“They were building collars,” Sin notes, picking up a metal circlet.
“Why, though?” I wonder out loud, even though none of us have any answers.
After a few more minutes of exploring the room, I start getting antsy about the caged souls.
What if someone comes back for them?
“Would you guys mind waiting here for a second?” I ask. “I’ll be right back. I just want to check something.”
The redhead shrugs, and I turn, heading back the way we came.
Footsteps trail behind me, and before I can tell Sin he should probably stay here and keep an eye on her, his low voice reaches me. “Not a fucking chance, kitten. Where you go, I go. Want me to tie her up again?”
He sounds cheerful at the prospect, and I vigorously shake my head. That probably wouldn’t go over well on the whole diplomacy front.
He smirks, and I give him an exasperated look as we enter the bright room. It takes less than a breath for my silver energy to wind through the cages, and the souls blink out of sight. Warmth radiates in my chest when I turn and take in Sin’s proud expression.
“You are so fucking impressive,” he says as he pulls me against him. He looks down at me with adoration and desire, and my thighs press together in response.
I fully intend on saying something witty.
Unfortunately, I think I used my last brain cell at the sex club.
Sin’s eyes flash with hunger, and I realize I’m unconsciously biting my bottom lip again.
“That’s two, kitten,” he warns, reminding me of his earlier threat.
Heat flares inside my core, and I can’t stop my answering smirk as I pull away and start back toward the factory room.
His hand immediately finds the small of my back as he follows, and I swear he trips when I answer, “Then maybe it’s time for you to collect.”
Our banter is stopped short when we find the factory cave completely deserted – because of course, the redhead deserted us.
I sigh, disappointed, but not surprised.
“There’s no way she’s already made it back to the entrance. Do you want to chase her?” Sin asks.
Even though it was my decision not to tie her up, there’s no judgment in his tone. This is a glaring ‘I told you so’ moment, and he’s choosing to be kind and helpful.
Yeah, I definitely love this man.
“No,” I answer, sighing again. “She doesn’t seem interested in working together. Did you really dig into her mind?”
I’m pretty sure he was bluffing. Sin hates using his power to invade people’s thoughts.
“Just enough to ensure she didn’t mean you harm.” He tugs me closer, like his hand on my exposed back isn’t enough.
His other hand tips my chin until I meet his gaze. “There isnothingI won’t do to keep you safe,” his fingers brush my pulse, “no line I won’t cross,” he leans in until his lips barely touch mine, “because you’re mine, kitten. And I fucking protect what ismine.”
Molten heat spears through me, and the broken fragments of my soul practically vibrate with need. It’s as if every sharp edge already knows he’s ours.
I expect him to devour me, to take me against the cavern wall, but instead, he presses an infuriatingly soft kiss against my lips and pulls back.
“What’s next?” He asks, like he didn’t officially become the universe’s biggest tease.
I sputter for a second, trying to get my mind back into super-spy mode, instead of climb-him-like-a-tree mode.
He chuckles, and I consider kicking him in the shin. “Easy, kitten. I let Hades watch you come once, and that’s all he’ll ever get.”
