“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” he growls.
His tattoos have a slight reddish glow, warning me that he is very upset. The sight has my adrenaline picking up, and I remind myself that Sin won’t hurt me. Rosie, Magnus and Damien have all vouched for him, swearing he and Morgana wouldn’t dream of it.
Unfortunately for Sin, that means his intimidation tactics are even less effective than they were when I first got here.
“Do you struggle with short-term memory loss? Damien just told you. He was teaching me self-defence.” I manage to sound like I’m concerned for Sin’s health.
His eye twitches.
“Why?” he asks, suspicion oozing off him in waves.
I can’t stop the incredulous look that crosses my face. Maybe Sin isn’t very smart. Maybe the more power you hold, the more it corrodes your brain cells.
It’s a solid theory.
“Because I’d very much like to not die any time soon. And I know that’s going to be more difficult now that I’m away from my own realm,” I answer honestly.
Maybe I need to try to be nicer to Sin. If I’m not actively trying to escape, then we should learn to co-exist.
Sin sneers at me, ruining my temporary good intentions. “And you think training with the boy will help you stay alive?”
I huff, “It’s a good start. And I just learned how to escape a chokehold. He’s a great teacher.”
Sin’s hand darts out so quickly that I never see it coming until it’s wrapped around my neck. He doesn’t hesitate to cut off my oxygen as he lifts me into the air, leaving me dangling by my throat.
Immediately, I start to scratch at his arms as I thrash against him. He only tightens his grip and I immediately still. Not because I’m afraid he will kill me, but because his grip around my neck is sending heat pulsing to areas that are absolutely unacceptable.
Sin’s eyes darken, and I’m mortified by the thought that he might know what his touch is doing to me. He cocks his head to the side as he considers me, before placing me back on the ground.
He lets me take a single breath before cutting off my air again.
I don’t struggle. I don’t dare move. Instead, I focus on trying not to feel the ache between my legs.
Seriously? Kind, funny and helpful Damien chokes me, and I panic. But when the toxic, dangerous man does it – I’m turned on?
My kinks are the worst. I want a refund.
“Where are your self-defence lessons now, mortal?” he hisses.
I glare at him, already realizing that going boneless will do nothing to help me get away.
In response, Sin yanks me closer so my chest is pressed against him. Luckily, any embarrassing sound I was thinking of making is cut off by lack of oxygen. His eyes watch mine. There’s a heat in them, but I think it might just be his rage.
“I know what you are,” he whispers, and my pulse picks up.
Has he found out about my ghost powers?
“You’re just another Council whore, looking for someone strong to latch onto so you don’t have to fend for yourself. I bet you were thrilled about being a Keeper. All that influence – so easily manipulated. How long did it take, I wonder, before you spread your legs for Leon? An hour? A day? And now look at you, desperate to find someone else who will save you.”
My eyes start to burn from unshed tears, infuriating me. But Sin only smirks and tightens his grip.
“You’re pathetic,” he whispers before finally releasing me.
I crumple onto the ground, gasping for breath. Sin doesn’t make a move to help me up.
“Don’t manipulate my family,” he orders before turning and walking away.
I’m caught between shame and fury.
