The Scars That Define Us (The Devil's Dust #2)(36)

“Yeah, clearly. If that were the truth, the bouncer wouldn’t have called your father,” Shadow says.

I whip around in shock.

“The f*cking bouncer? Is there anyone in this town who doesn’t kiss the club’s ass?” Of course, Cherry wearing her property patch was a dead giveaway. I guess with Cherry wearing her cut and I being there with her, the bouncer didn’t want to leave anything to chance so he called my dad.

Shadow laughs. “Not really.”

I start reaching for the zipper in the back of my dress, but I can’t unzip it to save my life.

“Let me,” Shadow offers, walking behind me and grasping the zipper.

I turn and face the mirror in front of me, my eyes staring at his in the reflection.

He slowly pulls the zipper down to the mounds of my ass cheeks, his fingers tickling my spine and his eyes never leaving mine. I slightly twist my body, letting the dress fall to the floor, pooling around my feet. My black strapless bra and panties are the only thing I’m wearing. Shadow’s eyes leave mine, overlooking my body’s reflection in the mirror. His eyes become hooded with desire and he inhales sharply. My lips part in anticipation, hoping he’ll touch me more. He slides one of his calloused fingers down my spine, the simple touch making me mew. After the abandonment of our relationship, the reconnection makes my body vibrate with want.

Shadow thrusts the front of his body against my back and wraps his hand around the front of me, grabbing my neck, he gently pulls my head up to look at our reflection in the mirror.

“Mine,” he whispers in my ear, his hot, sticky breath not making me any less horny. He bites my neck, his teeth scraping the sensitive flesh while a moan escapes my lips as my eyes catch his. Throttling my senses, I arch my back into him, wanting more. His hard gaze softens before he squeezes his eyes shut like he’s in pain. He pulls away, leaving me panting for more. Then he looks me over one last time before he leaves me in a frenzy of emotions. I don’t get it; he says I’m his, but he won’t treat me as his. Not like he used to, anyway. I look at the mirror and see my cheeks flushed and lips swollen with anticipation. I look a hot mess.

***

I sleep well past morning and into the afternoon. Following a long shower, I look through the closet, searching for something provocative but not obvious. Shadow wanted to go further last night, but something stopped him. I gulp the thought down and start flinging through my clothes. I grab a black, silk nightie, which goes to my thighs, and choose not to wear panties. Okay, so maybe it’s a little obvious, but I need answers. Now that everything is out in the air, I want to move forward.

I look in the mirror on the back of the dresser and tousle my long, dark hair. I pinch my cheeks for color and walk out of the bedroom in search of Shadow. He’s sitting on the couch with his legs propped on the coffee table. I smell food and notice a bucket of chicken on the counter.

I grab a plate and pretend to accidently drop it, the plate clattering to the floor and catching his attention. I position myself to where my ass is facing Shadow and slowly bend down to pick it up, my silk nightie rising in the process, letting my bare ass peek from underneath.

I hear Shadow rise from the couch and before I stand straight, his hands grip my hips harshly. He pulls my ass hard against his groin and moves my hair to the side of my neck to rest on my shoulder.

“I know what you’re doing,” he growls in my ear. His hand slides slowly underneath my nightie and skids its way across my hip and down over the apex of my thighs, making my head fall back with pleasure.

“What do you mean?” I whisper, my breathing becoming fitful.

“You know exactly what I mean. You have been baiting me for days,” he replies, pushing his hard length against my rear, the feeling divine.

“I really don’t know what you’re talking about,” I lie on a whisper, hoping he moves his hand a little lower.

“Right,” Shadow says sarcastically, letting me go.

Our eyes hold for a moment as he releases a steady breath.

“I got a call to make a run tonight. I don’t know when I’ll be back.” He grabs a chicken leg from the bucket and tears into it. Then he looks me up and down like he’s programming me to memory before walking to the door and leaving.

“Damn it,” I mutter.


Dani

After having to relieve myself last night from the sexual torture between Shadow and me, I finally fell asleep. Waking up today, I realize it’s the Fourth of July. I am anxious to get out of the house, so I call Tom to come pick me up and take me to the party the club is throwing.

I grab my black-leather bikini, hoping I will see Shadow. I know this is his favorite bikini, and I’m hoping it will be the last straw in his abstinence.

After arriving at the beach and changing, I walk out onto the hot sand and immediately spot my dad. His presence isn’t as endearing knowing he might have had violent orders to ensure my silence of the club’s activity. The fact that he might have sent Shadow is the worst.

“Dani, Darlin’,” my dad coos as he walks my way. He throws his burly arm around my shoulders and gives me a big hug, the smell of booze stronger than his aftershave.

He suddenly pulls back and eyes my bikini. “You can’t wear that,” he declares, pointing at me.

“What?” I look down at myself.

“Go change,” he says seriously, pointing toward the bathrooms across the beach.