Taylor

As soon as I walked into the apartment, I dropped my bag and kicked off my shoes. My feet ached and I was tired. I headed straight for the sofa and collapsed into the soft, comfortable leather. Closing my eyes, I savored the quiet for a moment.

"Rough day?" Sin asked. I opened my eyes and looked up to see him peering at me from behind the sofa. He leaned down and pressed a kiss to my lips. He smelled like he'd just showered and his hair was still damp.

"Yes. I'm tired," I replied, letting out a heavy sigh. My last shift at the restaurant had been brutal.

"You know you don't have to work," he reminded me and I shook my head at him.

It was my way of staying independent. I wanted to be able to make my own way in life.

There was a restaurant just off campus where I'd gotten a job. I only worked part time. Connor had argued with me about it, but my mind had been made up. Sin had assured me that I didn't have to work. He'd been on my brother's side in that specific argument, much to my annoyance. I'd refused to allow them to talk me out of it, though.

I wanted to be able to start paying my own way. I didn't earn a lot, but what little money I made was mine and that meant a lot to me. It was tough going to college and working part time, but I was managing.

Sin pointblank refused to allow me to pay him rent, so I'd offered to buy the groceries. He hadn't really liked that idea either, but I'd refused to move in with him unless I paid for something, so he'd relented.

His hands settled on my shoulders and he began to massage me. I sighed as his firm hands eased the tension from my body.

"You know, if you didn't work, we would have more time to spend together," he tried to persuade me. He'd tried using that on me before, but I'd refused to be tempted.

A month after we'd started dating, Sin had sold his house and bought an condo close to campus. I'd been relieved because I associated the house with Eric and memories of my kidnapping. I'd tried to hide it from Sin, but he'd noticed and he'd been determined to do whatever he could to make sure I wasn't unnecessarily reminded of Eric or my ordeal.

I hadn't expected him to go as far as selling the house, but he had. He'd bought a two-bedroom condo, which was really nice.

For someone who had never even dated, he'd surprised me when he'd asked me to move in with him. He'd wanted it just to be the two of us, so he'd rented another condo on the same block for Slater. Connor hadn't been happy with the idea of the two of us moving in together even though the two of them got on really well. His reasoning had been that I was too young.

Maybe he was right, but it was my decision to make even if it turned out to be a mistake.

"Mmm," I murmured as I ignored him and concentrated on how good his hands felt on my shoulders.

"You're not listening to me, are you?" he asked and I mumbled a yes.

I protested when he removed his hands and he joined me on the couch. He was so good-looking and I took a moment to appreciate him. It was still hard to believe that he was mine.

"You like what you see?" he asked with a knowing smirk.

"Yes," I replied, smiling at him. It was difficult to believe that even though we'd been together for six months, we still found it hard to keep our hands off each other.

"Why did you stop?" I asked. It had felt so good.

"Because you weren't listening to what I was saying," he answered as he took my hand in his. I had been listening, but I didn't want to have to defend my decision again.

"It's because I can't think of anything but you when you touch me," I admitted. When he touched me, nothing else existed, only him.

"Really," he said with a mischievous grin as he leaned closer.

"Yes," I whispered as he drew closer still. My stomach fluttered in anticipation as I held my breath, waiting for the moment his lips touched mine. At the moment they did, I came alive beneath his touch, wanting and needing more. My arms snaked around his neck and pulled him closer. He deepened the kiss and caressed my tongue. I moaned against his lips. And then he pulled away and I was left breathless, wanting more.

"As much as I want to take you to bed, we have plans for tonight," said Sin, still breathing hard. I pouted as I crossed my arms.

He laughed at me and pressed a quick kiss to my lips before pulling away.

"You're no fun," I said, hating the fact that he was right.

"Come on, I'll start the shower for you," he offered as he pulled me to my feet. I was still feeling tired, but I didn't want to skip the night out. With college and work, it was hard finding the time to be together, so I was going to make the effort to go out.

I followed Sin into our bedroom and opened the wardrobe to find something to wear. It was at times like these that I missed Jordan. She would always help me find something to wear. I chose an outfit and put it out on the bed. Sin walked out of the bathroom.

"Your shower is ready," he informed me and I kissed him briefly, trying to keep my control.

I went to take my shower as I thought about how lucky I was to have him in my life. For someone who had never been emotionally attached before, he was an awesome boyfriend. He was caring and thoughtful. Sometimes I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming.

When I got out, I dried myself and wrapped the towel around my body before I walked back into the bedroom. Sin was lying on the bed with his hands behind his head, watching me. The look he gave me made me smile. His eyes darkened at the sight of me in the small towel and I smiled seductively at him.

I knew if I dropped the towel, we weren't going anywhere.

"Out," I told him. He studied me for a moment before he let out a sigh and got up.

"You're no fun," he said, using my line on me, and I shook my head at him.

"I'll be out soon," I told him as he left the bedroom, reluctantly closing the door behind him.

I got dressed quickly and put some makeup on. With practice, I'd gotten better at doing my own.

"You're so hot," Sin said as I stepped out of the room.

"Don't look at me like that," I warned him as his eyes caressed me. I knew what he was thinking because I was thinking the same thing.

He reached for me and settled his hands on my hips, pulling me closer. He leaned closer to kiss me, but I moved my face so his kiss landed on my cheek.

"We need to leave now or we'll be late," I told him as I pulled away from him.

"Is Jeff coming with us tonight?" I asked as I followed Sin to the door.

"No. I'll be around so we don't need him tonight," he told me and I nodded.

That was one thing Sin had insisted on. Matthew had moved on to another job and, even though I didn't feel the need to have someone to watch over me, Sin had assigned Jeff to watch me. I never went out alone—Jeff was always with me. I liked Jeff. He'd saved my life and for that he had a lifetime friend in me.

Sin opened the door and I walked out. I felt the usual nervousness when I left the safety of the apartment. Even though I knew I had nothing to be scared of, I couldn't help the apprehension that filled me when I went out.

Sin reached for my hand and held it in his. His eyes met mine for a moment. He understood and he gave me a moment to take a deep breath. I knew with time it would get easier and that memories of what had happened with me wouldn't be so vivid in my mind.

Gently, by the hand, Sin led me down the hallways to the elevator. As we waited for it, I tried to hide my nervousness.

"Relax," Sin instructed as he studied me.

"I'm good," I assured him, giving him a weak smile. I pushed through my nervousness and fear, not allowing it to dictate my life.

He pulled me closer and put his arm around me. I leaned my head against him as we waited for the elevator. I had nothing to worry about. Eric was locked up and he couldn't get to me anymore. I had to remember that. I'd been stunned when Eric had pleaded guilty. I'd been so relieved I wouldn't have to go through with the trial and relive the horror of my experience. The press would have covered it because of my past.

It was only later that I'd found out Sin had somehow persuaded Eric to plead guilty. When I'd asked him, he'd refused to tell me anything. Maybe there were some things I didn't need to know. Instead of questioning him further, I'd thanked him. The stress of possibly having to go to trial had started to take its toll on me and I was thankful I didn't have to go through it.