Indulging Sin (5 page)

His heart beat rapid and strong beneath her ear, while his chest heaved and eventually his breathing returned to normal.

He brushed a kiss to her forehead. “Are you okay?”

She nodded against his chest, tracing the pink of his areola with her fingertip. He drifted a hand down the curve of her spine until he cupped her buttocks. A sigh slipped past her lips and she squirmed against him.

“Sore?”

“A little,” she admitted.

“Good.” He squeezed her. “No more secrets.”

She stiffened against him.

“Sin?” A note of warning clung to his deep voice.

“I’m pregnant.”

His sharp inhale was the only indication of his surprise. Had she done something wrong? Oh no, not again. She hid her face in the hollow of his shoulder. He shifted, pinning her beneath his heavier body. She had no choice but to stare him in the face. The love and admiration she read in his eyes stole her breath.

“Say it again?”

She moistened her lips with her tongue. “You’re going to be a father.”

He rained kisses over her face and neck. “Oh, baby. A baby!”

She giggled as he drifted a hand over her belly.

“When?”

“Around June, but when we see the doctor next week, she can tell us for sure.”

He studied her a moment, frowned, and rolled off her.

She shivered without his body heat and tugged down her nightie. It provided a little warmth but wasn’t the same. She touched his hand. “You’re not happy.”

“Why didn’t you tell me before?” His voice held a slight edge to it.

Sin sat up shoving her hair from her face. “Huh?”

“You let me spank you and the toy and—oh my God—Madisin. You shoulda told me before I took you over my knee.”

Realization dawned. He thought he’d harmed her or the baby. That was the source of his agitation and now that she understood, a bubble of mirth tickled her lips and escaped in the form of a giggle.

“This is no laughing matter, woman. I’m serious.”

She smoothed the wrinkle from his brow with her fingertips and bit the inside of her cheek on any further chuckles.

His gaze bore into hers. He raked his fingers through his hair.

“I promise, I’m fine. You didn’t hurt me; well, no more than usual.” She smiled and he frowned. She twined her fingers with his and held his gaze. “I asked the doctor if it was okay to continue our play. She didn’t see any reason why not. As long as I’m open and honest with you about how anything feels.”

“Damn straight about being open and honest.” He looked her over. “Until I’ve had a chance to talk to your doctor myself. Next time use your safe word.”

She opened her mouth to protest, but when look in his eyes and she closed it with a snap. “Okay.”

That seemed to mollify him and he gathered her close. “I’m really gonna be a daddy?”

“Yeah.”

“Well damn. How about that?”

* * * *

Late the next morning, Moses pushed through the office door of BJ Dawson. The other man huffed and shook his head. Moses looked him over. A plastic bandage was affixed above one eye, while the other eye was turning colors. He’d let his dreads hang loose, softening the harsh angles of his face. He looked good despite the fight they had yesterday.

“What do you want?”

“To talk.”

BJ snorted. “Oh, now you wanna talk.”

Moses leaned on the desk. “Be pissed at me. I don’t care, but when my wife comes home in tears I’m obligated to fix it.” He studied the other man a moment. “The situation wasn’t ideal and yes, we were wrong for not telling you. Hell, I was wrong for not telling you my intentions from the beginning, but the fact is I love Sin and nothing will ever change that.”

The other man was silent.

“I know you may not agree with my lifestyle. I don’t expect you to, but don’t hold that against Sin. She’s...”

He waved his hand. “Stop. Just stop.” BJ pinched the bridge of his nose. “I did a little research and stumbled upon this little site called BDSMstyle. Very informative.”

Moses nodded.

“And from what I gather there are contracts and such in place to ensure limits are maintained and safe words so no one gets hurts.”

Again he nodded.

“And she’s okay with this? You didn’t coerce her.”

If anyone else had asked the question, Moses would have decked him. “No. We talked a long time about what she wanted and what was best for her, for us.” He held out his hands, palms up. “Your sister is no pushover.” He glanced away. “I have a great deal of respect for Sin. If nothing else, she’s the one who holds the real power in this relationship.”

They fell silent; only the hum of the heating unit filled the air.

“So, I take it I did something really wrong yesterday when I snatched off her necklace thing.”

“Damn right.”

“Figured as much. That’s the first time I’ve ever been on the receiving end of that submission hold.” A visible shudder shook his body. “Brutal, man. I thought you were trying to rip off my torso.”

“I was.”

BJ nodded, a smirk widening his lips. He rounded the desk and stuck out his hand. “Welcome to the family, bro.”

Moses grasped his hand and pulled him into a macho hug. “Thanks.” He stepped back. “There is one other matter we need to discuss.

“Her lending you money. Is everything okay?”

BJ lowered his head and shuffled his feet. “My baby mama is giving me grief again. Every time she feels I’m not giving my kid enough attention--translate that to mean her--she slaps a restriction on my account.”

Moses shook his head. “I thought you moved your accounts.”

A wry smile creased his lips. “I did. That’s what I get for falling for a banker.”

Moses shook his head. Even before the partnership dissolved, BJ was having problems with the woman. “How old is your daughter now?”

“She’s two, and I’m bringing her to the show tonight.”

“Good. I’m sure Sin would love to see her.” He stood. “Sin’s pregnant.”

BJ smiled. “Congratulations, man. You’ll make one heck of a father.”

“Thanks.”

“Hey, before you go, do you think I can toss my sis in the ring. Make her think I’m still upset with her?”

Moses straightened. “Depends.”

BJ grinned. “This is what I have in mind.”

* * * *

“Hawkeye! Hawkeye! Hawkeye!” The arena sizzled with energy as the crowd chanted his name. Moses scanned the crowd. The Back to the Bricks Slam Fest was a success if the packed house and standing room only were to be believed. He still needed to check box office and concession sales, but it looked to be a record-breaking night.

