Talia's POV:
Every little hair on my body was drastically standing, and I felt a chill roughening my skin with goosebumps. I could already see where this story was heading, and I wanted to ask Nicholas to stop. I wanted him to not go any further, yet, I couldn't get a single word past the constriction in my throat.
"They found her body in an alley near one of my luxurious's buildings." His voice was steady, but I could sense the agony buried deeply within. "She had been raped, then mutilated. It was meant to be a message to my organization, especially to me. For every sin, there is a price to pay, it said."
I squeezed my eyelids together, trying to keep the tears burning my eyes from leaking out, but it was a futile effort. I knew Nicholas could feel the wetness on his chest. "A message? To a man in love?"
"By that time, we had selected the wedding date, and she was excited."
I couldn't see Nicholas's bitter smile, but I could sense it.
