The Sinner (The St. Clair Brothers 1)

Shaking off the guilt and nerves, I showered and changed into a sleep tank and shorts, resigned to the fact I needed to put family first. Pursuing anything with Seb, even if only for sex, was a fantasy and that's where it would remain. I winced and clutched at my shirt over my heart. The thought of not seeing Seb again, never touching him again or feeling his hands on my skin, made my lungs feel too small and my eyes began to burn. I blinked back hot tears.

What the heck was wrong with me? We hooked up once. One time. It really shouldn't be difficult to break things off. To accept that not only was it a bad time to get involved with someone, but also that out of the roughly seven billion people on Earth, Sebastien St. Clair had to be the worst possible someone I could choose.

The worst, at least, in Rocco's eyes. Me? I didn't have to think about it. Without a doubt, I would choose Seb again. I wanted him with every fiber of my being. Desperately.

Admitting the truth felt like twisting a knife in my gut. I didn't know the man, not really. Yet, I didn't want to give him up.

Like a zombie, I went through the motions of getting ready for bed. In the middle of brushing my teeth I heard my phone ping from the bedroom. I glanced at the tiny digital clock on the countertop. It was well after midnight. Odd.

I smiled around my toothbrush. It was probably Nat drunk texting again. She tended to do that, usually after she hooked up with a guy and regretted it the second she got home, or when she wanted to brag about how awesome he was in bed. I spat and rinsed and wandered to the nightstand to check.

Hmm, I didn't recognize the number and had no clue who it was… until I read the text.

Unknown: When can we get together again Not A St Clair Fan? I’d like the chance to persuade you to become one.

My breath hitched and my pulse stuttered. Seb. My hands shook so hard I almost dropped the phone. Luckily, I caught it before it clattered to the hardwood floor.

What the heck was wrong with me? Why did a stupid text, or even just thinking about Sebastien St. Clair freak me out in a good way? Something about the man called to me, sent my hormones into overdrive. Was it because I saw him as some kind of a kindred spirit? Did I think he might be the only person I could trust to further explore my desires?

I stared at the text. For the first time in my life I wanted to do something wholly selfish, and not to piss off Rocco, but rather, to fulfill my own needs. Trembling, I swiped the screen and my fingers hovered over the keypad.

Did I do what made Rocco happy? Or pursue my own happiness?

It took what felt like forever to decide, but was only a few seconds. Mind made up, I tapped out a response as fast as possible and hit Send before I backed out.

Me: I think I could be persuaded

I grinned when it pinged almost immediately.

Unknown: You didn’t answer my question as to when I can see you again. And I would think after such spectacular sex, I wouldn’t have to persuade you to be my fan, yet the contact info you entered says you’re not.

I bit my lip to suppress a laugh.

Me: Oh. I thought u were talking about persuading me to be a Remy fan. Wrong St Clair, sry

Now I couldn't help but giggle. The man was so damn cocky. He deserved to suffer a little.

Unknown: I see how it is. Do you know why they call me the Sinner?

I inhaled sharply. Yes, yes, I did know why. And from what I heard and experienced, the name most definitely fit. Plus, it was indescribably hot. Not wanting Seb to get a big head, I feigned ignorance.

Me: No. Why?

The little bubble popped up, three gray dots that taunted me. I held my breath while I waited for a response.

Unknown: because I break ALL the rules

I read the text and swore I almost climaxed.

Game. Over.

He won. After that, there was no way I would pass up a second chance to get down and dirty with Sebastien St. Clair. He was funny, sexy, and wickedly talented in bed. Plus, he had that edge of danger I so craved. So Rocco hates the guy. Whatever. Only an idiot would turn Seb down. Rocco just doesn’t need to know. And Seb? Well, he doesn’t need to know Rocco is my brother. Right? Good.

Kylie: Fine. When and where?

I yelped when the phone in my hand rang. My finger slipped on the screen a few times before I finally swiped the stupid thing to answer.

“Hello?”