Page 63 of Sinner's Salvation

“How much?”

“Five percent.”

Five percent is too fucking much.

“Let’s remind the people why they should make me their senator. Whatever it takes.”

“On it.”

What a fucking day. I slide behind the wheel and lean my head back as I yank off my tie.

Back at home, the exhaustion hits me as I drag myself to the dining table. I’m not even surprised she’s not here. She’s hiding from me, probably to regroup. Good for her. I’m not in the mood or right frame of mind to deal with her issues on top of mine.

“Should I get Violet?” Marie asks.

“No need.”

“She was still outside, but preferred to eat in her room.”

“Good.”

“Cameron.” I detect worry in her voice.

“I’m fine. It’s just a rough patch.”

She approaches me, and I expect her to hug me. Instead, she strokes my cheek. “Your job, all that power, means nothing when your heart is dead. When you can’t share your troubles with someone special.”

“I don’t need that.”

Worry turns to disappointment. I’m used to the latter. Why Marie still insists on it is beyond me.

Instead of entering my office, I take the stairs and walk down the floor to my mother’s room. Nothing has changed in here since the day she left me with him.

I pick up the picture frame on the nightstand and look at her. My sister inherited her beauty while I took after my father.

“Was it because of my physical resemblance to him? Or because his looks fooled you into believing Silas was a good man?”

I’ve had this same conversation with myself over the years. It’s a wonder I’m not tipping over into madness.

“You blamed me, didn’t you? ‘Don’t play with Kieran. Don’t go over to their place.’ Yet, you did what you wanted, regardless of the consequences. Was it my fault you couldn’t withstand temptation? Or was it yours?”

I put the photo down and sigh. “I’m sorry, Mother. I know you saw how I adored that bastard. You were just afraid I would become like him. I know you loved me. I know you protected me the only way you knew. That’s all. I hope you rest in peace with your true love while father watches your happiness from hell. That would be the best punishment.”

I drag myself back to my room. In the shower, I let the spray wash away my mistakes and regrets. Wrapping the bathrobe around me, I go downstairs and make myself tea. I need to stop talking to my dead mother and just sleep so I can function. I won’t allow despair to lead me.

I feel Violet at my back. My every sense is attuned to her. I don’t turn around as I sip from the cup. She tiptoes toward the counter, and I watch her from the corner of my eye. She raises to her toes and grabs a protein bar from the cabinet.

“You should eat food.”

“This is wrapped food,” she says haughtily.

I turn to her. I thought I’d get the mousy Violet tonight, not the brave one. Her eyes shoot flames, daring me. I tap my fingers on the table. Doesn’t she know it’s not the best time to provoke me?

She flops on the bar stool and takes a bite, moaning. My dick, weak in its need for her, gets hard. My gaze follows the movement of her lips, the lips I tasted—so enticing, like those gemstone green eyes of hers; she can’t hide those under layers.

I approach her, and her entire posture goes on alert.

“Do we want a repeat of last time?” I ask.

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