Sin arches his eyebrow at me and holds up the offending book. “You took a hit to the head. Someone had to watch over you. I’m just passing the time,” he adds in a seemingly innocent voice.
I consider the merits of hiding under my blankets. Sin’s expression is anything but innocent. There’s a heat in his eyes, and he’s smirking at me like he knows my dirty secrets.
Considering what he’s holding, fair.
“There’s a lot of dog-eared pages in this book, kitten. I wonder what you do when you read them.” His heated gaze turns hungry as it rakes over me.
I’m going to die of mortification. That’s going to be a great one for the coroner. Cause of death? Smutty book collection discovered by hot as fuck man.
I shrug, trying not to let on how much Sin’s teasing is hitting its mark. “That’s a used book,” I choke out. “I haven’t read it yet.”
I’m a horrible liar.
Sin notices.
A slow grin spreads across his face as he closes the book and slips it in his pocket. “Sure, it is,” he answers, winking at me. “Then you won’t mind if I borrow it. I’m getting very invested in those dog-eared pages.”
I swallow.
I really thought I could hold my own with Sin’s sexually charged comments, but there’s a certain lack of experience on my end, and it’s starting to show.
I really should have slept around in college. I would have been better prepared.
“Of course, I don’t mind,” I squeak out.
What a lame response. I need to do better. I look away from Sin, hoping it will help my brain to stop short-circuiting.
“Is Arianna okay?” I ask, changing the subject.
She seemed fine the last time I saw her. She was a little frail and pale, but she still had a mean punch on her.
“She’s fine. She’s sleeping in her room, down the hall,” Sin answers, not moving from beside the bed.
“That’s good,” I whisper, relieved.
I purse my lips as I look back at Sin, wondering why he’s still here now that I’m up.
At my searching look, he leans forward on his chair, resting his elbows on his knees. His dark hair isloose, falling over his shoulders in waves. I wonder if it’s soft.
“Arianna briefed us about what happened in the maze. You did good, kitten,” his voice is lower than usual.
My pulse quickens at the praise. “I almost didn’t make it out,” I deflect. “Arianna had to pull me out of there.”
Sin’s eyes darken. “But you got out.”
“This time,” I hedge. “But as long as the bond exists, it’s only a matter of time. He’s never going to stop looking for me. And once he finds me, he’ll take me. And –” I pause, taking a breath, “And I’ll let him.”
My voice shakes at the words, and I can’t stop the shame from sweeping through me. I wanted to go to Leon at the end. His dark promises did things to my body that I couldn’t fight. They ignited a need in me – like I wouldn’t ever breathe again if I wasn’t in his arms.
I’m disgusted with myself.
My eyes are glued to the blankets, refusing to let him see the tears threatening to spill over.
Sin is so twisted he’d probably laugh and hit me with some miserable sadness energy to drive home how much of a weakness crying is.
I definitely don’t expect the gentle hand that tilts my chin up. Sin’s gaze is so tender I blink, accidentally letting the tears fall as I try to process what is happening. His thumb catches a tear, and he ensures he has my full attention before speaking.
“They will never control your mind again. Magical bonds can be broken. We will find a way to free you, Ipromise.” His words are fervent, and filled with so much determination, I almost believe him.
