Page 14 of Sin

“What aren’t you telling me? Is someone after me? Am I in danger?”

Chaos sighed. “Listen, Red. I don’t make a habit of answering stupid questions. We already told you that Lilith assigned us as your bodyguards. You do the math. Just stay out of our way and don’t make waves. It’ll go easier on all of us that way.”

He stalked out of the room, leaving me with the two others.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” I asked.

Malice chuckled, but it was completely devoid of humor. “If you need an explanation, then you’re even more helpless than I feared.”

Malice followed in Chaos’s wake, echoes of their energy leaving the room charged as I turned all of my attention to Sin.

“So what, I’m just supposed to blindly accept that I’m your prisoner now?”

Sin walked toward me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and tucking me into his side. I had half a mind to shrug him off, but the physical contact was like food for my starving soul.

“Think of it more like a princess trapped in a tower with four very scary ogres guarding the door. You’re our ward. Our responsibility.”

I snorted at the comparison but wasn’t satisfied. “And you swear Lilith set this up?”

There was no way to know he’d tell me the truth, but he stopped and drew an X over the center of his chest. “Cross my heart.”

I stared at him for a moment, chewing on the inside of my cheek as I considered his words. Since the day I’d been born, Lilith had done everything in her considerable power to keep me safe. I had to believe she wouldn’t stop now. And these men had all but walked out the doors ofIniquitywith me in tow. That never would have happened without Lilith’s knowledge or permission.Iniquitywas a sanctuary, its rules strictly enforced. No one would risk doing anything that would incur her wrath.

Which led me to one unfortunate conclusion. They weren’t lying.

“Fine. If my life is truly in danger, then you owe me the truth. Tell me everything.”

Chapter

Four

SIN

Ifought the urge to let my grin slip as Merri stared me down, arms crossed under her ample breasts, challenge blazing in her eyes.

“You’re cute.”

She huffed. “Stop deflecting. Tell me, Sin. I deserve to know what’s going on. Unless you’re lying and I really am your captive.”

The weight of my exhaustion still sat on my shoulders, even after feeding in Lilith’s lair. Sips weren’t enough to replenish what Hel had taken from us. I needed more. Cocking one brow, I let my focus trail down Merri’s body, soaking up the sensuality she radiated. Fuck, she was made for me. A luscious hourglass, plenty to hold on to, and I hadn’t even gotten to her face yet. Angelic was the word that came to mind. Plump lips, pink cheeks, brilliant blue eyes. A smattering of freckles that were somehow both innocent and alluring. She was a delightful contradiction. The perfect blend of sinful and sweet. I wanted to devour her.

A furrow formed between her brows. “Are you okay? Are you having a seizure or something? I had this friend once who hadabsent seizures. They looked a lot like whatever you’ve got going on right now.”

I cleared my throat and turned away from her, adjusting the rapidly growing erection in my jeans as I did. “I’m fine. Just... I need a fucking drink. You thirsty?”

“Uh, sure.”

I made my way over to Grim’s bar cart, snagging the decanter of Brimstone whiskey and liberally pouring us both a glass.

Her eyes widened when I turned with the nearly full highball glasses in hand.

“I thought you meant water.”

I snickered. “There’s some ice in there.”

She rolled her lips between her teeth and mutely shook her head.

When Lilith had mentioned her ward, my curiosity had been piqued. What sort of creature could tempt someone as innately selfish as the original demon to take her under her protection? I was sure there was some element of blackmail involved, but after seeing Merri, I got it.

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