Page 73 of Throne of Sin

Cold water rains down on me, and I hit the wall with my palm, hoping to jiggle it into warmth. It does nothing. Within seconds, I’m as clean as I can be. There’s a ratty old towel hanging up and it gives me the shivers just looking at it. I decide to air dry, before I place the same clothes back on.

How is the day going?I text Dante. I probably should have texted sooner, but I’m not used to having a phone.

No response.

I sit on my mother’s bed staring at my cell, willing for it to ping. A half hour later, I lay down, hugging my knees as I stare at the black screen. Eventually I fall asleep even though it’s still early in the day.

The sound of a garbage truck wakes me up and it’s already late in the afternoon. Still no response from Dante.

My keys are nowhere to be found, so I have no way to go to Dante’s to make sure everything is okay. I just need to trust in him. It’s not an easy concept for me. My go-to defense mechanism is to avoid, so I start cleaning out my mother’s room, boxing up her clothes, as I create my mental checklist on what needs to be done, and what bills need to be paid.

“Sorry to hear about your mother,” I jump, my hand flying to my chest. Turning, Dante is leaning against the door frame, looking like a dangerous God reigning above his people.

“You’re just jealous,” I deflect, not wanting to accept the reality that she’s gone yet, while knowing he would love to bury his own mother. I’m scared once the reality of her death hits, I’ll spiral, and I can’t afford to do that right now.

“You have a way with luck.” He pushes off the frame and walks toward me. “Oakleigh is downstairs petting the cat. Let me take you girls home.”

I place my hand on his chest. Feeling the zing of our chemistry immediately, I withdraw it just as quickly. “We’re staying here.”

His jaw works itself over and back. “It’s not safe here. I won’t allow my daughter to be in danger.”

“I can’t be relying on you for everything, Dante. You can’t always be the protector.”

His eyes grow large, his jawline sharper than ever. “There’s a difference between being stubbornly stupid and keeping our daughter safe.”

I flinch over his harsh words. “I’ve been keeping her safe her entire life. You just entered the picture.” As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I regret them.

Dante walks toward me and I step back until my back hits the closet door. “And whose fault is that?” He questions in a low, growly voice.

I straighten my back, refusing to cower. “I had no idea where you went and was young and scared. I did the best I could.”

“Bullshit. You found me the moment you decided you needed something from me again.”

“Not true. I had no idea you owned Throne of Sin and the moment I found out, I walked out, looking for another way.”

“That was your first mistake. You should have told me then.”

The pit in my stomach twists, squeezing my insides. “I know okay!”

“Now, you’re getting into my car even if I have to toss you over my shoulder and tie you down.”

“You wouldn’t dare. Not with Oakleigh.”

“Try me.” His eyes glow with an animalistic, wild haze. He’s determined to get his way, no matter what.

I stare up at his hardened features. “I want a list of what’s not safe with this house. Once it’s fixed, you cannot stop me from staying here.”

He dips his face down to my level and his lips touch my earlobe. “You’re in no position to be placing demands on me. I’m holding on by a thread, trying not to lose my temper with you. Now, be a good girl and get in the fucking car.”

His baritone voice vibrates down to my core. I shove past him, my shoulder stinging from the force of impact. I hear his steps behind me as he trails me back to the main floor.

“Oakleigh!” I call, not seeing her. My heart rate spikes before I see her outside trying to wrangle the cat into her arms. I open the screen door. “Time to go, hun.”

“Can Stitch come?”

“Of course,” Dante says from behind me and it has me stewing. She was asking me.

He takes one look at my face and must know. “Relax, you will always be her number one. All I’m asking is to get to know my daughter.”

---