[Truyện Tiếng Anh] The Next Sin

The Next Sin
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“Good night, Bonny.”

Click.

He hung up on me … like really hung up on me. That bastard!

There’s no way I’m having this. Uh-uh. Not for a minute.

I step into my sheepskin boots. I go out the front door, stalking toward the dark sedan. The windows are tinted black as night. I can’t see his expression as I approach but I’m certain it’s smug. He’s getting exactly what he wants—me desperate to be beneath him as soon as possible.

He opens the back door and gets out. He points at my house. “Turn yourself around and get back inside. Now.”

I stand with my arms crossed to prove I can be just as stubborn as he is. “No.”

He slams the car door harder than necessary. “I told you I don’t think it’s wise to be together while you’re thinking about this decision.”

“I don’t think it’s wise for you to be sitting in a car fifty yards from me when I haven’t been with you in three months.”

“Bonny.” He yells my name and then squeezes his eyes. His lips are barely moving. I miss the first movement of his mouth but I don’t mistake the second, third, or so on. He’s counting. I’m sure it’s so he can gain his composure with me. “I don’t want you to ever feel like I persuaded or romanced you into making the wrong decision. Please understand I feel very strongly about this.”

I’m tired of this game.

“Being separated from you while I know you’re near is excruciating.”

“Do you think it doesn’t pain me to know you’re right inside that house?” He points to my robe. “Wearing this?”

“Being apart is doing neither of us any good. With you out here, there’s no kind of rational decision-making process going on in my head. I can’t string two thoughts together. Separation isn’t working.” Or maybe it’s panning out just as he hoped since I’m standing outside nearly naked in the cold, begging him to come to my bed.

I move toward him but he lifts his hand to stop me. “Don’t. You can’t see them but three of my men are in this car.”

Ohh. His men are watching. I might as well use that to my advantage. “I guess that means you might not want me to do this?” I reach for the tie around my waist and loosen it.

“I know what you’re doing but it’s not going to work.”

I undo the first loop of my belt “You caught me coming out of the bath so I’m not wearing a thing underneath. But you already know that.”

“Don’t do this, Bleu.” His voice is pleading. I’m not sure that’s something I’ve ever heard from him before.

“You give me no choice.”

My belt goes loose and Sin rushes forward to catch the lapels of my robe. He yanks it together and not so gently makes a bow with the tie. He hoists me over his shoulder and I wave at the men I can’t see behind his back as he carries me toward my house.

He highly underestimates me and what I’m capable of. I can’t believe he hasn’t figured this out yet.

I slide down his body as he puts my booted feet on the foyer floor. I hook my hands behind his neck.

He’s unsmiling. In fact, he looks downright pissed.

“Dammit, Bleu,” he growls. “You can’t defy me in front of my men. It makes me appear weak as a leader when I can’t even control my own lass.”

He needs to learn early on I don’t have a submissive bone in my body. “Have you considered that instead of seeing you as a weak leader, they’ll view me as a strong woman?”

“My guess would be that they think you’re a foolish woman. Trust me. They’re assuming I brought you inside for a harsh punishment rather than give you what you want.”

I go up on tiptoes and brush my lips across his. “Then you can’t possibly go back to the car and have your men think I didn’t receive a full atonement for my defiance toward their leader.”

“I suppose that would look bad.” He grabs my bottom and squeezes, pulling me close. “And you do need to be punished.”

“Yes. I’ve been a very bad girl. I think I deserve a penance ****.”

He narrows his eyes. “What do you know about a penance ****?”

I shrug and try to not wear a smug expression. “Nothing in particular, just sounded like a good suggestion.”

“Come.” He takes my hands from his shoulders, lacing his fingers through mine. He pulls me in the direction of my bedroom. “I have something in mind.”

I don’t mistake the sounds of *** when we pass Ellison’s bedroom. It’s a reminder to keep the noise to a minimum. I don’t want her to know Sin is here. I have no intention of them meeting any time soon.

Once we’re inside my bedroom, I shut the door and lock it.

He’s standing by my bed and I prowl in his direction. I stop once I’m in front of him. My palms on his cheeks, I stare into the chocolate-brown eyes I’ve missed so badly. “I didn’t get to tell you earlier how much I’ve missed you.”

He places his hands on top of mine and presses them harder against his skin. “Our separation was excruciating. So much so I wish to never be parted from you again.”

My heart melts. Sin can sometimes say very harsh things but I don’t think he has any idea how pretty his words can be when he’s softer.

I lace my fingers through the nape of Sin’s hair and pull him closer as I go up onto my tiptoes. Our lips meet and he moves his hands to my lower back, arching my body into his. He’s warm despite the fact that he’s been sitting outside in a car on a cold night.

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When I taste his mouth, I know how he and his men have been keeping warm in the car. I lick my tongue over his lips. “Someone’s had Johnnie Walker.” I run my hands up his chest. “And now I think it’s time you had some Bleu MacAllister.”

He scoops me from the floor, wrapping my legs around his waist. I grab his shoulders for support. He holds me that way while we kiss and then lowers me to the bed. He moves over me, stopping when we’re face to face. “Did you really think you could blow into my life like a breeze and roll out like a stone?”

He’s right. That’s exactly what I tried to do. Mission unsuccessful.

“Never run from me again,” he whispers against my ear.

I part my legs and rock against the bulge I feel pressed against me.

“I know you have cuffs. Where do you keep them?”

“My, my. Someone is feeling frisky tonight?” I’m elated as I reach beneath the bed. This is something we’ve not done before.

“You mean these handcuffs?” I spin them around my finger.

“Those are the ones.”

He takes them from me and puts one around my right wrist. He slips the other one through the railing of my headboard and cuffs my free one so my hands are bound over my head. “I didn’t know you were into bondage.”

