Page 122 of Sinful

His warm hand rested on my shoulder, and I finally turned to look up at him.

“Hey, baby,” he greeted me softly. “Is everything OK?”

I gave him a slight nod, and he knelt in front of me, taking my brush from my hand and placing it on the easel.

“Can we talk?” He took my hand in his, and I let him lead me to my bed. We sat on the edge of it, both of us quiet for a long time, before he spoke.

“I saw Sin leave this morning. Did you two, uh, I mean, did you guys have sex?”

I remained silent for a moment as he stared back at me before I shook my head.

He blew out a breath and offered me an unsteady smile that looked misplaced on his handsome face.

“I want you to be happy. So does Ashes. It’s why we decided to do this with Sin. We have about a week before Church gets back. There’s something we need to discuss, though.”

I reached for his hand and gave it a squeeze, ready for him to lay the news on me. I assumed it was bad news, judging by how quiet he seemed.

“You don’t know this, but when Church spends too much time in the Underground, he tends to become. . . unhinged.” He cleared his throat, and my stomach tightened with worry at his words.

“We can already see how it's affected him. He sort of just disconnects. My therapist would say it’s a coping mechanism and a way to partition that part of his mind off as a means to keep his sanity. But honestly, angel, he loses a piece of his mind whenever he’s there. You and Sin trying to work out your differences can be dangerous if Church snaps. Ashes and I love you to hell and back and will do all we can to protect you. But know that Church is Church, and we’re all playing a dangerous game.”

I sat quietly, absorbing his words. It wasn’t a secret how unhinged Church and the guys already were, but the fear washed through me at what it could mean if he really did snap. I didn’t want anyone to be hurt because of me. Not Sin, Ashes, Stitches, Asylum, Mirage. . . Bryce.

Damnit.

I hugged Stitches, the worry over how complicated all of this was taking hold. He let out a soft breath and kissed the top of my head, his arms around me.

“I love you, baby,” he murmured. “I’d die to keep you safe. I’dkillto keep you safe.”

I swallowed hard at his proclamation. I’d do the same for him and the guys.

“Just. . . don’t sleep with Sin. Don’t let anything happen there. It might be the thread you pull to save the entire thing, you know?” he continued softly. “I know Sin can be a smooth talker, but hold out until it’s sorted, OK? Wait for Church to be OK with it. For now, get to know one another. You may hate his grouchy ass.”

I smiled at his words, knowing exactly how much of a grouch Sin was but also knowing he’d come a long way since the beginning.

“Oh, angel, we’re in hell, aren’t we?” he asked, gently raking his fingers through my hair. “Sin fucked up and hurt us all, but I miss him and want him to come home. I worry about Dante, though. Just. . . be good, OK?”

I pulled away and peered into his dark eyes. With a small nod of my head, I agreed to his terms, earning a smile from him.

“Let’s get you fed.” He got to his feet and offered me his hand, and I took it, allowing him to lead me downstairs.

Life was like taking the stairs. One step at a time.

I repeated it in my head, my lips moving with the words.

The little blip of darkness within me sighed, letting me know we could just say to hell with the steps and jump.

I’d call that plan B.

MIRAGE

Iwatched Sin rummage around the room, his hair a wet, tangled mess from his shower, his shirt off with his scars and injuries on full display.

“What are you looking for?” I asked, watching him from the place I sat on the edge of the bed. I noted the new wound on his wrist, my own ugly memories swimming through my head. I shoved those aside and focused on the moment at hand.

“My rosary. It was here a minute ago.”

“It’s in the bathroom.”

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