"Sounds like a plan," Zan agreed. Then he looked back at her. "I'm sorry we can't keep you."
"Oh, we're keeping her," Sin promised. "One way or another, I'm going to get her out. I think it's my calling."
"Let's just hope God agrees," Julie told him.
Chapter Twenty-Three
After testing to be sure his implants were functioning perfectly, Sin had to return Rissa to OutLink's Enclave. They walked through the breezeway of the complex to the parking lot, and she stopped, staring at the sky.
"Not what you're used to looking at, is it?" he asked, moving to her side.
She just shook her head. "It's beautiful," she breathed, looking at the myriad of signs covering almost every available surface, glowing softly in the damp haze.
He followed her gaze, seeing nothing more than the slums he'd always known. "It's marketing, Riss."
"I've never seen those colors before. The pink, and that yellow." She looked up at him. "It's amazing."
"And I'm sorry you had to miss twilight." He sighed.
She shrugged that off, never looking away from the holograms. "It's ok. I was too worried about you to enjoy it anyway. I'm happy you were able to repair your spine."
"Me too," he agreed.
The light of the signs sparkled in her silver eyes. She looked like an angel, her face staring at the glory of God. Sadly, when he looked at the view, his eyes only saw cheap neon and holographics. That made him want to stare at her, or at least what little of her he could actually see. Sin was completely alone with her, no other person in sight, and there was so much he wanted to say. So many questions he should ask. Unfortunately, their time had already run out.
"I need to get you back," he said softly.
For the first time in his life, he wished God didn't ask so much of him. He wanted nothing more than to push that hood back and finally see the woman he had gotten to know so well. To caress her face, maybe even tell her everything would be ok. Instead, he took a step back and begged for strength.
"Sorry," she said, seeing him pull back. "And thank you for protecting me today."
"Thank God, not me."
"I'm thanking both of you." She dipped her head, looking up at him through her dark lashes.
"Why'd you go for the full-body outfit anyway?" he asked. "It was your chance to wear anything you wanted, and you're still covered from head to toe."
She laughed weakly, looking back to the signs. "I guess my training is harder to overcome than I thought."
He didn't even try to hide his eyes roaming across her body, assuming she needed a compliment. "Well, you still look nice."
"I don't. I look like I can blend in," she countered, that hint of shyness coming back.
Sin sighed as he moved to the car. Pulling a smoke from his pocket, he lit it, then leaned against the side casually. "I think we've moved a bit past bodyguard and body. Right?"
"Because we're friends?" she asked.
With one finger he pulled the chain outside his shirt, holding the pendant up. "We made seven of these. Trent and I have given five of them an owner, ourselves included. I'm giving Zan one later. That will be the sixth."
"He deserves it, even though he isn't a priest," she agreed, stepping closer so she could inhale the scent of his cigarette.
"This one, though?" He swung the pendant on his finger. "This one isyours,Rissa. I'll wear it until we get you free, but Ireally want you to have mine." He let it fall against his shirt. "My angel. My pendant."
She lifted her hand and traced its outline against his body. Slowly, she tilted her face up, her mask-covered mouth so close to his. "Thank you."
"Dear God," he breathed, reaching up to her face only to guide her back gently. "You probably saved my life today, Princess." Yes, he was trying to change the subject.
But that hand on her face had a mind of its own. Through the cloth, his thumb swept over her lower lip, learning it by feel, and her eyes closed. He quickly jerked his palm away.
