Vice and Virtue (1).

A flicker of consciousness passed through Susan's radiant eyes.

For a moment, Cain simply stared, half-admiring her semi-unconscious face, and half-expecting her to lash out or shove him away. Instead, there was a brief pause...

An instant stretched between breaths, their eyes locked together. Her expression transformed from confusion into panic.

A fist slammed into Cain's chest with surprising force, sending him skidding back across the polished stone. He barely managed to steady himself, coughing as a dull ache spread through his ribs before it abruptly disappeared.

'She hits hard!'

Susan bolted upright, her eyes wide,

"I'm sorry! That was—"

Cain let out a chuckle,

"It's fine. I was surprised too."

He allowed himself a smirk whilst rubbing his chest,

"It wasn't that bad."

Susan's face turned an impressive shade of red,

"You scoundrel!"

Cain laughed.