Page 50 of Cry, Little Dove

“God, you’re bothsocute! I could tell it was him from that giddy grin on your face and how your eyes lit up while you were typing.”

My eyes did what? The giddy what on my face?!

I stiffen, schooling my expression into neutrality and Amanda’s smile softens.

“Some people get a little catty and weird about their siblings’ spouses, but that’ssonot me. Maybe it’s too early to say this but…” She takes a deep breath. “I hope it works out between you.”

A lump tightens my throat.Cana relationship like ours work out? What we have isn’t even a relationship. It’s something wrong, dark, and twisted. Then why does it feel so right?

“Thank you, Amanda,” I whisper, my voice coming out too thin.

Her eyes gloss over a window displaying designer bags, but it seems like she doesn’t see them at all. She speaks the next words quietly. “Don’t tell him I said this, but Cain never puts his happiness first. For as long as I can remember, he’s lived his life for other people.”

My brows knit. “What do you mean?”

Amanda’s hand combs through her hair, sadness ebbing in her tone. “Cain was already sixteen by the time I turned six, and those are my earliest memories. I was a clueless little girl, but I remember that I only ever saw him smile on horseback, taking care of the ranch with dad for a few hours on the weekends. He never said it out loud, but I think that’s what he wanted to do with his life.”

“Take over the ranch?”

“Yes, but mother pushed Cain to study medicine. She founded the first of the clinics our family owns, and she wanted a worthy heir to take over the empire-in-the-making when she retired. Cain hated it, but he did what was expected of him. When he wanted to become a pediatrician, mother forced him into plastic surgery becausethat’s where the money is.” She makes air quotes.

My chest cracks. So many heavy expectations resting on such a young man. The pressure must have been immense.

“Mother wanted him to graduate on the fast track, and Cainissmart. Very smart. He’s kind of a genius, but don’t tell him I think so. His ego is inflated enough.”

I draw a finger along my lips like I’m zipping them up and Amanda continues speaking.

“But he still had to put in the work. He spent all his time studying and blazed through the undergrad program, medical school, then his residency.” She frowns. “When our parents died and I got sick shortly after, he put the life he worked so hard for on hold. He wanted to care for me. My brother loves me, but that was a lot for him. It would be for anyone. And I love him, too, so I’m glad to see him following his heart for once.”

Her speech hits me like a punch to the gut, leaving me short of breath.

“Sorry, this is probably not what you want to talk about during a shopping trip.” Amanda squeezes my arm. “But that’s another thing being sick taught me. To speak the truth when it matters.”

“No, I appreciate it. You know how closed off Cain can be.”

“Tell me about it.” She giggles, the bright sound clearing the dark cloud hanging above our heads. “Alright now, listen. Cain is a good man, but he’s still…a guy.” She rolls her eyes. “If he gives you a hard time or is being a stubborn ass, call me. I’ll set him straight. Better yet, I’ll teach you my tricks so you can do it, too.”

The affection in her voice almost makes me forget the invisible shackles binding me to Cain like a pact with the devil. I sealed my fate the moment I invited him into my room, signed my name in blood and sweat and cum.

Shouldn’t I be more afraid? Shouldn’t dread worm through my stomach instead of those silly butterflies when I think of returning to him tonight? I should want to run instead of missing the warmth of his arms and that stupidly cute, lopsided smirk and the light creases around his eyes or—

My heart drops.

Shit, I really miss that psycho.

“Seriously, though, hon. If you ever need help, give me a holler. Cain obviously trusts you a great deal, and that means you’re practically already family.”

My throat stings. “Thank you…” I whisper.

I’ve never had a family, not a real one. That long line of uncaring foster parents doesn’t count. All those people ever managed to do was make me feel more alone, not less. Yet here I am, talking to a woman I met today, and she’s welcoming me into her family with open arms.

Amanda dabs a careful finger along her lashline. “Enough of this emotional talk, okay? Let’s do what we came here to do.” She gestures at the shops.

Cain is a good man, huh?

I clear my throat. “Thereissomething I could use your help with.”

“Shoot.” Amanda’s eyes shine expectantly as she nods.

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