Marry Screw Kill(24)

I inch a little closer to the kitchen so I can make out what they’re saying. I stop before they can see me and lean against the hallway wall, resembling an undercover spy.

“I didn’t mention it earlier, but I have a penthouse apartment downtown. Perhaps you’d feel more comfortable staying there,” James says, and I drop my head as my heart deflates. I want Sin to stay with us … or, really, just be here close to me. I have known him less than a day and the heaviness in my chest when I think of him leaving surprises me.

“So, it’s by the hospital?” Sin asks, sounding interested in James’ offer. Dammit.

“Yes. It’s my crash pad. I haven’t used it much since Harlow came to live with me, though. No matter how long my day is, a body like hers is worth the long drive home.”

How could he speak about me like that, and in front of his nephew? I want to hide until Sin leaves, but I stay plastered to the wall, hardly breathing.

“Man, she’s your fiancée,” Sin remarks. Here’s a virtual stranger showing me more respect than my own fiancé, but Sin’s more than a stranger to me. No matter what I tell myself, I want him to like me, and by defending me, he shows he cares.

“And?” James questions.

“How can you treat her with such disrespect?”

“Come on, Sinclair. You can’t tell me you haven’t thought about f*cking her, too. Every man wants inside a woman like her. It’s our nature.”

What did he say? I clutch my stomach, as if his words punched me in the gut. He talks like I’m nothing more than a possession to him. I feel cheap and embarrassed. And I can’t ignore how the degrading comment rolled off his tongue like second nature.

Hearing the man who professes to love me say such cheap words stings. A silent tear of shame runs down my cheek.

“That’s so f*cked up,” Sin announces. Footsteps sound on the wood floor and Sin comes into sight down the hallway. He turns his head and our eyes connect. His face falls as he realizes I heard everything James said about me.

“What is it?” James asks, and then he’s standing next to Sin.

Sin’s eyes are filled with sympathy, just like they were last night when I saw him in the driveway. James has a smirk on his face and scans my body with hunger in his eyes. Both looks make me feel ashamed in different ways.

As they stare back at me, I want to fold into myself and disappear. To where, I don’t know. For now, I’m trapped in this hallway with nowhere to go as James starts to move forward.

“And here she is, my Sleeping Beauty.” James strides toward me, all smiles and open arms.

He completely ignores the fact that I likely heard him talking to Sinclair and places his hands on my shoulders. When he lowers his head to mine for a kiss, I turn my cheek to the side. He squeezes hard and releases his grip to get my attention. I look back up at him and he shakes his head in the slightest fashion. It’s a slight rebuke, but I close my eyes and allow him to kiss me. It’s not worth the fight. I need to keep him happy so I can see Emma.

“That’s better,” he whispers into my ear before standing up straight again. I give him a weak smile and it appears to satisfy him. When he’s no longer touching me, I slump in relief.

“Did you sleep well?” James asks.

“Yes,” I whisper, nodding my head. I glance around James at Sinclair, who’s shifting on his feet. “Morning, Sinclair.”

“Hi, Harlow.” Sin’s voice is soft and filled with concern. His eyes are cloudy and troubled as he looks directly at me.

When I walk past Sin on the way to the coffeemaker, my fingers accidently—or maybe on purpose, if I’m honest—glide over his hand. That odd buzz from yesterday sends a vibration up my arm. I want to linger so badly, but I pull my hand away before James notices.

I grab a cup from the cabinet and pour some coffee, noticing Sin’s computer bag lying on the counter close by.

“Sinclair was just heading out to his orientation meeting at The Clinic, right?” I search Sin’s eyes, waiting for his response.

“Right,” Sin answers, but there’s no conviction in his tone. His eyes glance between James and I, the sea of awkwardness mounting. “I better head out.”

“We’ll get you set up at the apartment downtown after brunch tomorrow at the club,” James continues, like nothing degrading ever left his mouth. How easily he switches from crude to polished alarms me. It’s seamless and eye opening.

“Okay.” Sin hesitates. “I just need the keys.”

“Oh, right. Here you go.” James tosses a keychain to Sin. “Let me know if you have any trouble with the car. Remember what I told you about the gear shifting.”

“Got it.” Sin stuffs the keys into his pants pocket, ones that fit him perfectly everywhere. “Bye, James. Harlow.” He stops fidgeting and peers into my eyes.

“Bye,” I murmur, unable to disguise my disappointment that he’s leaving the house … and me.

I want to thank him for standing up for me, but with James hovering over me, the thought gets squelched. It would start a firestorm. I can only hope I’ll see Sin later tonight. He needs to know how much it meant to me. He said the words I wish I had the nerve to say. I used to have the guts to stand up for myself. Before she died. I search within myself to find that quieted part of me. I think it’s called dignity.