“They are ready for the main event,” Hades said, gathering his skulled staff and cup.

“We’re not even the main event,” Moses answered. “Sir Casanova, partnering with Perfect Storm, against Virgil, Grizzly and Man Malice.”

“I can’t wait to see this.” Hades glanced around. “And so glad I’m not gonna be in the ring, taking those slams.”

Moses nodded. “Yeah, that Grizzly Bear Slam is brutal.”

A momentary hush fell over the crowd. A tall black man in black trunks climbed into the ring. The word Hammer was stitched on the seat of the spandex.

“Wait. Isn’t that BJ?” Hades nudged Moses out the way for a better look. “Is he?” He glanced at Moses. “That looks a lot like Sin. Did you know about this?”

“Yes, I knew about this.”

“Good. I’d hate to have a repeat of yesterday.”

Moses watched as Sin mounted the steps to the ring. The royal blue cocktail dress clung to her curves. The crystals and sequins affixed to the bodice caught the light and sparkled. BJ sat on the second rope and pushed up the third, so she was almost able to step through without bending over. The expanse of smooth chocolate skin was pure temptation.

“I need to find a woman that fine,” Hades muttered and walked away.

Moses chuckled and returned his attention to the ring.

“Some of you know, my sister and I haven’t gotten along in a while and a partnership was dissolved because of this disagreement.” BJ grasped Sin’s hand. “I want you to know how proud I am of you, for sticking to what you believe and you have my blessing.”

Moses didn’t need the PA to hear her excited squeal as she tossed her arms around her brother’s neck. A smile creased his lips and he strutted toward the ring. As he neared, a shadow grabbed the corner of peripheral vision. He glanced in that direction, but saw nothing. He continued on, but the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end.

He reached ringside.

“Come on. Join us,” BJ said, a wide grin split his face.

Sin nodded, then her eyes widened.

Wind lifted a hair. Moses half turned an
d
clan
g
! Stars burst before his vision while fire exploded in his face. Something warm and wet gushed over his mouth and chest as he fell backward.

What the f—

Sin screamed, but only her lips moved. Moses blinked. Virgil sneered at him, and hopped on the lip of the mat, a steel chair gripped in one fist. The crowd roared, a mixture of hisses, cheers, and boos filled the air. Moses labored to his feet in time to see BJ shoving Sin toward the ropes farthest away.

Virgil hefted the chair, reared back, and smacked the other man across the back of the shoulders and head. He went down, stumbling into Sin. She grabbed the ropes, managing to stay upright. Virgil snatched a handful of her hair and dragged her back.

Moses’ temper flared, while adrenaline surged and pumped through his veins. Sin punched and kicked, aiming for soft spots, but as many as he dodged, she also connected. Finally he lifted her squirming body overhead. Terror held her eyes wide. Moses’ heart dropped to his boots. He raced around the ring, just as Virgil tossed her over the top rope.

His world narrowed and time seemed to stand still. He’d taught her how to take a fall, but would she remember? Her shrill scream echoed off the rafters and reverberated through his skull. Would he reach her in time? He dove, snatching her to him and absorbing the brunt of her fall with his body. He gasped for air and he held her quivering body.

“Don’t move.” He panted. “Don’t move.” Moses glanced toward the ring, It was alive with movement. Bodies were everywhere and most surrounded one wrestler. Let the bastard suffer and the folks think this was all part of the show.

Carefully he sat up. “Are you okay?”

No answer.

He looked down. Red coated her face and the front of her dress. No
.
No. No. No. No. N
o
! He had one thought
.
Let her be okay. Just let her be okay.

* * * *

“Stop fussing over me,” Sin said with a whine. She kicked the blankets from her legs for the umpteenth time and glared at Moses. “There’s nothing wrong with me.”

Nearly a week had passed since the Slam Fest. She’d spent the night in the hospital and not even as a patient, but for Moses and his poor nose and the mild concussion. The doctor had declared her fine, but gave her instructions to take it easy. Moses was the one who needed to lie in the bed next to her.

At least her brother had fared much better. Sore muscles and six stitches. She released an exasperated sigh. Right now all she wanted was for Moses to snuggle next to her, where she could feel his heat and breathe his scent. Was that too much to ask?

“There will be something wrong if you come out from beneath the covers one more time,” Moses said with a growl.

“You’re the one who needs to sit down and grab a blankie. That fool broke your nose.” She lifted a hand and stopped short of touching the splint across his nose. Both eyes were a lovely shade of purple.

“Well, he didn’t fare very well, after the match was over.” Moses gritted his teeth, then groaned.

She grabbed his hand and implored him with her eyes. “Please, Moses. Sit down. I need you next to me right now.”

Those were the magic words and he settled in the bed beside her. Only then did she draw the sheet over them. She rested her head on his chest while he wrapped his arms around her.

“Am I holding you too tight?”

She shook her head.

“Are you too hot?”

“No.”

“Thirsty? The doctor said you should drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.”

“Moses! Yellow.” She tossed out their warning word. He blinked.

She untangled from his arms, straddled his thighs, and placed a hand on either side of his head as she leaned over him. Her dark hair swept her right shoulder as she tilted her head to the side.

“I’m okay. Baby’s okay. If anything, I’m just a little shaken over this entire ordeal. First I see my husband take a chair to the face with no warning, my brother gets bashed in the head with the same chair, and I’m thrown out of the ring. Granted it’s just another day at the office for you, but I much prefer keeping my feet on the ground.” She traced his lips. “The hospital did an ultrasound and told me to rest for a bit. You, on the other hand, have a concussion, a broken nose, and two black eyes.” The corners of his mouth twitched. “I know you’re worried about me, but I really am okay and I will rest as long as you stop hounding me.”