Love That Defies Us (The Devil's Dust #2.2)(7)

“Mom. Mom.” I look down and see Zane holding the remote up, wanting me to change the channel, taking me from my flashback.

“Yeah, sure, buddy,” I reply, turning on the TV. He climbs up on the couch, grabs his blanket, and stares at the TV intently. I have done really well keeping my temper and dark urges under control since I have had Zane, but every once in a while, it escapes.




I should see if Cherry wants to go shopping with me. It’s been ages since we’ve been out just the two of us; plus, she’s good at picking out great clothes, so I bet she is better at picking out lingerie. I grab my phone off the counter and my head spins, flashes of light flaring behind my eyes. I grab the table to steady myself and take a deep breath. I’ve got to stop picking Zane up. I have been getting these dizzy spells here and there, but it seems to happen only when I exert myself. I look for Cherry’s contact on my phone and PM her.

Want to help me pick out some lingerie? -D

Hell yes, I need to pick some up myself ;) -C

I laugh and head back into my room to get ready, Zane and Rex following closely behind me.

Fifteen minutes later, Sara shows up. She’s wearing short-shorts, a pink top and blowing a huge bubble with her gum when I answer the door. She is a big party girl, no doubt; just turned twenty-one and lives up to it. She doesn’t pull that shit here, though.

“Sara,” I greet.

“Hey,” she responds, popping her bubble.

“Sara!” Zane yells, running past me.

“Hey, you!” she yells back. The girl may dress like a tramp and act like a snot but she is great with Zane, and that’s what matters.

“Ok, numbers are on the fridge, and I will be back in a couple of hours,” I inform. She lifts up from her crouched position and rolls her eyes.

“This is my fourth time babysitting for you, I know,” she smarts. I give a tight-lipped smile and grab Zane for a cuddle.

“Hey, bitch, I’m here,” Cherry greets, walking into the apartment. She has on tight jeans, a black sweater, and big fuzzy boots. Sassy and beautiful.

“Language,” I scorn Cherry. Cherry covers her mouth and smiles.

“Shit, I’m sorry,” she responds. Sara rolls her eyes, smacks her gum, and walks to the kitchen.

I shake my head at Cherry; she’s a mess.

“All right, buddy, I’ll be back.” I give him a big kiss on the forehead and grab my purse.

“Why do you have that bitch babysit for you?” Cherry asks once we’re in the hallway.

“She’s good with Zane. Plus, Vera recommended her,” I inform. Vera is one of the ol’ ladies of the club; she wouldn’t suggest Sara if she had a bad rep.

Walking outside the wind blows hard, making me grab the sides of my jacket trying to protect myself from the chill.

“Man, I hate winter,” Cherry whines, climbing behind the wheel of her bug.

“I agree,” I admit, placing my hands above the car’s vents to warm them.

She looks in her side mirrors before pulling onto the street fast.

The woman cannot drive. I keep thinking every time I climb into the car with her she will get better, but she doesn’t.

“How are you and Phillip doing?” I ask, looking out at the road. Phillip is Cherry’s man who was sent to prison some years back for taking the heat for the club. He was supposed to get out about two years ago but was attacked by a gang a week before his release. Phillip killed a guy, extending his prison time. The club’s lawyer is working on Phillips’s behalf, claiming it was self-defense, but I guess it’s a little more difficult than that.

“We are doing great, actually. Things were a little difficult with him still in prison, but I am stoked for the conjugal visit he is allowed on Valentine’s Day.” she explains, nodding.

I smile. “That’s great news, Cherry.” She has a rough history like Shadow and me, but you wouldn’t know it by looking at her. She’s bright, cheery, and always seems to look at the glass as half-full, instead of half-empty. I don’t know many people like her.

“How are you and Shadow?” she asks, turning into the mall. I notice there are only a few cars here and there; the curfew which is in effect has the town in a frenzy.

“Things have been kind of distant since he was made VP. Having Zane and also getting pregnant has put a strain on the sex,” I reply honestly. Cherry looks over and gives a sympathetic smile. I turn my head away, because I don’t want that look. Shadow and I will get through this; we can make it through anything.

“Well, we will find the most drop-dead sexy lingerie, and bring back that spark,” she responds, patting my shoulder. I give a tight-lipped smile. It’s not that the spark isn’t there; it’s everything else getting in the way of us exploring it.

Cherry turns into a parking spot and gets out, pulling a fuzzy hat down on her head to keep warm.

She squeals in excitement and grabs my hand, walking at a fast pace toward the mall.

“Where are we headed?” I question, walking inside the mall. The smell of food is inviting, and a couple people wander here and there. She ignores me and pulls me past the food court and a few shops lining the walls. She stops, looks at me, and smiles a vicious grin.

“What?” I ask, tilting my head to the side nervously.

Cherry looks up, making me follow her lead.