Page 47 of The Sins That Bleed
“Of course, we’re happy to have you,” she squeaks out.
I’ve not seen her like this with anyone ever, but I love that she’s finally able to enjoy the presence of another man. If I have to lock him away here forever to keep her happy, then I will. I’ve made plenty of men disappear in plain sight.
Zyon pulls the car into a space reserved for me, jumping out to help us out and grabbing the bags from the back. I let the others walk on as I exchange words with him quietly.
“Thank you, Zyon, for getting us there so quickly. I know this situation isn’t ideal, and I’m sorry for surprising you earlierwithout giving you time to adjust, but I fear things are about to escalate and we need to roll out our plan with immediate effect.”
“I understand, ma’am. I apologise for not conducting myself well earlier this evening. It won’t happen again and I’ll take care of it.” He speaks so low that only I can hear it.
“Water under the bridge, my friend, this is a delicate situation. You let me know if you need anything before you head out?”
“I will do, ma’am, but I think we have everything we need,” he confirms.
“Good, the jet is prepped and ready to go. Everything is in a fake name with no trace back to me. If anything feels off or starts to go south, you get out immediately and head to the safe house, compris?” I won’t allow myself to think of a situation happening where a safe house would be required.
“Compris.”
I nod and say goodnight, fighting the urge to hug him.
When did I turn so fucking soft?
I leave Zyon to prepare everything he needs before I ruin my reputation further, heading over to the group as they’re about to step into the elevator, remembering to slow my speed down at the last second before one of them sees me. A mistake I don’t usually make in human company.
What the hell is happening to me?
“You must all be tired, it’s late, I’ll show you to your rooms,” I say as we step inside the elevator and I punch in a code to take us to the penthouse. They’re staying as close as I can have them without having them sleep in my own room.
Although I wouldn’t mind Rai…
I definitely need to get a fucking grip on myself.
I letSunny show Nico to his room, giving them time to be alone. They form a bubble as if nothing can burst it when they are together. I don’t know what they are or if they’ve even decided yet, but friends feels too inconsequential when they interact so fluidly with one another.
Unlike me and Rai, who clash and swirl, like ink in water, in a volatile dance that could end in bloodshed if we’re not careful. We walk in silence toward my end of the penthouse. He will be in a spare suite next to my quarters, close enough that it will take me seconds to reach him if I need to.
We stop outside an ornate black door, everything in this part of the building decorated in twelfth century Gothic, deep and rich colours that create dark pockets for wicked things to hide in.
“This will be yours.” I break the silence as I open the door to his new quarters. “You’ll find everything you need here, a kitchen and lounge area, bedroom, bathroom, and a balcony view. I’m right next door should you need me.”
I point to the double doors further down the hall and his gaze tracks the movement of my sharp nails before moving to where they are pointing.
“Thanks.”
“Not in a talkative mood, I see.” I tease, wanting to get something from him other than this brooding look of stress he wears tonight.
“It’s been a long night, if you’ll excuse me?—”
I snatch his bag from his hand and grab his with my free one before dragging him into the room and kicking the door shutwith my heel. I can’t stand to see the self-loathing written all over his face any longer. This is my fault, my burden to carry, not his.
“What are you doing?” he asks in loud whisper. Little does he know, nobody could hear him even if he screamed.
“Taking care of you, mon chéri. I can see the way you’re beating yourself up right now for what has happened this evening and I will not allow it.”
Before he can respond, I’m marching through the suite, dragging him by the hand to follow me as we enter the bedroom. The room is bathed in the soft orange glow of the bedside lamps.
The deep purples and blacks create a cocoon-like feel that wraps you up in it’s comforting embrace. Silk sheets and thick curtains to keep out the sunlight plunge the room into a decadent darkness.
I drop his bag onto the bench at the end of the bed before turning to face him. I drop his hand and let mine roam his face, caressing and smoothing the worry lines and surprisingly, he lets me.
