Page 54 of Taken By Sin
“How about at the next family dinner we strategize on that, then? I mean Bria runs around, she has guards and she’s safe.”
“Bria,” he laughs. “I don’t mean this to sound bad, but Bria is trained in weaponry. She knows how to protect herself, although I like to believe she doesn’t. The guards I hire for her are more for me to know her location more than her safety.”
Interesting. “So, she could teach me how to protect myself too.”
His ghost eyes darken. “If something happens…”
“Sin,” I breathe against his collarbone, “make me yours.”
His smirk tells me he already has. “We’ll host an event, withmaximum security so everyone knows and can also make sure they’re aware of how protected you are.”
I grin. “Like a ball?”
Playfully, he rolls his eyes. “No, like a party.”
I stand up, twirling. “With dancing?”
“Yes.” He chuckles.
“Fancy dresses?” I squeal, already excited to go shopping with Bria.
“Again, yes. Whatever you want.”
“So, it’s a ball then?”
“The Donati household is not hosting a ball, Magnolia. It’s a party. Actually, let’s host a masquerade.”
“Oh!” I grin. “With masks?”
He nods, thinking. “Yes, that way if I feel uncomfortable your identity will be masked but if all goes well, we can take them off at midnight. I’m just not used to having that many important figures of New York in my home, but it’s about time I do host an event.”
TWENTY-THREE
Last night was… magic.
The twinkling lights outside have been replaced with a ray of sunshine cascading over the city. I’m wrapped in Sin’s arm, the little spoon, as his inked arm is draped over my naked body.
I never would have thought something so sinful could feel so natural, so purely human. The way my body fits into his, the way he fit into me…
He stirs, kissing my bare shoulder, which makes my tender skin prickle with goosebumps.
“Good morning, Bella.” His accent coats me, and I turn to face him.
“Good morning.” I trace the sleepy lines on his features, running the tip of my fingertip along the scar that cuts his face. He closes his eyes as I draw it across his eyelid and down to his cheek.
“How did this happen?” I ask.
I don’t expect an answer, I never do. “You know how I told you about that treaty last night?” he replies.
“I don’t know any details, but yes.”
“This was during one of my run ins withthatfamily.”
“They did that to you?” Suddenly, one of my favorite parts about his face is encased in trauma. “I’m so sorry.”
“That’s not all they did.” He sighs. “Should we step on the patio?”
I nod, getting up. I’m so ready to learn more about him. About this rivalry that he won’t even allow Bria to speak of. We head onto the balcony after slipping on some clothes. The morning is calm, surprisingly relaxed for the city but we are forty floors above it all.