Page 8 of Cain
Chapter Four
Emma
I look at myself in the mirror, dressed in jeans and an off the shoulder red top. I pull on a pair of black booties and a black jacket. What do you wear when you’re going to a motorcycle club?
Walking out into the living room, Cain is sitting on my couch. It's only a love seat, and I swear his large frame takes up more than half of it. "I think I'm ready. I wasn't really sure how to dress."
He smiles at me and stands. “You look perfect.”
I roll my eyes at him. “Amy! Come on, we’re leaving.”
She comes running out from the hallway in a poofy skirt and a top covered with glitter and sequins. I look over at Cain, and he has a huge smile on his face. They always say that the right people walk into your life when everything else is going wrong. I never really got that until now.
Cain walked into my life at a time when I felt like my whole world was falling apart. Having him around has made me feel safe and peaceful for the first time in three months. I’m hoping whoever this monster is will get scared of seeing him and leave me alone. However, I know that is mostly wishful thinking. I doubt this will be that easy. The notes usually start after a week and come every few days until he comes again.
My heart starts to pound as I think of everything. How helpless this man has made me. How I haven't been able to walk down the street without feeling sick to my stomach. How I've had to pretend to enjoy the torture he chooses to inflict. A hand touches me, and I scream.
Looking over, I see Cain. "You okay?"
I nod, but I'm not. I'm damaged and broken in some of the worst ways. His hand rubs my arm, and I let myself enjoy the warmth that comes over me.
"Just breathe," he whispers in my ear, and his breath sends goose bumps down my neck.
“Mommy, are you ready to go?” Amy says as she taps me on the leg repeatedly.
"Yep, let's hit the road." I smile at her. It's not a real one, but she's not young enough to know. It's the same smile I've given her every time my anxiety builds.
Cain walks next to me, but his body is tense. We take the elevator downstairs, but no one says anything. When we walk outside, he starts to steer me to the left, but my car is in the parking lot to the right. "I'm parked over here. I grabbed her seat from your car earlier." The lights blink on a black truck, and Amy runs over, throwing open the backseat and climbing in. When we are almost at the car, Cain pulls my arm, and I look over at him. "You sure you're okay?"
I nod again, not trusting my voice to be steady.
His hand cups my neck. "I swear on everything that motherfucker won't ever come near you again. Not as long as I'm breathing." His forehead rests against mine, and I can see his chest moving quickly. I let my hands rest on his hips. "You gotta guide me on this, Emma. I don't know what to do. I've never felt immediately pulled to someone the way I do with you, but I also know that getting involved with me is probably the last fucking thing you need right now. My self-control is slipping, though…"
I lift my eyes, and when they meet his, my breath catches in my throat. I lift up on my tiptoes, lightly pressing my lips to his, surprised at how soft they feel. His hand grips the hair at the back of my neck as he pulls me against him. His teeth nip at my bottom lip, and a moan escapes. He pulls away, his lips kissing my neck. I push away immediately as memories come back.
His lips on my neck, trailing down as he tells me to moan for him.
My body starts to tremble. Arms go around me, and I move to run, but they're too strong.
"It's me. I've got you. Calm down," he whispers in my ear, and my body calms.
I focus on my breathing and try to slow it down. Cain's hold on me stays tight, and I'm thankful.
"Cain, is Mommy okay?" Amy's voice calls out, and I realize I need to get a hold of myself and quick.
"She's good. Her earring got stuck on my sleeve. We're coming in a minute," Cain calls out. I turn myself in his arms. "I'm so fucking sorry. I knew I shouldn't have—"
“No.” I won’t let him blame himself. “I want to kiss you. I feel exactly what you were talking about. My head is just so screwed up right now.” I rest my body against his. “The memories send me into a panic attack every time. It’s why I try to just bury them.”
"Well, you're not in this shit alone anymore. The more you bury them, the more they’re gonna sneak up on you. I'm here for whatever, okay?"
I nod.
"Let's get going. If I'm late, Logan is gonna give me shit."
I smile and start to walk toward the truck. Opening the front door, I swear the step is a few inches above my knee. How the hell did Amy even get in here? I look for a handle to try and jump in, but before I can, Cain picks me up and sets me down inside the truck. "Thanks. Short people problems." I shrug, and he laughs.
Once he gets in, we pull away from the building and my nerves start to set in. I hope it's not awkward there. I hope there's someone Amy can play with. "So you never really said, what are we going there for tonight? What's it like?"
