Page 11 of Cain

I turn my back and leave without waiting for her answer. What could she even say?

My eyes dart all over the place, searching. Scanning. Fearing that he might be somewhere near, witnessing my happiness as I get closer to my obsession. Closer to tasting it. Fearing that he is somewhere around, waiting to threaten her.

Fuck, it was a mistake. Now I want more. I need more. More than before. Harder than ever.

She has to bemine. All mine.

Ilook at myself in the mirror, and my eyes squint from the glistening, gorgeous dress that I’m wearing. It shines all over the room, and even though it’s black, I’m sure it shines brighter than any other.

I love the way my hair contrasts with it as it falls loosely over my shoulders. Tonight, I’m wearing it straight. Straight and sleek. Something quiet to contradict my dress’s shine.

Involuntarily, my mind drifts back tohim.What a strange man. My fingers brush over my lips, and the taste of the rose floods my mind again—histaste.

God, what did I do? I shouldn’t have allowed him to do it; I should have pulled back. I’m in a relationship with Kryštof.

But … why can’t I stop thinking about him? Why do I want to see him again? Why do I want more? He’s so infernally sexy that he could make even the saints sin.

I am not a cheater. Never have been and never intend to be. But somehow, being around him makes me feel different. It makes me feel free. It gives me a freedom I never had, because my parents’ prudish rules and strict upbringing always made me feel like I was a mistake.

Follow the rules.

Be right.

Be a good girl.

Be this, be that.

I’ve had enough …

My phone buzzes. I peek at it, wishing I would see an unknown number. I secretly wish it is him, ready to give me that freedom that he gave me the only time I talked to him.

But no, it’s Kryštof. I pick it up.

“Hey.”

“Hey. Is everything okay?”

“Yeah, just getting ready.”

“Where are you going?” His voice slowly changes, becoming solemn and judgmental. Here we go again.

“I have this party I was invited to.”

“A party.” He sighs. “Again?”

“What does that mean?” I raise my voice, unable to hold back my anger.

“Who are you going with?”

I click my tongue while my eyes involuntarily roll back. “Alone, Kryštof.”

“Are you sure?”

“Excuse me?”

“You’re lying to me, Katerina.”

“Don’t start again.”