The Scars That Define Us (The Devil's Dust #2)(48)

Sounds hot, show me. - Shadow.

I bite my lip in embarrassment as I adjust the phone and take a selfie.

I’ll be using this later. - Shadow.

What are you wearing? - Dani

Seconds later, my phone chirps. I open it and see a naked Shadow against a white background.

I’ll be using this later, as well. ;) - Dani

You better not; you will wait for me. - Shadow

We’ll see about that.

Tonight is the fundraiser, and I am in no mood to go. I take a long shower and finally decide to get dressed. I thought if I took my time getting ready maybe Shadow would show up, but I’m going to be late if I stall any longer. I slide my dress on which hugs my curves and curl my dark hair. I pull on my matching champagne-colored heels and walk out the door. Not sure how I’m going to get to the fundraiser, I pull my phone from my clutch to call a cab; I really need to get myself a license. As I’m searching my phone, a long, sleek black limo pulls up. The driver, wearing a suit, gets out and opens the back door, his white gloves standing out amongst the night. I stand there staring oddly; it can’t be for me.

“Lexington?” the driver asks in a thick accent.

I nod and proceed to the opened door. I slide into the limo and see a black rose sitting on the seat with a letter under it.

“You said only the most important people are showing up. You, being the most important, should arrive in class.” - Shadow.

I can’t help the giggly laugh which escapes me, but seeing the rose and letter make me miss Shadow even more.

The limo is luxurious with leather seats all around and gold running lights along the top. It has a little TV, which is turned off near the front, and beside me is a little mini bar. I’ve never been in a limo, not even for prom.

We arrive to the big event and I’m nervous. It’s a huge building with a round glass dome in the center, and there are lights flashing from cameras and limos from one end to the other.

The driver pulls up to the red carpet and someone opens my door. I place my foot out and immediately cameras begin flashing at me. I don’t know why they are taking my picture; I’m not famous. I shield my eyes with my arm, trying to get past the rush of people and praying I don’t trip on my long dress, when someone loops their arm with mine and gently pulls me forward.

“Thank you. That was crazy,” I laugh, straightening my dress. I look up at the person who rescued me to find a very handsome Shadow wearing a tux.

“You made it,” I say with a smile.

“I made it,” he replies, grinning. “You look f*cking hot in that dress. It’s not leather, but mine looks just as good in lace,” he whispers in my ear, his voice still managing to be deep and sexy, causing my skin to heat with affection.

He looks hot himself, dressed in a black and white suit with a red tie.

“You don’t look so bad yourself,” I admit, trying to mask the lust in my tone.

“I know that look,” Shadow says with a raised eyebrow.

I turn my head away, caught in my naughty schemes.

“Finally,” Mila cries, walking our way. “Shadow, don’t you look dashing?” She looks him over, sizing him up.

Shadow nods in the man-way he does.

“The governor is about to give his speech, so please find your table,” Mila pleads, pushing us.

We step up to the double doors that enter into the dome, but a group of people who have stopped to talk to each other have blocked it, making it hard for anyone to get in. I look across the way and spot a black-haired woman, her face seeming familiar to me. She’s wearing a tight, red dress, which trails behind her, and her dark hair falls to her shoulders. She throws her head back in laughter, and when she positions her head just right, her eyes catch mine. She squints before her eyes go wide. She knows me, but how do I know her? She mouths something to the guy standing beside her and walks toward Shadow and me.

“Shadow, what are you doing here?” she asks, crossing her arms and looking around as if she’s uncomfortable.

“Chelsea?” Shadow asks in surprise. Chelsea, now I remember. She was the girl at the party a while back. I got drunk with Bobby to keep me from killing her. She was wearing leather and made me feel inadequate and that Shadow was out of my league. She was all over Shadow that night and I wanted to beat her ass, but Bobby told me if I made a scene, it would bring mine and Shadow’s secret to light. She looks different now: she has on glamorous makeup, expensive jewelry and hair extensions, which make her black hair fall below her shoulders.

“What are you two doing here?” she whispers.

“What the hell are you doing here?” Shadow asks at the same time.

“There you are, Chelsea, my dear. Who are your friends?” An older gentleman pushes his way through the crowd and slides his arm around Chelsea’s waist, claiming her.

He’s older, much older than her. He has white, balding hair and wrinkles, and I would guess he’s around fifty years old. He’s wearing a suit, as well, with a watch that shines when the lights hit it.

“These are some guests I was just making idle chit-chat with, my dear.” She turns to him, smiling big.

“Well, aren’t you going to introduce me?” he urges with a smile.

“This is Shadow and Dani,” Chelsea tells him, pointing to us. “Dani and Shadow, this is my husband, Sir Franklin.”