Tangled Sin (A Dark Realm Novel) (11 page)

Instead, he stepped back, or tried to, but she grabbed his shirt, keeping him there.

Through gritted teeth, he forced out the words. “It won't work. We’re too different.”

“I don’t care that we’re different. Give it a chance.”

“Saia, don’t complicate this,” he growled in anger born of pure frustration and peeled her fingers from his shirt. Picking up his coat, he draped it around her again.

“Complicate it how?”

“You knew from the get-go, I don’t date or do relationships. I prefer casual arrangements—one-night stands. Why do you think I work the bar when I don’t have to?” He hardened his gaze. “You forget, this is just a charade.”

Her mouth opened, then closed on a tremor. “You…you were only pretending to like me because I asked you to?”

“What did you think this was?” he asked in bored tones, slipping his hands into his pants pockets. “Some declaration of happily-ever-after?”

She reared back as if he’d slapped her. And he couldn’t seem to stop, wanted to hammer that final nail in their burgeoning bond. “You’re just too much work. I prefer simple. Those who know the score, have a good time, and want nothing from me. Not demand my soul in return for a quick fuck. Which do you think I'm going for?”

Tears misted anguished brown eyes. Her slender fingers fisted the coat he’d wrapped around her. “Is that how you think of me?”

The pain behind her words hit him hard. He shoved it aside. “Babe, seriously? You’re loaded with baggage even Vuitton couldn’t deal with.”

Her lips trembled. “I see.”

Then she slipped past him, vanishing into the night. Worse, she didn't even yell at him as most females would. Just whispered those two words in her husky voice. But she didn't leave empty-handed. She yanked the light she’d kindled within him and hauled it with her, leaving him in the dark he’d endured for centuries.

Bitter pain corroding his gut at what he’d done, he punched the marble balustrade hard, agony exploding through his hand. He’d destroyed the only person he cared about with his callous words. Had broken her heart.

Better she hated him and live. He couldn’t bear for another incident like in the alley with Baric sending his minions after her.

“Finally. I'm glad she’s seen you for what you are. A no-good bartender,” Piers drawled from the shadows.

Slowly, Riley straightened and faced the smirking human, who wisely stood a few meters away from the pavilion. “Get the fuck away from me.”

“It’s good you know your place because you’re wasting your time.” Piers drew a thin, hand-rolled smoke from his pocket. He lit the thing and took a drag. The acrid odor of weed drifted in the wet air. “You should know Saia belongs to me. She’s always been mine.”

This pot-smoking shithead had another think coming if he thought he’d get anywhere near Saia. “Stay away from her.”

The fool laughed, unaware of the danger he was provoking—a demon in the throes of self-destruction at letting go of the one person that mattered.

“All Saia needs is a little time to get over you and she’ll know I'm far better. What women see in thugs like you is beyond me. But, I’ll be there when she’s ready to move on.”

“So you sneak around like a dog in heat, waiting for the chance?” Menace slithered into his tone as he slowly stepped down from the pavilion.

Piers’s smirk grew, his eyes taking on a glassy appearance. “That’s not the impression I got when I kissed her earlier, that told me differently.”

Kissed her? He’d fucking kissed her!

“She didn't tell you, did she?”

Riley’s control cracked. He grabbed Piers by his shirt, evading his swinging fist. Reining in the urge to kill the bastard, he flung Piers into the wet shrubs and flashed to the park so he wouldn’t go back and beat the cannabis junkie into pulp for daring to kiss his mate.

Saia shut herself in her bedroom. The dim lights wavered in her watery vision, but she blinked away her tears, refusing to let them fall. She leaned her head against the door and wondered if she truly was unworthy as a person.

Her mother couldn’t accept her for who she was. And Riley, he’d rather sleep with those women from the bar than give her a chance.

I prefer casual arrangements—one-night stands. Why do you think I work the bar?

The cursed words wouldn’t leave her alone. Pain gripped her insides, made it hard to breathe.

Images of his casual lover, the sex-oozing Amazon, Pandora, kissing him, crowded her mind. Christ, how many other go-tos did he have besides his bar sluts?

With a furious hand, she swiped at her damp eyes, refusing to cry over him. Pulling off her clothes, she stalked past her bed and headed for the bathroom. Maybe a hot shower would wash away her anger and pain.

Heck, she’d be okay, she’d lived with disappointment all her life, she’d just have to chalk this up to another of life’s lessons.

After her shower, Saia pulled on flannel pajama bottoms and a tee and crawled beneath the embroidered bedcovers, a deep sigh escaping. She hoped sleep would take away the disaster this day had turned out to be. She brushed the moisture from her face and stared at her wet fingertips.

Dammit, she never cried, and here she was like a leaking faucet. Like something had been wrenched from her chest. Of course, it wasn't her heart hurting, she’d learned the hard way never to put that on the line.

***

Drenched to the bone in the falling rain and hardwired from frustration, Riley returned to the mansion. The party had wound down. Few guests lingered as he made his way upstairs.

“Riley?”

He swallowed a curse when he saw Liz approaching from the family wing.

