Page 103 of Hunt for You

Sam’s lips pressed thin. “So, first of all,no.And secondly, none of that matters if you’re putting yourself in the path of these guys. Of course you’re going to get treated like meat if you jump in the cage with the wolf. You’re playing with fire, then complaining about getting burned!”

That made me suck in. “No,” I said firmly, glaring at him when he looked like he was about to argue. “I mean… that’s true about some of them, sure. But not this one. He’s different.”

Cain carrying me through the house and laying me in that bath…

Sam actually scoffed. “Bridget… you can’t seriously believe a guy you found on the dark web who’s willing to kill you is actually agood man?”

“No,” I said, folding my arms again. “No, he’s not a good man. But I’m not a good woman, either. He gets it. And unlike some people, he doesn’t judge me for all the ways I’m broken.”

Sam slumped. “I’m not judging you, Bridget. I’m worried about you. These men are monsters.”

“No. Not this one,” I said, a little breathless because my heart was banging so quickly.Cain’s gentle fingers on the bandaids, pressing them so carefully against my skin.“This one’s just… broken the same way I am.”

Which is exactly why I need him.

The thought was weird and out of nowhere—as if it didn’t come from my mind. But it felt so true, I almost hugged myself.

“Bridget—”

I couldn’t breathe for all the right reasons this time. “You’ve been really helpful, Sam. Thank you. But I have to go.”

“No—please, I’m sorry I got angry, I was feeling protective for you—”

“I know, Sam. It’s fine. For real. You’re a good man. Clearly. I shouldn’t have put all of this on you. But I did. So… just forget about it, okay?”

I started walking, darting past the dining table when he got to his feet and out through the kitchen, his voice bouncing off the walls behind me. But I didn’t look back, and I didn’t answer.

I ran out to my car and got inside and started it.

And texted while I drove.

ME: You said I can’t try to entice you out, so I won’t. I’m just saying I think I need another bath.

It was a huge relief when he texted back so quickly.

CAIN: That was one-time only. Limited edition.

ME: Cain, please. I NEED you.

CAIN: I have that effect on women.

ME: I’m starting to believe it. I want to change the rules.

CAIN: Not going to happen.

ME: Hear me out.

CAIN: Are you giving me the safe word?

My heart slammed against my ribs and I almost dropped the phone I texted so fast.

ME: No!

CAIN: Then nothing changes. This is it, Bridget. This is the game. Live with it. Or die with it. The choice is yours.

And no matter what I sent after that, he didn’t respond, until by the time I got home I was almost in tears out of pure frustration.

35. Lucky Night

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