Page 15 of Taken By Sin
If you live with us sounds more like an invitation than Sin makes it out to be.
I stay outside, not wanting to feel like I did before, as Bria steps into another store. Rollins waits by my side, his eyes roaming over the crowds of people as they pass by.
She returns not long after, three bags on her arm. “Lunch?” she suggests.
We’re eating outside on an adorable little patio surrounded by lush greenery. Bria finishes her salmon and leans closer, her voice lowered so Rollins won't hear. “I’m tired of my brother’s men constantly monitoring me.” Her eyebrows dance, hinting at the mischief we might get into.
“Isn’t he here for protection?” Protection from what? The answer eludes me.
She sighs in exasperation. “We can take care of ourselves.”
I wish I could share her confidence, but my anxiety spikes amid the throngs of people flooding the city. This experience is unlike anything I've known, and I feel overwhelmed, as if my weary mind can't process the sensory overload around me.
Bria has been kind to me from the moment I met her, and she lives here she knows the city, she will keep us safe. “What’s the plan?”
“That’s my girl!” She whispers enthusiastically. “Just follow my lead.”
She grabs her bags, and Rollins starts to rise, but Bria quiets him. “We’re heading to the ladies' room.”
He settles back down and folds his arms, saying, “With your things?” She gives him a sweet smile, replying, “Yes, Rol, with our things. We might want to change into something more comfortable!” she whines, sounding like a child.
This seems to work.
We enter the vacant restroom located at the back of the restaurant, and Bria secures the door behind us. “Here,” she beams, offering me a flowy, blush pink dress. “This made me think of you.” Her phone rings once more, but she chooses to ignore it.
I smile, touched that she thought of me while at the other store. “Thank you.” I quickly take off my clothes and slip into the new dress. The soft fabric feels so good against my skin. It ends just above my knee, ideal for twirling. I’ve never had anything like this before. A wave of confidence washes over me as I glimpse my reflection in the mirror. Even though we’ve been running around all day, my raven hair still lays in nice waves against the dress.
“So cute! Ready?” she asks, practically bouncing with excitement about running from the guard. I nod sheepishly, following behind her.
We slip back into the restaurant and exit through a side door. “We’re heading through this alley to the next street; we need some new shoes.” I nearly comment on her impressive collection of heels, but I hold back.
As she switches off her phone, I notice Sin’s name displayed. I can’t picture him as someone who would easily tolerate being ignored. Of course, I don’t actually know him at all.
As we stroll leisurely pass the shops, a pair of cream pants made from a breathable, flowy fabric draws my attention. “I really love those."
“Then those it will be.” She smiles, walking inside. This store is much more inviting, and it isn’t long before we’re walking out with bags upon bags of new items.
After spending the day outside, I’m mesmerized by the beauty of the city as the sun sets and the twinkling lights come to life. More people are now out, heading to dinner, nightlife, or shopping.
This city is electrified.
“I’m sorry I’ve kept you out all day.”
I laugh, “Are you kidding? I had the best time. I’ve never done anything like this.”
I’ve learned a lot about Bria today. For instance, she’s allergic to cats, which makes her sad since she adores them. She also prefers tea to coffee. We have the same shoe size.These are all surface-level details, the kind that help spark a friendship. Honestly, I believe she needed this day just as much as I did.
“Before we head back and deal with him is there anything else you want, or need?”
“I don’t need a thing. I appreciate all of this so much, I don’t know how I’ll ever repay.”
“Nonsense.” She shakes her head. “Really think about it, okay?” She stops walking. “I want you to be set up for your new life. We’ve got you clothes, and shoes... and you can borrow any of mine anytime! We can do purse shopping another day. What’s left?”
I do think about it for a moment, but I don’t dare mention what it is that I really want.
She catches on to me holding something back. “What?”
“Maybe just a simple piece of jewelry? It’s something I have wanted for a long time. We can wait until I get a job, and a paycheck.”