Chapter 1

"Come on then, why are you here?" Harriet asked in a confused tone

"Why do you think?" Cain answered softly, gently taking her hand and planting a tender kiss on the back as she wrapped her fingers tightly around his, catching his gaze as a warm smile took over her face just as they both closed their eyes.

The last conversation they had was quite heated with Harriet storming off to work only to be met with a horrific incident that almost cost her her life.

Harriet was the local village vicar who was considered a good person, so falling for the local 'bad boy criminal' Cain Dingle certainly wasn't on her agenda, she found herself suddenly swept up in a whirlwind affair. She knew his reputation would be no good for her career, but a wave of intrigue and curiosity overtook her heart while her mind was pleading with her to not entertain the thought.

"I thought I'd lost you" Cain whispered softly, happily gazing at the warm, friendly smile she was still wearing.

"I didn't know I was yours to lose" she replied, managing a little giggle at the end.

"Well...I...er..." was all Cain muttered before the doctor came in and ushered him out. He gently kissed her lips with a warm tender kiss before he reluctantly left.

"Will come by tomorrow" were his parting words

"You better" Harriet answered, turning her head away so he couldn't see the few tears that had been stinging her eyes rolling down her cheeks..

"You gave us quite a scare" the doctor said as he explained what had happened.

"I don't really remember much, everything is still a bit hazy" Harriet replied with a hint of sadness in her voice.

"It was touch and go for a while, but that lovely gentleman hasn't left your side in three days...Cain is it?" The doctor sounded inquisitive,

"Really, he's been here the whole time?" She asked trying not to sound too surprised,

"Yes, he's been really worried and even shook my hand when I told him you were through the worst...now you need to rest" ordered the doctor as he left the room.

"I thought I'd lost you" echoed through her mind as she was left alone with her thoughts, she couldn't quite process those words...Cain Dingle's words, swimming around her head like a thick fog, slowly clearing to reveal something crystal clear.

"Has he just admitted his feelings for me?" She quietly asked herself out loud so as not to lose the concept of the moment, holding that thought she felt her heart pounding in her chest as the realisation of her question began to sink in.

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"Good morning" she heard a soft voice say as she slowly opened her eyes, slightly squinting at the bright light, feeling the butterflies stirring deep inside her stomach as she turned towards the owner.

"How long have you been there?" She asked with a gentle smile, as she met with his gaze,

"Long enough to know you drool" Cain laughed tipping her a wink,

"I do not" she said looking slightly embarrassed, raising a hand to the corner of her lip wiping away any evidence while searching his big brown eyes for the answer to the question that had kept her awake half the night.

"Yes, you do" he laughed again as he looked deep into her eyes, confirming without words his declaration.

She held his gaze for what seemed like an eternity, giving her approval with a simple smile before turning away, wriggling to make herself comfortable, not sure how to feel about his revelation. It was what she wanted more than anything in the world, a Cain Dingle to call her own, and after a few short months admit to his feelings for her.

Cain Dingle was someone who didn't openly admit to much, let alone his feelings for a woman who was a vicar...a vicar...who was once a police officer. That kind of background doesn't mix well with the criminal gangster image that he has portrayed for most of his life, but that was his life, the only life he ever knew, and dispite knowing this she wants to be with him.

"Everything alright?" Cain's voice suddenly brought her back to the reality of her situation

"Yes, just thinking" she answered slowly turning back to meet his gaze once again, "It's all you can do when your stuck in here" she added with a hint of anger in her tone.

"I'm sorry" he said softly, taking her hand while gently threading his fingers through hers, shuffling on the edge of the bed next to her,

"What have you got to be sorry for?" She asked raising both brows.

"I hate hospitals, spent far too much time in them over the years" he chuckled

"Should I feel honoured?" Harriet asked with a half smile, her fingers stroking the back of his hand.

"Well since I don't like churches much either and I've spent nearly every day in yours, then yes, you should be very honoured" he said nodding his head, laughing at the unimpressed look that had swept across her face.

"I'll remember that next time you just pop by the vestry, will indulge you in a proper bible study" she chuckled back at him, the dimples on her cheeks completing her smile.

"It's not my fault I can't keep my hands off you" Cain whispered, leaning in to plant a soft kiss on her cheek.

"Must be mine then" she chuckled, biting her bottom lip as the image of the last time they were alone in the vestry entered her mind.

"You have that look about you" Cain teased, tipping her a wink as their eyes met, her lips longing to taste his once more.

At that point the doctor entered suggesting that was enough for the day, emphasising the importance of resting and began ushering him out.

"See you tomorrow" he said, planting a kiss on her forehead,

"Well for someone who hates hospitals, I'll hold you to that" she laughed while letting out a big sigh.

They held onto each others gaze for a few seconds, then he was gone, leaving her all alone with her thoughts once more...