Love That Defies Us (The Devil's Dust #2.2)(2)

Just as I start to get really comfy, I hear the keys in the front door. My heart beats a little faster knowing it’s Shadow. Even after being together for two years, I still get excited when he comes home. He grounds me, makes me feel rational and coherent in a world of f*cked-up emotions which swirl in my head.

Shadow walks through the door, his hair disheveled and blue eyes smiling back at me. His strong jawline creases into a sexy-as-sin grin. He’s wearing his black sleeved shirt under his leather cut and tight blue jeans, but what catches my eye is what’s in his arms.

“What the hell is that?” I ask, pointing to the fur ball in his hands. I pry myself from my warm spot on the couch and try to stand up.

“A pony,” Bobby remarks, walking in behind Shadow, his cheeks pink and blonde hair tousled everywhere. Even when it’s chilly outside they ride their bikes, giving them that sexy bed-head look. Shadow and Bobby have been inseparable way before the club, and they’re some of the hottest guys I have ever seen. Luckily for me, I’m engaged to one of them. Shadow and I are to get married this summer, after I’ve had Delilah and lost some of this baby weight.

“We found it,” Shadow explains vaguely. I curl my lip and raise my eyebrow. Found it? I highly doubt Shadow found this puppy; I have seen the things he does for the club.

“Seriously?” I confront. How stupid does he think I am?

Shadow smirks and pulls me in by the hips. “Nothing gets past you, Firefly.” I grin up at him; I always smile when he calls me by my nickname. I’m the fire to his dark and tormented world, he says. He squints his eyes and runs his hand over my enlarged belly. Even though I feel very unattractive, Shadow can’t seem to get enough of me.

“How are my girls today?” Shadow questions, his voice rough but caring.

“We’re good,” I mutter, loving the feel of Shadow’s hands on me. It’s been too long since we’ve had sex.

Shadow winks at me, making my hormones skyrocket and causing my nipples to ache worse than they already do. He hands the puppy tucked under his arm to me. The dog is so soft and fuzzy, and he’s all black except for his brown ears, paws, and a spot right on his nose.

“Is he ours? You can’t bring him in front of Zane if he has to go back,” I say, rubbing right between the dog’s ears, causing him to close his eyes and relax in my arms instantly. I have always wanted a dog. I brought one home when I was little, but my mom had none of it. I won’t be like that with my own child. I want Zane to have a puppy; it will teach him how to be gentle and caring, which I could use before we have Delilah.

“What are we going to name him?” I question, giving the sleepy puppy a kiss on the head.

“What do you want to name him, babe?” Shadow asks, looking down at the dog.

“We could name him Mr. Bones,” Bobby suggests, laughing. I look at him dumbfounded and Shadow scowls at him. Mr. Bones seems silly for such a masculine dog.

“Hmmm. What about Rex?” Looking at the size of the pup’s paws, he is going to get big.

“I like that,” Bobby replies, grabbing a beer from the fridge. Bobby used to live here but moved out when we had Zane. I didn’t ask him to; he offered. He is still over here all the time, and he’s a great uncle to Zane. Now that I’m about to have Delilah, though, Shadow and I are looking at moving into a new place. Actually, I am looking into moving in a new place; Shadow just dismisses anything the realtor shows us. He loves his apartment and nothing has beaten it so far.

I look at the puppy which is now fast asleep in my arms. Shadow knew Zane has been wanting a puppy; it’s one of the few words our little boy can say. I remember when we got pregnant with him how scared Shadow was, afraid he would be no good for Zane. What a crock of shit.

“So is this my Valentine’s Day gift, a stolen dog?” I laugh jokingly. Shadow’s face goes still, and he looks at Bobby.

I laugh; he totally forgot about Valentine’s Day. “This is great, Shadow. You don’t have to get me anything; this is plenty. Zane is going to go crazy in the morning,” I offer, sitting on the couch with the puppy.

Shadow gives a half-laugh and runs his hands through his hair.

“Another murder has happened right here in Culver City,” a news anchor announces from the television, catching our attention.

“It seems to be just like the other three murders which have occurred this month, all killed the same way. Stabbed brutally. The police have no leads, and there are no suspects at this time. The papers are calling it the Valentine’s Day Massacre and are encouraging everyone to keep indoors until the suspect is apprehended.”

“Fuck,” Bobby mutters, taking a sip from his beer.





I sit at the bar in the clubhouse, sipping on some coffee. Last night Dani threw me a curveball, talking about Valentine’s Day. Fucking Valentine’s Day; I always screw this holiday up. I am just a shit romantic. Who f*cking came up with this stupid holiday? Last year I got her flowers and a card—that’s what I thought you did on Valentine’s Day—and Dani didn’t complain. But when Bobby found out, he slapped me in the back of the head and told me she didn’t like it. That no girl likes flowers and cards for Valentine’s Day. Fuck if I know. I just know I want to do something for her this year, make it up to her for how much of a shit fiancé I’ve been.