Owned by a Sinner (Sinners, #2)

by Michelle Heard

“Evil people don’t need a reason to justify the vile things they do. They just are.”

“Just like I thought. Exquisite,” he compliments me.

Fuck, beautiful. The woman is otherworldly. The second our eyes lock, she quickly turns her head away. Not wanting to waste more time, I zoom the camera in on Kiara and take the photo.

“You should let your hair down more.” “Huh?” Kiara freezes as if I just threatened her. “He’s right, dear. Your hair should be down,”

Lowering my head, I press a kiss to her hair. “I’ve got you. Okay?” She nods, her sobs breaking my fucking heart. “I won’t let you get hurt again,” I promise. Kiara wraps her free arm around my lower back, pressing closer to me. Knowing she’s looking for safety in my arms makes possessiveness pour through my veins. “I’m so fucking sorry I didn’t see what was happening.”

“Are you okay with my doctor looking at you?” Kiara nods but doesn’t pull away from me. Glancing at Dr. Sullivan, I say, “You’re going to have to check her in my arms.”

“You’re not going home.” Her eyes shimmer in the light coming into the car from the basement. “I d-don’t want to go to t-the hospital.” “You’re not.” I steer the vehicle out onto the road. “I’m taking you to my place.”

After today… after holding her in my arms, there’s no fucking denying it – I’m falling for Kiara. For the first time in my life, I’m allowing a woman into my heart.

“Because you didn’t want to offend me?” “No. Because I liked it.” He’s never grumpy with me. He doesn’t mind touching me. He drinks the coffee I make. He brought me to his home and has gone out of his way to take care of me. Slowly the realization starts to sink in. I think Liam likes me.

“Would you mind taking me home after the coffee?” Liam stares at me for a moment, then replies, “On one condition.” My brows furrow. “What?” “I’ll stay there with you.” When I begin to frown, he gestures to my head. “Concussion. The doctor said not to leave you alone for a couple of days. You’re stuck with me for the weekend.” Holy… I blink at him. Out of obligation because I work for you or because you care? “We can stay here. If you don’t mind,”

Chicago’s all that mattered up until Kiara. This city is mine. Always have been, always will be. So is Kiara Murphy. She just doesn’t know it yet. I’ll give her time to heal, to get used to me, but after that, I’ll make her mine. My eyes drift over her feminine features, memorizing every inch of her. So fucking beautiful. Remembering how she clung to me at the office, warmth and possessiveness burst in my chest. Cling all you want, baby. I don’t want you to let go.

The way her body fits against mine, it’s as if she’s a piece of me that was missing. She’s the emotion I was unable to feel. She’s the touch I missed my entire life. In the early morning hours, I realize that I’ll raze heaven and hell for this woman. Within a matter of hours, I’ve gone from being attracted to her to being absolutely devoted.

“What did you mean when you said I’m not going back to my apartment?” His eyes flick between the road and me, then he answers, “It’s not safe there. You can stay with me until we’ve made other arrangements.”

“I’ve got you, baby,” I murmur before pressing a kiss to her hair. “You’re a mafia princess and my responsibility. I’ll take care of you.”

“Let me do this. Okay? I need to take care of you.” “Why?” I don’t hesitate to answer, “Because you make me feel.” Christ, do you make me feel. My hands frame her face, my eyes burning intensely into hers. “Because I can touch you.” I tilt my head. “I. Can. Touch. You. Kiara.”

The princess I never knew existed and the only woman I want. She’s mine. Especially now that I have a right to claim her.

“We’re going to talk about this when you get home.” Home. Where she’ll be waiting for me.

“I want you here,” I say so she won’t worry as much.

“Liam?” she whispers, her eyes searching mine. Tilting my head, everything she makes me feel is clear in my voice. “I need you to stay. With me.” “Until Finn’s been taken care of?” I shake my head. “Forever.” Her eyes widen. “You want me to move in with you?” Instantly her surprise is replaced with a nervous expression. “I… ah…” I bring my other hand to her face and take a step closer. “I’ve never felt like this about anyone, Kiara. Jesus, I can touch you. You have no idea what that means, what you do to me.” Determination and possessiveness darken my tone. “I have full right to claim you.”

“But you don’t do relationships.” “I didn’t.” I stare at her for a moment, the unseen force pulling me to her, tightening its hold on me. “Like I said, I’ve never done this before. All I know is I won’t be able to let you go. I want to be able to touch you whenever I want.” I close the distance between us, my chest brushing against hers. The close proximity forces her to tilt her head back. “I want to own every inch of you.”

“Are you even attracted to me?” Nodding, I let out a chuckle, then admit, “I’m obsessed with you.”

“You’re mine.” She lifts her hands, placing them against my chest. “I’m yours.”

“Yes, you’re the first woman to touch my chest.” I look at her with every ounce of the obsession I feel for her. “Everything with you is a first for me.”

“You’ll never hurt me.” It’s not a question, but still I vow with everything that makes me a man, “Never.” “You’ll protect me from your world?” It will become your world too. “With my last breath.”

“Safest place for you is in my arms,” he murmurs as he climbs the stairs.

“Are you serious about us?” “Which part of you are mine, didn’t you understand?” Glancing up at him, I explain, “It just happened really quick.” “Your point?” “What if a week from now you realize you made a mistake?” He lets out a burst of silent laughter. “In my world, a mistake is the difference between life and death.” He shakes his head. “I don’t make mistakes, Kiara.”

“I loved you long before you came into my life. When you bumped into me, my body recognized yours. When you looked for safety in my arms, my heart knew you were the one.”

“Kiara said yes. She’s marrying me. She’ll give birth to my future.”

“My soon-to-be wife.” He flexes his fingers. “You need to plan the wedding. I’m not waiting long to marry you.” Setting the icepack down, I gently place his hand on his lap, careful not to jar it. “How long do I have?” A playful grin tugs at his lips. “A month too soon?” My eyebrows fly up. “Are you serious?” “Woman, I’d drag you to a court on Monday if I had my way.” “Okay then.” Reaching for my phone on the table, I pull up a calendar. “November… twelve?” Liam checks the calendar, then nods. “Works for me.” “What kind of wedding?” I ask, setting the device down and getting comfortable. He lifts his left hand and tucks a couple of strands behind my ear. “I want your hair down.” “Okay.” When he doesn’t say anything else, I ask, “That’s it? You have nothing to contribute?” “I’ll pay, you plan.”

“I promise, if I steal, it will be to steal her heart. If I cheat, it’s to cheat death so I can stay with her longer. If I fight, it will be to protect her.”

I wasn’t trained for– You’re breakin’ my fuckin’ hand!” “Don’t shout at me,” Kiara yells, then she growls, “Don’t you dare let go.”

This is our life now. Kids. Family. Date nights. Sex at midnight before one of the kids wakes up. Running the mafia and Byrne Enterprises. Stopping at a red light, I look at my wife. “I love you, baby.” “And me,” James chuckles. “Yes, Daddy loves you and Lily too,” I laugh. Kiara leans over and presses a quick kiss to my jaw. “And we love you.” Mine. The whole lot of them.