Page 49 of Cain

“You wouldn’t. I sent him through the trails. We don’t know if Storm dropped your name and where you live to anyone, and I don’t want him being seen.”

“And you don’t think this is all a bit much? I mean, I haven’t even texted Storm yet.”

“No. I’ll see you tonight.” He frames my face with his hands and places a kiss on my lips. This one is different from all of the others. It’s not rushed or rough from being caught up in the heat of the moment. This one is more soothing like he knows how deep down I’m starting to freak the fuck out. Like he’s trying to reassure me that everything will be okay because he’s going to make sure of it. And damn if that doesn’t make my cold heart flutter. “Be safe,” he says as he pulls away before heading back into the clubhouse without a backward glance.

I can’t help but smile at the thought that someone actually cares as I get into my car.

Just as Cain said, Levi was waiting for me on my back deck, and as much as I hate having a man on me, I’m glad it’s Levi. I’ve grown to like him being around. For being so young, he seems so mature for his age. But then again, aren’t all of us who have gone through shit at such a young age?

“I didn’t keep you waiting long, did I?” I ask as I climb out of my car.

“No ma’am. Just got here before you did. I don’t think Hades is a fan, though,” he says while looking at the house just as Hades starts barking again.

“Okay, first, never call me ma’am again. I’m 28, not 60.” I laugh. “And second, he just needs to go out.”

I barely have the door open an inch before Hades sticks his nose in the open space and yanks it open himself. He pays no mind to Levi as he runs around the yard and does his business.

“See? I think he’s getting used to you. I know he’s scary-looking, but he would never hurt you—unless I tell him to.” I smirk before calling Hades to come and head inside. “Make yourself comfortable. I need to shower.”

“Sounds good, Evan,” Levi says as he settles on the couch. Hades hops up next to him, swatting him with his paw and demanding pets. “We’ll be right here.”

I release a long sigh as I climb under the hot spray. I didn’t realize how much tension I was carrying around in my shoulders until it started melting away. These past few weeks have been extremely overwhelming.

And that’s an understatement.

I went from living a calm and peaceful life to complete chaos with a guy who seems to have just barged his way in. As much as I like the life I have created, I didn’t realize something was missing until Cain.

Growing up in foster homes made developing real connections with people hard. Everyone was out for themselves, and honestly, what’s the point when you know you’ll never see them again? I’m lucky that I met Zeke. I don’t think I would have survived all of that without him. I envy the family he’s found in the club. Even as an outsider, they make you feel like you’re one of them. The loyalty is nothing like I’ve ever seen. Yeah, Zeke and I are loyal to each other, but in my lifetime, I’ve learned the larger the group, the more fake it is. Everyone will act like they’re so close, but really, they’re all secretly broken off into pairs, talking shit about the first person they can, trying to get ahead in any way possible.

Shaking away my spiraling thoughts, I lean my head back as more tension washes away as the hot water hits my hair. I stay like that until the water runs cold. I turn off the water and reach for my towel before pausing.

What is that pounding noise? Is it coming from my house?

I freeze outside of the bathroom door, trying to listen. It sounds like it’s coming from the living room. “Goddamnit, Levi. I told you to just chill out,” I grumble as I rush to find clothes and quickly brush my hair. “I can’t even shower for 30 minutes in peace without something going on.”

Before I know it, I’m rushing down the stairs, ready to rip him a new asshole for interrupting my me-time. “Levi! What in the hell are you doing? When I told you to make yourself at home, I didn’t me—” I come to a halt in the living room as I take in the scene in front of me.

I can’t stop staring at Cain, who currently has a tool belt slung around his waist. He traded his Henley for a tight white tee that shows every thick ripple and dent. My eyes are glued to the way it clings to his biceps, the way that tendons are slightly showing and flexing—the kind every hot guy on the planet has.

Who knew a tool belt could be so sexy?

“Hey, babe,” Hash says, snapping me out of my trance as he walks by me with chunks of cut-up drywall in his arms with a tool belt around his waist.

Cain and Trick are lining up the new pieces, getting ready to screw them in.

“What are you doing?” I breathe out, still in shock.

“What the fuck does it look like, hellcat? We’re fixing your walls,” Cain responds, still not looking my way.

What a way with words he has.

“I see that, but why? You guys don’t need to do this. This is way too much.”

“Just accept it. Your place got trashed because of the club, and we’re fixing it.”

“The store had a few different shades, so I just got them all so we didn’t need to go back.” I turn to the back door to see Zeke coming in with six different gallons of paint.

And there I stood, dumb-struck. I hadn’t been upstairs for forty-five minutes, and they were already here working on my house.

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