Page 62 of Sinner's Malice

I thought it strange.

For years, I believed I knew everything there was to know about Arianwen. Her likes and dislikes. Favorite foods, what made her laugh. Over the years, I’ve seen her happy, sad, angry, upset.

However, as I continued to observe her, I came to the realization that there were still aspects of her character and personality that I had yet to uncover and comprehend. One of the things that stood out about her was the fact she took the time and showed genuine concern for the homeless. It seemed that whatever she communicated to them had a positive effect, as was evidenced by the smiles on their faces and the improved mood they displayed despite the challenges they were facing.

With a sense of confusion, I opted to stay hidden in the shadows, carefully observing her movements. While I observed the scene unfold, I witnessed her displaying a humble gesture by kneeling before an elderly gentleman and diligently jottingdown a message on a tiny sheet of paper, which she graciously handed over to him. After exchanging a few more words, she tightly embraced the man, as if their bond had been forged over many years, and bid him farewell with genuine wishes for his happiness, before resuming her stroll down the bustling street.

I walked over to the man, feeling confused, and asked him directly, “The woman who was just here. What did she say to you?”

“What’s it to you?” the weathered old man challenged, his voice filled with years of experience and determination.

Reaching for my wallet, I pulled out a hundred-dollar bill. “Tell me and it’s yours.”

“She was sweet. Said she didn’t have any money on her, but if I ever got hungry, I could find her behind the big warehouse on Pier 81. Said to knock three times and she would give me food.”

As I dropped the hundred in his lap, I quickly turned my attention to her, my eyes searching for her figure amidst the bustling crowd.

Observing that she wasn’t in a hurry, I slowed down my pace to match hers, taking in the surrounding scenery.

She was never in a hurry.

Not in anything she did.

It was one of the things that confused me about her. Arianwen delighted in the vibrant scenery, the melodic sounds, and the fragrant aromas, as if she was reluctant to let the experience come to an end. She seamlessly integrated into club life, becoming a natural part of the lively and electric atmosphere. She never complained, handling everything with a calm and collected demeanor. Without skepticism, she took people’s words at face value, never questioning their intentions.

She was trustworthy, honest, and loyal to a fault.

Even when I showed up at her place in the dead of night, she didn’t fight me. Despite knowing what was about to happen, sheaccepted the situation and went on to defend me afterwards. If it was any other woman, I would be in jail for the actions I took against her. Deep down, I had a strong realization that I had subjected her to an ordeal comparable to rape. However, when everything was said and done, she never held me accountable. Even upon my return to the clubhouse, I noticed her presence right beside me, persistently attempting to convince Montana to see reason.

He was right, though. Had I been a more honorable individual, I would have readily surrendered my brand to him at that precise moment. Although I believed I deserved all the actions he wanted to take against me and then some, Arianwen stood in his way and stopped him.

It was the first time I ever saw her stand up to Montana.

“Why are you following me?”

Coming to a halt, I turned my gaze to the right and found her standing there, her eyes fixed on me, anticipating my response. There was no trace of anger in her gaze. It was like she had a silent understanding that I would be trailing behind her, as she never bothered to check if I was there.

“You left.”

“Because you sent me to my room like an errant child.”

With a deep breath, she glanced around the street, her gaze drifting aimlessly without fixating on any specific object.

She was angry.

I could see that now.

“Is this how it’s going to be between us, Malice? You give me an order and expect me to obey like an obedient dog.”

I growled.

She huffed.

“Answer me this. Why did Torment give Montana a gold coin?”

“To save my life.”

“I see,” she whispered. “And why did he do that?”