“I’m not,” he says without a bit of enthusiasm.

“But you want to be?”

“I said I would never harm you, but I didn’t say I wouldn’t punish you.”

Punish. Does he mean that in the hot, ***y way I’m hoping for or in a Fellowship, disciplinarian way? I’m guessing the latter, judging by the scowl on his face.

I tug on the cuffs but it’s no use. I’m securely bound to my iron headboard. “What are you going to do to me, Breck?”

“I’m going to teach you a lesson while reminding you of the task at hand, my sweet Bonny Bleu. Your bondage will be a deterrent to keep you focused on the decision you must make while you learn how it feels to be tied to a bed naked.” He pulls the ties of my robe and the silky fabric falls open. “You handcuffed me to my bed and left me there while you walked out of my life. I’m not over that yet.”

Is he kidding me? That was nothing compared to what he did to me. “Do I need to remind you that you had a ****ing gun jabbed into my jaw only moments before I walked out? If anyone has the right to not be over what happened that night, it’s me!”

“I’d just found out the woman I was in love with wasn’t who she said she was. It’s possible I made some bad decisions based on that. Don’t forget that despite your motives, you betrayed me. I’ve been ****ing bitter about that. And then you left me handcuffed to the bed after I put down my gun and allowed you to take it.”

“Give me a break. You weren’t handcuffed for that long. I sent Jamie for you as soon as I was on the plane.”

“He didn’t get your message. Bad cellular service, I suppose.”

Oh God. I remember it was storming that night. “Then who freed you?”

“Agnes.”

I burst into laughter. “Oh. My. Gawd.”

“It wasn’t funny, Bleu.”

I can see he’s getting pissed off all over again but I can’t stop laughing. “No, you’re right. It’s freakin’ hilarious.”

“I was cuffed to the bed for twelve hours.”

Oh, ****. Twelve hours is a really long time. I was almost back in the US by the time he was freed. I feel horrid about that. “I’m sorry, Breck. That wasn’t the way I meant for that to go. But it must’ve been quite the show for Agnes.”

“I was quite naked by the time she came to clean the next morning. I’d struggled and squirmed trying to get free and lost the bed sheet.” The view probably thrilled that old lady. “Maybe I should leave you like this for your sister to discover so you can find out how humiliating it is.”

“Please, don’t. I wouldn’t have an explanation to give her.”

“You wouldn’t tell her your soon-to-be husband left you this way?”

He’s so sure I’m going to say yes. “I haven’t agreed to marry you.” Yet.

“Of course you haven’t. Instead of thinking about our future, you’ve been busy thinking of how to strong-arm me into your bed.”

“That’s not true. I’ve given it a lot of thought in the two hours since you asked.”

“Then tell me your thoughts so far.”

I yank on the handcuffs holding me hostage. “I don’t want to have a serious conversation while I’m bound to the bed.”

“Tough. You’re staying this way until I decide to release you.”

I want to scream—and I would if my sister wouldn’t come running into the room. “You are frustrating the **** out of me right now.”

“Aye. I know.” The bastard is laughing at me again. He does that far too often.

“I was taught right from wrong and raised with morals. I’m not sure how I’ll deal with my newfound Fellowship family.”

He’s laughing. Again. “Bleu. We met because you were trying to kill my father. I’m sorry but that completely calls your principles into question.”

Okay. I can see where he might find that concern laughable. “I know. I’m the pot calling the kettle black.”

“You should never worry about being asked to go against any morals you may have. As my wife, you’d never be expected to dirty your hands.”

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“But that could be a problem as well. I don’t want to do nothing. I would need to be productive. I’d go mad as a stay-at-home wife.”

“All right. That part is negotiable. What other things have you given thought?”

This one could be a deal-breaker for him. “I’m not sure I want to bring children into a world where lying, stealing, and murder is acceptable. I want them to understand right from wrong.”

“You act as though we have no scruples, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We have strict codes and beliefs in place. Family and honor mean everything to us. Our children would be taught the value of life. I don’t think you can say that about a lot of kids in the world.”

Let’s see what he has to say about this. “Men in leadership roles tend to have mistresses. I won’t put up with that.”

“You’re the only woman for me, Bonny. Ever.”

“What about my sister’s safety?”

“The blanket of protection over you would extend to her. She won’t be hurt.”

I don’t agree. Even if no one physically harms her, she’s going to be hurt if I leave her. “If I become one of you, she—nor my father—can know.”

“Bleu. You’re failing to understand something. Even if you don’t agree to be my wife, you’re already one of us. Your initiation is long-standing. It will never be undone.”

“I hadn’t thought of it that way.” He’s right. I’m bound to The Fellowship. They aren’t going to let me go.

“Back to your concerns about your family. Your sister will never know anything about The Fellowship. It’s safer that way. But that also means she’ll never visit us in Edinburgh. We can’t risk her being caught in the middle of Fellowship business and learning who and what we are. We’ll always come to the US to see her. And that could be few and far between after I become leader. I won’t be able to leave often.”

I’ll gain Sin but lose Ellison. “I can’t leave my sister.”

“You will. Because you love her and want to keep her safe.”

This isn’t fair. “I want her shielded from danger but I don’t want to give up seeing her.”

“You’ll still see her—just not frequently. But you can talk to her as often as you want. Every day, if you like.”

“It won’t be the same. How would you feel if you couldn’t see Mitch?” That’s probably not the greatest example since Sin and Mitch don’t have a close relationship like Ellison and I do. “Scratch that. How would you feel if you couldn’t see Jamie and Leith?”

“I wouldn’t like it but I’d do it if that’s what ensured their safety.”

