Page 69 of Taken By Sin
“What are the plans for the rest of the day?” I ask.
“First, I’ll show you to our room. Then we can relax until it’s time for a famous Donati family dinner.” He claps his hands mischievously.
I internally groan, wanting to stay in bed with Sin until it’s time to leave. I don’t feel comfortable here. Not after his father treated me that way, but I muster a smile. “That will be nice.”
I don’t yet tell him that there’s no way we’re sharing a room. Not when his dad already looks down on me.
Can I blame him, though? His brilliant, millionaire son has brought home someone who has nothing to bring to the table.
Later that night, as the air inside the mansion grows warm and inviting. I stand in front of the mirror, adjusting the neckline of the dress Bria insisted I wear. The soft velvet fabric feels foreign against my skin, but I can’t deny the elegance it gives me. The room is quiet except for the rustling of clothes and the occasional soft laugh from Bria as she finishes getting ready beside me.
I’m still adjusting the strap of my shoe when I hear the door creak open behind me. Sin’s voice drifts in before his presence fully does. “You ready?”
I glance up at the mirror to see him standing in the doorway, his posture relaxed but his eyes sharp, like he’s been waiting for a sign that I’m good to go. He looks different tonight—more refined, somehow, in a maroon suit that’s perfectly tailored to his frame.
It’s the first time I’ve seen him outside of his usual dark, dangerous attire, and the contrast catches me off guard.
“I think so,” I answer, trying to hide the unease in my voice.
I smooth down the fabric of my dress once more, pretending I’m calm when the truth is, my mind is racing. I want to make a good impression, since the first wasn’t the best.
Above all, I need to talk to Sin about where I’m sleeping tonight, which is here, in Bria’s room.
His gaze moves from me to the room around us, scanning everything in the way he always does, with a hint of scrutiny. Then, as though remembering why he’s here, he steps closer, his presence filling the space. “Dinner’s about to start.”
I nod, trying to push the worry down. But it comes back with a quick, almost biting request. “Sin, we need to talk.”
He raises an eyebrow, a subtle challenge in his expression, but he doesn’t interrupt. I take a breath, the words coming out in a rush.
“I—I’m just not sure about staying in the same room tonight.” My voice feels tight. “It… it might look bad, with us not being married. I already feel judged.” Bria is quiet behind us; I already had this conversation with her.
He steps closer, his eyes never leaving mine, his gazeintense. I can feel the weight of his presence in the room, like a tangible force.
“You’re worried about how it looks to my father?” His tone is low, but there’s something in it, something I can’t quite place, like a quiet challenge.
I swallow, nodding slightly. “Yes. It’s just… we’re not married, Sin. We’ve been thrown together in all this madness, and I’m trying to keep my head above water. But I don’t want to make things harder for you, or for me.”
He watches me for a long moment, his jaw tightening just enough for me to notice. There’s an unreadable expression on his face, but then, slowly, he speaks again, his voice a little softer now.
“Magnolia.” He steps closer, and for a heartbeat, it feels like the whole world narrows down to just the two of us. “This isn’t about what anyone thinks. It’s about what you want. And if I’m being honest, I want you close. But if it makes you uncomfortable, you can stay here with my annoying sister.”
She throws a hairbrush at him, but misses.
I turn back to him, biting my lip as I weigh my options. “I just don’t want anyone to think… you know…” I trail off, searching for the right words. “I don’t want him to think I’m taking advantage of you or something.”
His lips twitch into a small, knowing smile. “Magnolia, he can think what he wants. But you're not taking anything from me.”
His voice is firm, the way he always speaks when he’s made up his mind.
Sin continues, “And I’m not giving anything up either. It’sjust us, no matter what anyone says. But I think you’ll be pleased to know my father was asking about you while you and Bria have been up here.”
“Why the sudden change?” My eyes widen.
“I told you already.” He plays with the curls in my hair. “It takes him a little while to warm up, but once you’re on his side, he will protect you with his dying breath.”
I inhale, the words sticking in my throat. But then I nod, just slightly. “That’s good to know.”
Bria stands up, straightening out her gown. “You should have seen how he treated my first boyfriend.” She lets out a long, slow breath. “We got back to the city, and he ghosted me.”