Page 16 of Sinful Sacrifice

The only light in my bedroom comes from the TV, but that’s all he needs. He leads me to the edge of my bed, holding me in place, and I stumble when he frantically tears my panties down my legs.

His eyes leave mine as he trails kisses down my neck.

Every movement is rougher than he was earlier.

The dark side of him coming out at night.

“Damien,” I croak out again, pushing at his chest to slow him down.

Stop him.

Get some sort of explanation.

He ignores me, digging his canines into my skin as if going for blood.

I nudge him again, harder this time.

He rears back, as if I suddenly tased him.

Pain fills his eyes.

Red, on the lines of reaching bloodshot.

He cups my face, gentler than he was seconds ago.

As if I were an heirloom, passed down through generations.

Those anguished eyes lower to mine.

A breath catches in my throat as I nervously hold his gaze.

“Pippa,” he finally whispers, caressing his trembling thumb over my cheek. “My family was murdered tonight. Please let me stay here before I do something that’ll haunt me for the rest of my life.”

I open my mouth.

Ready to tell him I’m sorry.

Ask how.

Why.

He squeezes his thumb into my cheek, as if driving those questions away from my lips.

I nod—a silent understanding—and allow him to devour my mouth.

This man saved me from my father’s problems earlier.

And tonight, it’s my turn to save him.

6

I don’t know how I ended up at Pippa’s.

Don’t remember the car ride, buzzing myself in, or climbing the stairs.

Everything that happened after Julian’s call is a blur.

My muscles spasm, my entire body shaking as I stare down at Pippa on her bed. I need her to keep me here, be my anchor in tonight’s storm, and remind me there’s still a sliver of humanity left inside this dark soul of mine.

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