I’m suddenly wrecked by the realization of what has to happen. And it’s all my fault. I brought this upon myself.

My wrists remain imprisoned above my head so I turn my face into my upper arm. I don’t want Sin to see my ugly cry.

“Don’t, Bleu. You know I can’t stand to see you cry.”

I can’t stop myself. I’m destroyed.

As I heave to catch my breath, I feel the mattress dip. Sin releases the cuffs and pulls me onto his lap. His arms are wrapped tightly around me. “Ellison’s the only family I’ll have after my dad is gone.”

He strokes my hair as I cling to him. “That’s not true. You have a huge family waiting for you in Edinburgh.”

“Then I’m all my sister will have and I’ll be leaving her.”

He sighs. “I’ll make sure you see Ellison as often as possible.”

“If I decide to marry you, I can’t go to Edinburgh with you right now. I have to be here for my dad until the end.”

“I know.” Sin kisses the top of my head. “I’ll wait for you, Bonny. Always.”

Chapter Four

Sinclair Breckenridge

As promised, I’ve given Bleu three days to consider my proposal. I’ve continued to watch over her from afar just as I’ve done for the past three weeks. She’s gone about her life, spending her days with Harry at the hospice and her nights at home.

The waiting has been more brutal than I anticipated. Each night I wrestled with giving in and going to her. I somehow managed to hold it together and stay away. But now the time has come. Her seventy-two hours are up and I’m ready for an answer.

I call her cell to forewarn her of my imminent arrival. “Time’s up, Bonny. I’m coming in.”

“Right now?”

She sounds as though she’s taken aback but she shouldn’t be. I told her three days. It’s been exactly seventy-two hours since I proposed. “I told you when I’d return. This shouldn’t come as a surprise.”

“I thought I’d get some kind of forewarning.”

“You are. This is it.”

She huffs and I can’t help but find it amusing. It sounds so girly—not at all like my tough lass. “Sin. I’m not prepared.”

“Then get prepared.” She huffs again to let me know she’s not pleased. “I’m giving you ten minutes and then I’m coming in.”

“Twenty,” she counters. “I need a bath. It was a long day at the hospital.”

If I agree to twenty, she’ll take thirty. “Fifteen.”

“You’re killing me here, Breck.”

“Fine. I’m coming for you in twenty minutes.” I know I’ll regret conceding.

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“Ellison’s here and she’s still awake. You can’t come to the door.”

“What do you want me to do? Sneak in through your bedroom window?”

“No. I’m sneaking out of it.”

“What are you? Twelve?”

“Shut up.”

“Fine. I’ll be waiting at your window in twenty minutes.”

“Where are you taking me?”

Our options are limited. “I guess my place.”

“Okay. See you in thirty.”

“We agreed on twenty, Bonny.”

Silence. She ended our call without giving me a chance to argue.

I’m going to have my work cut out being married to this lass. She’s as good as me when it comes to getting her way. Maybe better.

* * *

I remove Bleu’s window screen and tap on the glass—thirty minutes later. She lifts the window and looks down at me, a mischievous grin on her face. She knows she’s been a bad girl. “Hi.”

“Hi.”

“You’re ready?”

“Yeah.” She leans out and swings one leg through. “I didn’t sneak out of my bedroom when it was deemed an age-appropriate thing to do.”

“Good. I’m the only lad you have any business sneaking off with.”

I catch her around the waist as she jumps to the ground. “Thanks.”

We get into the car, me in the driver’s seat. “You’re driving? This is new.”

“Aye. I sent Sterling away.” As my driver, he’s been present during many pivotal moments of my life but his presence isn’t required during my proposal and engagement.

At least I hope that’s what this is. My heart tells me she’s going to say yes but there’s no way to be certain with my Bonny Bleu. She can be unpredictable at times.

I pull into the drive of the house I’m renting. “This is where you’re living?”

“Aye.”

“My God! I can’t believe you’ve been living two streets over from me for almost a month and I didn’t figure it out.”

“You aren’t the only chameleon in this relationship.”

“I see that. It’s good information for the future.” She used the word future. That sounds favorable.

We go inside and I toss the keys onto the foyer table. “It’s not home but it serves the purpose.”

Bleu looks around. “I like it.”

I wish we were in Edinburgh. I can think of at least a dozen places I could’ve taken Bleu for an unforgettable proposal.

Bleu’s legs are bare with the exception of her tall boots. She’s bundled in a long wool jacket as though it’s freezing outside but I find the weather quite comfortable. “May I take your coat?”

She shakes her head. “I’m still a little cold.”

We go into the living room and sit side by side on the sofa. We both know why we’re here so I suppose there’s no sense stalling. “Have you made your decision?”

She nods. “I have.”

“Don’t tell me your answer yet. I need a do-over. I want the chance to properly propose, the way a man should ask the woman he loves to be his wife.”

She’s had three days to decide; I’ve had three days to come up with how to right the wrong of my prior proposal.

I remove the black leather box from my jacket pocket. I go to one knee on the floor in front of her—and then both. That’s what a woman like my Bonny deserves—a husband who will happily go to both knees for her.

She is holding all the power so I kiss the tops of her hands where they rest on her thighs. Whether she realizes it, this is my way of submitting to her. “I’ve never met anyone I wanted to put above myself until you. I want to give you everything, including my heart, if you’ll have it.”

I open the box and take out the ring. “I love you. Stella Bleu Lawrence MacAllister. I want you to be my wife. My partner in life. The mother of my children. Will you marry me?”

She nods and tears well in her eyes. “Yes. It would make me very happy to be your wife.”

I close my eyes and kiss the ring before sliding it onto her finger. “Into me … you see.”

“Into me … you see,” she repeats.

