Page 43 of Destruction’s Desire (Broken Souls Trilogy #2)

Rule forty-three: If you’re going to die, go out with a bang.

M organa walks towards me, but I’m surprised to see Rosie jump in front of her, holding out her hands.

“Absolutely not!” she chirps, sounding furious, as she sniffles through tears.

I sigh, “Rosie, I’m sorry, but this really is my choice and…”

Rosie interrupts me, sounding once again like the hard taskmaster she was the day of the party. “You are not dying without a proper send-off, Vivian. We celebrate birthdays, and I’ll be damned before we pass up the opportunity to celebrate your death.”

Her face is set in hard determination, and I know there’s no way we are going to talk her down from this. Not to mention, a tiny part of me is grateful to have a bit more time alive.

Just in case.

Nodding, I give in. “That’s a great idea, Rosie. Thank you.”

She beams before fluttering her wings. “Oh, this will be great. Don’t you worry, Vivian. I’ll make it perfect.” Rosie glares at everyone in the room. “Vivian has made her choice, and you will all celebrate her. Understood? We celebrate tonight, whether you like it or not.”

Sin gives me a furious glare before storming out of the room.

Rosie clears her throat. “Correction – ALMOST all of us are celebrating tonight.”

The others in the room nod, and while Arianna looks less than impressed, she inhales deeply, pulling some of her darkness back. “You’d better be right about this, Vivi, or I will hunt down your soul just to kill you myself.”

I give her my most reassuring smile. “They wouldn’t have made a huge deal about my prophecy if ending my mortal life meant I was dead for good. It’s going to be fine.”

Do I believe a word I just said?

Maybe?

I’m like seventy percent sure I won’t die for good. And right now, those are decent enough odds.

Arianna gives me a tight smile and turns to Rosie. “How can I help? ”

But before Rosie can answer, Morgana chimes in, “I’m going to go look for Sin and try to talk him down.”

“Do you think he’ll be okay?” I ask, worried about him.

Morgana purses her lips before answering, “I’m not sure. He’s never –” she pauses as if trying to find a way to explain without revealing more than she should. “He cares for you a great deal. That’s new to him. And I imagine the idea of losing you is very unpleasant.”

I swallow, nodding at her, and Morgana continues out the door.

Magnus clears his throat and claps me on the back. “Well, little enigma, I have no doubt you won’t be leaving us permanently, but I’m always available for a party.”

The four of us chat for another half hour, discussing possible party ideas. It’s nice to take the time to think of something other than my looming death. This feels almost normal. Like pre-supernatural experiences, kind of normal. We bounce around different possibilities, but ultimately, my ideas win out since it’s my death-day party. We settle on a bonfire on the beach, with good music, Mortal Realm snacks, and lots of peach schnapps.

Rosie and Magnus get to work on gathering all the supplies we need, and Arianna keeps me company, hanging out in my room with me after I’ve showered. We have instilled an all-important ‘no talking about my possibly becoming permanently dead rule’ and are instead focused on having a lazy afternoon .

It’s pure bliss – other than the fact that I haven’t seen Sin since he stormed off.

Arianna braids my damp hair so I will have beach waves for the party. We decide to wear matching outfits – courtesy of Arianna robbing my wardrobe blind yet again. It’s too warm for long pants, and for once, I’m not ashamed of my scars. Everyone here has seen them, and no one has made a big deal. So, in the spirit of self-love and body confidence, we take daggers to two pairs of my jeans, making cutoff shorts.

I try to pair mine with a tank top, but Arianna threatens me with shredding all my human-realm clothes if I don’t let her choose our tops. When I point out that she’s already stolen half of my clothes, she raises a brow at me.

“Excuse me? You do realize those are MY fighting leathers over there, right?” she asks, pointing to the chest at the end of my bed. Laughing, she adds, “I don’t mind, Vivi. I’m happy sharing wardrobes.”

A warmth spreads in my heart at her words. She really is like a sister to me. I’ve always wanted a sister. Or at least I did until I realized what a monster my mother was. Then, I was grateful there was no one else for her to traumatize.

Arianna digs through my drawers until she finds two of my lace bralettes. They each have spaghetti straps, a deep plunging V-neck, and they end in a small band right below the chest.

I laugh, sure that she’s messing with me.

“Those are bras, Ari. They don’t leave anything to the imagination. That’s a hard no for me. But you go for it if that’s your jam. ”

Arianna smirks. “Your boobs won’t show if you put a bra underneath. Now get dressed and stop complaining.”

I wrinkle my nose but take the bralette from her.

By the time dusk rolls around, Arianna and I look like we’re ready for a beach festival. Our hair is down in matching waves, and we’re both in black bralettes and jean shorts. We’re barefoot, and Arianna painted our cheekbones and shoulders with glow-in-the-dark glitter. Arianna’s glitter is pink, and mine is aquamarine.

It’s a festive look for us.

Linking arms, Arianna apparates us out of my room, and we land on the sandy ground.

Peering around, I realize we’re on the same beach Sin brought me to the other day. I look around the cove but don’t see him.

