Chapter 52: The Ball

The car ride was quiet, yet charged with electricity that came with Sin's simple gesture of resting his hand on my thigh. He didn't stare at me or anything and was in fact fully occupied with his phone throughout, but his hand on my thigh was simply too hard to ignore.

Sometimes, I would look down at it, the slight dent it had made in my dress, the way it almost felt skin to skin, and the way it made me feel completely safe.

The car finally pulled up in front of the massive Golden Hotels, and I sucked in a breath. Sin looked unfazed as he slowly turned to me, his eyes taking me in like he hadn't seen me before.

He slowly turned away again. The setting sun was turning his black locks into a background canvas for the beautiful golden rays, and I could see the sun deep beneath the darkness in his eyes.

"No one in there is your friend. If I happen to not be there, do not associate with anyone."

I swallowed, feeling a slight nervousness settle in me. I knew Sin's circle had to be dangerous, but if he himself was warning me...

I nodded slowly, just as he slowly squeezed my thigh. I met his eyes, and for a slow, rather beautiful moment, he just let me sink into the colors of his eyes.

When he turned away, I felt rather incomplete.

He got out of the car as the driver ran around to open the door for me. Sin was waiting for me, his gaze as intense as always, his hands clasped behind him. Gently, he gave me his hand but never broke eye contact.

I couldn't bring myself to do it either as I accepted his hand. The warmth spread through my skin, and I stepped closer. He didn't say a word and led me away from the car to the elegantly decorated main entrance.

The huge glass doors were opened as we approached, and Sin led me in, his head held high in his usual way. The first hallway was empty, and we followed the long path toward another door.

This door looked antique, like something a palace from a hundred years ago would have.

Sin let go of my hand as the doors were slowly opened, and I turned, a bit of confusion etched in my lightly furrowed brows. He didn't let me wait too long, however, as I felt the warmth that my hand had enjoyed just a minute ago slowly spread to my back, lighting dead embers.

I could feel my own eyes darkening as his fingers gently pressed the skin of my waist, forcing me a little closer, just as the doors finally opened.

"Don't forget what I said, Annalise. In this room, look at only me. Trust only me. And if anything happens, run to only me."

I felt my breath catch, my stomach melting with those words. No one before has ever said them, and I knew no one would after him. And even if someone did, it wouldn't feel the same.

I nodded obediently, and he leaned away, a small breath leaving his lips. I managed to tear my gaze away from him and turned towards the room. It was filled with mostly men, but with women too, all dressed extremely wealthily.

I sucked in a sharp breath, then followed Sin, his hand behind me distracting me every step of the way, but my mind was still aware of my surroundings.

The music died down slowly as we stepped in, and the door closed behind us. My brows furrowed a little, and my confusion was immediately followed by a simple declaration over what seemed like speakers installed around the room.

"Sin is here."

I noticed how everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to us. The one sitting slowly stood, and the ones dancing stopped, each standing straight to show respect.

This had to be some sort of mafia sect, for the sheer respect that Sin seemed to be able to command without even a word.

I moved closer to him, and he tightened his grip reassuringly, his eyes meeting mine briefly.

He had a couch arranged for him, and he slowly led me to sit next to him. His hand never left my back, even as he turned his head towards a woman.

She was wearing a two-piece bikini that seemed to be made of money, and she brought a tray of wine and cigarettes, then placed it on the table in front of us.

I swallowed a bit of resentment as she picked up the cigarette, then started to lean to Sin, a lighter in her other hand.

He took the cigarette in his lips, then let her light it before waving her away, and the party continued.

"This is.... some ball."

He let out a small puff. "It's a front."

My brows furrowed as I turned to him. "A front?"

"Just like the burger place you worked at. This pretty dance is a front."

"You are not about to kill someone else, are you?"

He chuckled. "Is that what you think I do every day?"

"No, but..."

"This is a front to make money, sweetheart. I hope you understand."

Shit, I did. I understood all too well.

He slowly leaned forward, just as a man in all black came forward, then leaned to whisper something into Sin's ear.

Sin gave a small nod, then brought the cigarette to his lips again.

"Keep her safe," he said, his voice gruff. "I will join them in a minute."

"Where are you going?" I asked, feeling my anxiety spike even higher. "Are you leaving me alone here and..."

He cupped my face with his left hand, his thumb slowly caressing my skin. "You are never alone with me. Remember what I told you. Run to me."

I held his hand, my lips parting. "I... I am scared, Sin."

His eyes darted slowly across both of mine before he gave a slow nod. "Fine. They can wait."

"You would... delay it for me?"

"Yes," he said simply, taking yet another drag. "Until you tell me you are fine with seeing me leave, I will be here."

I felt gratitude, and I nodded slowly, taking deep breaths to calm myself. He never said a word or acted impatient, and I slowly let myself calm down.

I turned to him, and he nodded, then stood up and walked away, just as a rather familiar face crossed my eyes, pulling me to the darkest moment of my entire existence.