Page 24 of In the Light of Sin

“Used to do it all the time.” The coffee pot beeped as he grabbed it, pouring it into the separate mugs before reaching up into an adjacent cabinet to pull down the sugar. “Old habits die hard.” He turned to his refrigerator, pulling out milk.

“Sure, I love a splash of coffee with my milk and sugar,” I teased, trying to figure out how he knew exactly how I took my coffee. So, the direct approach was best in my eyes. “How’d you know how I liked my coffee?”

“Sweet girls like sweet coffee.”

I smiled. “You think I’m sweet?”

“Too sweet for my tastes.”

My bottom lip jutted out. “Then asshole men must like black coffee. I’ll remember that it’s a red flag.”

A snort came from the darkness of his hood as he turned his back to me. “Not human without my coffee.”

“I’m starting to think you’re not a human at all,” I jested, taking a sip of the coffee. He was right. I loved coffee. “A little sugar in your coffee would do you good, Sarge.”

“You’re not drinkin’ coffee.” He shook his head, still not looking at me. “Just milk and sugar.”

It was my turn to snort. “You’ve never had good coffee. Mocha chocolate chip frappe from Diamond Java is to die for. You have to try it.”

“Pass.”

I rolled my eyes before mumbling. “Such a man’s answer. Never let anything sweet into your life.”

“Only one sweet thing I want to taste,” his voice was low, almost raspy. “But don’t think I can stop at just one serving.”

Now, I almost dropped the coffee mug on the ground. I thought back to my dream of Sarge’s hands on my body and lips worshiping me. I tucked my chin in a feeble attempt to hide my face, but this man apparently saw everything. Why can I easily flirt with him, but the second he flirts back, I’m a puddle? I had to change the topic of the conversation. “H-How’s your bike?”

“Good.”

“Victoria said you did it for me,” I tried again, wanting him to admit it. It wasn’t a coincidence that he got a bike he’s had for years changed suddenly. “Is that true?”

“No.” He refused too quickly. “Why would I?”

“Because I commented about listening to the motorcycle engines and hoping it would be you, then a week later, your engine has a different sound than the rest of the club members.”

“Thinkin’ too much into it.” He brushed it off. “Engine was fucked. Got the cylinders replaced. That’s. It.”

I’ve pushed him too far. I don’t want him to be angry with me. I just want answers. “Just admit it, Sarge. You care about me.”

“I don’t fuckin’ care,” he snapped, causing me to flinch, but he was too pissed to acknowledge it. “I just can’t let somethin’ happen to you knowing I can prevent it.”

“If the Bloods truly want to cause me harm, they’re not going to stop until they’re stopped.”

“No shit,” he grumbled. “That’s what we’re tryin’ to do.”

“But once you stop them…” Would you still want me here? He was waiting for me to answer him. “Would you still let me visit you?”

“No.” He shook his head. “My life is mine. I want solitude. I don’t want you.”

“But last night, you told me as long as I’m alive, the sun will rise for you.”

“Yeah,” his voice was harsh. “The sun rising for me isn’t always a good thing.”

Ouch.“What the hell is your problem? I’ve done nothing to deserve you treating me like this!”

“You don’t know what you’ve done to me.” His growl was as vicious as the bite of his words. “And you never will.”

“Sarge!” I called after him, rushing to the front room. He’s just gonna leave me out here? Oh, hell no.

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