CHAPTER 115: AT THE DOOR

Dinner was awkward, and Violet couldn’t have been more relieved when it was over and Fiona finally left. Sitting across from her, with her perfect posture and delicate manners, had made the food taste bland in Violet’s mouth. She couldn’t help but notice how Cain mirrored Fiona’s poised elegance while eating—something Violet knew she lacked entirely.

Still, she forced herself to chew slowly, determined to finish her meal. The thought of leaving the two of them alone kept her rooted to her seat, though she was thankful that Cain showed no sign of being interested in Fiona.

’You say you don’t want him, but here you are, acting jealous,’ Violet scolded herself inwardly as she watched Fiona, who was savoring every bite as if she had all the time in the world. Finally, Fiona dabbed at her lips with a napkin, stood, and bid them both goodnight.

As soon as Fiona left, Violet wanted nothing more than to escape to her room, but as she moved to leave, Cain’s hand shot out, gently grabbing her wrist. His touch sent a jolt through her, and his gaze held a silent question, one she could already anticipate.

"I need a bath," she said, trying to sound indifferent as she attempted to pull her arm free. But instead of letting her go, Cain’s arm wrapped firmly around her, pulling her close enough to feel the warmth radiating from his body.

"You can use my bathroom. It’s bigger," he replied, his voice deep and steady.

She opened her mouth to protest but stopped herself, choosing instead to turn and head into his bathroom, shutting the door firmly behind her. Cain made no move to follow her, but that didn’t stop her mind from racing. Alone now, the memories of their earlier moments together flooded back—every heated glance, every stolen touch.

Her cheeks burned as she recalled the way his hands had explored her body and how she had responded without hesitation. ’Get a grip, Violet!’

she thought, shaking her head to dispel the images. But her body betrayed her; the ache he’d awakened still lingered, and she couldn’t help but crave his touch again.

Determined to regain control, she decided on a cold bath, hoping it would cool the fire coursing through her. ’Just because I’m attracted to him doesn’t mean anything,’ she told herself as she scrubbed her skin with more force than necessary. After drying off, she slipped into a robe, tying it tightly around her waist. Usually, the thought of being in such close proximity to Cain dressed so casually would make her nervous, but tonight, she felt bold.

For the first time, she admitted the truth to herself: she wanted Cain. ’Even if it’s just once, even if tomorrow everything changes, I want this.’ Her resolve firm, she stepped out of the bathroom.

Cain was already in bed, lounging in his nightclothes, his broad chest rising and falling steadily. His gaze flicked to her as she entered, and the intensity of his eyes made her heart race.

"We should watch a movie before bed," he said casually, patting the space beside him.

Violet hesitated but climbed onto the bed, her pulse quickening as she waited for him to make a move. But Cain simply started the movie, his focus on the screen.

The film dragged on, and though she tried to pay attention, all Violet could think about was the man sitting beside her. She had prepared herself for something more, for him to take her in his arms again, but he hadn’t even touched her. ’Did I mess up earlier?’ she wondered, her insecurities bubbling to the surface.

When the movie ended, Cain switched off the TV and turned to her, pulling her close as if she were a pillow. His arms wrapped around her, and he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.

"Goodnight," he whispered, his voice low and soothing.

Violet blinked in shock, her lips parting to speak, but no words came. Cain’s eyes were already closed, his breathing even. Disappointment surged through her, mingling with self-doubt. ’Does he no longer want me?’ she wondered, staring at his peaceful expression.

The questions swirled in her mind long into the night, robbing her of sleep. By the time morning came, her eyes were heavy with dark circles, and she felt no better than she had hours before. She moved through her morning routine mechanically, her thoughts still clouded by the events of the previous night.

At breakfast, she sat across from Cain, the subtle chill in his demeanor only adding to her unease. She wanted to ask him what was wrong but couldn’t bring herself to. Her spiraling thoughts were interrupted by a sharp knock at the door.

Frank, the head of Cain’s elite guards, entered briskly. His movements were uncharacteristically tense as he leaned down to whisper something into Cain’s ear. Whatever it was, it wiped the calm from Cain’s face, leaving a deep frown in its place.

Cain stood abruptly, his chair scraping against the floor.

"There’s been a problem at one of the food facilities," he explained, his tone clipped. Violet’s heart sank. She knew how vital those facilities were, especially after the war. Food was already scarce, and any disruption could have devastating consequences for the lower districts.

She nodded in understanding, watching him stride toward the door. But as it closed behind him, her concern shifted back to herself. He hadn’t kissed her goodbye, hadn’t even glanced back. The thought stung more than it should have, and Violet buried her face in her hands, fighting the urge to scream.

’Why do I keep doing this to myself?’ she wondered. Cain was dangerous—she knew that. He had the power to hurt her in ways no one else could, and yet all she could think about was how much she wanted him.

Pushing her untouched breakfast aside, she slumped in her chair, staring blankly at the ceiling. She still hadn’t brought up the ten million she needed, hadn’t even asked for whatever help he could spare. The guilt of her family’s suffering gnawed at her, and yet here she was, consumed by thoughts of Cain.

A soft knock at the door pulled her from her spiraling thoughts. She froze, her gaze snapping to the door as the knock came again, faint but insistent. Who else could be so bold? Even servants would only appear after being summoned!

Without even opening it, she knew who it was.

Her first instinct was to leave her standing there and adhere to Cain’s warning but curiosity won out. Violet getting off her seat to see what Fiona could possibly want from her.