Page 33 of Taken By Sin
A string of lights drips overhead.
Sin slings his arm around me like it’s the most normal thing in the world.
And that's the weird part, because snuggled up with him on this couch at a little bookstore in the city feels like the most mundane thing ever.
Mundane is a good feeling.
"You are so stunning," he whispers in my ear in his heavy accent. I melt into his arms, growing more shy by the second.
Turning my face up to him, studying his chiseled jaw and the way his hair is sitting a little messy from our lazy day, I wonder why in the world he looks at me this way. "I think you need glasses."
He cups my chin with the hook of his finger, bringing his lips to mine. "I have perfect vision. I don't know what in this life has made you feel like you aren't worthy or perfect, but you are positively divine."
In a moment of honesty, I answer. "I have always been unwanted," I whisper back. "For eighteen years people came in and out of those doors, and not one family wanted me."
A groan escapes him, one of sorrow. Planting a kiss on my forehead, he pulls me in tight. "You are and always will be wanted now, Magnolia."
We embrace each other in silence, with him mulling over my insecurities and I'm sure trying to devise a plan to make those sad feelings go away and me taking a deep breath because finally, I can open up and bemyself.
Around us, each bookshelf is illuminated by an ornate light that casts a glow down on the spines.
We finish our drinks, and I make to wander the shelves.
I search through each section meticulously, hoping to get one perfect book. Sin follows me quietly and patiently, his hands folded behind his back.
I notice that he does that a lot, clasps his hands behind his back. It makes him look so curious, for such a powerful man to wonder is a sight to see.
I pick up a few titles that interest me, waiting for one I can’t leave without.
I skim over the description of an action-packed romance, wanting a little excitement. Typically, I would be all over the classics section, especially since there is such a wide selection here. Covers that are limited edition, like nothing I’ve ever seen.
I peel my eyes away from the display, showcasing the one I chose to him. “This one is perfect.”
Sin eyes me warily. “That’s good... but you need to pick out about I don’t know.” His fingertips trail a row. “A hundred more.”
“I couldn’t,” I laugh.
“You absolutely can. It’s late, so you can do it tomorrow if you want. Maxwell will join you and bring them back for you. I’ve emptied a shelf in my office.” I know exactly what shelf he’s talking about too, as I saw it yesterday.
“Why not my room?” I ask as his hand grazes mine, my heartrate picking up.
“I’d like to see you enjoying a book while I work.”
“Will I not be a distraction?” I dare to ask.
He cranes his neck down, bringing his lips a feather touch away from my neck. “You are always a distraction.”
SEVENTEEN
The coffee shop opened just thirty minutes ago. I don’t mind that it’s only six-thirty in the morning; I could hardly sleep from excitement. Axle creeps down the hallway with me as we leave my room, making our way to the library. Sin may call it an office, but it has far more shelves than desks, overflowing with books rather than stationary equipment.
I feel like beauty, walking through the vast rows packed with books.
So where is my beast? I passed by his room, and he wasn’t there, so I thought I would find him here.
We tiptoe downstairs, waiting for the rest of the house to wake.
Max is already in the kitchen, holding two mugs of coffee in his hands. “Brown butter latte?” I grin, running over to him as he extends a mug to me.