Page 76 of Beautifully Broken Control

“Sir, yes, sir.”

Cain grabbed hold of my hand and tugged me to him. “Why is it that the sass always makes me want to fuck you?”

My breaths started coming a bit quicker. “That’s really just encouragement for me to be more of a smartass.”

Cain chuckled and nipped my bottom lip. The move sent an electric hum straight to my core. My hands fisted in his shirt, and I pressed my mouth to his, my tongue darting in, hungry, searching. Cain cupped my ass, pulling me flush against him.

A throat cleared behind us. “Uh, this is a place of business. Children come here. Take it upstairs, would you?” Jensen then burst into laughter.

My cheeks were on fire. “Sorry, J.”

Cain scowled at her. “Like you and Tuck are any better.”

“Fair point, well made.”

I glanced at my watch. “Shoot, we gotta go, Cain. I can’t be late.” Seraphina hadn’t exactly been happy when I’d told her that I needed almost two weeks off work. If I was late my first day back, I might have to kiss my dance job goodbye. “I’ll see you tomorrow, J. What time do you need me?”

“Not till ten.”

My brows rose. That was a lot later than usual.

“I’ll fill you in tomorrow.”

I nodded and tugged Cain out the door. We made the drive to the dance studio in a matter of minutes, and I was inside with more than ten minutes to spare, but Seraphina was waiting. “Cutting it a little close, aren’t we?” she asked with a huff.

“Sorry, my other job ran a little over.” I felt Cain at my back, but Seraphina barely spared him a glance.

“It’s clear this job isn’t very important to you. Maybe it’s time I start looking for a new teacher.”

My stomach sank. As much as I hated dealing with Seraphina, this was my favorite of all my jobs. Getting to introduce little ones to dance, seeing them gain strength and confidence, it was the best feeling in the world. “Please, don’t.”

Cain stepped forward, his face hard. “I’d hate to think that you were threatening an employee for taking a medical leave of absence. I’m fairly certain the court system would have something to say about that.”

Seraphina’s mouth fell open. “Excuse me? And who are you?”

“I’m her boyfriend. Someone who also happens to have the top law firm in Portland on retainer. So, just go ahead and try me, lady.”

Seraphina sucked in a sharp breath. “Well, I never.” Her head whipped in my direction. “This is who you choose to associate with, Kennedy? I’m disappointed. Though I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.” She jerked her chin up and turned for her office.

Cain turned back to me, carefully assessing my reaction. I let out a long breath before I spoke. “I can fight my own battles.”

He took a step towards me, brushing the hair from my face before cupping my jaw. “That doesn’t mean you should always have to.”

A burning sensation started up along my sternum, but it was different than the usual fire I felt there. This was a mixture of pleasure and pain. It had been so long since I’d had someone fight for me. Maybe Cain was right. Perhaps it was okay to set down my sword for a little while and rest. Let someone who cared for me take up the mantle for a minute.

This man was slowly slipping behind every defense I had. And as much as he seemed to care for me, I knew I cared for him more. Butcarewasn’t the right word. It wasn’t strong enough. I was dancing closer and closer to the strongest word there was. I was falling in love with Cain Hale. And I was absolutely terrified.

32

Cain

I watchedher through the studio windows as I listened to the phone ringing on the other end of the line. She was grace with a little bit of whimsy thrown in. Kennedy’s arm arced, and her back bowed, curving into a shape that seemed to defy logic, but then she threw in a funny face at the mirror where her students could see when she came out of the move.

“Cain.”

“Doc,” I greeted.

“Haven’t heard from you in a couple of weeks. How are things?”

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