She holds out her hand, studying the platinum and diamonds symbolizing her agreement to become my other half. “My God, Sin. It’s beautiful.”

“Wear it always. I want the world to know you are mine to always love and protect.” I lace our fingers and kiss her hand. “I swear I’ll always do everything within my power to make you happy.”

She releases her hold so she can cradle my face. “You can begin by not denying me when I ask you to make love to me.”

She’s made the decision to be mine forever so I’m done holding back. “I am yours and you are mine. I’ll never deny you again. This I swear.”

It’s been too long since I’ve had Bleu. I don’t intend on simply tasting her skin or burying myself inside her body. I need to claim my Bonny and make her mine in every way. There’s an internal force driving me to possess her like I never have before.

I grab her hips and drag her forward. Her legs part, as does her winter coat, and I notice her thighs are bare. I lift the hem for a peek and find very little beneath. “Miss MacAllister. I believe you forgot to dress yourself.”

She grins and shrugs. “Perhaps. Or maybe I was rushed by my fiancé and didn’t have time to put on clothes.”

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Fiancé. I like the sound of that.

I untie the belt at her waist and push the top of her coat apart. My eyes roam over the lacy red bra and matching knickers. “You should probably expect to be rushed more often if this is the potential result.”

I place my palm in the center of her chest and slowly drag my hand downward. “I can’t believe all of this is mine for the rest of our lives.”

She sits up and wiggles free of her coat. She comes closer and wraps her arms around my shoulders. “I’m yours for the taking any time you’d like.”

“No worries. I’m very good at taking what’s mine.” I kiss her quickly before standing. I place her hands in mine and pull her from the sofa. “And I’m going to start right now.”

I lead her down the hallway to the bedroom I’ve rarely used. We’re barely inside when she glides her hands up my chest and pushes my jacket to the floor. She moves to my tie next, sliding the knot down. “Always so much to take off of you.”

“Anxious to get me naked, huh?”

“Maybe.”

“Let me help.” I’m eager to feel her naked body pressed against mine.

I reach for my top button but she stills my hand. She shakes her head and brings my fingers to her mouth, kissing them. “I want to do it. I’ve missed undressing you.”

She’s moving at a painstaking pace. “Bonny. I’d like to bed you tonight.”

She grins up as she unfastens the last shirt button. “In case you’ve forgotten, anticipation is one of the best forms of foreplay.”

She removes my first cufflink. “I haven’t forgotten how much you enjoy making me wait. It’s a lesson I won’t be forgetting any time soon.”

I hold up my wrist for the next one. She appears amused. “You make it sound as though I’m purposely torturing you.”

“You have no idea.” I need her five minutes ago.

She places my cufflinks on the nightstand. “It’s been months. I want to take my time with you and savor every moment.”

She pushes my shirt from my shoulders, allowing it to fall to the floor. Her warm mouth spreads kisses while her hands explore my chest. She stops and cups her palm over my heart. “Another thing I’ve missed.”

I place my hand over hers. “You’ve been right here inside my heart the whole time.”

“Who taught you to say such pretty words?”

She’s right. I’m not normally the kind of man to say such things. But losing my beloved Bleu changed my world. “You did—when you stole my heart.”

She rises to the tips of her toes so her mouth reaches mine. She laces the fingers of both hands through my hair and pulls me closer. Her tongue is soft and wet moving against mine in perfect rhythm. Her kiss is delicious—the sweetest aphrodisiac. There hasn’t been a single moment in the last three months I haven’t longed for this.

I guide her backward and she stops when her thighs touch the bed. “Lie back. I’m going to ruin you for all other men.”

She sits on the edge of the bed and then does as I tell her.

I begin my erotic journey by kissing her ankle. “May these feet never run from me again.”

My mouth moves up her calf. I lift her leg and kiss her behind her knee. “Know now that every time you run, I’ll seek.”

I drag my lips up her inner thighs. “I did it once but I’ll never be able to let you go again. Ever.”

“Then don’t.”

She’s writhing below me. She knows where I’m going next.

She says she wants to fully appreciate our reunion so I’m going to give her something worth savoring.

I slip my thumb inside the edge of her knickers and move it up and down, stroking the bend of her leg. She squirms, lifting her pelvis up and over in an attempt to move my finger toward her center where she wants it most. I resist the temptation of giving in to her. But it isn’t easy. I want to caress her there as badly as she wants me to. “All in good time.”

“You’re killing me and you know it.”

“Anticipation, Bonny. You say it’s the best form of foreplay.” I take my thumb from the bend of her leg and rub it down the center of her knickers. The fabric of her crotch is soaking. “I think it’s working.”

I lower my mouth to her abdomen and nibble at her groin. She jerks and groans, “You’re torturing me.”

“But what sweet agony it is.”

I push her legs apart and move my mouth down her knickers. I do nothing but breathe, letting her feel the warmth of my breath between her legs. This is my way of giving her a moment to guess what my next move will be. When I’m satisfied she’s had time to think of at least a dozen different deeds, I lick the center of her wet knickers.

“Oh God.” She jolts, either in surprise or ecstasy. Either is an acceptable reason to me.

I lightly stroke my thumb up and down the saturated fabric, gradually increasing the pressure. She wiggles closer and rocks her pelvis against my hand. “I think someone no longer wishes to play the waiting game.”

“We can play all the games you want later.” She sits up and reaches for the buckle of my belt. She yanks it apart and goes for the button of my trousers. “It’s been too long. I can’t wait another excruciating minute.”

I kick off my shoes while she frees me of my pants and boxer briefs. She reaches inside and grasps my **** in her hand, stroking it from tip to base. “I need to feel this inside me. Now.”

