Page 77 of Shadow

She was breathless when I broke away from her. I caught Asylum’s eye. He seemed confused and concerned as he looked from me to Sin. He even shifted so he could get between us in case Sin snapped.

Sin let out a scoff followed by a bitter laugh as he shook his head. Finally, he looked at Sirena.

“You look beautiful tonight, siren,” he whispered.

She moved to step toward him, but he immediately backed away.

“Bryce. Asylum. Have a good night.” He walked away and disappeared into the house.

“That was…bold,” Asylum muttered. “You’ll have to clue me in.”

“I just wanted to kiss her,” I said softly. “I’m ready to leave if you guys are.”

Sirena turned toward me and made the sign for paintbrushes. I nodded, understanding she wanted to grab some. I’d seen the look on her face when she realized she’d forgotten one of them when she’d unpacked.

I watched her walk back into the house.

“He wants to be punished, huh?” Asylum asked softly.

“I thought you didn’t know.”

“Well, it took me a minute, but I caught the gist. You going to do it?”

“Yes,” I whispered. “Because I love her and want her to be happy. If she leaves me to return to the Watchers and I don’t get to join, I’ll be OK knowing she’s happy.”

“That’s noble of you, but it won’t be that way.”

“How do you know?”

“Because I’m an excellent cameraman. We’re all coming home, Shadow. I promise you that. We’ll start tonight.”

I looked over at him to see him staring up at the stars. He was a strange guy. He just seemed so sure about the things he knew.

I wish I could be that certain.

“You can,” he said. “You will. Trust me.”

Hell with it. I was willing to bet.

ASHES

Sirena looked amazing. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Except now, since I’d lost her in the crowd. I’d turned for a minute to push some ass weed off the kitchen table and she was gone. Stitches was talking to Church, so that was a bust. Sin was gone. I peeked out the back patio to see Bryce and Asylum together. I caught Sin pushing his way to his bedroom, a pained look on his face.

Concerned, I searched the downstairs and didn’t find her. Finally, I went upstairs and stopped at Church’s room to see her coming out of the bathroom, a paintbrush in her hand.

She froze as I stepped into the room and closed the door.

“Hey, heaven,” I greeted her. I hadn’t spoken to her since she basically broke things off with us. I understood why she left, but it didn’t make her absence hurt any less. Then, seeing her tonight on another guy's arm, well, I was struggling.

She didn’t move. Didn’t come to greet me like she always did. Panic surged through me. Had she truly been serious and wanted to break up? Church and Stitches both said she was coming back. In fact, Stitches seemed happier lately, and I’d just watched the pair grinding on one another in the living room only minutes before.

“How have you been?” When she didn’t answer, I cleared my throat and cautiously moved toward her. “I’ve been trying to learn sign language. I’m shit at it.” I stopped in front of her and tucked a lock of her long hair behind her ear.

“You’re scaring me,” I murmured. “I miss you.”

She finally reached out and cradled my face. I closed my eyes and blew out a soft breath at her warm touch.

“Stitches says this isn’t forever, but each day feels like an eternity without you,” I said, opening my eyes to stare down at her. “I get why you left, but it doesn’t make it hurt any less. What can I do to bring you home?”

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