Page 17 of Sapphire

I don’t know why his words pain me.

Perhaps because I’m used to relying on myself. I’m not a man-hater, far from it. Just because the most important man in my life let me down doesn’t mean I hate all men. I like men. A lot.

But some secrets can’t ever be confessed out loud.

“I’m fine.”

I slide back down as he turns on his side, resting his head in one hand. “How often do you have bad dreams?”

“When I’m in an unfamiliar bed.”

His eyebrows scrunch for a fraction of a second. “How often is that?”

I swat his arm. “Shut up.”

Sin leans over to kiss me, and it’s surprisingly soft.

“We’re not supposed to be doing this.” I sigh.

“Doin’ what?”

“Kissing and cuddling.”

“Why not? You like it, don’t you?”

“Yes, but⁠—”

“No buts. If you like it then stop complainin’.”

“I’m not. I was merely stating that canoodling like this will only be harder for both of us.”

He ignores the insinuation and snorts. “Canoodling?”

“It’s probably best we forget tonight ever happened.”

“You don’t mean that.”

Why does my heart jolt? Because I agree with him. I don’t mean it.

“I’m going back to Saddle tomorrow.”

“Saddle is only an hour away, faster on my beast.”

I blink. “Sin…” I pinch the bridge of my nose. “It isn’t just Reaper. I have a club, one that I’m dedicated to. It’s my life, and I have no plans to leave⁠—”

“Like I said before, you wouldn’t have to. We could make it work between the two places. It’s not that difficult.”

I stare at him, unable to process his words. Of course we could do that. I doubt any of the Stilettos would give a shit, but his club brothers might have something to say, including my own. I’m making a mountain out of a molehill, but it’s what I do. I run away when things get hard or heavy. I know this about me.

“You think I’m scared of Reaper?” he asks.

“No, it’s not that. There’s so much going on back home, I should be there.”

“But you’re not. You’re here. The club will survive without you, but I’m not stoppin’ you goin’ anywhere.”

I glance at him. “Really? You bolted the door.”

“Because you were sassy last night.”