He saved me from Brian. Why can’t I focus on that, be happy he brought my necklace back, and leave?
But I couldn’t forget because, deep down, Caindidscare me, but not for the reasons he probably thought. Something about him pulled at me, a darkness calling to light, its allure dangerous and tempting.
In one moment, he stood two feet away; the next, he tangled his fingers in my hair.
“How’d you move so fast?” I gasped as he tipped my head to look at his face.
His other hand wrapped around my throat and exerted firm pressure. Not enough to choke, but enough to establish control.
A frown formed on his delectable lips, and those metallic eyes flashed with anger or irritation. “You’d do well not to defy me.”
“Or what?” I squeaked, mentally kicking myself again for not being able to keep my mouth shut.
“Or...” He narrowed his stare, his straight eyebrows drawing inward.
I couldn’t stop grinning, even though I was sure he could break me in two if he wanted. For some reason, I knew he wouldn’t. Yes, he gave off dark vibes and tried to intimidate, but he’d saved me from Brian.
Whoever Cain was or however dangerous hethoughthe was, his threats fell on my deaf ears.
“Or I’ll—”
With my index finger, I traced his jawline. His skin, firm and warm, rasped against the pad of my fingertip, the stubble poking against my flesh.
“What are you doing?” He released my hair but kept his hand curled around my throat.
“I-I’m not sure.” It was true.Why the hell did I just touch him?
“Phoebe,” he groaned, then pulled me closer and dipped his mouth to mine, brushing my lips.
Giving in to his urgent kiss, I melted against his frame and closed my eyes. Electricity rushed from the contact and seared my skin until I was a burning inferno. His mouth tasted of mint, and his rough stubble scraped my chin.
A low, agonized moan rumbled through his chest. “This is madness,” he rasped, then the pressure of his body disappeared.
I opened my eyes, embarrassed at my own lack of control by locking lips with someone I’d only just met. Even if I did feel a connection to him, I should’ve been able to establish some sort of boundary.
Only an empty sidewalk and the artificial glow of the streetlight above greeted me.
I turned a full circle and scouted the area. Chirping crickets and a few flying moths disturbed the night, but nothing else. No sign of Cain.
What the hell happened, and where did he go?
Now freed, both physically and mentally, I hoisted my backpack and half-ran, half-jogged toward my car, desperate to put this day behind me and reach the safety of home. Of Mom.
