Page 27 of Ravaged By a Devil

Before I can even process the sudden wave of relief washing over me, the line goes dead.

I take a shaky breath, open my messages, and rapidly type out the clinic's address, hitting send with a trembling thumb.

I head into the back area to sit with Milly, holding her frail hand as the nurses run her through her routine—a long, tedious series of cognitive tests, blood draws, and heavy IV injections. I keep my expression cheerful and soft for her, but inside, every nerve ending in my body is firing on high alert.

By the time the appointment wraps up, Milly is visibly exhausted, though her spirits remain high. I wrap an arm around her shoulders, gently guiding her out toward the main waiting area.

"Grandma, do you think you can take a cab home on your own?" I ask softly, checking my watch. "I really need to head straight to The Blackwood and pick up my shift before the manager docks my pay."

Milly gives my arm a reassuring pat and smiles up at me. "Sweetheart, I am an old woman, not a glass figurine. I am perfectly capable of getting myself into a taxi and onto my own couch. Go to work."

"Are you sure⁠—"

I cut myself off mid-sentence as we step into the grand waiting lobby.

Standing near the tall glass doors is Cain.

He sticks out like a sore thumb in the sterile, quiet clinic. Towering over everyone, his broad shoulders and hard, dangerous aura make the surrounding patients nervously give him a wide berth. My breath hitches. I catch his eye and quickly shake my head, making a subtle motion for him to wait inside so I can guide Milly out to the curb alone.

Cain just flashes me a slow, infuriating smirk and starts walking straight toward us.

Arrogant, insufferable jerk.

My jaw tightens in pure annoyance as he steps directly into our path, bringing his massive frame to a halt right in front of us. He looks down at Milly, his dark eyes softening just a fraction, playing the picture-perfect gentleman.

"Hi, Alexis," Cain says smoothly, his deep voice carrying through the quiet corridor. "Is this your grandmother?"

I glare up at him, wishing looks could kill. But before I can snap at him, Milly looks up at the giant standing over us, a bright, delightfully curious smile breaking across her face.

“Oh, who is this handsome face?” She asks cheekily.

Ugh. Kill me now.

I swallow hard, completely cornered, and force a tight smile onto my face.

"Milly," I say, my voice dripping with forced pleasantry, "this is... Cain. He's, uhm, a friend from work."

Cain steps forward, bowing his head slightly as he gently takes Milly’s small, fragile hand in his large, bruised one. He lifts her knuckles to his lips and brushes a kiss against her skin, his dark eyes warm.

"It's an absolute honor to meet you, grandma," Cain says softly, his deep voice smooth as velvet. "Alexis didn't do you justice—you're even more beautiful in person."

Milly throws her head back and lets out a bright, delighted laugh, a faint pink blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Oh, my goodness! It’s been so long since a handsome man called me beautiful. Aren't you a charming young man?" She swats at his arm playfully, grinning up at him. "Alexis, where have you been hiding this friend of yours?"

I stand there with my jaw practically glued to the floor, completely stunned by the sudden transformation. The ruthless mobster who just broke a man's face days ago is currently putting on a masterclass in southern charm.

Cain gives Milly a warm, respectful smile and offers her his arm. "May I walk you out, ma'am?"

"I would be delighted," Milly beams, sliding her small arm through his thick elbow.

He adjusts his long stride to match her slow, fragile pace, guiding her gently through the clinic’s sliding glass doors. I walk behind them like a ghost, watching in utter disbelief as Cain uses his free hand to signal an approaching yellow cab.

He opens the rear door, hovering his palm over the top frame so Milly doesn't bump her head as she settles onto the back seat.

Then Cain leans in, hands the taxi driver a folded hundred-dollar bill, and murmurs a quick instruction.

"You take extra good care of this lady," Cain tells the driver in a tone that leaves zero room for failure.

"Oh, Cain, you really didn't have to do that," Milly coos, her eyes shining as she leans toward the open window. "You make sure you come by the house for dinner real soon, do you hear me?"