Page 103 of Craving Sin

He reaches around me, runs one hand up and down my torso, the other cupping my pec, playing with my nipple.

“How did you find me?”

“I put a tracking device in your watch,” Rian admits.

My whole body stiffens. “That’s why you gave me the watch?”

“No. I gave it to you because I wanted to buy you something, but yes, I did also have ulterior motives. I put it in without telling you. I shouldn’t have done that.”

No, no, he shouldn’t have, but…why is there a part of me that likes it? How can I know it’s obsessive, know that he should have told me, and that many people would run because of something like this, but like being wanted this badly by him? I want to be loved by Rian in every shade that he loves, because they’re all beautiful. “I’m yours,” I say. “In every way. I want to feel your love every way you give it to me.”

He growls deeply in response, burying his face in the side of my neck, his facial hair scratchy and welcome. “Don’t tell me that. I’ll never let you out of my sight.”

“You’ll have to for some things,” I say. His body goes rigid beneath me. “I’ll be fine, Rian.”

“How do I know that?”

“How do I know you will be?” I counter, and he doesn’t have an argument for that.

“Okay.” He kisses me. “I trust you…and I might stalk you.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

“I’ll also expect you to have a driver, at least until this is all figured out…and a bulletproof car and—”

“Shh. That’s enough. I don’t want to talk about that right now,” I say, then fall into silence.

“Do you want to talk about your dad?” He wraps his arms around me.

Maybe I should want that, but I don’t. Maybe I’ll want to later, but I don’t think that will be the case either. There’s a part of me that wants to know why, but unless we have that answer, there’s nothing else that’s important to me. Not anymore. “When I came home…from the cabin, he called within twenty-four hours. I should have realized something was up. He didn’t notice the whole time I was gone, but called as soon as I returned. It never made sense. I just thought…” Maybe part of me wanted to believe he just missed me. “No. There’s nothing to say.”

“Abbott…”

“I’m okay. I promise. I’ve always known he doesn’t care about anyone but himself. I have you now. A new family.”

“You do. And you will always be mine.”

“Why do you think he didn’t try to kill me again when I got home?”

“I don’t know, pretty thing. Maybe because they saw me coming around and wanted to see what was happening, maybe they had a plan we don’t know about yet. I wish I had answers for you.” Something in his voice sounds off…almost pained. Dread builds in my gut as I wait for Rian to continue, because I know he will. “I have to tell you something… It’s not easy, and it’s going to hurt…but I think you need to know.”

“Can you wait? Until we’re in bed? I just want to enjoy this for a few more minutes first.”

“Yes. Of course. Anything you want.”

I relax against him again, feeling at home against Rian’s broad chest. He holds me, touches me, kisses me, washes me. He is always so gentle with me, even though I know the things he’s done to others. He would never hurt me, and just like last night, he will always be there to protect me.

Eventually, the water gets cold, and we get out. Rian dries me off, and just like earlier, I let him take care of me. I savor what it feels like to be so important to someone.

We don’t bother getting dressed, and before I know it, we’re in bed, under the blankets, and I ask, “You don’t need to work?”

“I’m not leaving this bed with you all day.”

I smile, thankful he’s not going to torture someone yet. “I like the sound of that.” Then I let him pull me close and add, “Now, tell me.”

But I think I know. If my father was willing to have me killed…

“Dean was able to dig pretty deep into your father. He has…had a lot of hidden accounts that go pretty far back.” Rian’s fingers slide through my hair, cupping the back of my head and massaging. “There was a large payment made the morning your mom was killed…and another the next day to the same account. Usually, when people are paying to…have someone killed, they pay half before and—”