Page 61 of Pretty Monsters

Sin uses the key and lets us into the apartment. Lucien sits on the sofa, his bed put away, watching a television he must have picked up while we were gone.

When he sees us, he grabs the remote and turns it off. I search his face for regret, anger, sadness, I'm not actually sure. Some sign he feels something, but all I see is a blank mask. It hits me how little I know my own brother.

I used to long for some relationship with him. I never saw him much growing up, but the times I did get to see him were the highlight of the few family vacations we took. Of course that all ended when I turned twelve, but I never forgot him. I don't think he can say the same.

His eyes flicker up to my head. There's a bruise that is more green than purple and a healing gash that is mostly in my hairline. Carmen told me I'd likely have a small scar, but that no one would be able to see it easily because of where the gash is located.

"About time you brought her back," he snaps, glaring at Sin.

"He isn't my keeper," I seethe. Ford pulls me back when I take a step forward.

"Get your hands off my sister," he says in a low, threatening tone.

"I'm not your possession either." So far Sin isn't stepping in. I'm thankful for it, because I'm done being treated like a thing to pass around from one man to the next.

He scrubs his hands across his face, and suddenly looks very tired. "No, you aren't my possession, but you are my responsibility."

"No," Sin speaks up. "You lost that right when you tossed her against a dresser."

"It was an accident!" Lucien shouts.

"I hate to break it to both of you, but I'm no one's responsibility. Don't patronize me and think you can make my decisions," I say to both of them.

Sin turns around, and the softness I've seen in him since this morning comes back. "That's not how I meant it. I promised I won't try and control you anymore."

His hands cup my face. The gesture is gentle, but his hands are rough. The contrast makes me shiver with a renewed sense of want.

He waits for the fog to clear from my eyes, a smirk playing on the edge of his mouth. "You are mine to protect, and I take that very seriously."

"You've got to be kidding me. I told you not to touch my sister," Lucien snaps. He stands and moves toward Sin.

Ford and Shane step forward to flank him, and Ford urges me back.

"Why is that exactly?" Sin's voice has dropped. It's quiet, eerily calm, and laced with a threat that's more felt than heard.

"Is it because you are trying to make a better deal for yourself with Damien? Are you using her as leverage to get a bigger piece of the empire?" Sin continues in the same tone.

Lucien freezes, and his eyes open wide. "Is that what you think? You think I'd let that bastard get his hands on her and sell her to the highest bidder?"

"You tell me," Sin pushes.

"Fuck you!" Lucien spits. "I wanted you to stay away from her because she's too good for you. She doesn't belong in our world, Sin. I don't want you dragging her into it."

"Maybe none of us belong in that world. It's not like I ever had a choice," Sin replies.

"You're right. We didn't have a choice. The two of us are neck deep in shit and covered in blood. She's innocent of all that, and I'd like to keep her that way," Lucien explains.

Ford puts his hand on Sin's shoulder and squeezes. "Remember, they don't get to tell you who you are."

I overheard some of their conversation before they realized I was awake. If Ford hadn't earned best friend status last night, he certainly did now.

"Sin," I try and get his attention. He stays rooted to the spot, frozen in another cycle of self-loathing. "Jackson," I say louder.

He turns, and there's a wariness in his eyes. I cut a look at Lucien. My stare promises pain, and he takes a step back.

Ignoring my asshole of a brother, I step closer to Sin until I'm flush against him. This time it's me who cradles his face. "Don't pull away from me again."

He blinks and wraps his arms around me. His hold is tight, and I feel him shaking. I slip my arms around his waist and squeeze him back.

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