Page 106 of The Sinner's Bargain

“But I might,” Vance said quickly. “I might have an idea—”

A creak on the stairs halted all conversation. Our heads lifted to find Blue standing at the very top. Small hand resting on the banister. She wore a pair of white jeans and a baggy sweater in plum. Her pale hair was brushed over one shoulder in a loose braid. She peered down to where I stood between Cyrus and Vance. Delicate fingers twisting together in the fold of her sleeves.

“I’m sorry,” she said softly. “You took longer than twenty minutes ... I wasn’t sure if ... I can wait...”

I was up the stairs before she could let the apprehension and fear in her eyes win. Taking the steps two at a time until I was on the landing with her.

A mistake.

My eagerness to touch her was the thing that sent her scrambling backwards, hands raised to her face.

“I’m sorry!” she cried, terror shredding the words.

“Hey,” I took her upper arms and felt her flinch all the way through me. “Easy sweetheart,” I whispered. “It’s me.”

Trembling hard enough to make my teeth chatter, she lowered her hands. Her blue eyes were a thin band around a dark void of fear. Her soft, red wine lips were the only color on her beautiful face.

“I should have waited,” she rasped. “I’m sorry.”

I took her cheeks between my palms. “What did I tell you about that word, Blue?” I freed the aggressive gnawing of her teeth chewing off her lipstick. “Look at me, love.” I waited until her watery gaze lifted to mine. “I’m not mad. I’m sorry I was late. I ran into a bit of trouble, but I dealt with it. I was coming up to get you.”

“I should have stayed in my room like you said. I just ... I...”

I smoothed away the single tear that escaped with the pad of my thumb. “What, my love?”

Her lashes dipped, hiding her eyes. “I wanted to see you.”

Sucking in a breath, I pulled her into my chest. I kissed her with every drop of my heart and soul. Giving her everything.

“You’re not a prisoner,” I told her once I was sure it wasn’t fear making her shiver. “Your room isn’t your cell. You can go anywhere you like.”

“Except the gardens,” she recited.

I gave her a nod. “Except the gardens. I’ll have the unsafe areas blocked off so you know, but ... you’re not allowed to be afraid of me, Blue, do you understand? Not you because I would die before I ever hurt you.”

“I know,” she said so sadly, it nearly broke my heart.

“Then why?”

She looked down. “I can’t help it. I forget sometimes I’m not there anymore and I know I’ve done something wrong.”

“You’ve done nothing wrong,” I heard myself growl.

I knew I was starting to get through to her when she leaned into me and rested her brow to the center of my chest.

“I don’t know if I’ll ever not get scared. I feel like it’s a part of me.”

My arms tightened around her. My lips found the top of her head. “Then let me be your safe place. When you are scared, I will be there, and I will keep you safe until you’re ready to do it yourself.”

“What if it’s forever?”

I shrugged. “Then I will protect you forever.”

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