A Necessary Sin (The Sin Trilogy, #1)(70)

It’s likely late evening based on the amount of sunlight in the room. That means I’ve slept a long time but it’s not surprising. I’m sure Jamie shot me up with plenty of narcotics.

Bleu is sleeping next to me, curled into the fetal position. I can’t resist touching her so I reach out and stroke the back of my hand down her face. “I love you, Bleu MacAllister. I’ll always do what it takes to keep you safe, no matter the extreme.”

She stirs in her sleep so I stroke her face again. I’m aware of how selfish I’m being for waking her but I can’t help myself. “Bonny.”

She stretches and turns on her side to face me, eyes wide open. She reaches out to touch my face and the sensation is peculiar. It feels fat and numb, from the swelling I suppose. “Breck. You’re awake.”

“Only just now.” She scoots closer, careful to not come too near. As much as I love her touch, I don’t think I can stand it. Everything hurts. “Opeing my eyes to see you lying next to me … there isn’t a more beautiful sight to look upon when waking.” I wouldn’t mind it being this way every morning of our lives.

“You left here last night on your way to a meeting with The Fellowship council. How in the hell did it escalate to this?”

I recount the events of last night for Bleu. “So clearly, it didn’t go the way anyone expected.”

“Obviously,” she says.

“Abram is very displeased.” That’s an understatement. He’s mad as hell.

“Why? He got to see you get the shit beaten out of you. He probably popped fresh popcorn while he watched the show.” Wow. She’s bitter.

“He likely did enjoy it since I burst his bubble by informing him I’d never marry his daughter, Westlyn.”

Bleu makes a confused face—wrinkled brow, narrowed eyes. “But she’s your cousin.”

“Not by blood. Remember Abram was adopted. The brotherhood would accept it, probably happily. Our union would strengthen the brotherhood. That’s win-win for everyone, except me.”

“He wants you as a son-in-law so he can whisper in your ear.”

She gets this completely. “Exactly.”

“He would be a total nightmare as a father-in-law.”

“Without doubt,” I agree.

“I think he finally understood it’s not going to happen.”

“Good.” Her hand finds mine. “Are you in much pain?”

Aye. I feel like I’ve been run over by a train but I’ll never admit it. I don’t want her to carry any guilt about my decision. “It’s not too bad.”

“Liar.”

“I’ve been called worse.” I laugh, and then grimace because it hurts like a son of a bitch. “Mmm …,” I groan.

“Okay, Mr. ‘It’s Not Too Bad.’ Tell me how I can make this better.”

“As much as I dread getting up, I need the toilet and I fear I’ll require your assistance.” She comes around to my side of the bed. “I’m going to be slow.”

“No worries. I have all the time in the world. I’m a kept woman so I have nowhere to be.”

“I’m not sure how well kept you’ll be while I’m in this kind of shape.”

“We’re partners, Breck.” She leans down to kiss the top of my head. “You take care of me and now, I’m going to care for you.”

She squats down and attaches my blade I wear at home as I sit on the edge of the bed. I then use her for support while walking. “I’ve got it from here.”

“I don’t trust your legs.”

I don’t really want her in here with me when I piss for the first time. I’m expecting blood—maybe lots of it considering the abuse my kidneys and bladder took. I’m afraid she’ll freak out. “Come on, Bonny Bleu. You won’t even take a piss without closing the door.”

“I shut the door because I’m a lady and I prefer you didn’t know I have bodily functions. You, on the other hand, use the toilet in front of me all the time. You’re not shy so there’s no need to start now.”

“Don’t fight me on this.”

She sighs and leaves, shutting the door behind her.

I finish using the toilet and I’m glad she wasn’t with me. It was a lot of blood—enough I should probably tell Jamie. I’m not sure that’s normal even for what I went through. “All done.”

She helps me back to bed and removes my prosthesis. “Can I get you something to eat?”

I was hit in the gut too many times to have much of an appetite. “Maybe something to drink. A Johnnie Walker.”

“You’ve mixed enough whisky with narcotics. I’ll get you tea instead.”

I smile at her retreating figure. She’s going to be a total pain in my ass while I recover. And I love it.



* * *



It’s been a week since endurance. I’m much better, thanks to Bleu’s excellent nursing, so it’s time for her initiation into The Fellowship. The ceremony is taking place at my parents’ country estate outside of Edinburgh. My mum has gone all out, making it a formal affair. It’s the complete opposite of the usual meeting in the conference room with a few witnesses, followed by lots of whisky at Duncan’s.