Page 13 of Some Like it Violent

He said nothing and didn’t crack an arrogant smile. Instead, he held my focus and tucked them back into his pocket. “When I leave—ifyou’re good—I’ll put them back. Until then, you’re not going anywhere. If you’re smart.”

The fear I’d held since he came into my life took a backseat as my rage boiled over. The nerve of this motherfucker. Kane faced the furnace like our exchange was matter of fact and didn't faze him in the least.

I flashed him the bird. In fact, I double barreled it.Fuck. You. Behind his back of course. I wasn’t crazy.

I couldn’t wrap my head around this man. I couldn’t understand him. He was fixing my house like he belonged here, like we were a couple and he had to do domestic duties, all the while holding me prisoner.

It was maddening as fuck.

For a moment, I just stood there, watching him as he packed all the tools up.

“I saw a stack of wood outside. I assume the fireplace is functional?”

I nodded, then realized he wasn’t looking at me. “Y-Yes.”

He grunted and stood again, facing me. “I'll get a fire going to warm the place up.” He seemed so calm despite the storm raging outside and the chaos I felt inside that he apparently didn’t.

Before I could overthink it, I quickly asked, “Are you hungry?”

My question seemed to take him off guard. There was the briefest flicker of surprise that crossed his face before his usual gruff, apathetic demeanor returned. “Yeah,” he said, his voice steady but cautious.

I nodded, the act feeling awkward. A part of me felt like I owed him something for dealing with my furnace and then offering to make a fire.

I was insane, wanting to take care of this man… this criminal.

“I might have some clothes for you too.” I remembered the box of clothing that had been left by the previous owner, the box I put out of sight, out of mind, and had obviously forgotten about until now. “They’re old and were left by the guy who used to live here. I don’t know if they’ll even fit, but they’re better than... that.” I gestured at his prison garb.

His eyes narrowed slightly, and it was clear he was studying me, no doubt trying to figure out my angle. When I just stood there and didn’t elaborate, he nodded. “I’d appreciate that. I could use a shower while I’m at it. "

I glanced at the grease that covered his hands and forearms. The last thing I should’ve been doing was offering him any pleasantries when he’d turned my life upside down, but I nodded once again.

“Give me a second, and I'll get the clothes,” I muttered, and without another word, I turned and headed for where I stored the box.

Man, I was good and fucked up.

8

EVELINA

The storage closet was damp and dark, and the faint smell of cedar mingling with the musty air filled my nose and made me scrunch it up before I lightly coughed.

I stood there for a second, just staring at the shelves that held folded piles of clothes and a few bottles of cleaning products. My mind and body were at war at that moment, as I thought about just running—testing to see if he’d follow through with his threats. And the other part of me pointed out that he hadn’t hurt me yet, and maybe if I played along, he’d show me mercy.

In the end, I focused on searching for something clean enough for Kane. My heartbeat drummed erratically, louder in the confined space, as though it was trying to remind me that I was still alive.

Once I returned, I saw he was already making the fire. I didn't know if I’d been in the closet, contemplating my life for that long, or if Kane had moved at the speed of light to retrieve the wood from outside and ready the fireplace.

When it was lit, he stalked toward me, and I swallowed thickly before handing him the items. Without a word, he headed to the bathroom but stopped on the stairs and lookedback at me, a silent warning on his face. I knew what it was saying… or threatening.

“Run, little girl. Let me chase you.”

“I’ll be in the living room.” My words might have been too soft for him to hear, but whatever he saw on my face satisfied him, and he continued his way up to the bathroom.

My mind was spinning as I tried to figure out what the hell was happening to me and why Kane intrigued me so much.

I had to be just as fucked up as he was.

Despite having a shitty upbringing, one that could make anyone feel fragile and beaten down, I managed to survive. All those things that happened to me in the past had shaped me into who I was today. It all sharpened me, blackened my heart and soul, and I knew I was now stronger than ever before.

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