The Scars That Define Us (The Devil's Dust #2)(46)

“As I was saying,” Bull continues, his eyes lifted with annoyance as he stares at me, “we have no leads on Babs’ hit and run, and apparently Locks doesn’t give a f*ck.” I look at Locks’ place at the table and see he’s missing. He never misses church, what the hell?

“I got a hold of the tape myself, Prez, and you can’t see shit,” Old Guy admits, scratching at his chest.

“Wonderful,” Bull exhales with a heavy breath, rubbing his hands up and down his face. “Well, nothing suggests this is an attack on the club, but watch your backs just in case.” He slams the gavel down, dismissing everyone.

“Shadow, stay,” Bull roars. I look up and see Bobby laughing, clearly amused I’m about to get my ass chewed out.

Everyone leaves and I wait for my lecture.

“You’re unfocused and sloppy, why?” Bull asks, staring right at me with green eyes. They are like Dani’s but hers are more vibrant with youth. What do I say? I’m so f*cking messed up in the head with your daughter I’ve become careless?

“It’s my daughter, isn’t it?” he counters, rubbing his scruff, which he’s let grow out.

I don’t respond.

“This is why I didn’t want you with her.” he sighs. “I need you focused and on your game, but I want to see my daughter happy, as well. Tell me, what I’m supposed to do?”

“It won’t happen again,” I lie, knowing full well it will.

“Right,” Bull says with a raised eyebrow. He knows I’m lying. “Get focused, son,” he mutters.


Dani

The next couple of days are filled with lots of sex; it’s our way to make up for lost time. Our bodies crave each other, needing the human contact to remind us we’re alive. I have seen Babs a few times but she just lays there. Sometimes she moans and I jump up in excitement that she may be awake, but she never is. Every day I have seen her, I’ve not seen Locks once, but Babs is a strong woman. She’s the glue to a broken family that needs her strength to keep them together.

I walk into the kitchen and see Shadow leaning against a counter in nothing but his underwear. His feet are crossed at the ankles and he’s eating out of a tub of chocolate ice cream.

I smirk as I walk to the fridge and grab some juice.

“You want me to make you something?” he asks, stuffing the tub back into the fridge. The thought of food has me feeling ill.

“Yuck. No, I’ll stick with my juice,” I say, sipping from the glass.

“I gotta go out of town a few days,” he says softly.

“Really?” I set my glass into the sink.

“Yeah. I’m hoping to be back in time for the event thingy, but I can’t make any promises,” he admits, shaking his head. I can’t even hide the disappointment on my face.

Shadow grabs me by the hips. “I will try like hell to make it back in time,” he promises, kissing my forehead.

I put on a fake smile and lie as I lay my head on his chest. “It’s okay. When do you leave?”

“Now.”

I close my eyes and take a heavy breath. I guess I’ll have to get used to him leaving at a moment’s notice.

“What are your plans for the day?” he asks, tangling his fingers through my hair.

“Work, maybe go dress shopping,” I reply. Even if he can’t make it to the fundraiser, I still have to go.

“I don’t want you shopping alone,” he demands, his tone serious.

I roll my eyes at his over-protectiveness.

“I’m serious, Dani,” he insists, lifting my chin with his thumb and forefinger.

“Fine. I’ll take Cherry.”

“Good.” He smiles, smacking my lips with his. His tongue tastes of chocolate as it glides along mine with eagerness.

Shadow eyes me as he walks to the door.

“Oh, and wear your property patch, damn it!” he growls before shutting the door.

***

Hey, wanna go dress shopping tonight? - Dani

Hell yes! - Cherry

I’m at work right now, but I get off in an hour. - Dani

I’ll come pick you up. - Cherry

After an hour of teaching little toddlers how to dance ballet—which usually just ends up in them spinning really fast in a circle, not listening the whole time—I sit outside and wait for Cherry.

I hear loud music as her red Bug comes flying into the parking lot.

“Hop in, bitch!” she laughs, pulling her sunglasses down the rim of her nose.

I smirk and jump in the car as she turns down the music and eyes me.

“What?” I ask nervously.

“I see you’re wearing your property patch,” she smirks, her hand pointed at my leather jacket.

I look out the window, not sure what to say.

“I’m happy for you guys. I was rooting for you two,” she admits, watching traffic.

I look to see if she is serious or being sarcastic but can’t really tell.

“So, a dress, huh?” she asks.

“Yeah. I’m going to a fundraiser for my work.”

“Is Shadow going?” she wonders.

“He was until he got put on a run today,” I say with a sigh.

“Too bad. I would love to see a biker in a suit,” she giggles.