Page 170 of Where Sinners Repent

“You did what you had to do to protect my Angel,” he bites out. “You came back, despite everything. You killed your own blood to protect one of us.”

His words make my breath stutter. And when he drops his forehead against mine, I freeze.

“You acted like a Devil. And for protecting my angel, I am forever in your debt,” he whispers.

I shake my head softly, but his hand shoots up to grip my face.

“I left the door...”

“You did what you had to do.”

Pulling back, with his fingers biting into my cheeks, his eyes search mine. His thumb dusts over my blood smattered cheek.

“You are perfect for my brothers,” he smirks. “And they are perfect for you.”

I drop my eyes at that, not quite sure if I believe him. How can I be perfect for them if I brought them pain?

“To Roxy Kavanagh,” Ash booms, finally releasing my face and turning to the men in the club. “Our newest Devil.”

Everyone cheers and lifts their drinks, and my eyes brim with tears yet again. I’m tired and sad, guilty and confused. This is not how I expected things to go, in the slightest.

And although Ash forgives me, I still feel the weight of guilt on my shoulders. Ash leans against the bar, lighting a cigarette, and Maddy kisses my cheek before latching onto him.

“Please sit down,” the doctor fusses, trying to stop Kai from standing. “You should not be putting weight on that leg, sir!”

The look Kai gives him sends a shiver down my spine. “If you want to keep that hand, I suggest you take if off me.”

The doctor raises his hands, taking a step away, as Kai tries to push himself off the booth. Kaleb is right there, helping his brother up.

Tears are already sliding down my face as they make their way over to me.

Both sets of dark eyes pinning me where I sit.

I open my mouth to speak. To beg for their forgiveness. Out of everyone, they deserve it the most.

“Don’t you fucking open your mouth,” Kaleb murmurs.

My teeth shut with a clink.

Kai reaches into his pocket. When I see the black diamond necklace in his hand, I whimper.

His teeth grit as he lifts his injured arm to wrap it around my neck. I try to stop him, but the look he gives me has me lowering my hands.

When it clasps around my neck, he dusts one of the diamonds with his thumb.

“If you ever take this off again,” he hums with his quiet, raspy voice. “If you ever run away from me again... I’ll carve my name into your skin, so people know who to return you to. Do you understand me?”

I give him a shaky nod.

“I’m so...”

Fingers press against my mouth, and he leans in closer to me.

“If I hear you utter that fucking word again, I might just lose my shit, okay?”

Once again, I’m nodding. But this time, I’m also reaching for him. Leaning up to kiss the lips I thought I’d never get to feel again.

His lips are warm when they connect with mine, and suddenly everything feels okay. Even though I know things are very much still not okay, for this split second, it doesn’t matter.