I don’t dare take my eyes off Sin, expecting his tattoos to light up and for him to annihilate me for threatening him. But he looks calmer than I think I’ve ever seen him before.
Maybe he’s having a stroke?
I open my mouth to apologize when he interrupts me, “Don’t. You’ve finally done something to defend yourself. Celebrate the victory, mortal.”
I frown, trying to process his words. “How – how can you be so calm? I could have killed you.”
The corner of Sin’s mouth twitches like he might laugh. “It will take far more than a blade to kill me.”
He stands, handing the blade back to me. I take it, careful not to let our fingers touch. I’m still reeling over what I just did.
“Your memories will help you survive, but your body is weak and hasn’t been conditioned to fighting. You need to train,” Sin orders as he steps back.
“Are you prone to memory loss in your old age? Because just two days ago, you crashed Damien’s training session. He’s already on it,” I answerdismissively, hoping to put a stop to whatever renewed interest he has in my life.
“Not today,” Sin answers. “Today, you’re with me. Finish your food and meet me in the courtyard,” he adds before leaving.
I swear he sounded almost happy. What alternate universe have I landed in?
The joyful feeling must be in the air because Magnus springs up, looking like he might start jumping up and down from excitement.
“I’m going to fetch Damien and Rosie; they won’t want to miss this!” he practically squeals as he darts out of the room.
And just like that, it’s only me, my coffee, and a half-finished buttered pastry.
I savor the peace, having a strong feeling that this training session is going to suck.
Chapter 13
Rule thirteen:Do not break the box holding the repressed trauma.
Iam so unbelievably screwed.
There are a multitude of reasons as to why I shouldn’t enter the fighting ring with Sin right now. First, we hate each other, so letting Sin be in a position where he can hurt me seems like an unhealthy choice. Second, I threw a knife at him this morning, and hesmiledat me, which just seems really unhinged of him. Third, my traitorous vagina finds this man attractive, and given the state I’ve just found Sin in, I don’t think physical contact is a good idea.
He’s waiting for me in the center of the sand area, with his arms crossed over his bare chest. I don’t stare at his defined abs or the other muscles that are just – everywhere. His hair is tied behind his head, and he’s in black fighting pants similar to the ones I’m wearing.
I’m considering whether I can tactfully ask him to put a shirt on when I’m distracted by cheers and shouts.
“Wooo! Go, Vivian!” Rosie shouts.
“Humble the big bad Destroyer,” Magnus joins in.
All three of my pleasant Shadow Realm companions are leaning on the balcony railing above us.
I guess we have an audience. My cheeks heat.
I have no idea what I’m doing. The embarrassment that is about to go down will be monumental.
Damien only winks before calling out, “We’ve all placed bets on who will come out of this on top. Don’t get me wrong, I love the getup,” he pauses to indicate at my outfit, “but my money is on the big guy.”
I smile back weakly. “I think you’ve made a good call.”
He’s trained with me before. He knows precisely how pathetic I am.
Magnus’ hand flies to his chest like I’ve just gravely wounded him. “Darling, I have twenty gold pieces on you. Do not speak in such a way, my beautiful, deadly creature.”
Sin’s voice rings out sharp and angry, “Enough. Mortal, I don’t have all day. Get in the ring.”
