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Chapter 24 Cain
Margaret nudges me. “You don’t look too good. Do you want some water?”
“I don’t want any water,” I bite out.
What I want is to run up to the podium Damien King is marching toward, take a fucking machete to his neck…and then piss down the stump that used to hold up his head.
“I thought you two were friends?” Margaret chirps beside me. “He seemed so nice and charm—”
“You’re even more of a moron then I thought if you believe a single thing that comes out of his two-faced mouth,” I snap, and she purses her lips.
My head pulses. It’s getting harder to breathe. I pride myself on being one step ahead, but I never predicted this.
How could I? Damien has no political ties and nearly everyone in town hates him.
Sure, he’s attractive enough to seduce anyone into bed and skilled enough to keep them coming back…but beyond that, he lacks the intellect to do anything worthwhile with his life.
Which I suppose explains why he’s here now.
I thought he came back to taunt and provoke me. At worst, threaten to tell Eden the truth, and hell—maybe even try to kill me.
Not actually try to take my life and make it his.
But I can’t say I blame him. Even with all his father’s money, leftover businesses, and castles…he’s still worthless.
His obsession with me and the pedestal he keeps me on will always be his biggest accomplishment.
Jesus Christ. I should have killed him when I had the chance.
Instead I had a moment of weakness and let him go…and now it’s come back to bite me in the ass.
I’m downright seething as Damien switches places with Anderson.
“My father used to tell me opportunity waits for no one,” he begins. “That if you want something, you have to be willing to stand up and fight for it.” His gaze locks with mine. “Even if it means going up against an old friend.”
My blood boils as he continues. This isn’t a speech from a newly appointed candidate filled with false promises and oaths.
It’s a personal vendetta.
“It’s no secret I’ve known Cain Carter a long time. At one point, we were nearly inseparable. Thick as thieves. One and the same.” His teeth flash white. “I know his strengths. I know his imperfections. I know all his secrets. And by the end of this race, I predict you will all know him as intimately as I do.” His creepy blue eyes darken. “Truth be told, I never wanted to run against my best friend. I hoped it wouldn’t have to come to this. But sometimes it’s not about what you want…it’s about doing what needs to be done. And I believe when it’s time to vote—the people of Black Hallows will see things clearer than they ever have before…and they will elect the very best man for the job.”
You could hear a pin drop as Damien backs away from the podium. Even Anderson’s mouth is open so wide he’s probably catching flies.
“Wow,” Margaret says as everyone begins to shuffle into the banquet hall for refreshments. “That was…intense.”
No. I glare at the now empty podium. That was the start of war.
My nostrils flare when Damien’s arm slips around Eden and he starts leading her out of the room. Attempted theft.
I wink at my former friend and my beautiful young stepdaughter as they pass by.
A ticking time bomb.