Page 188 of Sins of a King

“We should take some time apart. So you can—to come to terms with—”

“I don’t need time,” he protested.

“Sasha,” I begged. “I am so grateful that you came into my life when you did. But I will not take you for granted. If you won’t do this for you, then do it for me.”

We stared at each other for a long moment, his blue eyes bright. Finally, he nodded. Without another word, he turned and left. And I didn’t know if I’d ever see him again.

Chapter 61

Flynn reached over and took my hand as the car jerked to a stop halfway in between two lanes of Manhattan traffic. Horns honked and cab drivers yelled.

“You’re quiet,” he said.

I squeezed his fingers, loving their warmth, their strength, but it was Sasha who was on my mind. My heart was heavy, and I already felt his absence. Something had happened when Dolinsky had kidnapped me. Sasha and I had connected, in a way that was complete, but for me platonic. I trusted him, without a doubt, but never as a potential lover.

“Sasha is in love with me,” I said.

“I know.”

I looked at Flynn whose face wasn’t masked in jealousy. He understood, I realized. “How did you know?”

He shrugged. “I saw him look at you with uncontrolled longing, and just as quickly, I saw him conceal it.”

“Does he know? That you know, I mean?” I wondered.

“Aye.”

“You guys ever talk about it.”

“No.”

“Typical,” I muttered. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I tried to.”

“When?”

“When I accused you of having an affair with him.”

“That’swhat thatwas about?” I demanded. “Jesus, Flynn.”

“I wanted to know if you felt the way he did, but I also didn’t really want the truth.”

“Well, obviously,” I said. “Who really wants to hear that?”

“No one,” he stated.

“Nothing has ever happened between us. You have to believe me.”

“I know that.” His fingers skimmed my knuckles, and I felt my pulse steady.

“I gave him some time—to himself. To get over—if he can—”

Flynn was silent, turning to look out the window.

“Do you think he can? Get over his feelings for me?” I asked.

“I don’t know, Barrett,” he said honestly. “His love for you runs deep.”