A Necessary Sin: The Sin Trilogy: Book I

She looks at the floor, shaking her head. “Not since he walked in on me and you almost two years ago. Things became really weird between us after that.”


I knew Leith saw us but he never mentioned it. And I never gave it another thought since all three of us were having fun with her.

“We have a working relationship. That’s it—unless he’s been on the whisky. He loosens up around me a little then.”

How strange. “Should I talk to him?”

“No. He’s clearly disgusted by me, so I don’t want him to know how I feel.”

“But he may feel the same.”

“He doesn’t. Trust me. He knows he could have me anytime he wants but chooses not to.”

Bleu has made me a little more romantic, so I feel like passing along some advice to Lorna. “I’m going to tell you something about men in general. We’re selfish, possessive bastards when it comes to our women. We don’t want other men having them. If you want Leith, don’t sleep around.”

“I haven’t since that day.”

“You haven’t had sex with anyone in almost two years?”

She shakes her head. “The look on his face when he saw us—it haunts me. I’m not sure I can ever be with anyone else again.”

Is Lorna who Leith was talking about when we were in the ring together? He said I always took everything he wanted. At the time, I had no idea what he was talking about, but now I may.

The song ends. “I’m sorry.” I’m not sure what I’m apologizing for. “Let me know if you decide you’d like me to talk to him.”

She looks like she may cry. “That’ll never happen, but thanks for the offer.”

I dance with numerous Fellowship daughters, some behaving as though they’re in mourning. I suppose they could feel as though the dream of marrying the future Fellowship leader is dead. But it’s the role they’re in love with, not me.

I come face to face with Westlyn so I’m forced to dance with her. To avoid her would make the situation more awkward. I take her in my arms the way I have hundreds of times but this dance is different. She was hoping to be my wife, and I’ve rejected her.

“Are you enjoying the party?” I call it that instead of what it really is. I don’t wish to make her feel bad. She’s my cousin. We grew up together so I love her. I’d never want to hurt her.

“Everything is beautiful. Aunt Isobel went all out.”

“She did. Exceedingly so, I’m afraid.”

“She should have. It isn’t every day the future leader of The Fellowship volunteers himself to be beaten in place of the woman he loves so she can become part of his world.”

“I’m sorry for how this played out.” I’m apologizing again for something I don’t understand. “I had no idea how you felt.”

She looks confused. “How I felt about what?”

“You were planning to be my wife.”

“God, no, Sin. I could never marry you. My father is the one who planned on me being your wife. Not me.” She leans back to get a better look at my face. “Is that why you’ve been avoiding me tonight?”

“The very reason.”

“No. Dad came up with that. I’m not at all interested in climbing the chain of command. That’s all him. I’d probably leave The Fellowship if I had a choice.”

“God, I couldn’t be more relieved.” I adore Westlyn. She grew up tagging along behind me, Jamie, and Leith, so this misunderstanding has been incredibly unsettling for me.

“I’m happy to have that cleared up.”

“Me too,” I agree.

“I’m very much looking forward to becoming friends with Bleu. I’ve never been allowed to socialize with anyone not from within the brotherhood.”

“She’ll be very happy about that. I’m afraid she’s been here for months and has no friends—except Mum. I’m sure she’d like some her own age.”

“I’d love for you to introduce us later.”

“Absolutely.”

“I have a confession,” West says.

“Aye?”

“I don’t plan on marrying a man from The Fellowship.”

Oh, shite. “You must know your father will never allow you to take a husband from outside the brotherhood.”

“I don’t really care what Dad has to say about it.”

Are my actions responsible for her decision? “When did you decide this?”

“Years ago. It has nothing to do with you and Bleu.”

Abram will never see it that way. Not only have I rejected his daughter as my wife, he’ll now blame me for putting this idea into her head. “Do us both a favor and wait a while before you drop this bomb.”

“No worries. I have no prospects at the moment. No need to stir trouble yet.”

Aye. I have enough problems as it is.

Abram isn’t finished with me and Bleu. I’m certain of that. All I can do is lie in wait, bracing for his next move. Because it’s coming.





Chapter Twenty-Five





Bleu MacAllister