Page 8 of Cain

“Are you okay?” he asks. His voice sounds soft yet manly.

Without turning his eyes away from mine, he raises me effortlessly back to my feet as if I am a feather. Gosh, he is tall. He must be around 6’5”, and he seems strong but not too bulked. His chest is broad but toned to perfection.

“I’m fine.” I smile involuntarily, straightening my dress. He folds his hands behind his back, his eyes wandering across my face as if he’s studying me. A faint, mischievous smirk touches his medium-full lips, accentuating their natural curve.

Wow, he is even more handsome than I thought he was.

“I am Cain.” He extends his hand.

“Cain, huh? What an unusual name!” I smile like a fool, extending my own. He shakes it firmly.

“You think?”

“Yes, it’s beautiful.” I can feel my cheeks burning. Why am I blushing so much? His eyes fix on me as a sly smirk laces his lips once again. “Apologies! I’m Katerina.”

He brings the back of my hand to his lips. “It’s an honor to meet you, Katerina,” he murmurs, his dark green eyes locking onto mine as his lips brush softly against my skin. His eyes aren’t simply green; his right eye has a patch of gray. His heterochromia creates the most captivating and unusual eyes I’ve ever seen.

“You’re such a gentleman,” I smile, curtsying playfully.

“You’re not from around here, are you?” he asks, brushing his perfectly trimmed brown stubble. It seems like his signature look, and damn, he knows exactly what makes him look good.

“No, I am from the Czech Republic.”

“Ah.” He raises his arched and bushy brows, returning his hands behind his back. “Je mi ctí te poznat,Katerina.” He smiles, repeating what he told me a moment ago—that it’s an honor to meet me.

He knows Czech?!

“I am impressed!” I smile, widening my eyes, unable to hide my surprise and excitement. He chuckles, revealing his beautiful and bright smile. A touch of gray threads his temples, enough to suggest he is in his early thirties. Maybe.

Then, abruptly, his expression changes and becomes more solemn. His gaze sweeps over me, and his teeth sink into his lower lip. He takes one step, clutching my hand, and the space between us is reduced.What is he doing?

He leans in closer, causing my heart to race in excitement. “One of those dresses over there would look breathtaking on a woman like you,” he murmurs, his lips brushing against my ear. His raspy voice feels like a spark on my skin. “You radiate elegance, Katerina, and you should wear a dress that shows it.”

I am used to people telling me I’m beautiful or even praising me for my natural beauty. It’s something I’ve been blessed with, and I enjoy it. But his words hit differently.

Unable to tear my gaze away from his, he slowly moves back, his imposing gaze penetrating me and causing goosebumps all over my body.

And just like that, he walks away. All of us—me, Emily, and the saleswoman—watch him as he exits the store.

“What was that?” Emily shrieks in excitement, her dark brown eyes shining.

“Looks like she has a fan!” The saleswoman shoves Emily playfully.

A sudden rush washes over my cheeks, and I feel them blushing more than ever. What is it about this man?

“What do you say?” the saleswoman asks, approaching with a stunning black minidress in hand. It’s elegant, glistening under the store lights, with long, chic sleeves and a skintight fit that makes it sexy.

This is the dress Cain suggested for me.

“Will you try it on?”

Fuck …

I shouldn’t have touched her.

I should have let her fall. But, no—she might have hurt herself, and I couldn’t allow that.

Fuck, I can’t stop thinking about her stunning, ice-blue eyes looking deeply into mine. I can’t stop thinking about her trembling breaths hammering against my lips. The way her beautiful blonde, long, wavy hair embraced her tiny, fragile body. The way I want to wrap myself around her. I can’t forget her scent, consuming my clothes and my skin. I can still smell her all around me. I can still feel her skin underneath my fingertips.