Page 47 of Taken By Sin
“Oh my God is right.” He cranes his neck to look up at the ceiling. “It’s my personal collection.”
He peels his gaze away from Victoria as she carefully pulls out each book, laying them on a cloth made of soft velvet.
Some are without any protection but still in perfect condition for their age while others are safely tucked into glass cases that were made for them, fitting like a glove. “How did you amass such a collection?” Victoria’s normally fun, erratic behavior is quelled by gaining such an amazing set for the shop.
He sits down, letting her take over. “Some I got at auctions, others were passed down from family. My favorite hobby is to travel and hunt for them.” He speaks quietly, swiping his gaze from me to Victoria, then the books.
He seems hesitant, unwilling to part with them. “Are you sure you want to do this?” I ask.
Victoria looks at me with wide eyes, wondering why I’m questioning of such an impressive set. I don’t want to ruin this for her. “I mean, we adore them, and I’m sure that some fantastic readers will be thrilled to include them in their collection!”
He looks at me, eyes nearly brimming with tears. “Yes, I… my sister isn’t well, and I need this to take care of her.”
“Well, you’ve come to the right place.” Victoria pauses, putting a caring hand on his shoulder. “We only ask for thirty percent on first editions and our appraiser prices everything very fairly. When they sell, you’ll receive a direct deposit.”
“That’s a relief.” He sighs, running a hand over his mouth. “I didn’t know what I was going to do; I’m just lucky I saw your ad.”
“I’m sorry about your sister,” I tell him.
“Me too,” he responds with his head hanging low.
We soon finish adding to the first edition display, and Victoria lets Cameron help. My goal is to navigate readers to this section, because if I had a sister and she was sick, I would give up any prized possession I have if it would help things.
The rest of the day goes by in a blur after it gets busy. We end up needing to restock a couple of stacks on both of our tables, which feels really good to do, as people like them and that is the goal. Victoria shows me around the coffee bar, and I even learn how to make a few drinks.
“You did incredible today,” she beams when my shift is over.
To be thanked for something is beyond what I’m used to, but also, I’ll be getting paid. This is the perfect job for me, to figure out who I am and what I want to be, but it also allows me to do other things. Victoria told me my schedule will be sent out every Sunday, but for the most part, I will work Monday through Thursday, and I can pick my shifts. Today, I was only supposed to work until two, but I decided to stay until six since Sin was going to be out.
Max is waiting for me when I step outside. “How was it?” he asks.
“Brilliant!” I twirl, literally twirl on the city sidewalk, which earns a chuckle from him. “I cataloged books, sold a bunch, and a guy brought in a ton of first editions!”
“That’s cool. Home? Or did you want to grab dinner?”
“I want to go see Sin.” I could be patient, but I don’t have it in me right now.
Maxwell lifts up his wrist, noting the time. “He’s going to be out late, but he should be back before you’re asleep.”
I stop, placing my hands on my hips. “Where is he?” I give a wiggle of my brows, in a very good mood.
Max laughs, tossing his head back. “He’s at the club working, and you’re not going.”
“Roller?” I ask, my good mood tipping on the verge of annoyance. “Why not?”
He nods. “Because you don’t need to.”
“I am an adult. I can do literally anything I want,” I retort, gaining more sense of self by the day. I’m not locked into that castle anymore, and an innocent visit to a club to see Sin isn’t something illegal to do.
He shakes his head as we round the street to the house. “I know that, but Sin wouldn’t want you there.”
My stomach plummets hearing those words. “Why not?”
Max opens the door for me. “Because he is trying to conduct business, and you would only be a distraction.”
I, Magnolia, would be a distraction to Sin Donati? I don’t believe it.
“Where are you going?” Max asks as I bound up the steps.