My lashes flutter open. The nightmare clings, disorientating, and Sin is right there.
For a fractured heartbeat, I don’t know if he’s a dream or real. His cut, his windswept hair, the heat of his body close to mine, it all blurs together, like the dream has followed me into waking.
My heart slams against my ribs as I remember my covert mission in Ghost’s tech den.
Oh God, does he know?
Did he see me in there?
Did I leave something behind?
“Shit, I’m sorry,” Sin’s voice breaks the spell. It’s low, apologetic, not accusing. “I was trying to wake you gently.”
The air rushes back into my lungs, sharp and dizzying. I blink rapidly, trying to calm my pulse, trying to read his face for hidden suspicion.
Is that softness in his gaze or scrutiny disguised? My stomach knots, but I force my mouth to work.
“No, you’re fine,” I manage, though my voice shakes faintly. “I was just in a deep sleep.” The honesty of my next words shocks me. “Actually, I haven’t slept like that in a long time. Your bed is super comfortable.”
A small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth, disarming in a way that makes my chest ache. For the first time since I woke, I allow myself to believe he doesn’t know.
That may be I got away with it.
“How’s your head?” he asks.
“Better,” I admit, despite the nightmare.
The painkillers have dulled the pounding, but more than that, the sleep has helped.
Even if it was built on lies and betrayal.
He nods, then stands, moving toward the door with that easy, fluid grace that makes it impossible not to watch him. He pauses in the doorway, eyes raking over me one last time.
“You know…” he drawls, voice rough with amusement, “… you look damn good all tangled up in my sheets like that. Hair messy, cheeks flushed. It’s sexy as hell.” His mouth curves, half smirk, half promise. “Makes it real hard to walk out that door.”
Heat blooms low in my belly, chasing away the icy panic that had gripped me seconds earlier.
He doesn’t know.
He’s not suspicious.
He’s just being Sin—maddening, confident, alpha to his core.
“I’m gonna start getting ready for the party tonight. I can’t wait to see what you look like all dressed up for me,” he adds, his tone pure lust as he finally shifts away. “Take your time.”
Then, he’s gone.
The silence he leaves behind is deafening. I collapse back against his pillow, inhaling his scent, trying to steady the panic still thrumming in my veins. The man who destroyed me with his mouth, who left me shaking and wanting, is the same one who just woke me with tender care.
I stare at the ceiling, guilt and desire twisted together in a knot I can’t untangle. I came here for Marcus—for justice, for truth. And tonight, at the New Year’s party, I’ll have to smile through the guilt, play the part, and pretend my heart isn’t breaking with every lie I tell.
The truth is locked away in that sealed file, just out of reach. But the truth about my feelings for Sin is becoming impossible to ignore.
I’m falling for him.
And I don’t know if I can find my way back from that particular cliff.
Time to go home and get ready for a party where I’ll have to smile, laugh, and pretend I’m not dying inside. Where I’ll have to watch Sin from across the room and act like he doesn’t own every piece of my shattered heart.
