The last thing I need right now is a scandal.

Correction—the last thing I need is to go up to her bedroom.

Yet, here I am…walking up the stairs. Heading straight for the Devil’s playground.

One mistake three weeks ago turned Eden from my sick little fantasy …to my greatest liability.  

It was hard enough not to think about her before that night…but it’s been impossible not to think about her since.

I’m so fucked.

She’s lying on her bed when I walk in—phone in hand, a cute little pout on her pretty face; like she’s waiting for someone to respond.

She’s been preoccupied with her phone a lot over the last two weeks, which wouldn’t be weird for any other girl her age, but Eden has never been what you would call normal. She has a lot of issues that prevent her from making and keeping friends.

She has a lot of issues that make people take advantage of her.

Which is why crossing the line was wrong on all accounts. She might be eighteen in a few hours, but I’m supposed to be the adult in this situation.

Then again, Eden’s more mature than most adults in this town. Unlike them, she’s not the type to spread false stories or go out of her way to hurt anyone.

Which is probably why her mother resented her so much. Karen was incredibly smart, sure; but she wasn’t a lot of other things. Things like kind, loyal, and charismatic. Things that make a person likable.

In other words, all the things Eden is.

I clear my throat to get her attention, fighting a bout of annoyance because I’m used to having it the moment I walk into a room.

She narrows her eyes. “Did you need something?”

Eden is sweeter than sugar when she wants to be, but she’s also sassy as hell when she’s upset. It’s all I can do not to laugh because Eden being mad is the equivalent of a baby cub roaring.

She’s all bark and no bite.

“I got rid of the reporter.” I stick my hands in my pockets so I’m not tempted to touch her. “I also made a few phone calls. Let’s just say she won’t be conducting any more interviews.”

Thanks in part to my family and my deceased wife’s contacts, I have a few connections. Although few is putting it mildly. I know enough of the right people I’m able to run for mayor before I turn thirty…despite all the rumors and black marks of my past.

Which is why I relate to Eden so much. I know first-hand how poisonous Black Hallows can be. I know how it feels to have an entire town talk about you and your family behind your back but never to your face.

But unlike Eden, who hasn’t built an outer shell because her mother kept her hidden away to protect her own precious reputation—I was able to rise above it and come out on top.

However, we’ll both fall down if anyone ever finds out what transpired between us.

It’s bad enough everyone in Black Hallows already speculates about our relationship, given how close in age we are—and Eden’s past, thanks to that inappropriate teacher of hers.

It’s a shame he wasn’t put behind bars, because it was obvious to anyone with a pulse he was grooming her and only a matter of time before he did something heinous.

It really goes to show it’s not what you know in this town, it’s who you know. That pervert happened to be the nephew of a powerful judge, which had my wife—the DA who only earned her position because of her own manipulative ways—backing down and turning on her own kid.

The day Karen died, I promised myself two things. One—when I became mayor, I’d piss on her grave for being such a cunt to Eden. And two—I’d help Eden overcome her demons any way I could.

But it’s hard to do that when everyone around you thinks you must be sticking your dick in your stepdaughter.

It’s even harder when they’re not exactly wrong...because you’ve had the urge to make those rumors a reality for the last year.

With a sigh, I walk around her bedroom. Being so close to her when she’s lying on a bed isn’t good for my self-control. “I shouldn’t have pushed you to do those interviews. I’m sorry.”

Given people in town haven’t seen Eden in years because her disorders prevent her from stepping outside, I thought arranging a few interviews with the local media here at the house would be a good thing.

For her…and me.

But it backfired once they started publishing pictures of her.

Younger Eden was already a Lolita in their minds. But older Eden is everything wives’ nightmares and men’s wet dreams are made of.

Like temptation and sin wrapped up in a beautiful bow.

Long blonde hair, big blue eyes, pouty lips, curvy ass, legs for days, and a rack that makes a man curse and thank God every Sunday at his local church.

And don’t get me started on the tight holy grail between her creamy thighs.

Fuck.

Blowing out a breath, I force myself to stop thinking with the wrong head. Screwing my stepdaughter is out of the question. No matter how much I want to.

And after this weekend, hopefully the gossip—and my hunger— regarding me and Eden will clear up for good.

Eden doesn’t know yet, because I haven’t the heart nor the want to break it to her—but I have an arrangement with Margaret Bexley. Or rather, her governor father, who happened to be an old friend of my father’s.

Milton Bexley’s not only filtering a shit-ton of money into my campaign on the low, he’s not so secretly hoping I’ll take his place one day since he doesn’t have any sons, and his only daughter Margaret is more interested in being a Stepford wife to a politician than she is in actual politics.

