Page 64 of Sinner's Malice

Silver

I couldn’t sleep.

Throwing back the covers, I marched to the front door and looked out the peephole. Like all the other times I’d checked since I had kicked him out, he was still standing outside my door.

Resting my head against the door, I prayed for patience.

I wasn’t a patient woman. Never had been, but something deep in my gut told me I was going to need all the patience I could muster when it came to Malice.

Stubborn fool.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you. I never wanted to hurt you, and I don’t hate you. At least I don’t think I do. I honestly don’t know how to articulate what I feel. But I know it isn’t hate. I feel protective of you. Always have.”

Sliding down the door, I leaned my head back, listening intently as he continued to speak.

“The reason Torment threw his gold medallion at Montana’s feet was because Montana wanted to take my brand. We all have one. It is like a get out of jail free card. Once used, we can never use it again. It’s a one-shot deal. Montana wanted to punish me for going against his direct order. Part of me believes I deserve whatever he decrees. The other part of me doesn’t really care what he thinks. I claimed you. You are mine.”

Closing my eyes, I tried to comprehend what he was saying. But what he said next robbed me of every thought in my head.

“You consume me, Arianwen. When I’m around you, I can’t think straight. All I see and hear is you. Everything fades away. You are everything I never wanted and what I desire the most. Over the years, I tried to give you space, to stay away, but you always drew me back in, and now my world begins and ends with you. I am nothing and you are my everything.”

Not thinking, I got to my feet and unlocked the door.

Opening it, I looked up into his eyes and what I saw damn near had me crumbling to the floor. The amount of sincerity, love, and devotion radiating from his eyes was breathtaking. Never, in all the years I’d known Malice, had I ever seen him look at me the way he was looking at me then.

“I’m not a good man. I never will be. But for you, I want to try.”

I tentatively approached him, the urge to reach out and feel his presence overwhelmed me, yet fear stayed my hand. The betrayal of my body stole away the very thing I coveted. The reason behind it was a complete mystery to me.

His intensity was unmatched, rendering him untouchable. With just one glance, he captivated me completely.

I couldn’t help but continue to gaze, mesmerized by the scene before me, despite the emotions welling up inside. I found him to be a fascinating individual, like a guiding light that caught my attention. I was mistaken in thinking that he was rigid and inflexible. He actually exhibited a sense of defiance and curiosity. Imagining him as a brother within the club, I had this perception that he would be different from others, displaying greater strength and a more reserved personality. In contrast to his brothers, who were carefree and had no trouble expressing themselves, he had a different disposition. He carried an air of calculated precision, intense focus, and occasional severityin every action and interaction. However, in the absence of any prying eyes, a peculiar feeling settled within me, indicating that he was seemingly on a quest for something, almost like a bewildered wanderer who had misplaced his path and was unaware of the route back to his abode. Although he blended well and went unnoticed by most, there were a few precious moments when he caught me staring at him. Without fail, his piercing gaze would always meet mine with such intensity that it would take away my ability to breathe.

In an instant, my insides ignited with an intense heat, causing my mind to go completely numb. My entire body felt magnetically drawn towards him, like a compass pointing due north.

I couldn’t help but crave that very moment.

He paused, his eyes meeting mine, a faint smile playing on his lips. When our eyes met, a powerful energy surged between us, filling the room and stirring something deep within me.

Lust filtered through me.

My nipples tightened, and my breath stilled.

Licking my lips, I whispered, “Come inside, Malice.”

“I cross this threshold. I won’t ever leave again.”

The malice in his voice was unmistakable, leaving no room for doubt. His eyes burned with intensity, sending a clear message that he was deadly serious.

This was it.

If I had any reservations, now was the time to speak up.

He stepped forward.

I gulped.

“Be sure, Arianwen, because there is no going back.”