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“That can be arranged.” I hold the bed for balance as I step out of the clothes that have fallen down my legs.

She lifts her bottom and removes her knickers before reaching behind her back to unclasp her bra. She finishes undressing before me since I’m still playing the balancing game with my artificial limb.

She’s lying completely naked on the bed before me. “You’re beautiful. And all mine for the taking.”

She moves to the edge of the mattress and slides off to stand. “Unless I take you first.”

She puts her arms around my shoulders and guides me to turn. She puts her hands on my chest. “Sit.”

I do as she says before she removes my prosthesis. When she completes the chore, she rises to climb on top of me, one knee on each side of my pelvis.

I move my hand between her legs and glide my fingers back and forth through her slick slit. She leans forward and wraps her arms around my shoulders while rocking her pelvis against my hand and panting into my ear. Her mouth makes its way down my neck, first nibbling, and then sucking a patch of skin on my shoulder. I have no doubt it’s going to leave a mark—a big, dark one. But I don’t care. I’m hers. She can brand me any way she chooses.

She releases my shoulder and sucks air in through her teeth. She arches her back and lifts her chin so she’s looking upward. “Ohh. Right there, Sin. Don’t stop.”

As if.

I pull her tight so my mouth is over her ear. “I’m never going to stop making you come. Ever.”

She tenses tightly, squeezing me hard, our foreheads now pressed together. “Ohh. Ohh.”

She relaxes a minute later and I notice her shaking. “You’re trembling.”

“Mmm … because that was magnificent. And so very needed. It’s been too long.”

“I’m happy to hear that.”

“You’re still the only one.”

I’m relieved. I didn’t think Bleu had been with another man but it eases my mind to hear it confirmed.

She rises and finds my hard **** with her hand. She lowers herself onto it until I’m balls-deep inside her. “There will never be anyone else for me, Bonny. Only you.”

Her eyes never leave mine as she moves up and down. I have to say the words dying to escape. “Into me … you see.”

She cradles my face with her hands. “Into me … you see. Always.”

She’s too good at this so my orgasm builds faster than I’d like. I’m not ready for this first time to be over. But it’s been too long. I won’t last much longer at this pace so I move my hands to Bleu’s hips, encouraging her to slow down. “Easy, Bonny.”

“Are you having a hard time keeping it contained?”

I can’t talk about coming while I’m trying to hold off. “Something like that.”

“Then you should be in control.” While grasping my neck, she rolls to her back, taking me with her so I’m on top. I’m nestled between her thighs and push into her slowly and deeply as she wraps her legs around me tightly.

My hands glide up her arms until they find hers. We lace our fingers together between thrusts. “I love you, Bonny.”

“I love you too, Sin.”

Again, my climax builds sooner than I’d like but I’ve done all I can to prolong it.

I clasp Bleu’s hands and thrust deep, emptying myself and all my love inside her. She squeezes her legs tighter and I’m certain I’ve never been deeper within her body. “Uhh!”

When it’s over, I collapse—spent and exhausted—onto the bed beside her while still holding her left hand. I lift it so I can see how it looks with an engagement ring on it. “Do you really like it?”

“Like is a serious understatement for how I feel about this ring.”

“You never wear jewelry so I had no idea what you’d prefer. I had to go with my gut since I couldn’t ask your sister for help.”

“Your gut has excellent taste.”

She rolls to her stomach and props on her elbows. “We live on separate continents. Have you worked out the details for when, where, and how this marriage is going to take place?”

I’ve done my research. “We’ll marry here. I brought the appropriate documentation with me. Once we’re legally married, you’ll return to Scotland with me on a spouse visa. That will be valid for two and a half years.”

“What happens when it expires?”

“You’ll get an extension for another two and a half years. Once you’ve lived in Scotland for five years, you’ll apply for a permanent residency, called an indefinite leave to remain.”

“Sounds like you’ve thought of everything. When are we doing this?”

I don’t think it’s wise to wait a minute longer than necessary. “The sooner, the better since Abram’s men could find you any day. But I suppose you’ll need a little time for the things you have to do.”

She looks at me puzzled. “Such as?”

“I assume you want to buy a wedding dress and get a bouquet of your favorite flowers to carry. And I need a wedding band. But I get it if you’re too busy.”

“No. I want to pick it.” She holds up her hand and studies her engagement ring again. “You did such a wonderful job of choosing for me. I want to do the same for you.”

I bring her hand to my lips for a kiss. “Thank you.”

“You’ve told me the how and when—what about the where?”

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“I was thinking we’d have a civil ceremony at the courthouse since we won’t have friends or family present. We can have a big celebration with family once we’re home. I’m certain my mum will love planning that.” She practically turned Bleu’s initiation ceremony into a wedding celebration so there’s no limit to what she’ll do for the real thing.

Bleu looks sad. “What’s wrong?”

She reaches up and wipes several tears from her face. “I’m sad my family won’t be there. Or even aware that I’m a bride.”

“Your family is welcome to come. I’d like it very much if they were in attendance. I know how happy it would make you.”

She shakes her head. “No. And you know why.”

I do know but it doesn’t mean I’m going along with it. “It’s possible your father may never know but Ellison will have to be told at some point. Are you sure you want her to find out after the fact? I’m sure she’ll be bitter you didn’t tell her beforehand.”

“My sister is the mouth of the south. She’ll rat me out to Dad if she knows I’ve married you.”

I’d really like to change her mind about this decision. “Would it be so bad if your father knew you were marrying?”

“That I’m getting married? No. That I’m marrying you? Hell yes. He’d die of a coronary.”

I don’t know Harold MacAllister but I think Bleu may give him too little cre***. “Why would he be so opposed? I’m going to take care of you. You’d never find another man who will provide you with the life I’ll give you.”