On paper, the situation is perfect. Eons better than the arrangement I had with Karen—the one I stupidly accepted due to being young and impulsive.

I just have to tread carefully because perception is everything in this town. If I jump into a relationship with the governor’s daughter too quickly, people will think I’m only doing it for political gain.

But if I continue living as a widow with my gorgeous stepdaughter who’s locked up like a princess in a tower…it will only perpetuate gossip and make them uneasy.

And if they have any room for doubt about my character when it’s time to vote, I won’t have theirs.

I’ve worked my ass off for this for a long time now, waiting for the perfect moment to toss my hat into the ring. I couldn’t run while still married to Karen, due to more than half the people in town hating her. Unfortunately, divorcing her before running would have been career suicide since Karen wasn’t the type who would take me leaving her lying down. She’d already threatened me with one hell of a smear campaign revolving around Eden if I ever ended things and ran for mayor. She wasn’t keen on her show dog husband having more power than she did.  

The fact that she was willing to drag her own mentally fragile daughter into the spotlight after the same town already chewed her up and spit her out just to ruin me speaks volumes.

Then again, Karen was ruthless.

Almost as ruthless as…

The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end and I grit my teeth.

Not a day goes by that I’m not reminded of Damien King, given his obsession with me ruined my life twelve years ago.

Last I heard, he was a successful hedge fund investor with more money than God and was living halfway around the world on some exotic island…which suits me perfectly fine.

Because if I ever see him again…I can’t guarantee I won’t kill him.

There’s a reason people in this town refer to him as the Devil.

The man is pure evil. A psychopath if there ever was one.

“Cain? Are you okay?”

Eden’s voice brings me out of my thoughts and I look down at my hands which are clenched so tight they’re white. “Fine.”

I turn to leave, but her next sentence halts me. “Is this how it’s going to be between us now?”

I can’t have this conversation with her. “I don’t know what—”

“Yes, you do.” She sits up in bed. “You’ve barely spoken to me in person since that night, and when you do you talk right through me like I’m another item on your business agenda you need to cross off.”

“I—” I’m at a loss for words. There are so many things I want to tell her, but she won’t understand or accept any of them.

She won’t understand how I’m trying to save us both by not throwing any more logs into the fire between us.

She won’t understand that if we get involved and we’re found out…I’ll resent her for ruining my second chance and she won’t have anyone else to take care of her.

She doesn’t know I’ve already made the mistake of getting involved with someone I shouldn’t have and paid the ultimate price for it…and I won’t let history repeat itself.

“Why do you keep messing with my head?” Her voice wobbles. “I’m not something you can use.”

“Eden.” I wait for her to look at me because I need her to get this through her head for once and all. “I’m sorry I hurt you, but that night was a mistake. Please try and understand.”

She draws her knees up to her chest. “Was it a mistake because you’re scared of people finding out…or because you don’t want me?”

There’s no easy way to navigate her question. If I tell her the former, she’ll think there’s hope when there’s not. But if I tell her the latter, I’ll hurt her.

Cupping her cheek, I tell her the only thing I can. “The reason doesn’t matter. The result is still the same.”

“No, it’s not. What if we didn’t live in Black Hallows anymore? What if we left and—”

“No,” I growl because she’s not comprehending what I’m saying and it’s starting to remind me of someone I’d rather forget. “No matter where we go, people will know who I am because that’s what my job calls for. And sooner or later they’ll figure out who you are too.”

“I guess that leaves secret option three.” She closes her eyes and sighs. “I’m not important enough to give up politics for.”

She’s not wrong. Politics have been in my blood since the moment I took my first breath…literally. My father was a senator and my older brother had just been accepted to Harvard and was on the same political track I was when they died. Even my mother—who I don’t remember much of because she passed away when I was three—was a successful campaign manager for government officials.

While all the other boys I grew up with were interested in sports and parties, I was interested in student council and the debate team, trying to make a difference and put my mark on the world.

My father, who ruled with an iron fist, both figuratively and physically; had my future political career mapped out since I was a child. It was the only thing we ever agreed on.

“I don’t think a relationship works well when one has to sacrifice an integral part of who they are to make the other happy.” I cradle both her cheeks. “Besides, do you really want to be kept hidden away for the rest of your life? That’s no way to live, Eden.”

“What if that’s exactly what I want?”

“You only want it because it’s all you’ve ever known.” I run my thumb over her cheekbone. “There’s a whole big world out there for you to discover. So many experiences waiting for you.”

“I don’t want the world,” she whispers and the muscles in my chest draw tight. “I only want you. All I’ve ever wanted was you.”

