It wasn’t until I reached the back of the large theater that I stopped and fell against the building. My chin trembled as the tears came. I slid down, the rough brick scratching my skin and tearing at my clothes. I pulled my knees to my chest and put my hands over my face.
How fucking embarrassing. I was about to give up everything I had built my life around for him—for a cute face and a charming smile. I crumpled my hand into a fist and brought it down to my chest. The blood that had run down my face smeared against the large scar under the heart tattoo.
I thought he was the one who had my heart.
I was so stupid. I let my guard down. I told him everything. For a small point in time, I thought that he had come here for a reason.To find me.A voice clearing their throat caused me to turn.
Arsenio. Perfect, clean-cut, Arsenio. In his tan suit and freshly shaved face. I hated him for being so perfect and yet, welcomed him. I sniffled and tried to wipe my face but only managed to smear blood across my cheeks.
“What are you doing here?”
He came forward and sat down beside me in the dirt. I flinched. His suit was ruined.
“Aleida called me. She said you looked upset. What’s wrong?”
“I’m fine.” I sniffled. He chuckled low and brought his arm over my shoulder, pulling me in for a hug. It wasn’t a lover’s embrace but almost like a father’s touch.
“I think I know. Should we talk about it?”
I didn’t say anything.
“Scout. We’ve known each other for some time now, even for people who never age. I think you underestimate how much I see. How much I know.”
I looked up at him. His deep red eyes were kind. “You are in love with Desiderio?”
I flinched. He laughed and loosened his hug. I squirmed out but stayed close.
“What was that face for? Love, or Desiderio?” He teased?
I laughed through my heartache. “Both? I don’t like those words.”
He nodded. “I recall. We never did use that word with each other, did we?
I gave him a sad smile and sighed. “I still adore you.”
“And I—you. Always. But you do love him— Desiderio?”
My hand went to my chest again. I rubbed the thick, jagged scar. “If I could love, he’s come the closest,” I confessed.
“I wondered when you told me about your curse, if the two of you were connected somehow. Too many coincidences.”
“I think it’s just that. False hope. Wishful thinking. He’s meant to be with her.” I glared into the night.
“Why do you say that?”
“He told me. Then she told me that they’ve been together.”
“Oh.” He frowned. “I don’t think that’s true.”
“Why not? She’s gorgeous. I wanted to hide our feelings for each other, and she didn’t care who knew. She’s the obvious choice, Arsenio.” I scoffed.
He smirked. “I think you underestimate your beauty. Your charm. And I wish you hadn’t been afraid to tell me. When Desi told me a few hours ago, I think I took it quite well.”
I sat up and scooted around to look at him head-on. My eyes bulged. “He told you? Why?”
“Because he’s leaving to go break his curse. He wanted my blessing.”
“Because of the Seven Sins.” I nodded. “A rule or something.”