There’s a huge fire burning in the center of the beach, where Magnus is steadily apparating in more wood. Driftwood logs have been rolled over to create some seating, and Rosie has laid out a small table full of Mortal Realm snacks. There’s music blasting from a small speaker placed in a divot of one of the cliffs, and music echoes off the surrounding walls, creating a pulsing sound in my blood.

I smile and yell at Arianna to be heard over the music, “I didn’t think anyone else knew about this place.”

Arianna grins. “I showed Rosie. I’ve been all over this realm, Vivi. I know all the best hideouts,” she says before taking my hand and pulling me to the party .

The night is just about perfect, save for the absence of Sin and Morgana. Rosie really came through with the snacks, and we roast hot dogs and marshmallows over the flames. Bottles of peach schnapps are being passed around, and a pile of empties is rapidly growing under the table.

The mood is jovial as we all let ourselves unwind for the night. I’m just roasting my seventh marshmallow when Morgana apparates into the cove. She gives me a tentative smile as she approaches the party.

She knows what I’m going to ask before I even get the chance to open my mouth.

“He’s okay, and he’ll be here,” she tells me over the music.

Blowing out my flaming marshmallow, I raise a brow. “How did you convince him to come?”

She grins at me in a way that I’ve never seen her do before. It’s mischievous.

So far, things have been strained between the two of us. I don’t think Morgana warms up to people very quickly, and I’ve been fairly standoffish, given the whole ‘she killed me once’ thing.

Ironic that she’s going to be killing me again.

Life is funny like that.

“He doesn’t want to come. He’s brooding,” she says, smiling smugly.

I frown at her. “But you said he was coming?”

Morgana winks at me, and it’s only a little odd, given her opaque eyes. “He will. Because once the party starts going, I’m going to tell him that you’re dancing with Magnus and that he’s looking like he wants to give you a proper send-off.”

I choke on my marshmallow and then sputter laughing. “That is devious.”

Morgana grins. “He’s scared right now and needs the right motivation to push through the fear.”

I give her a warm smile. “Thank you for your help.”

She gives me a small smile in return. “He’s like a brother to me. There’s very little I wouldn’t do if it makes him happy. And you – you make him happy.”

My heart melts at her words, and Morgana saves me from any awkward emotional displays by getting up and raiding the snack table.

When I’m sure I couldn’t possibly have another bite of marshmallow, Magnus and Morgana move the driftwood seats back, and Rosie pulls us up to dance with her around the fire. I get lost in the pulse of the music, the volume so loud now that even yelling doesn’t carry over the beat.

Rosie twirls around the fire, looking completely unscathed by the flames that sometimes lick at her wings. More peach schnaps make their way around, and I’m just about positive almost everyone is drunk. To my credit, I only stumble a handful of times and manage not to land in the flames. I take turns dancing with all of them, spinning and waving our hands in the air as we make loop after loop around the fire.

Sweat coats my body from the heat, and I close my eyes, swaying my hips. A few breaths later, a pair of strong arms come around my waist, pulling me flush against a wall of solid muscle .

Smiling, I don’t even bother to open my eyes, already knowing exactly who’s holding me. Instead, I lean back into Sin, grinding back against him. His hands tighten before he spins me around to face him.

I open my eyes to look up at him, threading my arms around his neck as I continue to sway my hips to the beat. Sin’s eyes burn into mine, and the air between us feels charged as desire crackles between us.

I run my fingers through his hair, and Sin responds by pulling me closer and grinding against me. We dance like that for ages, lost in each other and not saying a word.

Finally, when I might keel over from thirst, I pull away from him, shocked to see that everyone else at the party has left. It’s just Sin and I on the beach.

I grin.

Why do I think that was an absolutely intentional move on their part?

Padding over to the snack table, I grab the small flask I stashed in a box of candy, downing most of it. I spot a tiny remote, half hidden under a chocolate bar wrapper, and lower the speaker’s volume so it’s only background noise.

Turning back to Sin, I find he hasn’t budged and is watching me intently. The shadows from the flames dance across him, making him look even fiercer than usual. My core tightens at the sight as I consider what we should do next.

I know exactly what I want to do.

There’s something about the whole ‘possibly my last night alive’ that does wonders for your confidence.

I want to have sex with Sin .

And from the way he’s been watching me tonight and the hardness that pressed against me while we danced, I think it’s fair to assume he wants me too.

Throwing him a wicked grin, I pad over to the water instead of returning to him. I can feel the heat from his gaze, tracking my every step.

My heart races over what I’m going to do next.

Realistically, if I die of embarrassment, it will just save Morgana the trouble.

So why not just go for it?

I shimmy out of my shorts and pull off my bralette.

Once those layers are shed, I turn to look at Sin, only to find he’s still frozen in place, watching me. I give him a beckoning smile as I unclasp my bra.

Sin’s eyes flare, his eyes glued to my body. “What are you doing, kitten?”

I grin. “I’ve never skinny-dipped before. This seems like a great time to try.”

