“Sin…” King Collins growled. “Make an apology, now.”
Before this escalated any further—I was sure I knew what was about to erupt from Sin’s mouth—I held up the hand that had the One’s blood now dried and disgusting on my flesh. “He apologizes for using the One as target practice.” When Sin made a noise behind me, I stepped on his foot—hard. “As I’m sure the One apologizes for almost slitting his throat.” I waved a hand at the door. “Plus, I apologize for asking everyone to leave because your assistance has been much appreciated, but Sin and I do need to speak privately.”
As the One leaned heavily on Reese, his silver eyes glared across at us. “Is he going to stay in the same room as you?” And…there was more than a bit of jealousy lacing his tone. Obviously, the blood loss was keeping him from hiding emotions I hadn’t even known he felt for me.
Like clockwork, damn near everyone in the room froze and blinked back and forth between us…except King Zeller, who stared at the ground, and Roselle, who studied her nails.
“Oh,” Sin muttered, sounding awed. His voice was a whisper. “Caro, you’ve got to be fucking joking.” I felt him move behind me, staring down at me. “This one, too?”
I cleared my throat, ignoring everyone but the One, keeping eye contact with him. “Yes. He’ll be staying with me.”
Instant reply. “In the same bed?”
“Yes. Although that’s really none of your business.”
His jaw clenched, his eyes flicking over my head to Sin then back down to mine. “I thought you had decided the two of you were never going to be together because he hasn’t found his mate, and you want him to be happy with her when he does.”
Ice…ice ran through my veins as I stared back at him when he spoke of the intimate thoughts he had stolen from me at the Temple. The room was deathly quiet, and Sin stiffened behind me while I glared into drooping silver eyes. My voice was the softest of tones as I murmured, “I think you should leave now.”
His nostrils flared. “If you want him to be happy—”
Sin interrupted, his voice stonily quiet, “What you’re saying isn’t news to us, but you still have no right to speak of our relationship.” He was completely frozen behind me. “I suggest you leave as Caro requested, and go rest. Even I can see you aren’t thinking clearly.”
The One’s mouth immediately opened, but he hesitated. He gazed at the ground before he nodded once. “Yes, I think I should rest.”
I wavered for the briefest moment as Reese and Roselle started helping him from the room, but still feeling cold inside, I finally said, “Leric…” I used his name, and it sounded weird coming from my mouth. The three of them stopped, his head snapping to me. I swallowed and said what I needed to so that nothing was hidden any longer, “I want you to know, I’m taking a break from romantic relationships. I need it.” I shook my head. I was finally being completely honest. I had only just now realized how much I needed to back up and re-evaluate. “I can’t handle it right now. Mentally. It’s just too much after everything that’s happened.” I stared directly into hardened silver eyes. “I hope you understand.”
Long moments of silence ensued, silver staring deeply into my eyes. He still kept his mouth shut. After what felt like another stalemate, he nodded once then began moving forward again with Roselle and Reese’s help, exiting my room.
King Zeller watched them leave before he turned his head to me. “That, Caro, was one of the smartest decisions I’ve seen from you yet.” Spring green eyes peered up to Sin, with a head tilt. He eyed him…with his respect reflected. “I’m happy you’re back. You’re needed.”
Everyone filtered from my room except for my scowling, conscious guards.
I turned inside the hold of Sin’s familiar comforting embrace and met his gaze.
His lips curved. He gave a small smile of knowledge, which was so full of love that my chin started trembling, my eyes instantly burning. He whispered, “Now, none of that.” He stroked my cheek softly. “I’ve known for a long time, love.” His voice quaked with his next words. “I love you. I always will.” His lips pinched. “Maybe one day we’ll get there…”
My voice was a mere croak, unstoppable tears falling from my eyes. “I know.” I nodded hurriedly. “I know, but…” My chest ached and a broken sob escaped. “I love you so much.”
His arms enveloped me, holding my head close to his chest, hushing me.
“I’ve missed you.” My words came in spurts and stutters. “I’ve…needed you.”
“I’m back. I’m here,” he crooned, gently guiding me to my bedroom. “Now that all the shooting and bleeding is done, tell me what’s been going on.”