Hearing his words though, every time he uttered, “I came here to find you,”
or “I came here for you,” her heart fluttered with hope. That hope crashed and burned when her conscience reminded her, the inevitable truth: he cared for her as a friend.
She knew because she was his friend as he was hers. Had he been attracted to her, he would’ve made a move months ago. It was for the better. Had he kissed her, she would have fallen much sooner only to be broken when he reminded her she wasn’t his.
When they arrived in Fira, he once again opened the car door for her. They walked briskly and entered several shops. Cain purchased at least two weeks’ worth of clothes including swim trunks, shirts, jeans, shorts and shoes. She assumed he’d spent at least three thousand dollars. The man had expensive taste and it showed.
“Do you want to grab a drink somewhere?”
“Sure.”
He shifted the bags in his hands and grabbed her hand, pulling her away from the locals and tourists. She shivered from the warmth of the simple touch. Her hand in his felt right. As soon as the thought reared its head, she shoved it away reminding herself again they were only friends.
With that beautiful grin on his face, he joked, “Did I sting you?”
Not sting
, she thought, shaking her head and smiling.
Not a moment later, he pulled her into him, pressing her body against his and wrapping his arms around her.
The length of her body against his, his warmth consuming her, she fought how good it felt and stilled, unsure.
He pulled away from her slightly, his eyes seeking and finding hers, confusion in his expression. “I think we should drop this stuff off first,” he explained.
That made sense to her, so she asked, “Where?”
He grinned widely. “Your house…You don’t mind if I crash at your place, right?”
With her?
Shit.
That was a bad, bad idea. Being so close to him, seeing him constantly, she wouldn’t be able to get away. Still, she couldn’t say no, so she lied. “Of course not.”
“Good.” He smiled then pulled her head toward his chest. “Close your eyes.”
She did. A moment later, her lids drifted open. Her gaze scanning her surroundings, noticing they stood outside her home. She pulled away from him quickly because she didn’t want to think about how good it felt in his embrace, but she instantly regretted it, missing his warmth.
Leading him inside, she showed him to a spare room where he placed his bags. He then materialized inches from her face and wrapped his arms around her again. This time, he leaned down, and buried his face in the crook of her neck, each of his breaths burning her skin. She shuddered as goose flesh erupted.
He pulled away from her slightly, his lower body still pressed against hers. “Are you cold? We can go back.”
“Back?” she asked, disoriented. Scanning the area, she realized they were once again in Fira near the shops, bars and restaurants. “Oh,” she mumbled. “N-no, I’m fine.”
Still too close to her, he placed his hand on her forehead. His brows drew together. “You’re hot, actually.”
Flushing, she admitted, “Yes.”
And it’s your fault!
“Are you getting sick? Can werewolves get sick?” he asked quickly.
She hated that he sounded so concerned. It would be so much easier if he could care less. Flustered, she answered truthfully. “No, we can’t get sick. I’m warm because…”
No!
She couldn’t admit that.
There were three reasons a werewolf’s temperature spiked, a need to shift, anger or craving. She was scorching with need.
After a long pause, she said, “It’s a weird wolf thing.”
“Do you need to shift? We can go back—”
“I’m fine.” She interrupted him harshly, then instantly regretted her tone.
He nodded, but she didn’t miss his clenched jaw. “Where to?”
She took a step away from him, avoiding his gaze. “There’s a bar overlooking the ocean. It’s down this way,” she said then turned and led the way.
He caught up to her, walking close to her side. Just then she felt it—tension, lots of it, making the air nearly unbreathable. Confounded by it, she spared a glance in his direction. Her jaw dropped when she realized his eyes had begun to glow in public.
Not good.
“Cain, your eyes,” she whispered.
“Fuck,” he hissed, sounding as angry as he looked.
He grabbed her hand and led her away from the crowds and into a narrow alleyway. Not a moment later, his body enclosed hers. Without touching her, he closed in until her back was pressed against the wall. His arms went to each side of her head, trapping her in a touchless embrace as his eyes swarmed a deeper crimson.
Shit!