Her gaze skimmed over him as she drew closer. She smiled. “You look nice in a suit.”

He didn't give a shit how he looked. Just wanted to leave this place and get back to his fucked-up life. Instead, he stared at the abstract painting on the wall, a chaos of colors that matched his dark mood. “Seems I required one for this evening.”

“Yes, you would here,” Liz said.

At her wry tone, he turned.

“I haven’t seen Saia, I thought she’d be with you.”

“She’s gone to bed.”

Liz’s gaze sharpened at his terseness. Silently, she studied him. “You two okay?”

Okay? He’d ripped Saia apart with his cruelty.

“She needs you.” Pivoting, he stalked off to his room. He tore free his tie and unfastened the choking top button. A young maid warily approached him. She handed him his coat before scurrying off at his fierce expression. He pressed the garment to his nose, and a light floral scent combined with one that was all Saia hit him hard. He closed his eyes, his chest constricting.

Why did she have to want him, make this so difficult? If she didn't, he could have left her alone, especially now that he realized what she was to him.

A human consort? No, he’d done the right thing. She’d be safe without him in her life.

He entered his room, slammed the door behind him, and his jaw mowed down at the dark figure seated on the armchair.

Deliberately, Riley left the lights off and ignored the male.

“What are you doing with my sister?” Noah Sen-Grayson asked.

“I'm her date,” Riley drawled, taking great pleasure in annoying him. After the last few dismal hours, he’d take his fun where he could.

“I know your kind. Worked with some in a few instances. I’ve heard of you, you own Satire’s in The Quarter.”

“Now that you’ve satisfied your curiosity; let’s get one thing clear. I don’t give a rat’s ass what you think of me. All that matters is Saia’s safety.”

“Then we are in accord.” Noah rose from the armchair and flicked on the recessed lights.

Riley blinked. The sheer brightness damn near blinded his sensitive eyes. The bastard had done that for his own shits and kicks. Anger and frustration rolled through him, but a confrontation with Saia’s brother was the last thing he wanted. He thought of the damage he’d already done to her, a kick in the balls would hurt less.

“Does she know what you are?”

Riley dropped into the vacated armchair. Nailed the male a mocking stare. “She does.”

Noah’s mouth thinned, then he heaved a deep breath and appeared to plug his rancor. “About the Caligo after Saia…”

So Edward had already alerted Noah about Trevor. Good. He wanted Saia to have the extra protection when he left tomorrow. “Bastard’s mine. I will find and end him.”

“Let me make this clear—” Noah pinned him with those frozen blue orbs. He’d never seen a human with such lifeless eyes. “It seems my sister dragged you into this, and we both know why. Piers is a bloody prig. I’d boot him out myself if he were after her inheritance.”

Riley leaned back in his chair and stretched out his legs. “If you care about your sister, you’ll kick him out now regardless.”

“He is a family friend, an old one, who realized too late he’d missed his chance. He’s no threat.” Then those blue eyes became deadly. “But you, on the other hand, are. Anything happens to my sister, I will hunt you down and make you wish you’d never left your world.” The male stared at him a second longer. “And keep your hands off her. She’s not one of your bar-whores.”

With that final warning, Noah walked out.

Bar-whores? Riley scowled at the closed door. Since Saia came into his life, no one else interested him. No one. Just her.

***

Saia lay in bed and stared at the undraped window, listening to the rustling rain. The door opened. She turned sharply, her heart pounding in her ears. At the feminine figure silhouetted in the doorway, she tamped down the shard of pain. Why would he come?

“Liz?”

“Yes, it’s me, love.” Liz, dressed in a long black skirt, deep blue roll-neck top, and boots, crossed to the bed.

“What are you doing here?” It hurt to speak. Her voice too scratchy from withheld tears.

“I changed my mind last minute.” Liz sat down beside her. “I thought I’d pop in and let you know I'm here.”

Saia squeezed her eyes tight, and needing the comfort of loving arms around her, put her head on Liz’s lap.

“What’s wrong, hun?” Liz stroked her hair.

A raspy sigh escaped. “Just when you think, maybe, just maybe you have a chance at happiness, it turns around and kicks you in the teeth.”

“Saia, it’s not like you to give up so easily. Where’s that fighting spirit I’ve always been proud of?”

“I think you passed it in the hallway, on the floor,” she muttered. “Liz…?”

“Yes, hun?” she heard the smile in Liz’s voice. It was better than pity. “You made the right decision, being alone.”

Liz’s stroking hand stilled. “Saia, honey, you have to fight harder for what you want. Trust me, barriers can be destroyed, mountains scaled.”

“Not this one, Liz. Not this one…” Saia murmured, tracing the embroidered flower on the duvet cover. “I liked him from the moment we met because he’s so different. Then he kissed me. I felt like I’d been struck by lightning—everything inside me lit up as if we’d touched each other’s souls. For a moment, I thought he felt the connection—felt the same way, too. He didn't.” A broken laugh escaped her. “He didn't, Liz. I'm just another one of the floozies who throw themselves at him.”

“Then talk to him, hun.”

