Total pages in book: 124
Estimated words: 125681 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 628(@200wpm)___ 503(@250wpm)___ 419(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 125681 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 628(@200wpm)___ 503(@250wpm)___ 419(@300wpm)
I smirked. “We were in a circus.”
“We?”
“Yes. You were one of those knife throwers and I was the girl against the board. All dressed up in a red corset and a thong.”
“Did I throw knives at you?”
“Definitely. The crowd roared every time you did.”
He put his fork down. “It was a big audience?”
“Huge.” I grabbed a piece of toast. “And then you fucked me right in front of them.”
He licked his lips. “That shit is making me hard just thinking about it.”
“Oh really?”
“Yes. I may have to get you one of those costumes and make a board.”
“Hmmm.” I considered that. “Oh no. Hold up. We don’t need to do that.”
“Why not?”
“You might fuck around and slam a knife into my chest or something.”
“You don’t trust me to not cut you?”
“Hell no. I would need to see your knife throwing skills for at least a year before I actually volunteer to stand in front of you.”
“We’ll see about that.” Wicked lust ran through his eyes. “I should fuck you right now.”
“You should.”
“I bet your pussy is soaking wet.”
“It is.”
“But, I’m too excited about this morning’s activities.”
“I feel like this morning has been exciting enough.”
He chuckled. “That is true. West will probably pack and leave if one more fight breaks out.”
I laughed.
“Either way, I had more interesting plans this morning.”
I raised my eyebrows. “What’s happening? Are we going to check on Johnny or—”
“I need a break from all that.” He shook his head. “I have another idea that only deals with us.”
“What?”
“We can explore the property.”
“Cain, don’t you think we have more serious things going on?”
“Like what?”
“Like getting the hell out of Paradise due to the Syndicate.”
“I think that in all massive situations all you can do each day is the next logical step.”
“The next logical step?”
“Exactly. For me that’s getting some therapy. My mind is off balance. I need special medicine that only the forest can provide.”
“But what about any oncoming danger—”
“When I was cooking, I checked Paradise news. No one has reported on Johnny’s death yet. Let’s see what happens when Paradise finds it out.”
“I think we should call my contact in the Syndicate too.”
“I’m leaning towards that plan.”
“Leaning?”
“I’m not sure yet. I need some time to think about that.”
“And if we don’t do that?”
“Then, I may go to Lush and browse around, see if anyone pops out and approaches me.”
“So, you mean put yourself in unnecessary danger?”
“It would only be dangerous if they’re looking for us.” Cain rose from the bed and pointed to the side. “Come on. You’re done. We’ll both put on new shirts and head out.”
“To the forest?”
He winked. “For some medicine.”
A half an hour later, we headed outside.
Cain had put on a new pair of jeans and a long sleeve black t-shirt that hugged his muscles. A backpack hung on his back. Excitement covered his face.
I spotted handcuffs in his back pocket. That not only made me uneasy, but it kind of pissed me off. I wondered if he was going to take the handcuffs out or not.
I thought we jumped off the cliff?
Cain opened the back door and held it for me. “I’m trusting you today.”
The sun warmed my face as I walked through. “No handcuffs?”
“We’ll see.”
“You want me to trust you.” I eyed him. “Then, trust me.”
Still, he sneered. “Don’t run.”
I rolled my eyes. “Really, Cain?”
He shrugged. “This is why I’m getting my medicine. I’m on edge.”
“Due to Johnny being dead?”
“And something Pandora said.”
“Why would you listen to that crazy bitch?”
“Did you really jump last night?”
“I did.”
He led us past the pool. “I don’t want to fuck this up.”
My heart warmed. “You won’t as long as you don’t hurt me or handcuff me.”
He stayed silent.
He still doesn’t trust me.
Frowning, I gazed at the handcuffs again and walked off.
Would he ever truly let me be free?
We arrived at the back gate near the backside of the pool.
I gazed out at the forest surrounding us. “How big is this property?”
“Forty acres.” He opened the gate and held it for me.
“Damn.”
“There’s supposed to be a private hiking trail.” Cain scanned the area and pointed at a small path. “There it is.”
I walked forward. Nervousness hit me. “And. . .”
“What?” Heading forward, he got to my side.
I kept his pace. “Any mountain lions or wolves out here?”
“Probably.”
I stopped. “What?”
A V-formation of white birds flew through the blue sky. The sun made their feathers glow.
“I’m not walking around lions, Cain.”
He chuckled. “Mountain lions are calm, quiet, and elusive.”
“With sharp claws and teeth.”
He grabbed my hand and guided me forward. “There’s simple things to do when seeing a mountain lion—”
“I already know. It’s scream and run.”
Chuckling, he led us onto the private trail. “I love your sense of humor.”
“Cain, I’m not joking.”
“Listen. If you see a mountain lion, you must stay calm.”
I hit him with a skeptical look.
“Then, you hold your ground or back away slowly. But most importantly, face the lion and stand upright.”