The devil's advocate

Chapter 42 Cain

The fat fuck better not die. I’ve put in too much time and effort with Bexley and his irritating daughter for things to go to shit now.

Blowing out a breath, I remind myself I need to use my time wisely. Damien will presumably be coming back at some point.

If I can bash this tank against his desk and somehow manage to knock the phone down, I can use my nose to call for help.

It’s not a foolproof plan, but it’s the best one at my disposal.

Sweat drips down my back as I fight against the restraints, trying my hardest to get the damn tank to move. I curse when it doesn’t budge.

I search my brain for a Plan B—but there isn’t one. There’s nothing I can offer Damien at this point. Nothing he doesn’t already have, given he’s stolen everything of mine.

My election, my Eden…my goddamn piranha.

He’s even managed to secure blackmail as a parting gift. Fucking stalker.

I could almost respect the lengths he went to if his intent was to elicit my confessions in order to go public so he could win the election, but it’s not.

There’s only one thing he cares about…Eden.

I grind my molars. Motherfucker’s gone soft. I loaned him some prime cunt with my name stamped on it and suddenly he’s developed a conscience. A guilty one at that.

This is a perfect example of why you should never let anyone borrow your things. Especially your most prized possession.

I knew better. I fucking knew better and still I let her trick me into staying with him.

Eden’s been yanking my dick this whole time. Little backstabbing whore.

I should have left her the medicated, drooling, zombie she was when I found her. Instead I fixed her up and cared for her. Killed for her.

All so my loyal pet could turn around and bite me when I needed her the most.

I loved her. I loved her more than I thought I was capable of loving something.

And there was a time she lived and breathed for me as well…but those days are gone. Treacherous slut.  

It’s disappointing how little it took to sway her perception of me. For Christ’s sake, it’s not like the people I killed were saints. Quite the contrary. If anything, I’m a goddamn hero for taking them all out of the universe.

The only i

That alone says a lot about her character.

I could understand Eden’s outrage if Kristy had raised her. But Eden didn’t even know she existed until ten minutes ago. That’s hardly enough time to form any kind of attachment and declare the man who’s done nothing but care for you a villain.

My chest aches. I never should have set her free. I lent Damien a jewel he didn’t deserve…and now she’s ruined. Because that’s what Damien does. It’s all he knows how to do.

For a moment I think I’m seeing things and do a double take when Eden walks back into the room…sans Damien.

She’s upset. More than upset. She’s been crying. Given she hasn’t looked at or said a word to me, it can only mean one thing.

Damien hurt her. God, I’d laugh if she didn’t look so sad. Did she really think Damien King was the type to settle down? Or that he cared about her more than he cared about getting revenge against me?

No. A leopard doesn’t change its spots. He might have felt bad for her, but there’s only one person on earth he’s ever loved.

Me.

Poor, naïve, Eden.  

“Let me guess,” I say as I catch a peek of what looks to be a plane ticket in the pocket of the jacket she’s still wearing. “Either he’s leaving, or he wants you to leave?”

She doesn’t respond. Sometimes my girl is stubborn like that. Unfortunately, this is the only opening I may have before Damien returns and I end up fish food.

Eden’s my only hope.

“You’re too good for him, sweetheart. A man like Damien doesn’t know how to love.”

Finally, she glances my way. “I guess you two have something in common.”

Fair enough. “He and I have a lot in common actually. The only difference is, I’d never send you away because my feelings for you have always been genuine. You’re not a game to me, Eden. You never were.”

She opens her mouth and then clamps it shut. Dammit.

“Don’t worry. Even though you hate me, I’ll make sure I avenge you.”

“I don’t want you adding any more names to your body count because of me.”

“Then what do you want?”

A scoff pushes through her lips. “From you? Nothing.”

“That’s a shame because I’d give you anything. Everything.”

“You didn’t give me everything when you had the chance, why should I believe it would be any different now?”

Hmm. It’s not a large window by any means, but with enough finesse, I might be able to wiggle my way through.

“We all make mistakes. Some of them are worse than others. However, when Damien kills me, my biggest regret won’t be killing my family or Karen…it will be not treating you the way you deserved.”

Her face screws up. “You really think Damien’s going to kill you?”

I think he’s fighting with his conscience over it, but in the end, his dark side will win. “I have no doubt these will be my last few minutes on earth.” I give her a small smile. “At least I get to spend them with you. The only person I’ve ever loved.”

She closes her eyes. “I—you. I can’t believe everything that’s happened.”

“I know it’s a lot to digest, sweetheart, but you’re strong. You’ve always been strong. You didn’t need Damien or anyone else to validate it.”

Her eyes become glassy. “Can I ask you something?”  

“You can ask me anything.” Just make it snappy.

“Did you ever think about telling me the truth? Or ever feel guilty for taking my mother away from me?”

I don’t know why I’m compelled to give her honesty, but I do.

“No.”  When she glares at me, I add, “Telling you what happened would mean losing you. That’s not something I was ever willing to do given you hold my heart in the palm of your hand. As far as guilt goes—the more time passes, the more complacent I got…because I’d gotten away with so much already. It’s hard to feel guilt when you’re happy someone is dead. Kristy was the only one who didn’t deserve to die, but she never gave me a reason to feel remorse either. We weren’t friends like she and Damien were. Whenever we were together…she treated me like I was a second-class citizen. It was clear she only put up with me because Damien wanted her to.”

“Oh,” she says softly.

“It hurt,” I whisper. “Feeling unwanted. Rejection, no matter what form it comes in, always stings. And I’ve had a lot of it throughout my life.”  

She draws in a slow breath. “It still doesn’t excuse anything you did, but at least I can kind of understand it now.” She looks toward the door. “I should probably get going.”

Fuck.

“Wait,” I call out. “I know I have no right to ask you for mercy, considering all I’ve done, but please give me just a few more minutes.” I exhale heavily, blinking back tears. This is my only chance to save myself and possibly get Eden back. “Damien’s go

“Cai—”