Sinful Hands (Chained Hearts Duet 3)

“You can leave. I can find my own way home.” Her eyes don’t find mine.

“That’s not going to happen,” I respond, my eyes boring into her back.

Wren starts to cry and Chanel gets up. “I’ll go see if she’s okay.”

Sailor nods, clearly relieved.

Chanel brushes by me, careful not to touch me as she goes. I watch her every movement as she walks up the stairs and out of my view.

“Why are you watching her like that?” Sailor asks, bringing my attention back to her.

“Like what?”

“I think you know.” I do, but I’m not going to voice it. “She’s different, that one. Maybe not quite what you’re used to?”

“And what would I be used to exactly, Sailor?”

“Women who are either afraid of you or will do anything you ask.”

“You did neither, and you don’t see me falling at your feet.”

“But you already knew who I belonged to. And no matter how much of a badass you pretend to be, we both know you love Keir.”

Chanel reappears. “She’s asleep, just wanted her night light on,” she relays, coming to a stop next to me. “I’ll see you tomorrow, then. Thanks again.”

“Of course. See you then.”

Chanel grabs her cell and puts it in her back pocket before she walks straight past me to the door without saying a word. When she gets outside, she walks past my car and keeps going.

“Chanel,” I warn, but she doesn’t stop. “There are a lot of crazies out there.” This time she does turn around, but she keeps on walking backward as she speaks.

“You are the crazy, Lucas,” she says, then spins on her heel and continues down the sidewalk.

Chanel caught a train and then a bus. I watch as the bus lets her off in front of her apartment. She spots me straight away and shakes her head but doesn’t stop. I follow her up the stairs until we arrive at her door. She goes to unlock it but pauses and turns to me.

“I don’t want to see or be near you. What do you not understand about that?” she asks wearily her shoulders sagging.

“I once slit a woman’s throat,” I tell her, pausing. “I had fucked her, and as soon as it was over, she tried to get things from me. Information. I knew what she was doing, but you see, she smelled so good, so how could I resist?” Her eyes are on me, listening to every word intently. “That’s when the rumors started. I’m not going to lie, I like it rough. A good choking never killed no one.” I start to laugh. “Well, apart from that one time.” I brush it off, but her eyes go wide. “So, you see, I’m not all that bad. I don’t kill every woman I take to bed, and I would very much like to have my fill of you.”

“That’s not going to happen.” Chanel shakes her head. “Despite your words…how very touching they are about how you slit the throat of a woman after you fucked her…I don’t plan to let you touch me, let alone fuck me.”

“You might love it. I can make you love it.” I step closer, to smell her.

“Consensual sex is a thing in my world. Even if it’s paid for, it’s still consensual. With you, it wouldn’t be.” She stays still, but her nipples harden.

“Why, because I tied you to a bed? You deserved it for being a smartass. You needed to be taught a lesson.”

“Oh, fuck me.” She rolls her eyes. “Do you really hear yourself? How fucked-up that sounds coming from your mouth?”

“I’ve never had an issue getting a woman before,” I state. “Until you.”

“I feel like that’s your issue, not mine. Now goodnight, Lucas.” She unlocks the door, steps inside, and goes to shut it, but I stop it with my foot.

“I’ll be here tomorrow morning to take you to Keir’s.”

“No, please don’t be. You’ll only be wasting your time.” She manages to shut the door and slams it in my face. I hear the click of a lock and huff a laugh. As if that will stop me, but I think she knows that already.

I show up the next morning, and she isn’t there.

12

Chanel

“Do you have plans this weekend?” Sailor asks as I fold a basket of clothes. I’ve been here all week and have managed to miss Lucas at every turn, and I’m thankful for that.

“No,” I answer, glancing over at her. She has Wren on her lap while she eats an apple.

“You obviously know what they do.” I don’t reply, but I don’t think she expects me to. “Would you be willing to come away with us this weekend? I’ll pay you double.” I hesitate. “Lucas doesn’t attend anymore, unless he has to.”

“What is it?”

“The boys usually meet up once a month at Keir’s vacation home and they talk and drink. I’m usually bored and would love the company and help. Lucas hasn’t come to the last two, so I doubt he’ll come to this one.”