Page 189 of Sins of a King

“I need him.”

“What the fuck?” Flynn tried to pull his hand from mine, but I wouldn’t let him.

“Let me explain, if I can,” I said, holding tight. “When I was with Dolinsky, Sasha and I… I don’t know, bonded. He’s been nothing but loyal and there for me, even going as far as turning on his leader, his oldest friend.”

“Because he loves you and he was trying to win you.”

“No, I don’t think that’s it.” I ran my tongue across my suddenly dry lips. “I think Sasha was looking for something to believe in. I think Dolinsky was breaking him, leaching him of hope. I don’t know. What you and I, and Marino and Dolinsky do—did—it’s all a matter of gray, right? But I think Sasha has a clear view of right and wrong, for him anyway. Maybe it’s all bullshit, but I think I…inspired him? Showed him we can live in this world and still have some sort of moral code.”

“That’s convoluted.”

“And just a theory. I also think a part of him was waiting for me to turn on you—for Dolinsky. And when I didn’t or wouldn’t, it was just another reason for Sasha to believe in me and offer me his unwavering friendship.”

“I believe in you,” Flynn said. “I believe in your strength and bravery, your intelligence.”

“I know you believe in me. It’s just—”

“Different.”

We drove the rest of the way to The Rex in silence. When we pulled up to the curb, Flynn helped me out of the car and gestured to the bellman to come and grab my suitcase.

“Is that really necessary?” I asked. “It’s tiny.”

Flynn didn’t listen to me and waved the bellman on. He lifted me into his arms and carried me across the lobby. Guests and employees of the hotel smiled and waved. I tried not to be embarrassed, but I hated looking helpless.

“What are you doing?” I asked Flynn quietly.

He maneuvered me so that I was able to press the button for our private elevator. “Taking care of you.”

“This is absurd,” I said as Flynn stepped into the elevator. “You know that, right?”

He said nothing as the elevator ascended. The doors opened, and I saw a welcome home sign. Ash and Lacey stood in the living room, smiling in excitement.

“What are you doing here?” I demanded at Ash. “You’re supposed to be in Scotland.”

“Your husband sent his private jet,” she explained.

Flynn set me down onto the couch and pointed a finger at me. “Do not move.”

“What if I have to pee?” I asked.

Flynn rolled his eyes and looked between Lacey and Ash. “Don’t let her move. I’m trusting you both to keep her sufficiently entertained while she rests.”

Ash saluted. “Aye, aye captain.”

“I’ll be back in a few hours,” Flynn said, leaning down to kiss me.

“Where are you going?”

“I’m giving you some girl time.”

When we were alone, Ash said, “Your husband is something special.”

“I think so.”

“Want something to drink?” Lacey asked, heading to the refrigerator.

“Please. Sparkling water?”