Page 27 of Sinner's Binding
“He didn’t have permission. I’m your brother, and Sam is your man.”
A deep, menacing rumble broke from Reign.
“He’s not her man. So, you’re Arish. I’ve heard plenty about you. As for this one, he might’ve gone out on a few dates with her, but that’s it. She’s no longer seeing him. You told him, didn’t you?” Reign directed his last words at me.
“I did. I called him to let him know we could only be friends. He wanted to talk in person. I told him no. I should’ve known better. I thought it was you when I opened the door. Theycharged in without permission. However, since you’re both here, let me say this so you both hear it.
“I. Am. Not. Sam’s. Girlfriend. And my earlier offer to remain friends is rescinded. I don’t want you anywhere near me. As for you, dear brother, this is the last time you try to dictate my life. Run home. Cry to Dad and the others about how I’m ruining the family and everything else you can think of to bitch about. It won’t change anything,” I hissed.
“I’m not going anywhere until we talk. And I want to know who the hell this guy is? What gives him the right to touch you or interfere between you and Sam?” Arish demanded.
“My name is Reign. I’m Anastasia’s boyfriend. Unlike your friend Sam, I asked, and she told me yes. He’s been working under the wrong assumption.”
Astonishment showed on Arish’s face. “You were seeing two men at the same time! Whores do that, not good women, Stasia. I’m not letting you do this to yourself, Sam, or our family. You’re coming with me.”
As Arish reached to yank me away from Reign, he miscalculated. I was swung easily behind Reign’s back, and he stood tall and ready to fight to keep me. Even though we were in the middle of a terrible situation, I couldn’t stop my body from flushing with sexual heat.
In response, my brother and Sam began circling Reign to get to me. As if connected, Reign and I adjusted our stances. Somehow, Reign maneuvered it so I was protected in a corner. He stood in front of me. His body was alert yet loose, with his hands hanging at his sides.
“Lay a single finger on her, and I’ll break bones, and your asses will be in the hospital, then jail. And before you ask, that’s not a threat. It’s a promise. You heard her. Anastasia wants you to leave,” Reign told them.
“I’m not going anywhere,” my brother snapped.
I’d had enough. I took my cell phone out of my pocket. I had nine and one entered when there was a loud pounding on my door.
“This is the police. Open up,” a man’s voice sounded off.
For some reason, Arish looked smug. Sam remained upset. As for Reign, I figured he wasn’t happy.
“Officer, thank you for coming. Please enter. I can’t reach the door,” I hollered.
“Are you alone, miss?” the officer asked.
“No, there are three men in here with me. I want two of them to leave, but they’re refusing. The other is protecting me,” I replied.
“I need someone to open this door. If you have a weapon, put it down and move away from it. We don’t want anyone to get hurt,” another voice called back. This voice belonged to a woman.
“We’re not armed, officers. I’m trying to speak to my sister, and this man is refusing to allow it,” Arish called back as he made his way to the door.
“I’m coming to open up for you. We’re not armed,” he reassured them before opening my door and stepping back. Arish and Sam had their hands in the air. Reign and I had done the same.
Cautiously, the two cops entered the room. They led with their guns and swept the room, checking for threats. The four of us remained where we were. Once the cops were assured they were in no immediate danger, they lowered their weapons but didn’t return them to their holsters.
“I need you to state your names,” the male officer demanded.
“Arish Shah.”
“Sameer Joshi.”
“Anastasia Shah,” I said, overlapping Reign.
“Reign Caldwell.”
“I’m Officer Castle, and this is my partner, Officer Sierra,” the male cop said.
“A call was made by a concerned neighbor that there was shouting coming from this townhome rented by Ms. Shah. Miss, can you please tell us what’s happening here?” Officer Sierra asked.
“I’d be glad to explain, officers. Arish is my brother. He and his friend, Sameer, came here. They entered without invitation when I answered the door. I’ve asked them to leave more than once. They were trying to force me to leave with them when Reign came and got between us. He told them to leave as well. I want both my brother and Mr. Joshi out of here and not to return.”
