Curse of Stone

By Jen McConnel

Some curses aren't meant to be broken.

Julia is depressed. Ever since her mom died, it's been hard for Julia to enjoy life, even when she's spending a year studying in Rome. But when an ancient curse attaches itself to her, Julia realizes that she isn't ready to give up. With the help of Fernando, a too-charming-for-words guy from her art history class (and the heir to a black market antiquities business), Julia feels like she might have a second chance at everything. But time is running out, and the curse makes it a matter of life or death. Can Julia and Nando break the curse, or is it already too late?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jen McConnel
• Release date: Jun 13, 2016
• ISBN: 9781310400711

Jen McConnel

Jen McConnel is an award winning author. She writes Young Adult and New Adult fiction, nonfiction, and poetry. When she isn’t writing, she can be found on her yoga mat, teaching, or wandering off on another adventure.

Book preview

CURSE OF STONE

a Counting Curses novella

By Jen McConnel

CURSE OF STONE

By Jen McConnel

Published by Jen McConnel

Smashwords Edition

Copyright 2016 Jen McConnel

Cover Designed by Paper and Sage, 2016

This book is a work of fiction. Characters, locations, and events are products of the author’s mind, or have been used in a fictitious manner. The author acknowledges the right of all trademark holders for products mentioned in this work of fiction. Any resemblance to any person, living or dead, or to actual events, is purely coincidental.

License Statement:

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use, then please return to your favorite eBook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Thank You!

About the Author

Sneak Peek

Copyright

CHAPTER ONE

Julia, un momento!

Julia paused, shifting her bag on her shoulder. She really didn’t feel like talking, but it was impossible for her to be intentionally rude. What is it?

Giuseppe pulled a rose out from behind his back. A beautiful lady deserves a beautiful flower, no?

She hesitated. Her middle-aged super had been sort of hitting on her ever since she arrived in Rome six months ago, but the fact that he was married and had three kids had made her feel like it was only moderately creepy. But a rose? No, thanks, Gio.

His smile fell, but his words were warm. But you need something to brighten you up.

Do I look depressed to you?

After studying her for a moment, he nodded, and Julia cringed. You work all the time. Always study, study, never play.

She shrugged, pretending nonchalance. "That is why I’m here, remember."

Other students know how to smile.

With a sigh, Julia reached for the rose. She brought the bloom to her face and inhaled theatrically, but she was surprised when the familiar scent really did bring a smile to her face. Okay, fine. See, I’m smiling.

Giuseppe grinned at her, flashing the gold tooth in the front of his mouth unselfconsciously. That’s more like it. Now maybe the flower will lead you to a little romance.

I thought it was the other way around; romance brings flowers, right?

He waggled his eyebrows. Does that mean that to you I wear the face of romance?

Julia rolled her eyes. ’Night, Gio. Thanks for the flower.

Ciao, bella! Remember to smile more often!

If only it were that easy, she thought as she trudged up the stairs to her small apartment. It’s been a long time since anything made me smile. One of the reasons she’d signed up to spend a year in Rome was because everyone at the study abroad office had said it was the best place on earth, but so far, she wasn’t enamored with the city. Rome was smelly and dirty, and the jumble of tourists and hawkers made the city streets anything but peaceful. Then again, it wasn’t like she had anywhere else she was yearning to go, so she tried not to hold it against the city.

Dropping her keys on the table, Julia tossed her heavy bag on the end of her bed. Sure, Rome was the best place to study art and history, and she was earning credit for all of the courses she was taking, but after half a year of living abroad, Julia would have happily traded all the credit and enriching experiences for some peace and quiet.

She pressed her palms against her eyes. There was no point wasting time being homesick; she had work to do. With a sigh, Julia put the rose in a glass of water and then pulled her textbooks out of her bag. Turning the coffee pot on, she settled in at the small kitchen table, trying to memorize the names of the different Renaissance artists she knew she’d be tested on in class next week, but her focus wasn’t there. Her passion and enthusiasm, already worn thin after the events of the previous year, had completely deserted her after the first week in Rome, and she was secretly counting down the days until she could leave.

True, spending New Year’s in Rome had been pretty spectacular. Her roommate, Kai, had forced her to go out with a group of students, and Julia had actually had fun. The streets were packed with people, and everyone seemed in a wonderful mood. It had almost made Julia happy to be there, and she’d resolved to perk up for the rest of her time in the Eternal City, but her attitude adjustment fractured as soon as the second semester started up. Now that it was almost February, Julia’s mood was frosty again.

Knock, knock! Kai called from the hallway, and Julia closed her book in relief.

In here.

Kai poked her head around the corner, her spiky teal hair looking even more wild than usual. I sort of hoped you were out.

Julia’s face fell. Sorry if I’m in the way.

No, that’s not what I meant! Kai crossed the room and grabbed a mug, draining the coffee pot. I just sort of hoped you’d be out having fun or something.

Julia sighed. This year has been a pretty big mistake.

So change it.

Julia looked at Kai, studying her roommate’s open face. Even with the funky hair and the Monroe piercing hovering over her lip, Kai was the nicest person Julia had ever met, and she felt guilty for dumping her problems on her roommate but there was no one else to confide in. I just don’t know about anything anymore, she said after a moment’s hesitation.

Kai grinned. That means you’re ready for something new. Like an adventure.

Julia grimaced. Coming here was supposed to be my adventure.

And you’ve still got, what, five months left? Who’s to say your wild Roman times are behind you?

What do you think is going to happen? I mean, I go to class, I come home and study, and then I pass out.

Kai reached over and plucked the textbook off the table. Question. And I want an honest, gut reaction, answer. Don’t think.

Julia nodded slightly.

Why are you here, Julia?

Because I didn’t know what else to do.

The words hung in the air for a moment, and Julia swallowed.

I mean, she continued, not watching Kai, I’ll be done with my coursework once I get home. Then it’s just student teaching, and graduation. She paused. It felt like it was now or never if I wanted to study abroad, she finished lamely.

But it seems like a waste, Jules. You’re miserable here; why’d you pick Rome, anyway?

All the art, Julia began, faltering.

Kai shook her head. I know you keep saying you want to teach art, but girl, I’ve never seen anyone so bored with her homework.

Julia shrugged. My mom always wanted to see Rome, she said, her voice dropping to a whisper.

A dark cloud passed across Kai’s face. I’m sorry, Jules, I didn’t know.

Julia looked away, trying to keep her eyes from filling with tears. It’s okay. Sort of a stupid reason to do something, right?

Kai shook her head. No, she said softly, it’s a great reason. But would your mom really want you to be miserable?

The words slipped out before she could stop them. Believe me, this isn’t anything new.

There was a pause, and then Kai got up and put her arms around her roommate. She wouldn’t want you to torture yourself, Jules. It’s okay to be happy.

A sob welled up in Julia’s throat, and she sniffed against Kai’s shoulder. I know. It’s just, nothing seems like it matters now.

Kai squeezed her. "But you matter. You need to