Page 121 of Sinful

Knowing the guys had allowed this to happen filled my heart. I’d been so confused, and I’d really thought that after tonight, everything would just crash and burn. We weren’t out of the woods yet since we needed to get Church to allow it, but I was hopeful. It was the best I had right now.

Maybe there was some part inside me that was scared to not be protected. Maybe it was why I was falling hard for the men in my life. It could be a hope I’d have them there to keep me safe. The hope for something more.

I closed my eyes, the darkness peeking out to remind me that the only real way to be safe was to take out those who hurt me so they could never do it again.

I smiled at that before drifting off to dreamland.

* * *

I awokethe following morning to Sin’s arms still wrapped tightly around me. Inhaling deeply, I tried to carve the way he smelled deep into my mind. He smelled of spice and a hint of leather, much like Ashes and Stitches did. The difference was there was no tinge of smoke and cherries, like with Ashes, and no bit of sandalwood and fresh linen, like with Stitches. With my eyes closed, I drew in several deep breaths until I was content, envisioning the way he looked. The way he kissed. How his gray eyes reminded me of stormy skies and how his touch was like lightning on my skin.

Carefully, I untangled myself from him and went into the bathroom, where I freshened up before returning. He’d barely moved, so I crawled back into bed and reclaimed my spot.

“Hey,” he murmured, draping his arm around my waist and dragging me back against his body. It felt so weird to be this intimate with him, considering everything we’d gone through, but I definitely didn’t hate it. Even through my nerves, I knew this was right. Before he’d ever hurt me, I’d wanted him.

Now, here we were, on the cusp of something terrifying. Despite what he’d done, I felt like he’d paid his penance and deserved to come home. I felt like I could trust him. People didn’t save your life if they wanted you dead, and I knew he’d rescued me from the woods with Asylum.

I let out a soft sigh, and he raked his fingers through my hair.

“We only get a week, siren,” he said in a low voice. “That may be it. Once Church comes home, it’s probably game over.”

I pulled away and stared into his sad eyes before pressing my finger to his lips as I did the night before. He went silent, so much concern on his handsome face it made my heart stutter.

It didn’t take a genius to know his fears. They were mine too. Church might completely lose it on him. On me. We were playing a dangerous game, me probably more than Sin, because deep in my heart, I wanted more. I wanted Bryce. Asylum. All of it. Even my rabbit.

“What are you thinking about?”

I fluttered my lashes for a moment as a means to clear my worries from my mind, knowing it wasn’t going to help, but deciding I needed to just focus on one problem at a time. In this moment, getting Sin home with the guys was my top priority. Everything else would eventually fall into place.

At least, that’s what I kept telling myself. Dealing with one thing at a time was what I needed to do.

I said nothing, watching his lips turn into a slight frown.

I didn’t like to see him frown. I didn’t like for any of my guys to frown. We’d all been through hell and back and needed to smile more.

I wasn’t sure how to make that happen, though, except to try to reunite everyone.

“Do I need our notebook?” he continued, his thumb making gentle circles on my cheek as he cradled my face.

I liked our notebook. It was like a history book for us.

I gave him a pleading look which made him chuckle softly.

“OK. I’ll go get it.” He made to pull away, but I was quick to twist my fingers into his t-shirt and hold him in place.

The smallest smile curled his lips upward at my gesture.

“I promise I’ll be right back. Wait for me.” He placed a gentle kiss on my forehead, and I released him, letting him go. He probably wanted to change his clothes anyway.

I watched him slide his feet into his boots before he left the room, casting a final look of longing at me that made butterflies dance in my stomach. Once the door clicked closed behind him, I got up and quickly showered before putting on a pair of leggings and a long, pink, cozy sweater.

I stared at myself in the mirror for a few moments, trying to decide what to do with my hair. Finally, I decided to leave it hanging in loose waves around me.

Once back in my room, I sat at my easel and began painting in an effort to keep the fear and worry out of my mind.

It didn’t take long until I’d created the image of Sin with his blond hair hanging around him in a shaggy mess, his gray eyes sad and downcast.

“Angel?” Stitches called out, his heavy footsteps coming into my room. I’d been so lost in my painting I hadn’t heard him on the stairs.

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