She was in trouble, and she knew it. Cain wasn’t one to lose his cool and anger, yet he was angry, angry enough he would lose it any moment. The fierce expression marring his face, the ticking muscle in his jaw, his glowing eyes, all bore testament to his anger, anger that knotted every muscle in his powerful body. The air around them was so thick with tension it was suffocating, and she knew she felt it only because he couldn’t control it.
Softening her voice, she asked nervously, “What’s wrong?”
The tension surrounding them heightened, so she couldn’t breathe. His eyes hardening to slits bore into her then a rush of anger hit her square in the chest, leaving her breathless.
His anger.
He projected it as only demons could. What she didn’t know was whether he’d done it intentionally. She hoped he had because if he hadn’t it meant he’d already lost it and that meant he
would
turn.
“Why didn’t you tell me
you
were leaving?” he barked. His breath hit her with each word, laced with rage.
“What?” She managed the strength to mumble.
He drew closer, pressing his chest against hers. The heat of his body caressing hers, she grew warm with craving. Helplessly, her gaze drifted to his thick full lips. Her mind wandered. What she’d give for a kiss, a single mind-blowing kiss?
Cheeks flushing, her gaze darted toward his again. “Why are you…” Her body’s desires overwhelming her, she gasped for breath.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were
leaving
?”
He wasn’t just angry. He was livid, and he was livid with her because she’d left.
She didn’t know what to say, had no excuse, not one she could tell him anyway, so she said nothing.
Shutting his eyes firmly, his anger intensified, coiling rapidly against her until she not only felt it but tasted it.
Still, she wasn’t afraid. With each passing moment, all she felt was heat, his and hers, and how badly she wanted him.
“Answer me,” he demanded harshly. “Tell me why you left without telling me!”
His tone startling her, she jolted against him, her body rubbing his. A desire so powerful rippled through her and spiraled inside her, pooling liquid between her legs. It clouded her every thought and every action, so as she stared straight into his eyes, she couldn’t remember what he’d said.
Clenching his jaw, he ground his teeth in anger, so close to losing it. “Olivia, tell me!”
She should be afraid, trapped in an angry demon’s embrace, but she wasn’t, as unbelievable as it was. All she felt was him so close to her, and that was all she’d wanted for months. It was crazy, even to her it sounded crazy, but then again, she knew deep down Cain would never hurt her.
She pressed her hands against his chest, praying she possessed the strength to push him away. Without his heat, his touch, him inciting her, she would regain the ability to hear, to think.
He didn’t budge, not an inch. Instead, he growled, low and guttural. The sound resonated in her chest. She shut her eyes, clenching them, naïvely attempting to force herself to ignore the longing inside her.
“Olivia.” He pronounced each syllable of her name. “Why did you leave without telling me?”
She finally heard his words, and still she hesitated because she couldn’t tell him the truth. Knowing she had to say something before he scented her desire, she blurted, “I didn’t think it mattered.”
His eyes narrowed further. His arms, blocking her escape, trembled with anger. “Why would you think it didn’t matter? I’ve seen you every day for months. I thought we were friends—”
“I’m sorry. I just…I didn’t think you’d be…”
Her words fell away when he placed his big hands on her cheeks, rested his forehead against hers, staring deep into her eyes. His lips millimeters from hers, he gasped for breath.
Slowly, the anger around them dissipated. When it did, he placed a soft kiss on her cheek. His full lips trembled against her, amplifying her desire so much she couldn’t hold her weight. Her knees buckled beneath her.
He wrapped his arms around her, catching her, further pressing the length of her body against his. He held her for moments too long. She fought not to give in, her body tense against his until, finally, she gave up. She couldn’t fight the need inside her anymore, the need to be held by him, something she’d wanted for so long. She rested her cheek on his chest, closed her eyes and enjoyed the feeling of his arms around her, enjoyed that with every breath, his scent seared its way into her.
“Olivia, forgive me,” he rasped, his voice tormented.
For what? For making me melt? For making me want you? For making me love you?
“I’m sorry. I just…I was angry you left. I thought you were running…” His voice sounding choked, he finally said, “…from me.”
