Sin Incarnate by T. C. Archer Read Free Book Online Page B

for me by risking is life to fight you,” she said. “You have no power over him.” Her heart pounded. “Or me.”
    Aeden sneered. “No man can love a woman in a single night.”
    Lorna stared. “If no man can love a woman within a single night, what hope had I of being freed?” Her mind raced. Something was wrong. Aeden had to know he couldn’t deny the truth once the curse was broken.
    She faced Jace and said something she hadn’t believed she would ever say. “I am Mubbirum . You have been tested and been found to be a man of courage. You have freed me.”
    His brows snapped down. “A what?”
    “ Mubbirum; Accuser.”
    Aeden gave a derisive laugh. “She is a woman who chose beauty over honor. Her redemption lies in finding a man who can love her despite her vanity.”
    Lorna felt as if the air had been sucked from her lungs. He was right. For the first time in her life, she saw clearly. She had chosen physical beauty over character, then spent centuries trying to find a man who would love an image, a shallow vessel. In the process, she had condemned men to insanity because she lacked the courage to face life with her flaws.
    But Aeden would not have Jace.
    She looked at Aeden. “He is beyond your reach—just as I am.”
    A glitter appeared in Aeden’s eyes. “But the other one isn’t.”
    The door opened down the hallway. Lorna gasped.
    “What is it?” Jace demanded.
    “No,” she whispered.
     
     
     
    Chapter Twelve
    A draft tickled hairs on the back of Lorna’s neck. A pinpoint of light appeared near the window. The vortex that linked the mortal realm to the bridge to Shade was opening.
    “Holy shit,” Jace muttered.
    “What in hell is that?” Ryan said.
    Everyone turned toward him. He stood near the hallway, staring at the swirling opening that was now large enough to step through.
    “That is the gateway that will take you to my domain,” Aeden sneered.
    “He’s innocent!” Lorna said.
    Aeden gave a nasty laugh. “He doesn’t care for you.”
    “He isn’t part of this.”
    Aeden looked down at her. “Then you shouldn’t have let him shove his cock inside you.”
    “Lorna,” Jace said.
    She met his gaze. “I-I’m sorry.”
    “What’s going on?” Jace demanded.
    “I am Mubbirum . You passed the test. Ryan did not. He wanted only my body.”
    “That’s what this night was supposed to be about,” Jace said. “A one night stand.”
    “Not for you.” A sob tightened her throat. “Not for Ryan.”
    “Jace, what is that thing?” Ryan pointed at the vortex. Fog swirled within the opening.
    “That bridges our world and yours,” Lorna said.
    “Your world—” He swung his gaze onto Jace. “Did I drink some bad whiskey?”
    “If you did, we drank from the same bottle.” Jace addressed Aeden. “You’ve got two seconds to get out before I kick your ass.”
    Aeden gave an amused laugh. “Foolish mortals.”
    He started toward Ryan. Jace moved to intercept.
    Lorna grasped Aeden’s arm. “I will return to Shade with you.” His gaze riveted onto her and she nodded at the question in his eyes. “Yes,” she said, “I am ready for the Sa Belet . You know the price.” Everything came with a price.
    Triumph shone in his eyes. “You are worth a hundred of him.”
    He traced a finger along her cheek, then down her neck. She choked back tears when he touched the curve of her breast…then—
    “Get your hands off her.” Jace lunged.
    Lorna leaped in front of Aeden and shoved Jace. He stumbled backwards, hit the wall, and landed on the floor with a heavy thud. Fear lanced through her. She had withheld her strength but he—she caught movement in the corner of her eye and whirled on Ryan.
    ”Stay back,” she ordered. He halted, and she faced Aeden. “I wish to go. Now .”
    “Lorna.”
    The harsh demand in Jace’s voice tore at her heart. She turned. He stood, gaze steady on her.
    “Surely you didn’t think this meant anything?” she said. “You fucked me, and I