Page 123 of Sinner's Salvation

He raised his eyebrows. “No, what?”

“You’ve never lied to me.”

He thought about that for a moment. “I lied to Ledger and I lied by omission to others, but no, not to you.”

The elevator doors opened, and they stepped inside.

“Why?” she asked, as the doors closed and they began their assent to their floor.

“I knew the moment I walked into that room where you and Brian were being held that I couldn’t lie to you.”

“Why?” she asked, again, her voice so very soft.

“Because, I walked into that room and saw you. Heard you, watched you try to protect Brian, and I knew. I knew you were my future. A relationship built on lies never lasts.”

She stared at him for a long time, until the elevator dinged and the doors opened on their floor.

She broke eye contact with him and walked to their room, used the electronic key to open the door, and walked inside.

He followed, closing the door behind him, then locking it with the deadbolt and chain.

Anna turned slowly until she was facing him, then took a step toward him. Another, and another, until she was so close he could feel her body heat penetrate his clothing. There was something hesitant and vulnerable about her. As if she’d taken off all the masks and finally showed him who she really was under all the names, personas, and responsibilities she carried.

He lifted one hand to cup her face. “Anna?”

“I’m afraid,” she whispered.

“Of what?”

“Of what I’m feeling.” She trailed her fingers along the edge of his shirt where it met with his neck. “Happiness is something I dared not hope for, not for a very long time.”

Her fingers trembled as she petted him and her breathing had turned shallow.

He took her hand off his neck, nosed her fingers open, then kissed her palm. “When was the last time someone, anyone, took care of you?”

She blinked a couple of times. “I...don’t remember.”

God damn selfish assholes.

“Next time I see Baz, I’m going to kick his ass.”

She jerked against him, her eyes wide. “What? Why?”

“Because he obviously hadn’t been paying attention to anyone but himself.”

She curled one hand around the edge of his body armor. “Please don’t attack him. He’s really very dangerous.”

“He’s my friend, and friends don’t let their friends neglect members of their family.”

She continued to frown, and he knew he was going to have to work on convincing her that he knew how to handle Baz.

“You look tired.” He took her hand and pulled her into the suite. “Let’s find a bed, and a nice hot shower.”

“I’m not going to sleep, not like you,” she said, resisting his pull only slightly.

“No problem, I’ll sleep. You’re going to rest.” He glanced at her face. “Do you need more blood?”

“I do, but I don’t want—”

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