A Necessary Sin (The Sin Trilogy, #1)(42)

I want to keep things exactly as they are. I’ve secretly claimed Bleu so she’s my responsibility. If her presence becomes a problem, I’ll be the one to deal with it.



* * *



It’s peculiar how quickly one can become accustomed to the presence of another in their home. I enjoy having Bleu here—but she won’t stay forever. I’m slightly regretful about ending her employment at the bar. She’s free to spend her days tending to her aunt’s final arrangements while I’m working. That means she’ll return home sooner than I’d like. I’m not pleased about that prospect. I’ve become attached to her in a short time. I didn’t think it was possible.

I’m sitting in the living room sipping a whisky and listening to Violin Sonata no. 9 when Bleu arrives home. She comes through the door carrying two armfuls of bags and I recall her telling me she’d be going by the market. I’d forgotten about her cooking dinner for me tonight—something southern.

I move to get up. “I’ll get those for you.”

“No, I’m good. Nice song choice.”

She stops by for a quick kiss on her way to the kitchen. “Hi.”

“Hi.” She giggles and looks at the drink in my hand. “Rough day?”

“Aye, my leg was giving me a little trouble but it’s much better now.”

“Would it help if I rubbed it for you?”

“I’m good but I might take you up on that offer another time.”

I follow her into the kitchen. I’ve missed my Bonny Bleu today. “Were you able to find everything you need?”

“It was a struggle.” She sighs. “I’m used to huge stores where they sell everything plus a kitchen sink. There’s only small markets in this area, which I guess is okay since I can’t carry a shit ton of groceries home anyway.”

“Sterling can drive you to a bigger supermarket.”

“I bought enough for a few days. Maybe he can take me toward the end of the week if we run low.”

She’s unloading the bags so I help. “I was thinking about something today. Would you consider staying in Edinburgh once you’ve settled your aunt’s estate?”

“Hmm … let me think about this one. I don’t work. I get to do what I want all day and then have great sex every night. Living the life of a claimed woman is tough stuff.” She laughs. She closes the cabinet and looks at me. “Oh. You’re not kidding.”

“I’m very serious.”

She leans against the countertop and crosses her arms. “I don’t know. It’s not something I’ve considered.”

“What if I told you I want you to stay?” I ask.

“I’d be taken by surprise.”

“But you wouldn’t say no?”

“It’s something I’d have to think about. I have a family to consider. And a business with a lot of financial responsibility tied up in it.”

I go to her and hold her face in my hands. “Think about it. For me.” I kiss the top of her head. “I’ll take care of you. That includes any debt you’ve incurred in your business.” She opens her mouth to speak. I suspect she’s going to argue so I place my finger over her lips. “Nothing would change. You’d still do as you please each day. And I’d do as I please each night.” She grins at the last part. “But babies and brides need to be photographed in Edinburgh as well. Bleu Mac’s Photography would fit in quite well if you wanted to work.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“Perfect. Are you getting closer to finalizing the estate?” I could’ve assisted her and had the proper paperwork done a week ago, but I didn’t want to speed the process.

“Yes. Maybe another week.”

“Then you don’t have long to sort out what you want to do.”

“No, seven days isn’t long when you’re considering a decision like this. But even if I decide to stay, I can only visit a total of six months on a passport and visa.”

“I want as many days as possible with you.” I sweep a stray hair from her face. “I can think of nothing worse than having an ocean between us,” I say.

“The last few weeks have been the best of my life.” She presses her palm to my face. “Is this that thing people call happiness?”

“I think it could be.” But if it’s not, I believe this is the closest I’ll ever get.



* * *



I leave Bleu in bed every morning when I get up for work but today is different. She’s up and I’m surprised when she comes into the shower with me. “Why are you awake so early?”

“I have something to do today.” I don’t recall her mentioning plans. I guess something with the estate fell through. Good. I want to keep her here as long as possible. It’s a reminder her days with me could be winding down.

Unless there’s a problem with selling the flat, she’ll no longer have it to deal with after next Friday. That’s when she’ll have a decision to make—pack her remaining things to bring here or ship them to the US.

“Did something go wrong with the flat’s buyer?”

“No. Everything is fine with the sale,” she says. “I’m meeting your mother in an hour. We’re going shopping together.”