Tempting Sin

Unhealed Scars

He opened his eyes and gazed down at her, a hint of disbelief in his eyes. Her face was buried in his chest, . A torrent of unbridled emotion surged through him as he looked at her, sending his heart into a wild, furious rhythm. Perhaps, she had felt his raging heartbeat against his cheek, for a moment later, she drew back and lifted her eyes to his. A jolting anguish struck him as he noticed her sunken eyes, trained on him, conveying a strange mixture of sorrow and relief. The sufferings had drained the vibrancy from her beautiful features. 

Without him knowing, his hand lifted to gently cradle her pale face. His fingertips sparked with warmth the moment they grazed her cold skin. God! how much he had missed her. She was all he needed to live. This world, his empire, his power, his wealth- everything else mattered nothing before her. She was his everything. His universe. His home. Her eyes drifted close as he pressed his palm against her cheek as if finding solace in his touch.  

He froze in alarm as she collapsed against his chest a moment later. 

"Butterfly," he whispered, confused and frightened. 

"She is bleeding," Colin pointed out, drawing his eyes to her blood-soaked sleeve. She was shot. The realization hit him like a lightning bolt, flooding him with a wave of sheer terror. He immediately picked her up and dashed out of the store. His face a mask of worry.

....................

She gasped as she bolted upright in bed, her heart pounding fiercely. Drenched in cold sweat, she looked around the dimly lit room, searching for any sign of danger. She was all alone. With trembling hands, she tossed away the cover and got down the bed. Her legs barely able to hold her weight as she walked towards the door. 

........

"She almost killed my wife, you really think I would give a damn about the consequences? I want her dead. Nothing else would satisfy me," he snarled, his voice raw with rage. His eyes gleamed with the fury of a vengeful storm, a tempest of rage swirling inside his heart. He will make her shed tears of blood for every tear his woman had cried.

"Even if it meant losing your empire?" Colin asked, eyeing him in concern. The rest of his men watched closely, eager to know his response.  

"For her, I'd lose it all," he responded without hesitation.  

Just then, the door suddenly opened, catching everyone's attention. Nivi emerged from behind the door, her steps hesitant and weak.  

Sin quickly reached over and gently grasped her shoulders. The fierce, vengeful gangster now softened into a caring, lovesick husband at her mere sight. 

"You are awake," his voice a burst of relief as he gazed down at her. His eyes filled with tender love and gratitude. 

"You left," she responded weakly, her voice carrying an almost accusatory edge.  

"I didn't think you'd wake up until morning. I am so sorry," he cooed, gently caressing his knuckles against her soft cheek. 

"Did you have a nightmare?" he asked, frowning as he noticed shadows clinging to the corner of her eyes. It was faint but still there. She nodded, confirming his suspicion.  

"Come. Let's get you to the bed," he said, gently scooping her in his arms, mindful of her injury. Holding her close, he strolled out, having forgotten about the presence of others. 

"Is he okay?" a man questioned, not able to believe his eyes. They had never witnessed his soft side before. It was unreal. 

"Nope. He's just developed a terminal disease called love. It's the last stage," Colin answered with a sigh before instructing the men to leave and get to work.