Christ, this girl. She has a way of looking at me like I’m personally responsible for making the sun rise and set every day.

She has a way of making me feel like I’m her God. And fuck if there’s not a small part of me that doesn’t revel in it.  

“You never wished me happy birthday.”

The change of subject throws me and I check my watch. “Technically your birthday isn’t for another ten minutes.” I wink. “I’m not that old. I still have a few more years before senility sets in.”

She starts to laugh, but a scowl twists her features. “Too bad the stupid masquerade ball is tomorrow night.”

“I know.”

It’s always the Saturday before Halloween. Normally I’d skip it because balls aren’t really my thing, but it’s eleven days before the election. Which means I have no choice but to show up. The two weeks before an election is the most crucial and it’s just one of the many appearances I have lined up.

Eden tilts her head to the side, studying me intently. I should probably tell her about Margaret since we’re on the subject…but I don’t have the heart to break hers when her birthday is mere minutes away and she’s already so upset.

“I don’t suppose there’s any chance of you skipping it?” She looks so hopeful it kills me. “We could watch movies, or—”

“I can’t.” When her face falls, I add, “But you could go.”

I know it’s a long shot given all her struggles, but I’m hoping she’ll give it some real thought before turning me down.

Besides, there’s no reason Eden shouldn’t go if she wants to. It’s not like I’m planning on screwing Margaret in public tomorrow night.

And even if that were the case, it wouldn’t matter. The second Eden walks through those doors, she’ll be surrounded by guys. Guys her own age who would undoubtedly do anything for her attention.

Jealousy hits me like a fist to the gut, but I shake it off with a roll of my shoulders. I have no right to be jealous. She’s my forbidden fruit.

Therefore, she deserves to find someone who can give her all the things I can’t.

Pride fills me when I peer down at her. The adorable look of concentration on her face tells me she’s actually considering it. This is a huge step in the right direction.

“I don’t have a dress.”

“Use my credit card and buy one.”

She chews her bottom lip, contemplating. “It’s too late to order express shipping online.”

“You can go shopping for a dress in the morning.” When she winces, I say, “Or I can send Claudia to the store to pick one out for you.”

Claudia is my campaign manager and personal assistant.

“Claudia’s seventy-three,” Eden grumbles. “She’ll end up picking out some psychedelic flower-child frock that will make people talk about me even more.”

Eden has a point. Claudia is great at what she does—but she’s also a self-proclaimed hippie with very questionable fashion choices.

“Write down what you want. Color, size…girl shit.”

The corners of her lips turn up. “Girl shit?”

I shrug helplessly because I’m clearly out of my element and she giggles. “Okay, fine. I’ll write down my girl shit.”

For a second I think I misheard her, but sure enough; she’s picking up a pen and pad off her nightstand.

Only to place them back down a moment later. “I don’t think I can do this. I’m so sorry.”

Her shaking hands and tear-stained cheeks chip away at the barrier I put up between us.

Crossing a boundary I know I shouldn’t, I pull her into my arms. “Don’t be sorry. They have one every year.” I tip her chin. “You’ll go to one when you’re ready.”

She sniffs. “What if I can’t?”

“You will.”

“How can you be so sure?”  

“Because there are two types of people in this world. Those who are capable of greatness, but don’t bother trying. And those who still try even though they’re not capable of greatness.”

Her face screws up. “I do—”

“You’re neither.” I wipe her tears away with my thumbs.  “You’re the type of girl who can do anything she sets her mind to and succeed.”

She leans her forehead on my chest. “You really think so?”

“I know so. You don’t even have to try. Everything you want in this world is already yours.” She trembles and I run my knuckles down the nape of her neck, watching goose bumps erupt over her delicate flesh. “All you have to do is reach out and take it.”

She looks up, her blue orbs darkening with lust. “What if everything I want is standing right in front of me?”

My dick twitches and I mutter a curse. I’m not sure I have enough willpower to keep turning her down. Not when she’s pressing her hot little body against me like she is now.

But I have to. The lines between us are becoming blurred again.

“Eden—”

She places her finger over my lips while her other hand falls to my zipper. “I know.” Slipping her hand through the opening of my pants, she runs a finger over my thickening erection. “But according to the clock on the wall, it’s officially my birthday.” I grunt when she wraps her hand around me and squeezes. “And I really want a birthday kiss.” She smiles coyly and drops to her knees. “Or should I say—to blow out my candles.”

I’m a sick man because those innocent words dripping with dirty intentions have my resolve diminishing and my dick rock hard.

I’m pretty sure this is what standing outside the gates of hell must feel like.

