Page 54 of Ravaged By a Devil

Instead, Cain just backs me against the doorframe, catches my jaw in his palm, and slams his mouth over mine in a brief, bruising kiss that leaves my head spinning and my knees weak.

Then, he pulls back, gives my lower lip one last sharp nip, and turns on his heel.

"Lock your door, doll," he rumbles over his shoulder, strolling casually down the steps without looking back once.

I stand there completely stunned, watching his broad back disappear into his car.

A wave of pure, irrational annoyance surges through my chest. After chasing me through those dark woods, binding my wrists, and taking me with such wild, feral intensity, he’s now perfectly capable of walking away?

He’s playing me like an instrument, leaving me completely flushed, aching, and desperate for more while he just strolls back to his car like nothing happened.

Irritated, I press my thumb against the sleek scanner of my brand-new biometric lock—a heavy-duty security upgrade installed courtesy of Elijah’s team. The device gives a quiet chime and unlocks.

I step inside, swinging the reinforced door shut with a loud slam that echoes down the empty hallway just as the roar of Cain's engine echoes from the street below.

By noon the next day, I'm sitting in the back of a taxi on my way to the safehouse. I have a freshly packed bag of home-cooked breakfast sitting on my lap, and excitement hums beneath my skin at the thought of spending the afternoon with Milly.

The cab pulls up to the huge perimeter gates, and I hand the driver his fare before stepping out. Two heavy-set, armed guards stationed at the entrance give me a quiet, respectful nod before buzzing the iron gate open for me.

Walking up the sprawling driveway toward the main house, I take in the size of the property. Gratitude hits me in an unexpected wave. Knowing Milly is protected behind these walls—comforted, taken care of, and completely safe from the Devlins—makes me feel so reassured.

Cain did this for me. He gave me peace of mind when I had none left.

When I reach the front steps, I don't bother knocking. I turn the handle, step into the cool entryway, and shut the door behind me.

The house opens up into a massive, sunlit open-plan living room and kitchen—and the sight waiting for me stops me dead in my tracks.

Cain is already here.

He stands by the large marble island in a fitted black shirt that stretches tight over his broad shoulders, busy chopping vegetables. The entire counter is overflowing with bags of fresh groceries he clearly brought over himself.

Standing right beside him is Milly, wearing a soft pastel cardigan, giggling softly as Cain leans down and says something in a low voice that makes her laugh even harder.

Neither of them has noticed me standing in the foyer yet. I just freeze where I am, my heart doing a strange, violent flip in my chest as I watch the dark, terrifying man who dominated me in the woods light up my grandmother's face with a smile.

I stand there watching them, wrapped in a bizarre mix of emotions. My chest tightens with genuine warmth at the sight of Milly so bright and happy, but a sharp wave of frustration immediately rushes over me.

Cain is buying grocery hauls now?

How am I ever supposed to pay this man back when he keeps adding to the running tab every single day?

Before I can process the thought further, Milly glances up from the cutting board and her face lights up. "Alexis!"

At the sound of my name, Cain doesn't even bother turning around. He just keeps his broad shoulders squared to the counter, casually slicing thick crimson tomatoes with practiced chops.

"Hey, Mills," I smile softly, crossing the room to wrap my arms around her shoulders, squeezing her tight. I hold up the insulated bag in my left hand. "I brought your favorite food."

"Oh, sweetheart, thank you!" Milly beams, taking the bag from me. "I'll put it right in the fridge for later—Cain brought half the market with him, and he's already making us a full lunch."

She turns on her heel and carries the bag over to the large stainless-steel refrigerator.

The moment her back is turned, I step right up behind Cain, leaning into his space. His intoxicating scent hits me instantly as he scrapes the chopped tomatoes into a sizzling skillet with a sharp click of his knife.

"What are you doing here?" I whisper sharply under my breath, glaring at the side of his sharp jaw.

Cain doesn't flinch. A slow, infuriating smirk touches his lips as he tosses a handful of fresh herbs into the pan, the aroma of garlic and melted butter filling the air. He turns his head slightly, his eyes glinting with pure mischief, and projects his voice loudly enough to carry across the entire open room.

"If you want me to leave, Alexis, that’s okay. I understand. I'll head out right now."