Owned by a Sinner (Sinners, #2)

by Michelle Heard

Damn, I wish my parents were happy for me. I expected them to be proud and to celebrate with me. My shoulders slump, and while I blindly stare at the passing scenery, I can’t understand why they reacted like that.

Girl ok you’ve repeated this like 5 times💀

“Father’s traveling the world with Gemma. I haven’t spoken to him in months. Honestly, I talk more with you than him.” Not that I mind. I’ve never been close with my father. Cillian shakes his head, clearly displeased by my answer. “It’s always been about money for him.” “I have you, so it really doesn’t matter.”

Period

Honestly, Finn’s just a fucking annoying thorn in my side, and I’m quickly running out of patience with him. One of these days, I’m going to lose my shit with the fucker, and whether it starts a family war or not, I’m going to put a bullet right between his eyes.

Right

“Type in the first row, so I can make sure you know what to do.” “Yes, sir.” I double-check all the figures as I enter the information, and once I’m done, I glance at Finn. He places his hand on my shoulder, and giving me a light squeeze, murmurs, “Good girl.” Instantly my muscles lock up, and an unsettling feeling trickles into my gut. Definitely inappropriate.

Oh nah

Finn gestures at a black garment bag hanging next to the door. “Change into the dress. We’re going to be late.” Huh? I blink a couple of times, then ask, “Late for what?” He looks up from his desk, impatience flashing in his eyes. “We’ve completed construction on the Pearson building. There’s a celebration we need to attend.” But I’m just a receptionist, and it’s almost time to go home. When I hesitate, Finn’s features tighten, and his eyes sharpen. “Do you have a problem attending a work function with a director?” God, when he puts it that way, it makes me feel stupid. “No, of course not.” “Good, because you won’t get a chance like this again,” he warns me.

Mm I love me some manipulation😍

“You make such a lovely couple,” Mrs. Pearson suddenly says. I’ve been standing quietly next to Finn, listening to him talk about a contract with Mr. Pearson, who’s the owner of the building. “Oh,” I smile awkwardly, but before I can correct her, Finn interrupts, “Thank you, Mrs. Pearson.” He looks at me, and this time there’s actual desire darkening his eyes. Before I can process the expression on his face, he wraps an arm around me again and holds me tightly to his side, chuckling, “I got lucky.”

Here he go 🙄

“You want to impress me, right?” he asks. I get the feeling if I say no, my career will come to a sudden end. My mind searches for the right thing to reply with, but before I can think of the best response, Finn leans down, his hand slips behind my neck, and I’m yanked against his body. His mouth hits mine, my teeth feeling the impact.

Sigh

Hopefully, nothing will come of this, and Finn will just let it go and ignore me.

Girl

I always thought I preferred dark-haired men, but taking in Liam's dark blonde hair, I have to admit, he’s the most attractive man I’ve ever laid eyes on.

The screen lights up, and instead of it showing a spreadsheet, a video starts to play. It takes a solid ten seconds before fear bleeds through my veins. My heart stutters to a stop. My breaths falter over my lips. Oh. My. God. I watch the footage of Mom fast asleep in her bed, her lips slightly parted as soft snores slip over them. Someone’s standing over her, then I see a gloved hand holding a gun. Oh, God. No! My eyes grow wide as pins and needles painfully rush over my skin. Finn leans down until I feel his breath on my ear. “Your mother sleeps like the dead. I could’ve killed her easily.”

Oh so ur insane. Got it

“You’re going to be at my beck and call. You’ll do everything I tell you to, and you’ll fucking love it, or I kill your mother.” His words hit hard, like nails being slammed into the coffin he’s about to bury me in. “Nod to show you understand,” he demands. Somehow my head bobs up and down. “If you go to the police, I’ll know. Your every move will be watched, so don’t try to get help. Just do as you’re told, and your mother will continue to live her shitty life.” God. My mind finally catches up to the enormous shock it’s been dealt, and I manage to ask, “Why are you doing this?” The corner of Finn’s mouth lifts with arrogance. “Because no one says no to me. I warned you, you were making a mistake, and now you’ve forced me to take extreme steps.”

Bro it’s never that serious like u doin too much fr

He’s… insane.

Like I said

Finn slowly closes the distance between our faces, his eyes remaining locked with mine. I sit like a frozen pillar, and the instant his mouth presses against mine, unbearable revulsion fills every inch of my being. Disgusted, I press my lips together, but it only makes Finn chuckle again. “Do you want to be responsible for your mother’s death?” The words stick to my skin. This time when he kisses me, I don’t stop him. His tongue breaches my lips, making bile churn in my stomach. He tastes awful, every brush of his tongue against mine, revolting. It feels like an eternity filled with dread and revulsion passes before he lifts his head. Giving me a pleased smile, he murmurs, “Good girl.”

