Unleashing Sin - A. M. Wilson Page 0,86

world in the palm of my outstretched hands if I could. She’s got me wrapped around her finger in a way I hope it never comes loose.

The warehouse where we met two weeks ago during our rescue ended up piquing my interest more than I thought. After being crammed into Elias’s place like a bunch of sardines, we quickly realized we’d need a safehouse, and it feels like the answer. The realtor was happy to forward me the floor plans that we’ve been studying for the past half an hour.

The space is huge, three floors in total with a private garage level for easy access. What really caught my attention is the top floor. Open plan, big enough for several beds and a living space. We could easily install a kitchen and a full bath. As soon as I can cash the check from my pop’s estate, I’ll be ready to purchase. That could take a while, so I hope like hell it’s still available.

“I want to know what you think,” she reiterates, her strength growing each day. Long gone is the timid Shelby. She no longer takes any shit, from me included.

I grin down at her.

“I think …” I lean down and kiss the tip of her nose. “If it works for you, it works for me. It’s got a lot of space, which is good seein’ as we don’t know how many of these girls we might be able to help going forward. It’s not too far away, and with a few extra measures, I can have tight security all around. Fixin’ it will be a big task, but not impossible. And I’ll say it again. If it’s what you want, then we’re doin’ it.”

A lightness hits her eyes. “Thank you.”

“What’re you thankin’ me for? This is all you, blossom.”

“I couldn’t do it without you.”

I could argue, really, it’s on the tip of my tongue to debate my piss-poor attitude and drug and drinking benders of the past, but I suppress my natural tongue. Because that’s what it is—the past. My mistakes were a culmination of my pain. I see the coping mechanism clearly now that I no longer need it.

If anyone should do thanking around here, it’s me. I have a slightly better idea.

I grasp her hand around my waist and twist out of our little embrace, clinging to her fingers as my thumb brushes her knuckles.

“Something came for you today.”

Unfolding the concealed envelope from my back pocket, I drop it on top of the blueprints. I release her delicate hand with mild reluctance, swapping for her body instead. Her back touches my chest as I tug her closer and rest my chin on her shoulder, watching her tear the paper open.

“Oh, wow.” Her voice comes out quiet and bemused, and I stifle a grin in her neck. “Okay, not what I was expecting.”

“What were you expecting?”

She shrugs. “I don’t know, something … else?” The paper drops to the counter as she peels off her shiny new license and runs her fingertips over the front.

“Not that this isn’t exciting. It’s weird to see it like that. So official looking. Shelby Sinclair.” She twists her head around. “I never did ask why we wrote that.”

“Because you’re mine,” I growl into her neck. “I’d like to make it official-official if you’re up for it.”

Brows slash in confusion, and a kissable pout marks her lips. “What do you mean?”

“In the eyes of the government, you’re a Sinclair. I want to make it so it’s more than just a document.”

“Alex,” she breathes, tears leaking from the corners of her beautiful, soft eyes.

“Marry me,” I rasp. “I owe my life to you, but my love? I don’t owe you that. That’s yours. You took it and nurtured it until I was helpless to fight it. And I want to stand before God, Elias, and some fake Elvis in Vegas and make sure they all know it too.”

“Fake Elvis?” She chokes through a teary laugh.

I shrug. “I’ve never been to Vegas, and we’re pretty unconventional.”

She forces herself around in my arms. Delicate hands and slim fingers caress my cheeks beneath my beard as she peers into my eyes. “Yes, my love. I’ll marry you.”

“Thank fuckin’ Christ.” I claim her mouth in a searing kiss. I pull away and rest my forehead against hers, rubbing the end of her nose with mine. “Part of that was bullshit, you know. I’d take just having your driver’s license bear my name if it meant I had