Sin’s eye twitches. “You…think?”
I shrug, feigning nonchalance. “Well, I can’t be sure. He was pretty pissed off with me for threatening him, but he also needed information, so I don’t think he really wanted to kill me.”
The words are supposed to be reassuring.
Evidently, they do the opposite, since Sin now looks torn between being pissed off and thinking I’m an imbecile.
Something pinches in my gut. Sin has only really been around me when I was a fragile mortal. Maybe a part of him liked that I needed his protection.
“Why are you so angry about this? You’ve always wanted me to fight my own battles,” I ask hesitantly, not quite meeting his eyes.
His expression softens, and he sighs as he closes the distance between us. His touch is gentle as he tilts my chin to meet his gaze.
“Of course, I want you to fight your own battles. I couldn’t be more proud of you.” His eyes search mine, like he needs to make sure I hear him. “But I hate that you think you have to fight themalone. Ragna was with you. She’s a powerful realm leader. Did you think, evenfor a second, that maybe you should have stood with her?”
He has a point, and I take a second to mull over my response before lightly shaking my head. “Well, I don’t think Ragna knew he was a titan. I did. So, it seemed wiser for me to handle things.”
Personally, I think my logic is flawless.
Unfortunately, my personal brand of genius is underappreciated because Sin drops his hand. The disbelief in his expression flickers to awe, and I all but preen. But then, as if remembering he’s supposed to be angry, he looks furious again.
“A titan? You threatened a Fates-damned titan?” The words come out as a harsh whisper, and the red glow in the corridor brightens.
“Of course I did! He was threatening you! You did the exact same thing when he walked into the room, Sin,” I snap back, not even remotely afraid.
“It isn’t the same,” he growls back.
I don’t bother hiding my eye roll. “Excuse me for not buying into your double standard.”
“I watched youdie. I cannot do that again – ever,” he says it slowly, enunciating each word, as his gaze burns into mine.
The words are laced with anger, but it doesn’t hide the pain behind them.
My temper immediately cools, and I slowly reach up to cup his cheek. His beard feels rough against my palm as he leans into my touch.
“I’m a lot harder to kill now,” I whisper with a small smile.
He sighs as he pulls me into his arms. We stay like that for a few shuddering inhales before he kisses the top of my head. “I know,” he admits, pulling back enough to see my face. “But I only just got you back, and I can’t lose you again.”
“I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere.” The moment the words leave my mouth, something broken flickers through his eyes.
My heart gives a painful squeeze. He knows I’m lying. We both know I have an expiry date.
Swallowing the lump in my throat, I try to lighten the mood in hopes that we can avoid having this conversation again. “Are you about done being angry?” I ask with a teasing smile.
He quirks a brow. “That depends. Are you done playing human shield?”
“Probably not,” I admit, trying not to laugh.
His eyes flare. “Wrong answer, kitten.”
My pulse stutters as he stalks forward, walking me back until I’m pressed against the wall. I loop my hands around his neck, just as he lifts me.
Anticipation buzzes through me as he pushes up the hem of my dress. I need to feel his touch.
Except the layers of fabric aren’t doing us any favors.
Sin makes an impatient sound before his eyes meet mine. “Are you attached to this dress?” he purrs.