Her heart clenched. She swallowed the lump in her throat, knowing now she’d never summon the courage to tell him the truth. She had been running from him, from the emotions he kindled in her.
She wanted to ask why he cared but couldn’t summon the courage for that either, not while he held her so tenderly, cradling her against his chest.
One of his arms trailed up her side then cupped her cheek and pulled her face even closer to his. “I’m sorry, Liv. I have no reason to treat you this way…I feel like…you’re pushing me away. I’m trying to…”
His voice laced with anguish tore at her. Inside, her heart broke to pieces, crying for him.
Who was this quick-tempered man? He wasn’t the man she’d grown to love. She should be glad he was giving her reason to push him away, but she couldn’t stand the thought, not after he’d come such a long way for her, not after whatever had changed him. She yearned to make it better, to help him find himself again because, regardless of his newfound temper, she loved him.
I’m pushing you away because I love you
, she thought.
Staring into his eyes, so blue and so sorrowful, she finally found the courage to mutter, “Cain, you don’t have to apologize.”
His expression was bleak when he said, “I owe you much more than an apology, Liv.”
His body shuddered against hers, making her crave him more. “Yes…a drink. You promised me a drink,” she said and smiled despite her desire.
He nodded and then slowly released her. As her feet hit the ground, she wobbled. He quickly placed both hands on her hips to steady her.
In minutes, they reached the bar. Cain ordered a round of drinks, apple martini for her and a whiskey straight for himself. She took two large gulps of her martini, then together they headed toward the balcony overlooking the ocean.
He stood beside her, the heat of his eyes on her when he said, “Liv, I’m so sorry I lost it.”
She turned to meet his gaze and said, “There’s nothing to be sorry about.” She meant it. Deep down, she knew she deserved it, for running from him, for not telling him the truth. Most importantly, there was no need for an apology because she’d enjoyed it, enjoyed it so much she craved him even then.
Hoping to keep that thought at bay, she said, “Landon used to bring me to this island as a kid, at least once a year.”
Cain exhaled, seemingly relieved for the change in subject. “What did you do here?”
She turned to look at the ocean. Its breeze wrapped around her, taking with it the warmth of him that’d still clung to her. Now it seemed like the moment never happened, like it had been an illusion—one of her best created fantasies.
“We spent most of our time on the beach. The water’s cold, but still enjoyable. We also climbed the Mesa Vouno mountain several times and visited the ancient Thira settlement.”
“Did you ever vacation anywhere else?”
“Yes, we went to California, Miami and Barcelona as well but only a handful of times, not nearly as often as we came here. Since we have a home here, it’s easier. Plus it’s an island. My parents bought the property because it’s isolated. We have a private beach, so we can shift when we want.”
“I haven’t seen much of the island, but I think it’s beautiful.”
She smiled and looked his way then said, “It is. Oia, the northern part of the island, is made up of cliffs.” Looking back toward the ocean, she continued, “There’s a small church on a separate cliff where people go cliff diving. It’s lovely in an unconventional way. I always pictured myself getting married there.”
“You will,” he said, definitively.
She turned to look at him. His eyes seemed somber; the glimmer usually present had once again dissipated. Again, she wondered what could’ve altered Cain, a carefree man, so drastically in such a short period of time. She couldn’t help the words spilling from her lips.
“What happened to you? What happened when I was away that changed you?”
His face hardened then he shook his head.
“You can tell me, Cain. We’re friends.”
As if she said something to anger him, his eyes briefly sparked red.
He shut his eyes for a moment. When he opened them, they were once again blue. “I know I can, and I will, soon, just not tonight.”
She nodded, acknowledging he may have changed, but she hadn’t. Her love for him hadn’t faded. She needed and wanted him more than ever, which only made her wonder if she’d ever get over him. Her instincts told her she wouldn’t, and that was what she feared. Today, they were still friends. Nothing changed between them, but the minute he found his mate, it would.
He finished his drink and ordered another round. She took another sip of her martini, noticing for the first time it was strong. The alcohol burned her throat as she swallowed. The music blared inside the bar distracting her from her thoughts.