Page 70 of Scarred Sins
Blair’s sitting in the passenger’s seat, gazing out the window. Although I’m trying my damn best to focus on the road, it’s impossible. Her sweet scent fills all my senses, and it stirs something inside of me. The way her hair falls over her shoulders, the bow still holding the pieces at the back – it looks so good on her, and it’s next to impossible to ignore the burning sensation in the pit of my stomach.
Instinctively, my hand reaches for her thigh, gripping it lightly and holding it there. The small contact sends electric waves down my entire body, and I can’t get enough of how good it feels to touch her bare skin, to feel it under my fingertips.
Blair glances at my hand holding her thigh, then lifts her eyes to meet my gaze as I park outside of my parent’s house. There’s an amused look on her face, and I’m internally praying she doesn’t remove my hand. I don’t think I’ll survive her taking my hand off her thigh. I think I might even cry if she does.
Instead of removing my hand, she places hers gently on mine, and I swear, my heart is ready to leap straight out of my chest. I’m pretty sure she can hear it, too.
I clear my throat, giving her thigh a soft squeeze. “So, did you enjoy yourself?”
Her eyes light up. “I did! It was fun watching it. Although, I did underestimate Cove. I thought he’d get a little bit hurt, or at least allow the opponent to get a hit or two in.’’
“Cove would rather die than let someone hit him. Well, unless he wants to play with them. Then he lets them hit him to create the illusion of being less strong than he actually is.’’
Blair nods. “Makes sense.’’
“It’s still fairly early; you should eat and go to bed.’’
She lifts a brow.
“I don’t mean to boss you around, but tomorrow, I’m taking you somewhere.’’
“Where are we going?”
“I’m going to show you where Dad trains people. And while we’re there, I’ll train you a little.’’
The light dims in her eyes, and she groans. “I guess we’re starting, then?”
I give her a small squeeze of reassurance, trying to ignore the fire that ignites within me when goosebumps tug on her skin. “Yeah, butterfly. We’re starting. And you’re not alone. I’ll be with you every step of the way. It will be hard. I’ve created a regime specifically for you; it will drain you, and it will make you want to step in front of a moving bus, but once you finish it, you’ll feel much stronger, mentally and physically, I promise.’’
Blair takes in a small breath, closes her eyes, and nods. When her eyes open again, all I see is determination and strong resolve in those gorgeous eyes. The pride threatens to overwhelm me, and I can’t help the wide smile that breaks on my face.
“I’m proud of you, Blair.’’
“Hm?” She tilts her head to the side, slightly confused.
“I’m proud because you survived. You’ve gone through hell and back many times, and you survived. You’re here, and you’re going to be okay. I swear it on my life.’’
Blair gives me a small nod, the resolve in her expression not faltering in the slightest. “I know. Somehow, I think you’re here to stay.’’
The words spill out of my mouth before I can think about what I’m saying.
“There isn’t a single thing that will ever make me leave. In every single sense, you’re my kingdom come. My heaven, my entire life. Not only will I never leave, but I’ll give you all the fucking reasons you should stay with me.’’
Her throat bobs, and her eyes are frantically searching for my face for any trace of lies. When she finds none, a shaky breath comes from her, her eyes slowly swelling with tears. She swallows them back and nods.
“Give me the reasons to stay after all of this is over, and I will.’’
TWENTY
Arlo’s words from last night are still echoing, ringing in my ears.
You’re my kingdom come.
How is he comfortable saying those words so confidently, so openly, without stopping to think about the effect it may have on the person who is on the receiving end? There was not a single trace of falsehood or hesitation on his face. Not a single one. He said those words, and he meant them.
The fluttering sensation in my chest is still as present as it was last night, but I try not to let it consume me. If I do, who knows where it might lead me? Most likely, to the places I’m not quite ready to explore yet.
I’m snapped out of my thoughts when Arlo gently tugs on my hand. There’s a tall factory building in front of us. The gates are at least ten feet tall, locked with the newest types of digital locks. Apparently, every person has their own code to type in; that way, Hudson and Noelle can track who comes and goes and at which time.