My cheeks heat as I pull off my bra and turn away from him. Facing the water, I slowly peel off my thong before wading into the warm ocean waters.

“You shouldn’t be swimming right now,” Sin calls, his voice hoarse.

A trail of moonlight reflects off the waters, and I make sure to stick to the illuminated parts so Sin has a clear view of me. I don’t stop until I’m waist-deep and then turn to him.

“Well, then you’d better come and get me,” I sass back.

Sin’s jaw works like he’s trying to work through a difficult problem before he kneels and unlaces his boots. His eyes never leave mine as he undresses, save for when he pulls off his shirt.

My breath catches at seeing him naked. His tattoos extend over most of his body, highlighting his muscles. I’m struck once again by how much he reminds me of a warlord. He’s beautiful in a rugged, deadly way.

Another breath, and Sin stalks into the water, no doubt coming to fetch me. I respond by giggling and taking off swimming in the opposite direction. It’s an honest effort, and I think I make it about three strokes before Sin dives and surfaces directly in front of me.

I gasp, standing to try and kick off away from him, but the water here is deeper, and I don’t quite reach the bottom. Sin’s arms hook around me as I surface, sputtering.

When I’ve regained the ability to breathe like a normal person, I wrap my hands around his neck, grinning at him. His body is warm against mine, and feeling his length pressed up against me without clothing is going to drive me to distraction. “You’ve caught me. Now, what are you going to do with me?”

Sin’s expression is almost pained. “You’re drunk, kitten. I’m going to take you home and put you to bed.”

My heart swells.

“We had peach schnapps at the party. I specifically requested the alcohol,” I say, grinning.

Sin sighs as he responds, “That’s wonderful, I’m glad you had fun.”

I purse my lips, trying not to laugh. “Sin?” I start, pulling myself up to press against him even more .

Sin groans in response, his hands tightening around me, stopping me from moving.

“Kitten,” he growls, “don’t.”

I smirk, loving that he’s reacting to me but ready to end his torture. My fingers play with the hair at the back of his neck. “My friends and I got super drunk on peach schnapps last summer. I got really sick and had a terrible hangover the next morning. It was horrid.”

Sin hums, his eyes focused on the water beyond us as he humors me.

I tug on his hair a bit, drawing his gaze back to me. I lick my lips before continuing, “I haven’t been able to drink peach schnapps ever since. The taste is completely off-putting to me.”

Sin frowns, his grip on me loosening as he processes my words. “Then what…”

I take the opportunity to pull myself higher so our faces are only an inch apart, and my forehead leans against his.

“I’m completely sober, Sin. I’ve been drinking water from a flask all night,” I whisper against his lips.

Sin’s eyes flare for just a second before his mouth claims mine. His lips are hot, and he wastes no time before his tongue pushes into my mouth, fucking my mouth. I kiss him just as passionately, tugging at his hair to draw him impossibly closer. Sin’s hands move from my waist to my ass, and he lifts me so that my core is pressed directly against his rigid cock.

I moan at the contact, wrapping my legs around him and rolling my hips to grind against him .

Sin growls at my movement, his fingers digging into me as he presses his thickness into my folds, the action pulling another moan from me.

Releasing my lips, Sin kisses a hot trail down my neck. “What do you want, kitten?” he asks before biting at the sensitive flesh.

“You,” I answer breathlessly. “All of you.”

Sin sucks at the bite mark, reddening it further before he murmurs, “Be specific.”

I whimper at the sensation and grind myself against him again, hoping that will get the message across. But Sin doesn’t budge, licking at my neck.

Groaning, I ignore the heat in my cheeks to grit out, “Sex, Sin. I want to have sex with you.”

Sin releases my neck, a low rumble sounding in his chest. “Fuck, I like those words coming out of your mouth.”

I remember how much he likes me begging and think to add, “Please, Sin?”

Sin groans, and I swear he grows even harder against me. He doesn’t move, his eyes locking on mine. “Last chance, kitten. If we do this, you’re mine. I won’t be able to let you go,” he warns.

My heart beats almost painfully in my chest, and the electric hum between us grows stronger. “I want you. You’re mine, Sin.”

Sin’s eyes darken, but still, he doesn’t move. “I’m fucking starved for you. I’m going to make you come until you can’t keep your eyes open. And even then, I don’t think I’ll be able to stop. Is that what you want?” His voice is so low I feel it vibrating deep within me.

“Yes. Please, yes,” I answer, almost panting .

“Your safe word is pineapple, sweetheart. And if you can’t use your words, it’s two sharp taps against me, understood?” he asks.

I nod. “Yes.”

Sin smiles, but it’s full of dark promises and intent.

I respond by grinding against him, trying to angle his cock so he can slide into me.

He chuckles, the sound sinfully low, as he pulls me back, stopping my efforts. “Oh no, kitten. I’ve been thinking about fucking you almost non-stop. The first time I’m inside of you tonight, it won’t be in the ocean. It’s going to be in my bed, where you haunt my dreams. And it won’t be until after I’ve heard you scream my name.”

My breath catches just as Sin apparates us off the beach.