She looks at me as though I’ve grown two heads. “My dad’s FBI. You’re the future leader of a criminal organization. He dedicated his life to going undercover so he could arrest people like you.”

She forgets one thing. “You were an agent sworn to uphold the law and you seem to like me just fine. He might also. I’m not an unlikable person.”

She sighs. “He might like you as a person but he’d never accept the things you do.”

She shouldn’t be so closed-minded. “He’s a dying man. He might be happy—or maybe even relieved—to know there’s a man who is fully committed to loving and protecting his little girl.”

“In his eyes, your criminal background will negate any feelings of love you have for me. And in case you haven’t noticed, I don’t need a man to take care of me. I do a right nice job on my own.”

Bleu is strong but she needs my protection, even if she’s not yet willing to admit it. “I wish you’d at least think about telling him. I want to be the man you introduce to your family. Not the one you hide. I’d very much like to meet my father-in-law before the opportunity is gone forever.”

Her brow wrinkles. “Why?”

This is another thing Bleu doesn’t understand about The Fellowship. “Marrying you behind your father’s back without his permission feels like a betrayal against him. A brother wouldn’t dare marry a Fellowship daughter without her family’s approval.”

“Trust me. My father would feel betrayed if he found out about our marriage, but it wouldn’t be you he considered the traitor.”

And he won’t feel betrayed by Bleu, either—not when I finish explaining everything to him. I’ll tell Harold MacAllister my true intentions and how much I love his daughter.

Bleu will have her father’s approval before he dies. I will see to it.

Chapter Five

Bleu MacAllister

Oh my God. I’m getting married. In a courthouse. To a criminal. I’m literally going to stand in a building where defendants are prosecuted for their crimes and vow to love, honor, and cherish the future leader of a notorious criminal organization—the biggest one in Scotland.

****.

There’s no waiting period. All we need is the appropriate paperwork and we can become husband and wife as soon as we like.

Again, ****.

Am I seriously going to do this? Become Sinclair Breckenridge’s wife? The spouse of The Fellowship’s next leader?

I look at myself in the full-length mirror as I stand on the platform at the bridal shop and can only come up with one answer: Yes.

“Honey, you look beautiful. This shade of ivory is gorgeous against your skin tone,” my sales associate, Wendy, says.

I went into the bridal shop determined. I didn’t want a tra***ional wedding gown—wouldn’t even consider looking at a long white beaded gown with a train. To do so would be silly. I won’t be walking down an aisle or saying my vows in a church. My family won’t be present—or even privy to what’s going on. I’m neither proud nor happy about that.

I spin and look at myself in the mirror. The dress is knee length with an ivory lace overlay. It’s strapless—and A-line—with a wide champagne satin sash at the waist. It’s not bridal looking; I think it’s likely a ****tail dress.

There’s no way Ellison would approve. She’d have me in a sparkling white ball gown with a train as long as the room. I’d look like Princess Diana when she was finished with me. We’d never agree on a dress. But I wish she were here arguing with me.

“I really like this dress but do I look like a bride?” I’m having trouble seeing myself wearing this when I say “I do.”

“Of course you look like a bride,” Wendy squeals and holds up her index finger. “You just need to see the final product to be certain.”

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She spins me around so I can’t see my reflection and begins the process of pulling my hair up and blinging me out with sparkly jewelry.

She places an artificial bouquet in my hands and tells me to close my eyes before spinning around to see my reflection. “Take a look.”

I stare at the stranger in the mirror. I’m almost breathless, but not because of the image I see looking back at me. It’s because there’s no doubt remaining in my mind. I am a real bride—Sinclair Breckenridge’s.

She grins when she sees the awe on my face. “What do you think now, honey? Feel like a bride?”

I reach up to touch the side bun and floral hairpiece Wendy pinned in my hair. I’m sold. “I do.”

“You should. When is your wedding?”

“Friday.”

Her eyes grow large. “Honey! That’s only two days away. Why have you waited until the last minute to get your dress?”

“We just decided yesterday.” Or last night. Actually, it was twelve hours ago if we’re being technical. “We decided to elope.”

I’m sure she suspects pregnancy is behind the mad rush since it isn’t possible for her to guess the truth—that I’m in a hurry to marry the handsome Scotsman in the lobby so we can stop his psychopathic uncle from annihilating me.

It’s true. I’m doing this to save my hide but that isn’t the only reason I said yes. I love Sinclair Breckenridge with all my heart and soul. I would’ve agreed to marry him even if Abram’s men weren’t coming for me.

Wendy tugs at the dress hem, smoothing it. “This is a perfect fit for you. That’s a good thing since it couldn’t possibly be altered in time for your wedding.” She stands back and studies me. “I think you should carry a bouquet of off-white, soft peach, and pale lavender. It may sound unusual but it would be lovely with this shade of ivory.”

I guess she would know. I certainly don’t. I was never that girl who sat around studying bridal magazines while dreaming of a magical wedding to a white knight. It’s a good thing since I’m marrying a charming villain instead of Prince Charming.

I make my final purchases and find Sin sitting on a sofa in the shop’s front parlor. He doesn’t see me so I stop to watch him as he looks through a bridal magazine. I guess there’s not much choice of reading material in a place like this but it’s still not something one would expect out of a Fellowship leader.

He catches me and tosses the magazine onto the coffee table. “Find everything you were looking for?”

I hold up the wardrobe bag. “I’m all set.”

“Am I allowed to see your dress?”

We’re not having a tra***ional wedding with friends or family but I’d like to stick to some form of tra***ion. “You’ll see it on Friday.”

“Fair enough.” My favorite dimple makes its appearance. “So we have two more stops to make today?”

