Page 49 of The Sinner's Bargain

“Ireland,” she repeated with a little smile. “That’s what your accent is.”

I lifted my chin and eyebrow. “It wasn’t obvious?”

She gave an embarrassed shrug. “I’ve never heard anyone from Ireland. You’re my first.”

“Not even in the movies?”

She looked away. “I haven’t seen any movies.” She paused before adding quietly, “I’ve seen one.”

“One? Was it so awful you had to swear off movies for the rest of your life?”

Her giggle had me biting back a smile. “No. I don’t honestly remember what it was.”

I clicked my tongue and reached for a sock. I pulled it over one foot. “Well, that won’t do. Can’t be a well-rounded person if you haven’t seen The Notebook. It’s a classic I’m told.”

“The Notebook?” she mimicked. “What’s it about?”

I pulled her other sock on.

“Seriously? Ryan Gosling?” she blinked at me blankly. “I thought everyone knew about him.”

“No, sorry.”

I just shook my head reaching for a boot. “I honestly haven’t the foggiest idea what it’s about, but it’s mandatory to watch it.”

“Really?”

I nodded, tugging the laces tight. They would still slip off, but they were better than nothing until we could get her something that fit.

“I think it might be the law.”

Her round eyes narrowed, and I laughed. “Then how come you haven’t seen it if it’s the law?” she challenged.

I shot her my best lopsided grin. “I’m a rebel.”

Her lips broke into a smile that pulled into a chuckle that made my blood warm all the way down to my toes. The soft folds opened but the words stopped when her gaze took in my kneeling position, the second boot I was slipping onto her right foot and the dirty rag I’d used to clean her feet. They widened as they lifted up to mine once more with realization.

“You put shoes on me.”

“You can’t go out without them,” I pointed out.

Her head bobbed slowly. “Yes, but you washed my feet.”

I tugged a knot over the second set of laces and pushed up to stand before her. She gave me her hand when I held out mine and I drew her up.

“They were dirty.”

She stared up at me when a mixture of confusion and something I didn’t think even she could identify. “Thank you.”

I pulled the blazer off the bed and had her slide her arms through. The material was heavy enough and thick enough to keep her warm and covered. At the very least, I wouldn’t have to kill anyone for staring.

Cyrus was right outside the door when we emerged. He took Blue’s outfit in with only a flicker of surprise before leading the way downstairs.

I stayed at Blue’s side. My fingers firm around her elbow. The boots were too big. But we got to the bottom, and she offered me a grateful little smile.

The car was already out front, the engine idling. I opened the back for Blue and watched her ease into the seat. I waited until I heard the subtle click of her belt latching before closing the door and turning to Cyrus.

“I want you to stay with her.”

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