“Eden,” her name comes out in a low groan as she takes me into her mouth.

This is wrong. So wrong.

Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.

“Suck it faster.”

I’m so fucking sick.

Sick. Sick. Sick.

“Good girl.” I wind her hair around my fist as bolts of pleasure caused by her hot little tongue punch through my body. “Suck me just like that.”

Gagging sounds fill the room as she goes to town on my dick, taking me in swift long strides.

Bracing an arm on a nearby chair, I watch as she pleasures me, somehow looking even better than all the fantasies I’ve had starring her over the last year.  

Pink full lips stretched around my shaft. Cheeks hollow from sucking. Blue eyes glassy from my cock constantly hitting the back of her throat.

In other words—utter perfection.

And God help me because it makes me want to find out what she’d look like if I was balls deep inside her.

She picks up her pace and I rock into her mouth. “Fuck.”

I should end this, but the devil on my shoulder whispers that since I’m already going to hell, I might as well enjoy it and take everything she’s offering.

And despite being a grown man who knows better, I listen.

Yanking her upright, I shove her on the bed.

Her eyes widen in surprise. She looks so innocent it sends another pang of want straight to my dick.

I hover over her slim frame. “You drive me fucking crazy.” Running my nose along her temple, I inhale her flowery scent. “What am I gonna do with you?”

Her chest heaves, drawing my attention to her perfect tits. “Anything you want.”

“That so?” With a grin, I shove my hand underneath her shirt and cup her tit in my hand. They’re every bit as firm and ample as I thought they’d be. “Take this off and let me see them.”

She makes quick work of removing her top and I make my way down her torso, pausing to lick and suck every inch of her toned abdomen.

Circling her belly piercing with my tongue, I look up at her. I feel like a goddamn teenager again because all I can do is stare at her full breasts and peach colored nipples.

Her cheeks turn pink and she starts to cover herself, but I shake my head. “Don’t you dare.” With a grin, I push her jeans down a little, revealing those razor-sharp hipbones. “We’re not done.”

My cock throbs when I see her smooth, bare pussy peeking out. “Not even close.” I pop open the button on her jeans and graze the length of her slit. “So wet.” Stretching my fingers, I open her. “So pretty.”

I plant a kiss on her sensitive clit and she utters a throaty moan that goes straight to my balls. “Do you have any idea how bad I want this?” I circle the sensitive bud with my tongue. “How much I want to make you come all over my dick.”

“Do it,” she rasps, goading me. “I told you, I'm all yours.”

With a groan, I tear her jeans off and position myself between her thighs. I’m about to thrust, but I feel her body tense underneath me.

“You okay?”

“Yeah.” The pink of her cheeks deepens, and she draws in a shaky breath. “I just haven’t…I’ve never done this before so I’m a little anxious.”

I freeze, the awareness of what we’re about to do hitting me like a steel bat to the prick. I suspected she was a virgin, but hearing her confirm it seconds before I’m inside her, makes this whole thing feel even more…wrong.

I look down at my cock nudging her entrance, wondering how the hell I let myself get so far down the rabbit hole.

I care about Eden. Really fucking care about her. In two very different, very conflicting ways.

But one side is winning out right now.

 “I’m on the pill.” She smiles nervously. “You don’t have to worry.”

I stand up and tuck myself back into my pants. “I’m not taking your virginity.”

“What?” She sits up. “Why? Everything was perfect.”

“No, everything was not perfect.” I pick her clothes up off the floor and hand them to her. “You deserve more than this.”

“But I love you, Cain.” The space between us tightens as we lock gazes. “I love everything about you.” Her lower lip trembles. “Even when you hurt me, I still love you.”

There's a part of me that knows I'll regret what I'm about to say the moment the words are out of my mouth, but it's the only way. This can't keep happening. We're spiraling out of control and if I don't stop it...lives will be ruined.

Just like last time.

“No, you don’t. You only think you do because you never leave the house and you don’t know any better. You’re a sweet, beautiful girl. But this thing…this sick shit brewing between us is over for good.”

Hot tears fall down her face. “But you love me too.” The tears fall faster, and I honestly hate myself for making her hurt like this. “I know you love me.”

“I do love you, Eden.” Then before hope can rear its ugly head, I add, “But not in that way. I love you like a f—”

“Don’t,” she chokes out, shooting me a look that would turn a weaker man to stone. “Just get out.”

“Eden—”

She grabs a vase off her nightstand and I watch as it shatters against the wall. “Get the fuck out, Cain.”

I walk to the door, my heart in my throat. “I’m sorry.”

“No, you’re not.” She buries her face in her hands. “You never are.”