Hunt

“But for now you keep her here?”

“Until she isn’t a liability.”

Phoenix’s expression calmed. “And you know Spanish?”

“I do. I was a missionary in Costa Rica.”

“Did you like it?”

“My church paid for others and me to go to Costa Rica and share the gospel.”

“Did you?”

“I taught the Bible to young kids. They understood. The problem was that I felt the kids and their families needed more than God.”

“What did you think they needed?”

“Food, clothes, more adequate housing.” I sighed. “When I brought this up to my team leaders they shushed away my ideas and told me to simply focus on God’s words.”

“You didn’t feel like it was truly helping.”

“Hopefully, it did. But I wonder how those kids are doing as adults and if those free bibles I gave them truly served their needs.” I looked up at the darkening sky. “Take off your shoes.”

She stepped back. “Why?”

“Let’s check out this huge property. We can ground while we do it.” I put the blunt between my lips and slipped off my boots.

She turned around and scanned the property as if for the first time.

It was several acres of green rolling hills. On the rental site there had been mention of a pond and even a tiny waterfall at the end of the private hiking path in the back. I hoped to find it and show her.

Phoenix looked back at me. “No.”

“No?”

“I’m worried about what’s going on. And I’m still mad about you cutting off my feet. So, I won’t be walking barefoot at night in the wilderness with you.”

“I didn’t cut them.”

“But you would. I heard the truth in your words.” She walked off and headed back into the huge house. “I’ll be in the bedroom.”

Chapter 24

The Classics

PHOENIX

I

headed off.

Threaten my feet and then wants to stroll together barefoot like we’re Adam and Eve?

Every time I thought I knew how crazy Cain was, he reminded me that the rabbit hole went deeper and darker.

He must’ve lost his damned mind. . .well he did.

To my surprise, Cain didn’t follow me back into the house.

Still, I could feel him watching me.

And that chick Pandora better watch her fucking mouth next time she sees me.

I went into the living room and checked behind me.

Cain remained in the back, smoking and looking confused.

Dude. . .you can’t threaten my body parts.

Not ready to sit in the bedroom yet, I walked up to the bookshelf.

I could probably run now. . .the door is just less than twenty feet away.

I remained by the bookshelf and kept my view on that, but my senses concentrated on the front door.

Let’s play this out. I run to the door, open it, race out. . .where do I go?

My heart slammed in my chest.

Would this motherfucker really cut off my feet?

My nerves flared on edge. However, I knew my hesitation didn’t come from getting caught from running. It dealt with leaving Cain.

Fucking Stockholm Syndrome shit. I don’t know. . .if I want to leave him. . .at least not right now. . .

Sighing, I stepped closer to the shelf and glided my fingers across the tons of leather bound books.

Quin would say I was being weak. But what do I say?

Not ready to figure that part of my heart out, I decided to distract myself.

Let’s read these rich people’s books. Maybe, big money ideas will pour into me.

Without checking the titles, I grabbed three heavy books. I figured the universe could decide what I would be reading.

After that, I checked my right.

Cain stood on the other side of the glass wall watching like a fucking psycho. He placed the blunt to his full lips and inhaled. A tiny spark of orange glowed at the tip and then climbed up the length.

You were waiting for me to run off. Weren’t you?

Cain pulled the blunt away and exhaled through his nose. Two small streams of smoke left his nostrils, twisting and twirling upward around that gorgeous face. The wisps almost formed into smoky horns.

The vision reminded me of when I’d first met him and thought he was the devil incarnate. Now I knew that he wasn’t the devil, but he damn sure wasn’t an angel either.

I turned away and headed up the stairs.

There really is no escape besides death.

But I hoped I was wrong. Surely, there was another way.

Well. . .love is an option.

I made it to the top of the stairs.

But could I love someone that’s so crazy it terrifies me down to my bones?

Moans drifted from a room on the right. The door was cracked open a few inches.

Oh shit. Are they fucking? That quick though?

Another moan sounded from the room.

“Oh, papi. Your cock is so big.”

A male grunt came next.

Curiosity hit me.

Which brother is that?

Nosy as hell, I tip toed over and peered through the crack.

Pandora lay flat on her back with her legs spread apart.