“And say what?” She cast Liz a weary look before turning away. “He made it plain he doesn’t want me, says I'm too much work. He sees me as some bored, silly little rich girl with mommy issues and too much time on her hands, visiting bars, looking for a thrill.”

A long silence, then Liz said so softly, Saia was sure she misheard, “I too was hit by lightning once.”

Saia jerked upright, shock cutting through her despair. “You were? Who?”

“Someone I met a long time ago.” Liz slid down the bed. “I was seventeen. My mother had suffered a fatal brain aneurysm in front of me…we were having an argument…” Her mouth tightened, tears misting her steel-blue eyes. “I don’t even recall what it was about. I fell apart after her death. Yes, I blamed myself for what happened. I did everything to forget the guilt, the pain. Alcohol, hard clubbing…at times, I’d awaken in beds of complete strangers, but nothing made me forget. I was on a downward spiral with no return…”

Saia grasped Liz’s hand, offering comfort. “Didn’t Daddy and Mother help you?”

Liz gave her a pained smile. “You cannot help someone who doesn't want to be helped. Being so much younger than Edward, I thought I was a hindrance to him and his family. I ran away. But he didn't give up on me. He found me and dumped my ass in rehab.”

Saia shifted and sat cross-legged on the bed, her gaze fixed on Liz. “What happened?”

Liz’s expression softened. “
He
stepped into my life. I’d never seen a more beautiful man. Kind and compassionate, he was everything I needed. He made my life right again. And for a while, I was happy…” She took a deep breath. “Then it all fell apart—”

“Oh, Liz, I'm so sorry.” Saia hugged her.

Liz rubbed Saia’s back. “He changed me for the better, for which Edward must have been eternally grateful. But, Saia, hun, ” Liz sat up, “I'm so proud of you. I know your mother is far too conservative and hard. It can't be easy on you. But unlike me, and despite your problems, you held your own, didn't slide like I did.”

A wry laugh escaped her. “It’s not the same, Liz. Mother wants me to marry—” Her eyes widened. “That’s why she’s so insistent, isn’t it? She thinks my liking clubs and dancing will get me into that hardcore lifestyle? For Christ’s sake, I'm twenty-one, not a hurting teen who’d just lost her mother.”

“Much as I hate saying this,” Liz grimaced, “she’s only watching out for you.”

“Yes, take her side. Twenty-nine suitors? Really, Liz?” Snorting, Saia rolled off the bed and stuffed her feet into fluffy slippers. “I need some therapy.”

“Ice cream?” Liz teased.

“What other kind is there?” Saia linked her arm through Liz’s and left the room.

***

After a late night rendezvous with Liz and Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Therapy, Saia had fallen into a fitful sleep. Now she was up way too early. The household was still asleep.

She needed to run, it was the only thing that would help clear her head and hopefully settle her. But Liz’s revelation from last night troubled her. It must have devastated Liz to choose to live a life alone.

After a quick dash into the bathroom, Saia grabbed a pair of black yoga pants and a pale lemon tank top and changed. Besides, the ice cream had now turned to guilt and was already adding another inch to her hips. She braided her hair, slipped her feet into sneakers, and grabbed her gray hoodie. As she tied the jacket around her waist, an eerie sensation slid over her like a noose.

Trouble.

Saia sprinted out of her room and hurried downstairs. Raised voices had her running toward the family room.

“This has nothing to do with you,” her mother snapped.

“For godsakes, Jem, she’s twenty-one. Allow her the right to live her own life—”

“You?”
Cold laughter. “You are telling me what’s right for
my
daughter?”

“You can hate me, I can’t change that. But you’re driving her away!” Frustration tightened Liz’s voice.

Saia came to a crashing halt at the doorway, her stomach roiling in anxiety.

Her mother and Liz faced off with each other, like sparring bulls near the fireplace, the coffee table separating them.

Liz, furious and flushed. Her mother, cold and haughty. Even so early in the morning, Mother was dressed for the day in slacks and a sweater.

Wanting to put a stop to this argument, she stepped into the living room, the air thick with anger. “What’s going on?”

“This doesn't concern you.” Jemima kept her lethal gaze on Liz.

At the brush off, Saia stomped closer. “Doesn’t concern me, Mother? I heard you in the hallway. Why am I always the bone of contention between you two? Tell me! I'm so tired of the secrets. Why do you hate Liz, and why does she never visit?”

“Because this has nothing to do with you.” Her mother’s head whipped around, bobbed hair flying. Her dark eyes blazed with anger. “You can't even make decent choices in your life, just look who you’re with?”

Saia reared back as if she’d been slapped, pain consuming her. And finally realized her mother would never see her as a person with wants and needs, would never give her the compassion, the understanding she yearned for. She hadn’t when she was a little girl, and she certainly wouldn’t now.

She was nothing, just a commodity to be brokered and offered to a rich husband.

“I'm sorry I'm such a disappointment to you, Mother.” She could barely get the words out. Felt like someone had crushed her heart, clubbed away the last hope she clung to. That fantasy that somehow, someway, her mother would love her a little.

If her own mother couldn’t, then how could she expect Riley to? The thought hit her hard.