Marry Screw Kill(49)

How in the hell does he know this story? The only other option makes my stomach heave. It had to have been my mother.

But when? The possibilities usher a cold, damp sweat over my skin. I try to ignore the thoughts running through my head.

I do my best to keep it together the rest of brunch. I should confront him and find out the truth, but I’m so close to leaving him.

If it were possible to run out the door, I would without a thought. Instead, I nod when it’s appropriate and shift food around on my plate. I even manage to eat a couple bites.

One question drowns out everything around me: did he know my mother? Deep down, I know the answer, and it horrifies me.

James rubs his hand over mine and the simple contact brings me out of my shock-induced stupor. His touch sickens me to my soul and I pull my hand away.

“You’re being awfully quiet today, love.”

“It’s that headache still.” This time, my excuse isn’t a lie. My head feels like it might split in two.

“Maybe we should leave,” James says. I nod my head and try to compose myself. “Why don’t you let Emma drive you straight home? I’ll lead Sinclair downtown to the condo.”

“Are you okay with that, Emma?” I ask, praying she says yes. I need to talk to her about everything—leaving James, him knowing about how I was named. My world has been turned upside down and I can’t shake the fear prickling my skin. If James knew my mother before he met me … I can’t begin to wrap my head around what that means and how he became a part of my life. The possibilities frighten me.

“Sure. I’m free for the rest of the day.” She might be addressing me, but her eyes rest on Sin.

I hate that my last few minutes with Sin are clouded by this pounding in my head. I get up from the table and Emma comes to my side.

“You really aren’t doing well.” She laces her elbow with mine.

“Just need some fresh air,” I say, fighting back tears. Though I’m scared from the revelation about James, I’m more upset about never seeing Sin again. I want to give him a hug goodbye, but James will freak out if I do.

Emma ushers me through the club’s lobby area. Paul never works Sundays, but I wish he were scheduled today. I need to see his smiling face.

Once we are outside, we walk toward the parking lot. I take a couple deep breaths, but the unnerving fears linger.

“Sin.” Sin’s name rolls off Emma’s tongue. “He’s the hottest guy I’ve ever spoken to. The color of his eyes. His jaw porn. His hard body. Damn, Harlow. Is it bad that I want to screw his brains out?” She giggles, and I flinch.

How can I tell her it’s bad when, if I’m honest with myself, I want to be with him, too? Why fight the truth? His touch against my skin is electrifying, where as James’ fingers are as cold as ice. But I have to face reality. Being with Sin is impossible. We would never have a chance.

“He’s a great guy,” I say through heavy tears, unable to keep them at bay any longer. Next, my shoulders start to shake with sobs. I am a complete mess.

“What is going on?” Emma asks.

“Just get me to the car.” This time, she takes my hand in hers. I glance up and see her concerned face through my wet tears.

“Harlow!” Sin calls out from somewhere behind me. I forgot he parked in the lot, leaving James likely alone, waiting for his Mercedes sedan at the valet.

I stop in my tracks, even though Emma’s car is right next to me. I hate for Sin to see me like this. He probably thinks I’m an emotionally unstable head case—and he would be right. Yesterday, I lost it with him, and now, I’m losing it over him.

“Something’s up.” Emma moves to stand in front of me. “Sin kept looking at you during brunch. He hardly took his eyes off you, no matter how hard I tried to get his attention.”

I bury my head in my hands. “How did my life get to be such a damn mess?”

“Oh, Harlow.” Emma lovingly rubs my shoulder. “You’ve been through so much.”

“I’m leaving James,” I choke out the words.

“Yes!” Emma doesn’t hide her enthusiasm. “But is there something up with Sin?”

I let my hands fall down to my sides and look at Emma. “There can’t be anything with him. Ever.”

Footsteps approach me from behind, and then stop. I smell Sin before I even know he is standing by me. That earthy leather scent, it will always be him to me.

“Emma, can I speak with Harlow for a moment? Alone?” Sin stands next to Emma and she nods before walking to the driver’s door of her car.

I glance over my shoulder and don’t see James from where I’m standing. I have a few precious seconds to tell Sin goodbye. I wipe my eyes and try on a feeble smile. I don’t want his last memory of me to be this sobbing mess.

“Thank you for everything.” I stare up into those beautiful whiskey eyes of his and my control fades away. My vision blurs again and I give in to the emotion.

“I’ve done nothing for you yet, Harlow, but I want to.” Sin brings a finger to my cheek and wipes away my tears. His finger caresses my skin with the lightest of touches, but I feel it all the way to my toes. “Seeing you cry like this is breaking me up inside.”

“You can’t get involved with me. I’m going to leave James and he will be looking for me. I won’t come between you two.”