“Actually, three.”

“Your flowers. My ring.” He lifts his brows and tilts his head. He does that when asking me a question without saying a word. I love our nonverbal communication, particularly the kind we use behind closed doors.

I clear my voice. “Undergarments and wedding night attire, Breck.”

“I see.” His dimple deepens. “We will definitely make time for that stop.”

“I knew you’d be in agreement.” I’m actually a little surprised lingerie shopping wasn’t his idea.

“I want to pick what you wear on our wedding night.”

Of course he does. That’s Sin’s thing. He loves to choose my intimates. He can be somewhat of a tyrant about it. I’ve never minded but this time is different. It’s our wedding night. I should be the one to decide what I wear. I want to be a gift for my husband, wrapped in lingerie for him to unwrap. “No. I want it to be a surprise.”

The lawyer in him wants to argue. I see it in his eyes. But I give him a look that dares him to strong-arm me on this one. “I said no.”

“Can I at least make a request since it’s my wedding night too?”

“I know what you like to see me wear, Breck. I’ll make it special. I promise you won’t be disappointed.”

Like any man, Sin likes to see me in ***y things but he doesn’t care for crude or explicit. There’s a line with him—he favors sensual over provocative. He says I’m his treasure and overtly ***ual things devalue me because I’m better than that.

I’ve studied profiling so I’m not ignorant to what’s really going on inside his head. Sin’s been with countless women and has seen it all. He’s been desensitized by all the *** he’s had thrown at him over the years.

But I’m the exception. I made him wait. And I made him work for the pleasure of having me, something no other man had ever touched. For Sin, there was no bigger turn-on.

My husband-to-be pulls me into his arms. “You could never disappoint me.”

He kisses me far too passionately considering we’re in public. But I let him, without a single complaint. “I love you, Bonny.”

“And I love you.” I’m sure everyone in the bridal shop is staring but I don’t care. “Is this that thing people call happiness?”

“It is, Bonny. I’m certain of it. And I can’t wait to know the rest of our story because you’re my happily ever after.”

“Bleu?” I hear a familiar voice so I twist in Sin’s arms.

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Oh ****. It’s Cody.

“Hey.” I straighten and step away from Sin as I clear my throat of my heart since it has just taken a leap upward.

“This makes three times in one week,” he says.

****. I didn’t tell Sin about Cody showing up at the hospice center.

I’m between a rock and a hard place. The rock being how to not introduce Sin and the hard place being how to avoid explaining why we’re at a bridal shop kissing like lovebirds.

Divert. Deflect. Distract. Make him do the talking so I don’t have to.

“What brings you in?”

“My buddy is getting married. I’m picking up my tux.”

Gotta keep him talking. “Anyone I know?”

“I don’t think so. He’s originally from the Vegas area. Moved here with his job.”

I can’t let him ask me what I’m doing here. “Is he a pilot?”

“Yeah. With Delta.”

“Nice.”

I’m racking my brain for what I’ll say next when Sin completely blows it for me, offering his hand to Cody. “Sinclair Breckenridge. I’m Bleu’s husband.” A devilish grin spreads. “Or at least I will be this Friday.”

Well, **** me running.

Cody looks from Sin to me. “You didn’t mention a fiancé when we were together the other night.”

I’m under the impression Cody could be trying to provoke Sin. If so, he shouldn’t. Sin doesn’t play fair. My old friend is in a whole other league he can’t begin to understand.

Sin has created a situation I can’t explain away. That’s a problem for me. Cody will tell his mother and then she’ll tell … everyone.

Sin can be such a bastard. He’s fixed this so I have to admit I’m marrying him.

“We had a terrible lovers’ spat the night I ran into you at the bar and I called off the wedding. That’s what I meant when I said I had just gotten out of an intense situation.” I look at Sin, giving him my best stink eye. “But we’ve ironed everything out now and the wedding’s back on.” I lean into Sin and pinch the skin on the back of his arm. “Isn’t that right, honey?”

“Aye! Aye!” he yelps. “It certainly is.” He yanks his arm free, wrapping it around my shoulder so I can no longer pinch him. “I can’t wait to make this sweet lass my wife.”

Cody puts his hands in his pockets and rocks back on his heels. “Your family must be very pleased.”

I’m not going there and I won’t let Sin, either.

“We’re actually in a hurry to make an appointment with our florist so we need to run,” I lie.

“Oh, sure. Wouldn’t want you to be late.” He shakes Sin’s hand again. “Congratulations. You’re getting a fine wife.”

“Thank you.” He takes my hand possessively. “Ready, love?”

I nod. “It was good seeing you again, Cody.”

I don’t say a word as we walk to the car. Once we’re inside, I’m tempted to beat the hell out of Sin. “I can not believe you just did that.”

“He tried to kiss you.”

“Unsuccessfully.”

“He’s been to the hospice center since your little reunion. I think we both know it wasn’t your father he came to see. He wants what’s mine. I had no choice but to let him know you weren’t his for the taking.”

“It doesn’t matter if he wants me.”

“I did what a husband does for his wife. I let him know you are mine. I don’t understand why you’re upset.”

“One: what you just did was unnecessary. We’ll likely never see Cody again so it doesn’t matter if he wants me or not. Two: this makes a huge problem for me. He’s going to tell his mom and then she’ll tell everyone. Word is bound to get back to my Dad and Ellison.”

“You’re going to be my wife in two days and I’m ****ing thrilled about it. Forgive me if I want someone besides us to know.”

“I don’t care if the world knows—as long as Dad and Ellison don’t find out.”

“I’m sorry. I’m possessive of you and I allowed it to get the better of me. I wasn’t thinking of what you’d want.” He brings my hand to his mouth and kisses it. “I’m sorry. Can you forgive me, Bonny?”

