Page 15 of The Sinner’s Desire (The Sinner’s Touch #1)

“So, how was it? Did you get there okay?” Martina asks over the phone.

I’ve already had breakfast and decided to call her before tackling my future-to-do list. “I did, but I really need to talk to you. I don’t even know where to start. Remember what I told you about Christmas night two years ago?”

“Of course. You thought your brother’s friend—who’s also a total snack, by the way—was hot as hell.”

“Oh my God, sometimes I seriously question whether you’re really a writer. Your vocabulary is so . . .”

“Vulgar? Sorry if I offended your delicate sensibilities, sister. And FYI, I haven’t even said ‘dick’ or ‘pussy’ yet.”

I start laughing, like I always do when I talk to her. Martina has this magic touch. No matter how bad things are, she always makes me feel better. “Are you going to listen or what?”

“Always, Lillyana,” she teases.

I need to talk to someone about what happened last night.

Until I met Amos, I used to think my brother was the most unreadable man on the planet. You look at Ethan and have zero clue what he’s thinking. But now? The hot, silent mountain of a man has taken the lead by a landslide.

Why did we even argue to begin with?

I planned to stay quiet, to behave, but I can’t help myself. Our little battles are too intense . . . too exciting.

Maybe Martina can give me some advice on how to deal with him without making a complete fool of myself.

One thing I do know: I’m going to try my best to stay out of Amos’s way.

“So, are we having this convo via telepathy or what?” Martina asks. “Because otherwise, you’d better start talking.”

“First of all, I miss you.”

“I miss you too. Just so you know, I hate you a little for abandoning me.”

“Stop it. How are things over there?”

She pauses for a beat too long, and I instantly know something’s up. “I don’t think I can do this, Lilly.”

“Do what exactly?”

“All of it. The wedding. Leaving my family. Giving up writing . . .”

“He wants you to stop writing?” I ask, shocked. That would be sacrilegious—Martina is so talented.

“He probably expects it. I’m supposed to spend the rest of my life smiling and waving like some royal wife. I can’t do it, Lilly. When I go two days without writing, I feel like I can’t breathe.”

“Then don’t. Don’t let anyone else decide your path. Remember what you told me? You only live once.”

“I’ll think about it,” she says, and she does sound a little lighter. “So, you're all settled in at Mr. Tall-Dark-and-Handsome’s place. What else?” She’s never met Ethan, but she saw a picture and was immediately swooning. Not that I blame her—my brother is handsome indeed.

“Yeah, and honestly, that’s why I called.”

“What’s wrong? Did the grumpy friend treat you badly? Amos is his name, right?”

“He didn’t treat me badly, but some stuff happened, and I need your take on how I should act so I don’t completely embarrass myself.”

“I’m listening.”

I quickly summarize the chain of events—from the airport pickup to the garage showdown.

“Jesus. You just handed me the plot of a romance novel. The chemistry!”

“Don’t you dare. I’m not becoming your next character.”

“Why not? It’d be epic! Forbidden love, the best friend’s little sister, all that tension. I already have the perfect title: Off Limits.”

“I love you, Martina Oviedo, and there’s almost nothing I wouldn’t do for you—but I’m drawing the line there. Besides, did you listen to what I said? He basically told me to stay the hell away from him.”

“I disagree.”

“I don't follow.”

“From what you just told me, Amos wants you. He just thinks you’re too innocent for him.”

“Well . . . he’s not wrong.”

“Maybe it’s more than that.”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s your brother’s best friend, Lilly. If he messed around with you—and let’s be real, from what you’ve told me about Ethan’s lifestyle, Amos is probably similar—their friendship would be over.”

“I don’t think he’s into me. He seems to loathe me.”

“That’s not loathing, babe. That’s tension. Sexual tension. I had the same thing with Raul after we grew up. I used to want to throw a chair at his head one second and jump on him the next.”

“You really need to rethink this whole prince-engagement situation, Martina. And not just because you two don’t seem in love—although that’s part of it—but because when you talk about Raul, you practically glow through the phone.”

“Raul’s never going to settle down with one woman, Lilly. Vicenzzo, at least, wants to take care of me. He’ll respect me, I’m sure.”

“Not trying to be preachy here, but I’d never get married just for that. Of course respect is important, but what about passion? I want someone who gives me butterflies.”

“Is that how you feel about Amos?”

“Are you on something? What does he have to do with what I just said?”

“You light up when you talk about him. Just like I do when I talk about Raul. Face it, you’re into your grumpy giant.”

“No. I’m just . . . annoyed. Okay, maybe a little attracted. But come on, any woman with eyes would be.”

“Also known as horny?”

“Jesus, I already regret calling.”

“Okay, okay, sorry. So seriously, what’s your plan?”

“I have no idea. Can you help me?”

“You’re asking the wrong person—I’ve had exactly two boyfriends, and one doesn’t even count. He just gave me my first kiss.”

“Still, just tell me how to act. I don’t want to come off like the silly little sister with a crush on her brother’s best friend.”

“So . . . things are fucking awkward, huh?”

“God, your mouth is filthier than a sailor’s.”

“And you sound like a grandma.”

“I’m not swearing just to seem cool.”

“I don’t swear to be cool. ‘Fuck’ is just punctuation for me.”

“Only when you’re away from Mrs. Isabel and your dad, right? I doubt you’re cussing like that at Sunday lunch.”

“Oh, definitely not. I keep it classy around the family. But when I do say something wild, it’s always for laughs. I don’t do drama. I stay on my heels and keep it cute.”

“That’s what I love about you. A princess and a badass wrapped up in one tiny package. Now tell me, do you really think Amos is just being rude—or is it attraction? Being sociable is not that easy, you know?”

“Don’t be ridiculous. With your looks, I doubt anyone even notices the personality.

” She scoffs. “Girl, please. I’ve got four brothers.

Trust me, most guys are focused on one thing first—and it’s not your sparkling wit.

But if you want to avoid the awkwardness, get out of the house.

He’ll be working most days, right? Just survive the weekends.

Ethan will be back before you know it, and then you’ll have your own place. ”

“Great idea. I’ll go to a bookstore today. Maybe do a little shopping too. Thanks for the advice.”

“Anytime, babe.”

“Martina . . . if you ever want to talk about the engagement or anything else, I’m here, okay?”

“I know, Lilly.”

I hang up and head for the shower. Ten minutes later, I’m dressed in a summer dress and low heels, ready to head out—until I remember Ula’s message.

Apparently, Amos left instructions that I should call him before going anywhere.

Screw that. I’ll text.

Not because I want to talk to him. Only because I know that if I just disappear, my brother will lose his mind—and I don’t need more drama.