The hunt ends here

~ CAIN ~

I’d been rough on her, grinding her hands into that tree to make sure she didn’t get away. Rougher than I should have been—her sweater had slipped up while we were… engaged. She’d gotten a few scrapes on her lower back, too, though not nearly as deep.

Even though she wasn’t mad, I found myself fighting a pinch of guilt.

I had hurt her.

But she liked it, my mind insisted.

She hadn’t asked for that.

But she knew what she was getting into with me, and she liked it—

I pushed the thoughts away and focused on choosing which gauze...

The hunt ends here

~ CAIN ~

I’d been rough on her, grinding her hands into that tree to make sure she didn’t get away. Rougher than I should have been—her sweater had slipped up while we were… engaged. She’d gotten a few scrapes on her lower back, too, though not nearly as deep.

Even though she wasn’t mad, I found myself fighting a pinch of guilt.

I had hurt her.

But she liked it, my mind insisted.

She hadn’t asked for that.

But she knew what she was getting into with me, and she liked it—

I pushed the thoughts away and focused on choosing which gauze and tape I wanted to use. Meanwhile, Bridget eyed my kit. I could feel her thinking.

“I suppose I should be grateful,” she said quietly as I pulled a clean towel from the shelf on the wall and laid my things out.

I frowned. “For what?”

She shrugged. “Most guys who feel the need to overcompensate buy themselves massive trucks or guns. You just have a medical kit big enough to provide international aid,” she laughed.

I smirked, but the smile faltered quickly. I ducked my head, focusing on cleaning her wound so she wouldnt see. But my heart beat faster and my hands began to tremble.

This bubble we were in wouldnt last.

They were already working to take her from me.

As I drew the gauze away from her skin, my hands instinctively clenched to fists, squeezing that soaked cotton until her blood dripped over my fingers.

Let the f****rs try.