The way I’m physically disgusted rn

Instantly my thoughts turn to when she walked into me and then bounced back into the closing doors. I just reacted and pulled her way. Only when I was alone in the elevator did I realize touching her didn’t fill me with disgust. Weird, but I’m contributing it to a natural reaction. I just didn’t want her to get hurt.

Surprise flutters over Jimmy’s face, and he immediately begins to get up. Waving a hand at him, I say, “Sit down, old man.” I glare at him, shaking my head as I take in how much weight he’s lost. “I leave you alone for six weeks, and you try to die on me. What the fuck, Jimmy?”

💀

“When will you let me into the mafia?” A chuckle bursts over my lips. “Never.” The mafia will fucking chew him up and spit him out. “Do you expect me to be happy with the scraps you throw my way forever?” The corner of my mouth lifts. “Yes.” I gesture around the office. “This is all you’ll ever get from me.” Finn darts up but catches himself in time from losing his temper. “I deserve more.” Taking a step closer, I lock eyes with him. “You deserve nothing. Just because your mother married my father doesn’t mean shit to me. You might have the last name, but you’re not a Byrne.” It looks like Finn’s about to choke on his tongue, then he threatens, “I’ll tell our parents.” I shake my head at the level of this man’s stupidity. “Finn, when will you realize they have no power over me? This company belongs to me. The mafia belongs to me. I fucking own everything.” Frustration tightens his features. “This isn’t fair.”

I’m alr sick of him bruh 🥱

I pause for a moment, and when Kiara glances back over her shoulder at me, my heart squeezes at the sight of her. 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. Handing the device back to a beaming Mrs. Crowe, I notice how Kiara quickly clips her hair back up. Without thinking, I say, “You should let your hair down more.”

Not recognizing the number, I open the text. I missed you today. Instantly, the food sours in my mouth. Then another message comes through. Don’t think you can hide from me. I own you now. Come in at seven tomorrow. And don’t fucking breathe a word of this to anyone, or your mother dies.

Oh brotherrr 🍅🍅

“I’ll work,” he quickly replies, fear for Liam clearly trembling in his tone. Lifting my head, hope creeps into my heart. Finn’s scared of Liam, and it really doesn’t sound like they get along. Maybe Liam will believe me if I tell him what Finn’s doing to me.

Period

I open the exit door and wait for her to pass, a faint floral scent drifting from her. She even smells beautiful. Totally out of character, I say, “If the person gives you trouble again, I’m here if you need help.” Her eyes meet mine, and again, it catches me off guard how striking their color is. Nodding, she says, “Have a good night.” “You too.” I watch her walk toward the corner, and even though I have to get to the warehouse and stop by Jimmy’s place to check in on him, I stand and watch until she gets safely on a bus. My thoughts are consumed with Kiara and what I learned about her. There’s obviously a fucker in her past who gave her a hard time, and it doesn’t escape my attention that it pisses me off. It also doesn’t escape my attention that Kiara affects me like no one has before. An eyebrow lifts as I head to the basement where my car is parked. You’re interested in the woman.

“Don’t hate me, lass. I did the best I could.” A loving smile curves my lips up. “Oh, Dad, I could never hate you. I understand why you hid it from me.” Now that I know the real reason for Dad’s behavior, I realize how much he loves me. How much he protected me. “Thank you for wanting to keep me safe.”

Oh period

Stepping out of the elevator, I have to admit, I really like the sight of Kiara sitting at Devon’s desk. She glances up, then a stunning smile spreads over her face. I take in the soft curls falling over her shoulders. She let her hair down. My heart constricts, and there’s a weird sensation in my gut. Jesus, I have a crush on the woman. Like a fucking teenager.

Oh we up alr

“Yes, sir. Thank you.” Sir. Get to fucking work, Liam. When I start to walk down the hallway, Kiara asks, “Can I bring you coffee?” I pause to actually consider it and then find myself nodding. “One sugar, no cream.” “Yes, sir.” Christ.

He’s so-😭

A happy smile explodes on her face, robbing me of my ability to breathe. Jesus. “I don’t mind. I’m glad you like it.” Too soon, she turns around, leaving my office. Turning my attention back to the beverage, I take another sip. My lips curve wider, then I shake my head at myself. Get to work, asshole.

