A Necessary Sin (The Sin Trilogy, #1)(7)

He looks at the American as she bends over to pick up a napkin that blew off her serving tray. “I don’t know about that, buddy. Her bum is nice.”

I watch her skirt ride almost up to the cheeks of her arse and then back down again when she stands. “She’s easy on the eyes, mate. I won’t argue that point but I can say with confidence that you’ve made a problem for yourself with the elders.”

“If I get between those legs, it’ll be worth the fallout with Thane and Abram.”

“Whatever.” Leith can’t be trusted to make the wisest decisions when it comes to The Fellowship. It’s a good thing he’s in charge of this bar and not within the inner circle where the big decisions are made. I’m certain Dad and Abram wouldn’t put up with his bullshit.

The American lass passes by our table on the way back to her pouring station. Leith reaches out to catch her around the waist. “Come here. I want you to meet my other best mate.” He snakes his arm around her and grasps her hip, pulling her close. He’s being a wanker. “Meet the infamous Sinclair Breckenridge.”

“The infamous, huh?” She smiles and holds out her hand. “Hi. Bleu MacAllister.”

Bleu MacAllister. I repeat her name in my head five times as I look at her face so she’ll be etched in my memory. It’s probably unnecessary. I highly doubt I could forget her unusual name or bonny face. “It’s a pleasure, Miss MacAllister. May I ask what brings you to Edinburgh?”

“My Aunt Edy, who was really my grandmother’s best friend, fell ill. Cancer. I was quite fond of her. She was like family so I came over to care for her during her last days.”

“Then she’s already passed?” I ask.

“Three weeks ago.”

“And you’re still here?” I point out.

“I’m the only one in the family who has the flexibility to stay and settle Edy’s estate.”

“Is that a more dignified way of saying you don’t have a job?” I sound rude—exactly the way I intend.

“Stop cross-examining her,” Leith warns. “You’ll have to excuse him, Bleu. He’s near finished his training to become a solicitor and he takes it a little too far sometimes.”

I don’t need Leith to apologize for my actions. “I’m not taking anything too far. I’m making conversation about why a grown woman would not have a life or profession to get back to.”

“I never said I didn’t have a life or profession.” She places her hand on her hip.

“Then you have employment?”

“I’m a photographer—mostly babies and brides. I’m the owner of a private studio so I have more freedom in my job than my father or sister.”

“Yet you’re working in a bar as a wench?”

“I’m a visitor, and as a lawyer, I’d think you’d be aware that I don’t have a work visa. Because I can’t be legally employed, I’m very grateful Leith hired me as a wench since Edinburgh isn’t a cheap place to live.”

I do believe Miss MacAllister is a firecracker. “Did your aunt not leave you an inheritance?”

“Yes, hence my reason for staying to settle her affairs. It’s time consuming, as I’m sure you understand, being that you’re in the legal profession.” She turns away from me to Leith. “Is your friend always this disagreeable?”

Leith slides his hand from her hip to her arse. “Unquestionably.”

She moves his hand off her bum. “You don’t pay me enough for that privilege.”

“I can give you a raise.” Leith laughs.

“I’m sure you can, boss,” she calls out over her shoulder as she walks away.

“That lass is something, eh?”

She’s beautiful and charming. I hope that doesn’t backfire on my pal. “My gut tells me she’s something all right, but what, I’m not certain.”

“You’re always so paranoid.”

He’s right. I suspect everyone but paranoia keeps me alive, so I’m perfectly fine with it.

The next hour is much the same. Leith looks the part of a prick as he flirts with the American each time she walks by. She seems receptive to his advances but I’m not so sure that’s a good thing.

I wonder how long she’ll be here. I hope not a minute longer than it takes to settle her business since Leith is too stupid to see this is a train wreck waiting to happen. Perhaps I should offer her legal assistance so I can hurry along the process. Private law concerning inheritance settlement isn’t my specialty but I know enough to advise her.

“She’s back.” I don’t have to turn around to know whom Jamie means. It’s Geneen. “And she’s brought McLain with her again.”

I turn around and Geneen smirks, looking proud to have me see her with another man. It’s laughable for her to think she could make me jealous.

“You’re a tube if you don’t go over there and beat him until he pisses himself.”

I despise that bitch for coming here with him but Jamie’s right. She’s forcing my hand or I’ll appear weak in front of the brotherhood. I can’t have that. “I will, but not before Geneen gets a penance f*ck for doing this.” I’ll get far more satisfaction from that than slamming my fist into McLain’s face.