Page 191 of Sinful

I let out a shriek as the knife he was holding came slashing down, the blade catching me across the chest. The burning ache ebbed through me.

It wasn’t a deep cut and barely got me, but a dribble of blood trickled out, and that was all it took for Sin to lose it.

He lunged forward, knocking Adam back. I went flying halfway across the room, landing hard and banging my head off the edge of the pedestal the coffin was on. My vision swam as Sin and Adam beat on one another. Frantic, I plunged my hand into my pocket, but my phone wasn’t there.

Damnit. Damnit. Damnit!

Cady tried to help, but Adam clocked her so hard she hit the ground, not moving. As fast as I could, I crawled to her, my ears ringing, and wrapped my body tightly around hers.

I have you. I have you. I won’t let him hurt you.

Be brave. I have to be brave. Please. . .

I was torn away from Cady, Adam’s fingers back in my hair. Sin’s chest heaved as he got to his knees. His eyes were so swollen there was no way he could properly see out of them.

“I’m done with this shit. You couldn’t let it go, could you?” Adam snarled. I let out a cry as he bent down and crushed his lips to mine, the taste of his blood tainting my mouth.

“Don’t. Don’t,” Sin warned, his voice a choked garble. I knew he was close to losing consciousness. He’d been beaten half to death. “Please don’t hurt her. Adam. Please.”

“Is that how you begged your father?” Adam asked.

Sin let out a soft sob.

“He still shot you anyway, huh??”

Sin’s shoulders shook. “D-don’t do this. You don’t have to do this.”

“You’re wrong. I do. Unlike your old man, I’ll actually finish the job. I’ll make mine finally proud of me.” He released me and rushed forward. A scream tore from my lips as he plunged the knife deep into Sin’s body. The gray of Sin’s eyes met mine briefly before he fell over, clutching the knife, his blood dripping out.

I couldn’t stop screaming. Adam tried to reach for me again, but I kicked him as hard as I could in his knee, sending him cursing to the ground. Scrambling over to Sin, I cradled his face in my hands, my tears dripping onto his battered face.

“No. No,” I repeated. “Sinful. Please. No.”

His lips trembled as he gazed up at me through his swollen eyelids. “I-I love you,” he whispered. His bloody fingertips brushed lightly against my face as I sobbed over him. “Be brave, baby. I-I know you can be. So strong. So-so beautiful.” He gave me a sad, watery smile. “Just run, Sirena. Please.Run. D-Dance for me.” His hand fell away from my face, and his eyes closed. His breathing was shallow. I knew. . . I knew this could very well be the end for him.

I couldn’t accept that.

I cried loudly, his name on repeat, as I clung to him.

Mirage’s words echoed through my head as the darkness surged forward.

It’s not a battle of fists and hits

For you, my monster queen

Simply lead the way to the place it all began

And we shall leave behind a bloody scene.”

Adam ripped me away, cursing my name as he dragged me through the mausoleum. Sin faded away from my view, only the cold to greet me as I was taken through the woods back to the spot where he’d hurt me the first time.

To the very spot where everything changed.

I smiled as he threw me into the clearing, knowing exactly how this next part was going to go. When his fist connected with my face and I hit the ground, I let out a soft laugh, knowing my monster was coming.

Adam shoved me onto my back and held me down, his bloody face looming over mine.

“You like this, you little bitch? Huh? Why are you smiling? It’s just us now.”

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