Page 7 of Cain

“Got to say, babe. I didn’t even know this place was here, and it’s basically in my backyard. You own all the way back to the fence?”

The fence that he’s referring to is an old wrought iron fence that separates my property from the club’s property. All of the trails back there are overgrown from not being used in years, but they do lead to a gate—a gate that happens to be padlocked at all times. I figured by now some crazy kids would have cut it from temptation, wanting to sneak in and see what’s here, but now it makes a lot more sense why that hasn’t happened yet.

“Yeah.” I can’t help but take him in now that he’s in my space, leaning against the counter like he owns it. I can’t stand the sight of him, but I also can’t look away. It's so infuriating. Damn him for looking like my fictional boyfriend come to life.

“Look, babe. I think we got off on the wrong foot yesterday. I was just a little surprised to find out that the ‘Evan’ Scotch was talking about is a woman. I know I can be a fucking dick sometimes, but I swear I didn’t mean any harm. We’ve just had a lot going on, and I’m trying to figure some shit out. Can we start over?”

Hmm. So he’s here for a peace offering.

I know first-hand that I suck at meeting new people. Especially in a tense situation. And I’m definitely fucking used to everyone who hasn’t met me assuming that I’m a guy, so I nod. “Alright, I think we can do that.”

“Hey. I’m Cain.” Plastering on his panty-melting smile, he holds out his hand for me to take. Cain. Finally, a name for the asshole’s face. Although I guess I can’t call him that anymore, can I?

Looking between his face and his outreached hand, I sigh and take it. “Hi, Cain. I’m Evan.” His name fits his rough-looking exterior.

That same sensation that happened in his office yesterday is back with a vengeance, lighting my whole body on fire. This time, I don’t rip my hand away. I bask in the feeling. A part of me hopes I’m not the only one feeling this.

“Hi, Evan. So, what are we working with?” Cain asks, breaking the awkward silence that has settled in from me staring at him like a fucking weirdo.

God. I need to get a grip.

“I have some drying out now, some about ready for harvest, and a bunch of new plants I just got in last week. Like I said, I’m going to need a little bit of time,” I explain as Cain looks around at my setup and nods his head.

The angle allows me to get a good look at the snake tattoo peeking out from his shirt collar. Part of the body is coiled around his throat, moving with every swallow and opening of his mouth, looking like it’s ready to strike. And damn, if that isn’t one of the hottest tattoos I’ve ever seen.

I swallow as I try to move in a subtle way that still allows my thighs to rub together lightly—anything to stop this minor ache.“Is that okay? I’m not really sure what kind of timeline you’re working with on your end.”

“Yeah, it should work. I’m calling a meet with them, so I’ll know more then,” Cain says, a look crossing his face and making his eyes harden. Whatever mood we just had going on died.

“Um… well, not to add any more stress for you guys, but this is my livelihood. If I give you everything I grow, that kind of leaves me with no source of income.” God, this is fucking awkward. No one likes to talk about money and finances. I have a little saved up where I would be fine, but that would mean putting a pause on my house. And why should I have to sacrifice my dreams for their fuck-up?

Cain starts chuckling.

Fucking chucking.

Like this is funny for some reason.

“You’ll be more than compensated for your time, little hellcat.” Cain smirks a knowing smile at me that has me going ramrod straight. The fuck? Is he implying what I think he’s implying?

“Were you not listening to anything I said earlier?” I grit out through clenched teeth. “It’s hilarious that you think any woman will just fall at your feet. Newsflash asshole, you’re not the only male on the planet that has the whole tatted silver fox thing going for him.”

I didn’t think it would be possible, but the stupid smirk is growing. What I wouldn’t give to wipe it off his stupid, arrogant face.

“All I’m hearing from that, babe, is that you think I’m attractive.” Cain winks as he heads back for the door, slipping on his black sunglasses before slipping through. “By compensation, I meant cash. We’ll be in touch, hellcat.”

Oh.

Who is the asshole now for assuming shit?

Chapter Ten

CAIN

I know what I did was wrong.

I shouldn’t have had Brock hack into Scotch’s phone with orders to find anything he could on Evan. Not that I found out much- just your basic check-in conversations and obviously her address. But I can’t get this little hellcat out of my goddamn head. And why?

In my 25ish years of having women in my bed, I’ve never gotten attached. Never had that itch for more. I always just slapped them on their ass on their way out and hoped I never saw them again. But doing that shit with Evan? That has my skin crawling. And why? I don’t fucking know her. What I do know is once I have her, one time isn’t going to be enough. I just have a feeling that she’s going to be more than just an itch to scratch. More like a prickly thorn I’m going to have to rip out.

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