A Necessary Sin (The Sin Trilogy, #1)(48)

“No. Please, come in.”

More tears spill from Bleu’s eyes. She cares for me. “I need a moment with my mum and father.”

She wipes the drops away. “Of course.” She stands and leans forward to kiss my forehead. “I’ll just be right outside if you need me.”

I grab the back of her neck and pull her in for a kiss—a real one—since it could be the last time. “I want you to come back in as soon as I’m finished talking.”

“Absolutely.”

My mum sits at my side while Dad stands. “James tells us ye aren’t doing well.” She’s always called him that.

“He’s the doctor,” I say, smiling weakly.

“He says you can make a full recovery,” my father says.

“Or I might die. Flip of a coin.”

“You’re a Breckenridge. You’ll survive this.” I don’t think sepsis cares what my surname is.

I cut straight to why I called them in. “Dad knows about my recent quarrel with Abram but I want you to know as well. He believes Bleu is an informant. He sent Malcolm into my house while I was away—supposedly to scare her into admitting who she’s working for.” I stop for a moment to catch my breath. “I’m not sure I believe that was his true intention but it turned deadly. I led him to believe I killed Malcolm by accident because it was dark and I didn’t recognize him. But that isn’t what happened.” I stop again because my head is dizzy. “He attacked Bleu and she defended herself. She’s the one who killed him.”

“This isn’t good.” Dad sighs. “But Abram doesn’t need to find out differently. It will only add fuel to the fire.”

“That poor lass,” my mum says. “She must’ve been petrified.” I somehow doubt that since she put Malcolm in a chokehold and strangled him.

“I don’t trust him with Bleu.”

“With good reason, it seems,” Mum says.

“Dad, I promised Bleu I would protect her and I can’t do that from this bed. You’re the only one who can if Abram decides to strike while I’m here.”

“I will take care of her for you, son.”

“Mum, I haven’t asked anything of you since I was a child but I am now because I need you. Dad can’t be with her at all times. Please take her into your care. He won’t touch her as long as she’s under your roof.”

“I too will ensure her safety.”

“Thank you.” I feel a burden lifted.

“You care for this lass.” It isn’t a question. “I see it happening before my eyes.”

I’m not sure I could admit the truth if I weren’t straddling life and death. “I do, very much.”

“I never thought I’d see you care for anyone.” I’m aware of the wretched person my mother believes I am.

“It’s unexpected.” I never saw myself caring for any woman.

“She told me it would be very easy to fall in love with ye. I believe she has.” Mum is all smiles. “Do ye love her?”

“Being loved by me will make her a huge target.” Abram won’t be her only threat. “I don’t want to—but I can’t help myself.”

My parents look at one another and then back at me. “We heard what you said to one another. You’ve claimed her?” my dad says.

“I have. And I don’t regret it. I would do it again.”

“Yer wise tae keep it secret. It won’t serve ye well if the brotherhood finds out.”

“I’ve already told her she has to leave immediately if I die. She’ll need you to help her get out safely.”

“Dinnae lie here worrying aboot her well-being. She’s in good hands. Rest and concentrate on recovering.”

It’s strange. I’ve connected with my mum for the first time in my adult life and it’s a direct result of Bleu’s presence in our lives. Another first because of her.

“Please ask Bleu to come back. I need to give her an explanation for why she’ll be staying with you.”

“Ye won’t warn her about Abram?” Mum asks.

“I don’t want to give her a reason to be paranoid around him. That will only make him more suspicious of her.”

My mum comes to me and does something she hasn’t done since I was a child. She hugs me. “I love ye, Sinclair.”

“I love you too.” I can’t recall the last time I heard or said those words.

My mum leaves and she sends Bleu back. “I know you do a damn fine job of protecting yourself but I don’t want you staying alone. I’ve spoken to my parents and you’re going to their house until I’m out of here.”

“I will if it’ll make you feel better.”

No argument? She’s making this very easy. “It’s what I want.”

Good. I’ve ensured her safety. Now, all I have to do is survive.





Chapter Seventeen





Bleu MacAllister




I’m not prepared for how quickly Sin’s condition declines. Within an hour, he’s dependent upon a ventilator to breathe for him because his body can no longer do it on its own. I’m terrified he isn’t going to survive the night.