Like-

I press the pencil to the paper but draw a startled line across the page when Finn grabs hold of my thigh again. Then he moves his hand up, and I almost choke when he grips me hard between the legs.

And that’s my cue to head out

When I turn my gaze to the desk, I notice a note with two painkillers. Take them. If you don’t feel better by the time the meeting ends, you can go home. Liam.

That’ll do it

our arms accidentally brush. I don’t feel the need to instantly put distance between us, but Kiara quickly steps to the side. “Sorry,” she apologizes, even though it’s not her fault. “It’s okay,” I murmur. Looking at her, it’s to see she has her arms wrapped tightly around her waist, her shoulders hunched as if she’s trying to make herself smaller. The protectiveness surges in my chest, and for the first time in my life, I feel the need to hug another person.

“His informant, Tony, says the Sicilians are a group of twenty to thirty men.” Will lets out a bark of laughter, crossing his arms over his chest. “What the fuck do they think they’ll accomplish with twenty to thirty men?” “Right?” I chuckle while shaking my head. “Fucking stupid.”

Famous last words

“Where the fuck are you?” Finn’s voice comes over the line. Instantly my muscles tighten, and my heart sets off a wild pace. “I’m on my way home.” Why are you even answering him? “I swear I will fucking end your mother in the next hour if you don’t get your ass back to the office. You have ten minutes.”

Ugh

Kill him if you have to, Kiara. It will be self-defense, and even if it’s not, going to jail is better than being raped and living like this forever. Stepping out of the elevator, I quickly dart around Devon’s desk, and setting my bag down, I dig a letter opener out of the drawer. I push it into the back of my pants, then slowly walk down the hallway. Stand up for yourself. Fight if you have to.

Period

A terrified woman’s cry has my head snapping to the right, and dropping the bag, I break out into a run. I shove Finn’s door open, and the sight greeting me sends shockwaves pulsing through my body. Finn on top of Kiara. The blood. Her naked. It’s only a second, and as Finn’s head snaps up toward me, I lunge forward, kicking him so fucking hard he flies off of her. Rage fills my vision with a hazy red as I step over Kiara while pulling my gun from behind my back where the vest was covering it. Finn shakes his head, climbs to his feet, and as I train the barrel on him, he dives for me. The shot vibrates in the air, his shoulder hits my chest, his hand grabbing hold of my right wrist.

Oh period he was going for the kill

“Liam?” Her voice sounds fragile, and it grates against my heart. “I’ve got you,” I murmur softly.

“Nothing will happen to your mother. Are you okay with me cleaning you up?” Kiara stares at me for a moment, then her face crumbles. An overwhelming emotion of protectiveness surges through me. Without thinking, I move to sit on the couch and pull her to my chest. Her hand comes up between us, and she grabs a fistful of my vest, smothering her cries against me. My arms lock around her, and it feels like it will be an impossible task to pry them away from her. 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.

“Get every available man to hunt Finn. I want that fucker found.” My eyes lock with Will. “Alive. He’s mine.”

“You’ll be safe with me. I promise.” I nod, not doubting him for a single second.

Glancing around his home, it hits that Liam brought me to his penthouse. He hugged me and carried me. He saved me. He shot Finn.

When he lifts his hand to my face, I quickly say, “I can clean myself. I really don’t want to make you uncomfortable.” Liam pauses, then locks eyes with me. “I’m not uncomfortable, Kiara. I want to do this.”

He takes hold of my chin, lifting my face, then wipes the tear tracks away with his fingers. My eyes dart to his, and we both freeze. After a couple of seconds, I ask, “Are you really okay with all the touching?” The corner of his mouth lifts, softening his features. “Yes. You don’t have the same effect on me as other people.”

Darting forward, I can’t stop myself from wrapping my arms around her. I press my hand to the back of her head and try to curve my body around hers. She instantly breaks down, and I hate asking the question, but I need to know. “Did he rape you?” “N-no,” she stammers through her tears. “I m-managed to fight h-him off until you c-came.” Thank. God. When Kiara calms down, she pulls back, whispering, “Thank you.” I’m just about to tell her to stop thanking me when she adds, “For stopping him.”

“Why do people say you’re grumpy?” she asks, catching me by surprise with her question. “’Cause I am,” I answer honestly. “I’m not a people person.” I can feel her eyes on me as I focus on her left hand. “You’ve only been nice to me.” “That’s ’cause you’re different.” “By different, you mean?” My eyes flick to hers. “You don’t annoy the fuck out of me by breathing.”

