A Necessary Sin (The Sin Trilogy, #1)(35)

“You haven’t mentioned a sister.”

“She’s gone.”

“Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.”

I still nearly become sick every time I think of what happened to my baby sister. “She was five years old when someone came into her room and smothered her. To this day, we don’t know who.” They used her favorite stuffed animal, a leopard-print cat, a gift for her birthday. She loved that thing so much.

Bleu suddenly becomes pale and fidgety. She seems heavily affected by hearing of Cara’s death. “Is child killing a common practice in your world?”

I can’t believe she would even think that. “Never! No one in The Fellowship condones the killing of a child. We aren’t monsters, Bonny. None of us would harm a child. There’s no place for that in my brotherhood.”

“What does The Fellowship value most? Do they hold anything dear?” I don’t care for her tone. It implies she believes we have no feelings or emotions.

“Nothing means more to us than family and loyalty. We have codes concerning both that we don’t break.” Some believe our devotion is misguided because of the things we do and find acceptable, but I don’t question the trust I have in my brotherhood.

“What would you do if you found out a comrade had harmed a child?”

“I’d kill him.” No second thoughts.

“You’d do that even if it was someone you loved dearly?”

She has misjudged me. “We should become clear about one thing. I love no one dearly. But back to your question … I wouldn’t hesitate if the circumstances warranted. It’s my place to carry out swift justice.”

“How many people have you killed?”

She should know she can’t ask that. She’ll need to learn she isn’t privy to Fellowship information. “I’m not discussing that with you.”

“Why not?”

Is it not obvious? “Because you aren’t Fellowship.”

“But you’ve told me other things.”

“I’ve told you nothing of consequence. Admitting to murder is something entirely different. Don’t forget I’m a lawyer. I’m intelligent enough to avoid incriminating myself.”

“I don’t ask because I’m going to run to the authorities. I know you’d kill me if I did.”

“Aye. I would.”

Bleu understands how I operate, yet she’s still here. She isn’t afraid of what might happen. I choose to believe that’s because she isn’t planning to be anything but trustworthy.

If I were capable of having feelings for a woman, I think I’d have them for Bleu. It’s really too bad she’ll be leaving sooner rather than later. I think I could see this thing between us going somewhere if she stayed.

This conversation needs a new direction. “Did you enjoy lunch?”

“I did. Your father was very charming toward me considering I’m forbidden fruit.”

Of course there’s the issue of The Fellowship but it felt like my father was understanding of my liaison with Bleu. I guess he would be since he’s been there. “I feel good about Dad’s reaction. He seemed encouraging. That’s never happened with any woman.”

“Why would he not urge you to have a relationship? I would think he’d want you to eventually marry and have children.”

“I’m guessing they haven’t been pushing for it because I’m still in my traineeship. Once I’m finished, I expect them to press for a marriage. They’ll expect me to produce a son.” That doesn’t bring pleasant thoughts to mind.

“Then you may only have a few months of bachelorhood left. Do you have your eyes set on a lucky lady?”

“Not a one.”

“Will your father choose a wife for you if you won’t?”

“He might try, but I’d prefer to not marry at all if I have to live the way my parents did.” I lace my fingers through Bleu’s and squeeze. “I’m not attracted to weak women willing to give their bodies to men to get what they want. Most of The Fellowship women have been passed around by my brothers. I don’t want to wonder how many of them have f*cked my wife.”

“I can see where that might be a turnoff.”

“Aye, a huge one. But I have a new favorite turn-on—a woman who’s only had me inside her.”

“I’m happy you’re pleased.” She gets up from the couch and tugs on my hands. “Come to the bedroom with me. We’ll see if I can please you again.”



* * *



The shifting of the bed wakes Bleu when I move to the edge to put on my prosthesis. I don’t usually apply it for a visit to the toilet but I’m not doing the naked hop in front of her.

She slides over and kisses my bare back. “Where do you think you’re going? It’s too early to get out of bed. ”

“The toilet.”

“Will you be coming back?”

It’s already later than I usually sleep—but it’s Saturday, so I don’t have work today. “Do you want me back in bed with you?”

“I do but you probably shouldn’t get any ideas about a morning shag. I fear my body is protesting your exploitation of it last night. I’m not feeling my best down there.”