A Necessary Sin (The Sin Trilogy, #1)(74)

“What are your thoughts about me moving my photography business here?” I ask, having no idea what kind of response I’ll get.

“Hmm … I don’t dislike the idea but I think your services could be better utilized by The Fellowship. Working for the public does nothing for the brotherhood.”

I can sort of see where he’s going with this. “How might I serve The Fellowship?”

“You’re a photographer. We could often use the services of a professional.”

I’m liking this idea much better. “You mean you’d have me taking surveillance photos?”

“Aye. It’s something we require on a regular basis so I think it’s worth considering.”

Criminals interest me far more than blushing brides and other people’s crying babies. Since I’ve been trained in surveillance, this will work out much better for me. “I like it.”

Now here comes the part about getting me back to the US so I can spend time with Harry. “All of my equipment is stored at my studio. I’ll need to make a trip home so I can pack it and ship everything here. I have my aunt’s settlement so I can take care of closing the studio for good while I’m there.”

“I’ll need to run it by Dad but I think he’ll be pleased with the idea.”

“I wouldn’t rouse suspicion since I don’t look the part of the typical Fellowship member you’d utilize for surveillance. Hopefully, your father would see me as an asset.”

“I agree. And going home would give you a chance to visit with your father and sister. I’m sure you miss them.”

“I do, terribly.” He can’t possibly imagine how much.

“Then we shall get you home.” Sin takes off his glasses, putting them on his desk. “I haven’t given you the attention you deserve this week. For that, I’m sorry, so I’m going to put this work away until another time.”

“Thank you.”

“I think we should go out tonight. Maybe invite some friends to go to the casino with us? What do you think?”

That sounds like fun. I haven’t been gambling in a while. “I would like that very much.”



* * *



There are six of us. Sin invited Jamie and Leith. I invited the only two girls I feel like I know at all—Lorna and Westlyn. That sucks for Jamie since Westlyn is his sister but Lorna is in love with Leith, so maybe I’m doing her a favor by bringing them together outside of work.

“What would you like to play first?” Sin asks.

Blackjack is my game. I’m a card counter—but I tell no one. I believe my mother was one as well. Perhaps that’s how she fell into the gaming profession. I guess you can say gambling is in my blood.

I don’t want to give myself away. “I should probably start with the American roulette table.”

Westlyn, Lorna, and I take the seats at the table while the men stand behind us. Sin tosses a pile of bills on the table and the dealer changes them for chips. “I’ve got the first round.”

Damn. He’s spotting everyone.

We’ve never discussed finances but I know how much money Sin has. It was part of my research—to know how much and where his funds come from. He has legit investments that have nothing to do with The Fellowship. He’s highly intelligent when it comes to capital so he’s a wealthy young man. I’m sure that’s another reason all the single Fellowship ladies are so sad to see him take up with the likes of me. I don’t love the thought of how many women would like to have him.

I can think of one good thing about Sin substituting in my place for my endurance test. No woman from The Fellowship will ever question his feelings for me. He still hasn’t said those words. I’m not sure he ever will but what he did leaves no question in my heart or mind. Sinclair loves me.

Everyone places bets but I go straight for the zero and double zero. It’s my favorite wager because the payout is greater. “That’s all you’re betting?”

“It’s a good bet. If either of the zeroes hits, it’ll pay well.” I’m not going to place stupid bets simply because I’m not using my own money.

Lorna is clueless about what she’s doing. She’s placed several wagers that will cancel one another out so I turn to Leith behind me. “You should help Lorna. She has no idea what she’s doing.”

“Lorna makes her own decisions.” He brings his whisky to his mouth and tosses it back.

“She doesn’t understand the rules of the game. Her bets don’t make sense and the dealer isn’t going to tell her the difference.”

“Then she shouldn’t play games she doesn’t understand.” Leith can be cold toward Lorna at times. I never noticed him being that way with the other girls at the bar. I’ll need to ask Sin later if he knows what Leith’s problem is.

I don’t fare well at the roulette table so I decide it’s time to head over for some blackjack. “I’ve lost enough here. I’m going to try my luck at cards. Want to come with me?”

“Aye.” We sit side by side. “Do you know how to play?”

I avoid a direct answer. “You try to come closer to twenty-one than the dealer without busting?”

He seems satisfied with my understanding.