the curve of my hip, his palm splaying over my waist.

His lips widen in a wicked smile, the first genuine one I'd seen from him. He looks indomitable as he looms over me, my life and death in his control.

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