Page 62 of Scarred Sins

“Are you going alone?”

“Probably not. Cove will most likely come with me.’’

Blair frowns. “This is the second time I’m hearing that name. Who is Cove?”

It takes me a moment to figure out how to appropriately describe our friendship. Memories of how Cove and I met resurface, and somehow, his obnoxious, rare laughter creeps into my mind, causing me to wince visibly.

“A friend.’’ I sigh. “A very unhinged, do-not-provoke friend.’’

“Basically, just like you?”

“Oh, I wish,’’ I chuckle. “I’m good at controlling my anger to some degree. The word control isn’t in Cove’s vocabulary. He’s snapped at me more times in a day than I’d snapped in my entire life. He’s a ticking bomb, which is dangerous, but he’s also very…’’

“Very… what?”

I frown. “Silent? He doesn’t speak unless necessary, which is ridiculous. He lets his fists do all the talking.’’

Blair blinks. “Should I be scared?”

“Never,’’ I responded immediately. “As long as I’m with you, you’re safe from everyone. I’ll protect you with my life.’’

Blair drags her bottom lip between her teeth, rolling it as her palms fist on her lap. Her dark hair falls messily over her shoulders in soft waves, the ends slightly matted. She’s still wearing the same clothes as when she ran from me, and she definitely needs a shower.

“I’ll show you to your room.’’ I clear my throat, the sight of her nibbling on her lip sending electric shocks right to Arlo Jr. “You can take a shower.’’

Blair lifts a brow. “My room? You’ve thought this far ahead?”

I smirk. “There’s even a surprise for you.’’

She grunts. “You’re forbidden from surprising me, ever again.’’

She rises to her feet, and with a laugh, I take the lead, leaving the living room. Her sweet scent hits my nose, and I’m beyond fucking grateful for the self-control I have over myself. Otherwise, I’d probably hit on her, and she’d smack me.

“It’s the first door on the–’’

Abruptly, I stop talking when I hear the front door open and then slam shut violently. The force is enough to have the windows shaking, and I immediately sigh out, annoyed. Harsh footsteps echo above the tiled floor of the hallway until the silhouette appears.

“Arlo De Santis,’’ the low voice is almost threatening.

I close my eyes briefly, coming face to face with none other than Cove fucking Steele. His dull, dead eyes bore into mine, and his face is passive, as it always is. But there’s something in his eyes that’s telling me just how pissed he is.

“Where have you been?”

He stops in front of me, eyes momentarily drifting to Blair next to me. Quickly, I stand in front of her, hiding her body from his view. He lifts a brow, blinking in amusement. The motherfucker just steps around me and faces Blair.

“And who is the pretty lady?”

“I’ll kill you.’’

Cove raises his hands in mock surrender. “I’m sorry. I’m just… curious.’’

“Anything you need, Cove?”

He glances between Blair and me, his amusement vanishing. “I thought you were alone. So, later.’’

I nod, and his eyes linger on Blair for a moment longer than necessary. He’s trying to read her, but she’s not letting him. With a huff, he turns on his heel and walks into the kitchen, acting like he owns the place.

“So that’s Cove, huh?” She asks. “I expected more.’’