Page 167 of Awakened by Sin

“Two.”

She groaned and tossed her leg over his and got comfortable. He ran his hand over her body and kissed her neck.

“You’re okay?” he murmured.

She grunted in reply, and he chuckled.

23

Three Months Later

“How’sit going with you and Marcus?” Lyla asked as they strolled through the mall.

“It’s going great,” Carmen said.

“God, I love him. I’m so happy you guys are together.”

“We’re not—”

“Yeah, yeah. You’re friends with benefits. How many times are you gonna say that?”

“As many times as it takes for you to get it.”

“You and Marcus aren’t friends with benefits.”

“We are!”

“You’re in a relationship. Why are you two dancing around it?”

“We’re just having fun.”

“Oh, my God, you’re killing me,” Lyla groaned. “You care about him. You talk about him all the time, and you freaking play house.”

“I should be looking for a new place actually. The Black Vipers are probably all dead. Nothing’s happened for months!”

“Gavin said we should still be cautious.” Lyla cast a pointed look behind them at the ten guards following in their wake, a crowd of assassins itching for action. They didn’t look happy to be holding shopping bags.

“He’s such a drama queen. What did he say when you told him we’re throwing a dinner party at your house tonight?”

“He grumbled, but I told him he would get lucky later, so he gave in.”

“Of course, he did.” She patted Lyla’s stomach. “Is there a new niece in there yet?”

Lyla slapped her hand away. “Cut it out! You’re just as bad as he is.”

She clapped as she jumped up and down. “Are you trying?”

“No!” Lyla growled.

“Why not?”

“Nora’s not even one!”

“So?”

“I’m fine with just her. She’s a handful.”

“She is.”