The fucker was molesting her in the same room as me. I glance at the windows and the city lights sparkling outside, my jaw clenching with the rage building in my chest. I should’ve fucking killed him years ago. Biggest mistake of my life. Lifting an arm, I place my hand behind Kiara’s head and pull her to my chest. Lowering my mouth to her ear, I say, “Next time anyone fucks with you, you tell me immediately.” She nods, doing her best not to break down. “I’ll also have guards protecting you twenty-four-seven.” I almost add only until we find Finn, but then I would be lying. Kiara wraps her arms around my waist, burrowing closer to me. It has me engulfing her with my body, holding her as tight as possible without hurting her. 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. Not allowing, idiot. You didn’t have a fucking choice. She walked right in and made herself at home, and there’s no getting her out. Not thinking, I press a kiss to her damp hair.

A lil insane since y’all have barely talked but continue

“Then what happened to all the coffees I made for you?” Liam sits down on the same couch as me, and turning his body toward mine, he rests his arm on the back, his hand settling inches from my head. “I drank them all.” With the donut halfway to my mouth, I pause to ask, “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.

Oh-😃

“Is there anything I can do to help you through this?” he asks, his tone gentle. Carefully resting my cheek against his chest, I whisper, “You’re already doing so much.” I close my eyes, focusing on how safe he makes me feel, and I realize I don’t care if he’s the head of some mafia. I don’t care if he’s a bad man. I just care that I’m safe with him.

Even with the swelling and bruising, she’s still the most beautiful woman I’ve laid eyes on. Now that I’ve held her in my arms, I have a constant urge to touch her. No touch has ever affected me like hers.

Leaning forward, I press my mouth to her forehead, then hold still and breathe her into my lungs. I marvel at how she makes me feel. There’s no disgust. No urge to pull away. Instead, I’m filled with a need for more. For everything, she has to offer. My jaw clenches from the effort it takes to pull back, then the corner of my mouth curves up. 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.

“You’ll never guess who’s behind the Sicilians.” A muscle starts to jump in my jaw as hatred pours into my veins. “Finn.”

Oh brother

“Liam!” Kiara suddenly screams, panic and fear making the sound hoarse. My body reacts before it even registers in my mind, and I’m out the door. My eyes search for the threat but only find Kiara asleep on the couch. Am I fucking losing my mind? Suddenly her body jerks. She makes a terrifying sound, almost like a wounded animal, then whimpers, “Liam.” Nightmare. Crouching beside her, I frame her face with my hands. “Kiara, wake up.” My thumb gently brushes over her bruised cheek. “Wake up, baby.” Her eyes snap open, and it takes a couple of seconds before she focuses on me. Her lips part, and she starts to suck in desperate breaths, then she shoots forward, wrapping her arms tightly around my neck. Feeling her breaths exploding over my skin and how she’s trembling, the most intense emotion I’ve ever experienced floods my entire being. Love? No, this is more than a simple emotion. It’s obsession.

Not thinking it through, I turn my head until my cheek presses against hers. “Headache?” She nods, her skin brushing against mine. “But not bad.” My hand moves to the back of her head, and I softly start to massage her scalp, her hair feeling like silk. Still clinging to me, she asks, “Can we remove the blanket? It’s getting hot.” “I can move,” I say, even though I’m already pulling the blanket from between us and tossing it over the back of the couch. Kiara tightens her hold on me, shaking her head, her breaths fanning over my jaw from the movement. “No. Please stay.” I press a kiss to her cheek, then get comfortable. “Sleep. I’ll watch over you.” We lie in silence, but it feels as if she’s screaming for me to never let go. Every couple of minutes, she starts to tremble, and once I whisper I’m here and not going anywhere, it subsides again. She needs me. My own emotions rocket between rage, knowing I won’t find a moment's rest until I’ve killed Finn, and being totally absorbed by Kiara. 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. With Kiara sleeping in my arms, I make peace with the fact that she owns me.

I take in the attractive man who seems to have stepped right out of my dreams and into my life. “This might be the concussion speaking, but…” I suck in a breath, “you’re incredible.” I turn to face him, his eyes never leaving mine. “I feel lucky having met you.”

Sitting next to Liam, I know I have nothing to fear. Whether it’s been coming since the first time I laid eyes on him or if it’s happening at this moment, I can’t tell. My heart constricts, then it bursts with an overwhelming emotion. The electricity I felt in the room rushes back, making me feel nervous and captivated by his every movement. I’ve been infatuated before. I’ve even been in love once. But this? I’ve never felt such a strong reaction to a man before. Maybe it’s because he saved me. He’s protecting Mom and me. And he’s so gentle with me.