Page 58 of Throne of Sin

“I need to be on my own.”

My heart beats erratically and she glances down at her hand. No doubt she can feel it.

“I also want to pay for my own place.” My mouth opens to tell her I can easily cover her costs. “I would love your help in finding a different job and I’m willing to work from the bottom up.” Her voice is soft and tender.

Why can’t she see I would do anything for her? She is what makes my life better.

Her fingers move from my chest to outlining the wrinkles in my forehead.

I’m a little stunned. No woman has ever said no to me before. Especially if I’m willing to roll out the red carpet for them.

“I’ll help you find a safe place and a job. It’s going to take a little time for you to get possession of the new home. Until then, you are always welcome to stay at my place,” I concede.

“Thank you.” She leans down, placing a warm kiss to my lips. “I’ll move in tomorrow until we find a suitable home,” she says, while looking at me like I’m her knight in shining armor. I thrive on those looks from her, always have.

Her arm wraps around my chest, and her heart thumps as fast as mine against my side.

Demi

I don’t remember closing my eyes, but when I wake, my body is refreshed. There’s a new found hope stirring deep inside. I can finally get Oakleigh from my mother’s place once we find a home suitable for her. I glance at Dante. He resembles his younger relaxed self when he’s sleeping. I look forward to Dante meeting my daughter, and I know I’m going to have to tell him soon about the next secret I’ve been keeping from him.

I stretch my muscles, and Dante stirs beside me. “Good morning, handsome.”

“I could get used to this type of wake up. I’ve never woken up next to a woman before.” He pulls me in for a kiss, not caring about morning breath. I try to not breathe as our lips quickly touch. It takes a second for me to comprehend what he’s just said.

“You’ve never had a woman sleepover before?” I can’t help the smile that tilts my lips.

“Never saw the point of it.”

“What changed your mind?” I’m a glutton for punishment. I want him to say that it was me.

“Fishing for compliments, Demi?” he teases, and I sink into the crevice of his shoulder.

“You always have had a way to make me feel special.” I sigh.

“That’s because you are.”

Chapter 29

Demi

Dantedropsmeoffat the girls’ house to change and pack a few things before he returns to pick me up. All the girls are in the main living space when I walk in. It has me pausing, not expecting every eye to be on me.

“Pretty Woman returns to grace us with her presence,” Tanya greets, causing the other girls to laugh.

I wish it wasn’t a Monday and they were all working.

“Dante couldn’t even care to give you fresh clothes to make the walk of shame easier on you.” Tanya glares before she studies her long red nails.

My patience with these girls slips, knowing I’m not staying here anymore.

“It’s not like any of you would know. After all, his typical rule is no sleepovers,” I gloat even though I hoped my voice wouldn’t show it.

“We know this look,” another girl points out. “This is the look they all have before no one ever sees them again.”

“Girl, Dante just wined and dined you and you’ve just become disposable,” Tanya replies, too excited.

“Careful, Demi, you need him, it’s not the other way around,” Robin says quietly. The look in her eyes shines with worry, unlike all the other girls.

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