It’s hard to not forgive a man whose pet name for you means beautiful. “Maybe this time.”

I understand Sin’s drive to have Cody know I belong to him. It’s testosterone. Or nature. Call it what you like but it’s the only reason I’m able to overlook him going against my wishes.

“I’ve never allowed another man to touch me. Only you. Don’t forget it.”

Chapter Six

Sinclair Breckenridge

I’m marrying my Bonny Bleu tomorrow—without her family’s knowledge or her father’s approval. I’m not all right with that. It feels dirty—like committing a betrayal against a weak, dying man. There’s very little I find more lowdown than dishonoring a man under these con***ions.

I won’t enter our marriage this way.

Harold MacAllister won’t be around to watch over and protect Bleu. I believe he’ll find comfort in knowing I’m pledging my life to her safety and happiness. Wouldn’t every father want a man to take that vow for his daughter?

The hall smells of that all-too-familiar odor common to medical facilities. The chemical smell of medications. ****. Piss. Vomit. Bleach to mask the odor of the three. I remember it well. But there’s another smell here, different from what I grew accustomed to during my own recovery period.

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It’s the stench of death.

I swore I’d never enter a hospital again after my amputation. I had to when I nearly died of sepsis several months ago. Now, here I am inside a hospice care center because I want to speak to the man who, in twenty-four hours, will be my father-in-law.

I stand outside Harold MacAllister’s door and catch my breath as I prepare to knock. I’m apprehensive. Nerves aren’t something I experience often and I’m a little surprised by my anxiety.

I’m confident about everything I plan to tell Bleu’s father. I practiced it in my head all night. I’m just not sure how well it will be received.

I knock and a woman’s voice tells me to enter. I open the door and find Ellison standing on one side of Harold MacAllister’s bed, a nurse on the other. “Good morning. We’re helping Mr. Mac get a little more comfortable.” They’re using a sheet to move him up toward the head of his bed. “I don’t know how you worm your way down so quickly. Seems like we just pulled you up an hour ago.”

They finish and lift the head of the bed so Harold is almost in a sitting position. “Here’s your call light. Buzz me if you need anything.”

“Thanks, Marge,” Ellison says.

Bleu’s sister waits until the nurse is gone to address me. “You’re him.”

She recognizes me? How? I was under the impression Ellison knew nothing of me.

“You need to go, Elli,” Harold tells his daughter. Apparently, he recognizes me as well.

“Hello, Mr. MacAllister.” I nod in Ellison’s direction. “Miss MacAllister.”

“Don’t be rude, Dad. This is Bleu’s friend she met while she was in Scotland on assignment.” Oh. She knows more than I expected.

“Leave now, Ellison.”

Bleu’s sister is clearly shocked by her father’s reaction. “I’ll be right outside if you need me.”

I wait until Ellison is gone to introduce myself. “I’m Sinclair Breckenridge. It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

“You’ve come for her.” He puts his hand to his chest and is gasping for air.

I’m scaring the **** out of the poor man. “I have but not for the reason you think.” I pass him the cup of water from his bedside table. “Have a drink.”

He does as I suggest but he’s working hard to catch his breath. “Slow your breathing. You’re working yourself into being short of air.” Bleu will be very displeased with me if I send her father into some sort of attack.

“Why have you come?”

I gesture toward the bedside chair. “May I?”

He nods and appears to be calming a little. Maybe.

Everything I rehearsed in my head is a blur. “Please, bear with me. I had all of this planned out—everything I wanted to say to you—but I’m suddenly at a loss.” This doesn’t happen to me. I never lose control. I’m a total mess.

“Mr. MacAllister. I’m not sure what Bleu has told you. I’m probably rewinding a little too far but I’m doing so because I don’t want there to be any confusion.”

“Go ahead,” he says.

“You’re aware Bonny infiltrated The Fellowship through me with the goal of killing my father?” Dammit. That sounded horrid, as though I’ve come to avenge him. “I’m sorry. That came out all wrong.” I’m doing a terrible job.

“Please don’t hurt my daughter,” Harold pleas.

“I’m not here to harm Bonny.”

“Bonny?”

I laugh. “That’s my special name for Bleu.”

I get up to pace the room as I talk. Walking always seems to calm me. “Anyway, she wasn’t successful. But I’m sure you know this already.”

“She decided she couldn’t go through with it.” Okay. We may be getting closer to being on the same page.

“Aye. But do you know why she couldn’t go through with it?”

“Her conscience got the better of her.” That’s a half-truth.

“That much is true but what she hasn’t told you is why she developed a conscience about killing my father.”

His brow wrinkles, his eyes squinted, as though he’s trying to put the pieces together. “What are you saying?”

“She couldn’t go through with it because we fell in love.”

He’s shaking his head in denial. “No.”

“Trust me. I didn’t want to love her, but I do—with all my heart. It’s not what she wanted or planned, either, but still, she loves me all the same.”

“I don’t believe you.” Harold raises his voice as much as he’s able. “This is one of your crafty tricks.”

“My uncle discovered Bleu’s deception. I was supposed to kill her but I couldn’t do it because I love her. I let her escape with a promise—I’d find a way to erase her grievance with The Fellowship.”

“Let’s assume I believe you’re in love with one another. How do you suppose you’re going to fix a problem of this magnitude? The Fellowship doesn’t forgive and forget.”

“Abram’s men are in the US right now. They’re on a mission to hunt and execute Bleu. She could probably run and avoid them but she refuses to leave you. Even if she did, it puts Ellison at risk. My uncle wouldn’t hesitate in using your other daughter as a way to draw Bleu out.”