Page 17 of Secret Sin

“We should probably get back,” she murmured.

I caressed my thumb over her cheek, wanting to memorize everything about the way she looked when soft and kiss drunk. Her lips were the littlest bit puffy, and her cheeks pink. No one in that room would have any doubt as to what we’d been up to. Just as I’d planned.

“I hope you don’t think this means you’re forgiven,” she whispered with zero fight behind her words.

“I wouldn’t dream of it.” I smirked. “Now, come on. It’s time to get back to the others.”

A satisfied grin warmed my face all the way to the living area, where everyone was gathered for after-dinner drinks. When uncertainty slowed Pippa’s steps, I placed a possessive hand at her lower back.

“Why don’t you get your guest a drink.” I held Archer’s unblinking stare and winked.

“Um, oh. Yes. Sorry, Archer. Can I—”

Archer shot off the couch, face reddening. “Actually, I really need to get going.” He turned to Mrs. Revello and thanked her for dinner. “And you, too, Mr. Revello. It’s been great, but I gotta go.”

I drew my brows together in feigned disappointment. “You sure? It’s still early.”

He shot a wounded look at Pippa, then nodded. “Yeah, I’m heading out of town tomorrow. Need to finish packing.” He waved and made for the entry with his gaze downward. Pippa hurried after him, no doubt to apologize, but I wasn’t worried. My work was done. And after that kiss, I felt much more charitable. I could only hope Pippa would start to come around.

Never in my life had I encountered a girl so hell-bent on getting away from me. Especially when her body responded to my every command. My kitten was a little feral, but I’d show her just how good it was to be owned. Belonging to a man could be its own kind of freedom—protection, adoration, support, and companionship. I’d be her damn everything if she’d let me.

* * *

Pippa respondedto my texts the following week but only in the most cursory fashion. It was maddening in a way I’d never experienced before. I’d thought dinner might be the last of her resistance and had tried to give her room to get used to the idea of me being around. I got the sense it wasn’t working.

“Shit, you’re gonna break my damn hand.” Callum took off the training pad he’d been wearing and shook out his hand. He was a longtime friend who spent almost as much time in the gym as I did. We took turns doing partner pad training, but this time my thoughts had me getting carried away.

“Sorry, man. Got a lot on my mind.”

“The girl?” He smirked.

“Unfortunately.” I grabbed my phone and confirmed that she still hadn’t responded to my text from that morning. All damn day and nothing.

“Maybe she’s just not that into you.”

I shot him an arctic glare. “You’re walking a thin fucking line.”

Callum raised his hands in surrender. “I’m only saying maybe it’s not meant to be. Right girl, wrong time or something like that.”

“I think she doesn’t even know what she’s running from. Just a fear of what might be. That’s the reason I’m not giving up because I know it’s unfounded. I’m not planning to keep her barefoot and pregnant.”

“You sure you’re not chasing just because she’s running?” he asked warily.

“I don’t think so, but who the fuck knows.” I wiped my face with one of the hand towels nearby. “I’m going to hit the shower and head home.”

He lifted his fist, and I tapped it with mine. “Good luck, man. Can’t say I envy you.”

I grimaced as I walked away. Maybe I was beating my head against a wall, but I couldn’t seem to stop. My gut told me to fight for her, and the damn thing had never proven me wrong. I’d never given up easily when I went after something I wanted, and this was no time to start. I would find a way to show Pippa I was exactly what she wanted—what sheneeded—and nothing would stop me, least of all my own self-doubt.

Two hours later, I was showered and pacing my living room. Pippa still hadn’t texted me. Giving in, I dialed her number and resorted to a call. The phone rang six times before her voicemail picked up.

Goddammit.

It was nearly ten at night on a Friday. Could she really be that busy, or was she just ignoring me? I stretched my neck from one side to the other. I’d never been so damn tense as I’d been all week.

Or so I’d thought.

Seconds after I ended the failed call, Conner’s number appeared on my screen.

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