Page 108 of Sinful Lord

“You’re right,” I pause.

But my body stays clenched and ready for action. At this point in my life, it’s just instinct. How do I turn that off?

“Is something wrong?’ Melina asks. She’s dropped her brush. I bend down and pick it up for her.

“No. Nothing’s wrong,” I insist, placing the brush down on her palette. “I just remembered that I have a meeting tonight. I don’t need to go.”

“Is… Is it an important meeting?”

I hesitate to respond. The mobster in me is screaming out in frustration. Of course it’s an important meeting. In my line of work, every meeting is life or death.

“It is important,” I allow myself to admit. “I was going to make sure the shadow that chased you into the river and out of your apartment will never bother you again. But I can stay, if you want me to? Hell, I should stay. It’s safer that—”

“No,” Melina recoils against my words. “You should go.”

I’m not sure how to respond. After the past two days, I would assume she wants exactly what I want. To cozy up in bed and spend the night in each other’s arms.

That desire is currently battling against my mafia instincts. What’s her excuse?

“You want me to leave?”

“I want you to get rid of that demon,” she whispers, hugging herself.

When I step forward to embrace her, she steps away.

It might as well be a slap to the face.

“You won’t be scared?” I ask. “I’d have to leave you alone.”

Just the thought is enough to make me uncomfortable. But it’s not just because of what could get in.

It’s also about what could get out.

What’s gotten into Melina?

If I left her, would she try to escape?

“Sure, I’ll be scared,” she says, looking down at her feet. “But I’d rather you get rid of that… thing. Wouldn’t that be better than waiting around for it to come find us?”

“It’s not going to find us here,” I growl.

“Then I should be safe, right?”

“You’re not going to like the safety precaution I take,” I warn her.

But I’m not sure Melina even hears me. She turns around and starts to pick her clothes up off the floor. Watching her pale skin disappear behind a t-shirt almost makes me angry.

Why is she doing this?

“Go. I’ll be fine.”

But I’ve had enough.

Storming up behind her, I grab Melina’s arm and turn her around. When she doesn’t immediately look me in the eyes, I pinch her chin and make sure she does.

“What’s gotten into you?”

“Nothing,” she huffs. “I… I just know how men like you are…”