A Necessary Sin: The Sin Trilogy: Book I

“What are you doing in here, lass?” Isobel asks. Her eyes move to the gun in my hand. “Where did you get that?”


I do the only thing I can. Lie. “I couldn’t sleep. I was on my way to the kitchen for a tea when I saw the light. I let myself in. I shouldn’t have but I’m glad I did. Thane was holding this. I was afraid of his intentions so I took it from him.”

“Blootered dunderheid.” She takes the gun from me, shaking her head. “I’ll see to this. Go to the living room and let’s have a whisky together. It’ll help you to sleep better than tea.”

“Please don’t mention this to Thane. I don’t want him to know I saw him like this.”

She goes to his desk and puts the gun in the top drawer. I’ll need to come back in and retrieve it before Thane finds it. “I won’t. It’ll be our little secret.”

I have a nightcap with Isobel and curse myself as I return to my room. I can’t believe I got my gun taken away. I hope Thane had lots of bourbon since I’ll be going back in after Isobel is in bed.

Once inside, I phone Harry. “Hey, Dad. I have great news. Sinclair is being discharged from the hospital tomorrow.” This isn’t a conversation we’ve rehearsed so I’m winging it.

“Is it done?”

“I’m afraid not.” I hope Harry isn’t disappointed in me.

“Nothing went wrong?” I’m glad we aren’t having a real conversation. I’m not sure how I’d tell him there was a problem—but it was my heart.

“All is well but his recovery is going to take a little longer than expected.”

“I shouldn’t worry?” he asks.

“Not at all.”

“Okay. When you’re in the clear, call me ASAP so we can make revisions.”

“Absolutely. I’ll give Sin your best.”

I dread making that call. I don’t want to lie to Harry but there’s no way I can tell him I couldn’t go through with killing Thane because I’m in love with his son. He’d never understand that.

Sinclair is simultaneously all I could want in a man while I despise everything that makes him the person he is. I’m straddling two worlds. Love versus hate—and I’m not sure which is stronger.

Despite his dirty deeds, I think Sin is it for me—the one and only love of my life. My heart tells me so every time I look at him. The feelings I experience when we’re together are everything I’ve always imagined when I pictured myself in love, minus the part where my beloved will be the next leader of an organized crime empire.

I did not see this perfect storm coming.





Chapter Eighteen





Sinclair Breckenridge




“Would you like to lie on the couch or go to the bed?” Oh no. My mum didn’t play the coddling game and Bleu isn’t, either.

“Those are the only two choices I get?”

“Yes. The doctor says you need plenty of rest. I’m inclined to believe he knows what he’s talking about.” I guess she’s right since it’s possible he performed a miracle by bringing me back from the condition I was in a week ago.

“Will you come with me if I choose the bed?”

She tilts her head. “I will, but not for the reason you have in mind.”

That’s not what I was implying. I don’t have the stamina for sex right now—and it’s a damn shan. I’ve missed being with my Bonny Bleu. “Give me a few more days and then we’ll make up for lost time.”

She comes closer and hooks her hands behind my waist. “I look forward to that.”

“No more than me.” I kiss her mouth. “Mmm … I’ve missed that.”

“Me too.” She squeezes my midsection. “I’m happy we’re home.”

“How did you make out at my parents’? I mean, the times you weren’t holed up with me.”

A look I can’t identify crosses her face. “Your parents were very good to me—exceedingly so. As a guest, I’ve never been treated so well. That’s saying a lot since I’m from the South.” She laughs. “We’re very hospitable people.”

“I’ll need to thank them later.” I think I should probably tell her about them overhearing us at the hospital. “They know about me claiming you.”

She’s clearly surprised. “And?”

“They’re okay with it but both agree it’s a good idea to keep it to ourselves.” Especially from Abram.

She laughs and shrugs. “I don’t have anyone to tell.”

“Do you miss the friends you made at the bar?”

“Lorna was the only girl I’d consider a friend and that’s a maybe. I don’t think she cared for me much.”

She better not have mistreated my lass. “Why is that?”

“She’s in love with Leith.” Lorna has shagged Leith plenty of times but I can’t believe she has romantic feelings for him.

“Aah … and he was making moves for you.”

“Then you see the problem that made for our friendship.”

Makes total sense. “Clearly.”

“I can’t be friends with anyone within The Fellowship because they believe I’m an outsider and I can’t tell them about the one thing that designates me an insider.”