Page 106 of Cain

“Myguest,” Cain growls. Landon’s smirk falters. “She’s coming with me.”

“What? But she’s a captive …”

Cain lets out a low chuckle, one of those that actually terrifies me, and prowls closer to Landon. Landon straightens his posture like a soldier, waiting.

He pulls out his gun, presses it against Landon’s jaw, and stares down at him. “What she is, what she isn’t, is not yours to question. That’s mine to decide.”

Landon’s breath stutters. His jaw tightens, but his wide brown eyes don’t move. They remain locked on Cain. “Next time you speak out of turn, especially about her, I won’t just put a hole in your skull. I’ll paint the fucking walls with you, then make you the reason Eleanor has to mop brains off the ceiling.”

“Cain,” I breathe.

He shushes me without even looking my way.

My God, his duality drives me crazy. He goes from an angel to worse than the devil himself.

I don’t do anything to stop him. There’s no need. I know he won’t kill him. So I watch, silently.

Landon’s eyes linger on Cain’s for a moment longer before he responds. “Copy that.”

Cain slowly backs off and tucks his gun back into his waistband.

“Let’s go,” he says without looking at me. Unlike Cain, Landon’s eyes remain fixed on me as I walk away, as if I’m to blame for his outburst. I know he’s wicked and shady. How can Cain not see through him?

The big front door shuts right behind me. God, I almost forgot how beautiful the garden is. It’s like Eden. Serene and divine.

Cain’s already by the car, wearing his dark sunglasses and holding the passenger door open, waiting for me to come closer.

And damn, this car looks opulent as hell. Black, spotless, glistening under the setting sun with black tinted windows. But still, it’shimI can’t take my eyes off.

I stroll closer, unable to hide the soft smile that curls my lips.

“Get in. Before I change my mind and keep you all to myself, right here.”

My response is a simple giggle. Why didn’t I find the idea so bad?

I slide into the seat, and he closes the door behind me before getting in on the driver’s side.

“Thank you again,” I chirp.

“I don’t say yes often, little rose.” He closes the door and starts the car. “Don’t make me regret it.”

“I won’t.”

He hums quietly, staring into my eyes. “First things first.” He loosens his black tie and ultimately takes it off his neck. “If you’re going to come with me, you don’t get to see where we’re going.” He leans in just slightly, the silk sliding between his fingers. “Not yet.”

He raises the tie slowly and waits to see what I’ll do.

“Is this necessary?”

“Trust first. Answers later.”

I exhale softly and nod, allowing him to blindfold me. I have no idea why. Maybe it’s because I want to gooutside and don’t want to object to him. Maybe I trust him more than I thought. Perhaps he intrigues me more than he should and more than I am willing to admit.

He carefully slips the tie over my eyes. My breath hitches, but I don’t try to take it off. I hear him approaching, but I remain still, waiting. I can feel his arm looming before me, his hand brushing against my waist as he buckles me in.

At first, he doesn’t say anything.

And for a second, I think he’s going to kiss me.