Page 117 of Sinful

We were quiet, contemplating everything.

“Church wasn’t opposed to Asylum. At least he didn’t really seem that way.”

“Well, she wasn’t out there kissing Asylum, though. So if she wants him too, that’ll be a whole other thing. Right now, it’s Sin. And probably fucking Bryce because I see the way they look at one another.” Ashes finally sank back against the cushions and stopped flipping his lighter open and closed. “Fuck, Malachi. What are we going to do? Church will be back soon.”

I nodded. He was right.

“Well, I think we should let them be together as much as they can be before Church gets back,” I said.

Ashes looked over at me. “What? How will that help?”

“They might realize it’s not worth it. Sin might be too much of a broody pain in the ass for her. You know he’s a grouch. Letting her hang out with him like that might be what they need.”

“And if it makes it worse? Then what?”

“Then we deal with it. I don’t know how, but I think it gives us some options. Like I said. She might hate him after spending too much time with him. If she does, we never speak of it. Let her get it out of her system.”

“He was meant to be with her with us,” Ashes said, sitting up.

“Yeah. So. . . it’s truly the best option.”

“You want him to come home?” Ashes studied me.

I sighed. “Yeah. And no. I’m still angry because of all the shit that happened, but I don’t hate him. Not like I did a few months ago. I’m willing to do this. For angel. I want her to be happy.”

Ashes raked his fingers through his hair before blowing out a breath.

“You’re right.” He pulled his phone out and stared down at it for a moment. “Church is still in Chicago. Did he say for how long? An estimate?”

“He said at least a week. He’ll be calling Wednesday to update.”

“OK. So then, let’s do this.” He pushed the screen and put it on speaker. The phone rang on the other end several times before Sin answered.

“Asher, man, I can explain.”

“Do you love her?” Ashes asked. “No bullshit, Sinclair. Just answer the question honestly. Do you love her?”

Sin was quiet on the other end before he finally spoke.

“Yes.”

“Then come over. Church is gone yet, and we want to talk. Sound good?”

“Yeah. I’ll head over now.”

“Sin?”

“Yeah?”

“Only you, OK?”

“Of course. I’ll see you soon.” The phone clicked off, and Ashes looked at me.

“Well, here we go,” I said. “Are we going to tell Sirena?”

Ashes shook his head. “No. He can tell her.”

I nodded, realizing I’d have to give them space while Sin was here. All I wanted to do was hold her close and tell her I loved her, but I forced myself to remain on the couch.

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