Page 87 of Heartless Sinner

Another head shake.

“What about the Fawn Initiation?”

And another stupid head shake. He was like a freaking Bobblehead.

“That’s not fair.” I let my hand fall away.

His head followed it an inch before he caught himself. “Life isn’t fair, Princess.”

“Easy for you to say. You’re the one making the rules.”

“Some women would kill to become a Fawn.”

“Choose one of those women then.”

“Those women aren’t you.”

Something warm settled in my chest at the thought of being the most important thing in Brooks’s world. But I knew this was all we could ever be.

“Then why put us through an Initiation?” I asked him.

“It proves you’re strong.”

“Why do we have to be?”

“You learn our secrets.” His voice turned almost soothing. “About our lives. We have to know you won’t break under pressure.”

“Why would you make me your Fawn then? You said you don’t trust me.”

He slid his arm around my waist again to draw me closer. “I trust you with a few things.”

“Like?”

“Adelina. And I trust you not to betray the Sons or other Fawns.” He absentmindedly stroked my side with his thumb. “Your loyalty is one of the things I admire most about you.” His Adam’s apple bobbed. “It’s also one of the things I hate.”

I smiled faintly. “That sure contradicts itself.”

“Not really.” He reached down, and I lost the heat of his hand when he pulled the blanket up our bodies. “You’re loyal to the people who hurt my family.”

I gathered the blanket tight in my fist. “I’ll never turn my back on my father. Or my family.”

He reached over to gently pry my fingers loose from the blanket. “Not even if they did something terrible?”

“Like your father hasn’t done terrible things?”

He looked away, focusing on the dark window behind me.

“You stand beside him, tell people to vote for him, knowing he isn’t the honorable man they think he is.” I ran my hand through his still-damp hair. “I love my father and will always defend him. That’s what makes you just like me.”

His one working eye stayed on me for a long second. “You have a point.” He rolled onto his back. “I think it’s time we get some sleep.”

I fell on my back beside him. I didn’t need sleep. I needed to finish my paper, but that no longer felt important. I wanted to stay right here.

I scooted closer, stealing some of his body heat, and closed my eyes.

Having him in my bed felt … good.

Brooks choosing me as his Fawn had dragged me back into his life.