“You sure?” Miles watches me closely.
“Yeah... yeah. Thank you.” I look around for Hayden, but don’t see him anywhere.
“He said he’ll be at the club when your shift starts, he has something to do,” Miles tells me, as I start walking to my dorm. They both follow me, and I look toward them, frowning at them. “Just in case Leo wants to try his luck again.” Miles opens the door to my dorm building. I smile at them both shaking my head.
“What?” Mason asks.
“So, one of two things is happening right now. One you’re telling the truth, or two you’ve seen a girl in this building who you haven’t slept with yet.” My answer makes them both laugh, and I stop by my door. “Thank you for walking me to my door.” They both nod, and go to walk away, but I call their names and they both turn at the same time to face me. “Thank you for not hating me.”
They both stare at me and smile. “He loves you, nothing else matters.” Miles winks and they both walk away. I open the door and look at the floor when I step on the piece of paper. I take a deep breath in as I pick it up and read it.
I just want to talk. You owe me that.
I don’t even flinch this time. I fold it, slide it into my bag, ready to give to Hayden when I see him.
No more lies or hiding anything from him.
The club is already buzzing when I walk in, and it’s only been open an hour. I make my way to the office, nervous, not surewhat he’ll say to me, but here it goes. I knock on the door and wait for him to say something.
Cain’s voice comes from inside. “Yes.”
I push the door open and step in.
“Olivia, how can I help you today?” He puts the pen down and gives me his full attention.
“Mr. C— I stop when he puts his hand up.
He smirks. “I think you can call me Cain now.”
I pause, staring at him for a second too long, remembering everything Hayden told me about him. What he grew up with. What he became to survive. What he’s built from ashes. I can feel it in the air, this man knows what hell feels like. He has the power to kill anyone if he wanted to, and I don’t even think he would care.
Something inside me aches for him, and he sees it, that look on my face and I see his jaw tighten.
“Don’t do that,” he says, cool but sharp. “Don’t look at me like you’re sorry for me. You know the truth. Don’t dwell. Move on. Over time I promise you won’t be so scared of me.” I'm not sure if he’s joking or not, as I don’t think anyone walks close to him and not be scared.
I nod quickly. “Sorry. I just... I was wondering if I could take a few extra shifts, for the hospital bills. My mum and dad?—”
He holds up a hand again. What the hell did I say wrong this time?
“Are you Hayden’s girl now?”
I blink. “Yes.”
“Are you part of the Crawford family?”
I smile softly. “I hope so.”
“Then I’m going to do you a favor,” he says, standing. “I’m not going to mention this conversation to Hayden. But I’m going to push you to talk to him.” He stops as if on cue the door opens and Hayden walks in, he has a dark hoodie on, damp hair, andhis eyes are scanning the room instantly landing on me, then Cain, then back to me.
“What’s going on?” Hayden asks, stepping in.
Cain straightens his posture, a hint of amusement twitching in his jaw. Well, I think it’s amusement, if it’s anyone else, I would say it is, but with him who knows? “Just a little family business.”
Hayden raises an eyebrow. “That right?”
Cain claps his hand on Hayden’s shoulder as he walks out. “You two talk. I’ve got shit to do.”
And just like that, we’re alone.
