What Doesn't Destroy Us (The Devil's Dust #1)(14)

Why am I jealous?

She has her bleach blond hair pulled into a sloppy bun with little strands dangling everywhere. Her bright pink tank top is way too tight, and her black shorts don't cover her ass. And those pink high heels... club whore is a fitting name for her. I feel vomit rise in my throat just looking at them. Shadow's eyes lock onto mine; mesmerizing me. I push the vomit down and stare back, not blinking. He raises his left eyebrow; the corner of his mouth curving upward into a smug smile as he pulls Candy closer to him, kissing her neck. His eyes are daring and dark; sending a message, “Look what I got”. He is trying to make me jealous. He didn’t have to try; I already am and I hate it.

Two can play this game; I walk onto the floor and see a gorgeous man with blond, curly hair and tattoos up and down his arms. It is dark so I can’t quite make out what his cut says, but, who cares, he is handsome. I step in front of him and start dancing seductively, hoping my provocative behavior will entice the stranger. He makes claim to my body without hesitation, placing his huge hands on my waist and pushing his groin up against my buttocks. I look down and see “TCB” tattooed on top of his left hand. What the hell does that mean? I sway my hips in time to the music with his. Taking my left arm I bring it up over my head and hook it around the back of his neck. He takes his fingers and slides them down my elbow to my shoulder. Other than a tickle, his touch doesn’t shoot sparks or butterflies anywhere in my body.

“Bobby, I didn’t know you had a death wish, brother.” Startled I look beside us. Shadow’s standing there eyeing the man he just called Bobby with a death stare. I look over to where I last saw Shadow and see Candy sitting on the couch with her arms crossed over her chest, tapping her foot, and pouting.

“Don’t be a cock block, Shadow. Get lost,” Bobby says, pulling me closer. What the hell was Shadow getting at, coming over here acting like that! I smile sweetly at Shadow and let Bobby’s large frame cocoon mine.

“She’s all yours,” Shadow smiles wolfishly; his daring eyes never leaving mine. “I’m sure Bull won't mind if you dry f*ck his daughter.” He says that last line casually. I glare at Shadow before looking at Bobby. He looks at me closely, then does a double take. He throws his hands in the air like I’m fire; shit. I snap my eyes in Shadow's direction and he's laughing. I whirl back to reassure Bobby, only to find him already dancing with another girl.

“You *.” I shove Shadow in the shoulder. “Who do you think you are?” I scream, my level of anger at its highest. My violent shove stops his laughter; his face turns serious. I wanted to make him jealous, but did he have to announce to everyone I am Bull’s daughter. Between my mother and Bull, I’ll never be able to let loose and live.

“If you’re going to act like a whore, maybe you should go hang out with them.” His tone serious, he points toward a corner full of girls who were half dressed and quite drunk; club whores.

I shove my hand at his chest again. “Fuck You, Shadow!” I scream, hatred lacing each word.

I stomp off to my room, pushing muscle and half naked bodies out of the way; not caring who I knock over in the process. I want to slap Shadow; scream at him for being such an ass. I can't believe how I can be so turned on by just looking at him; yearning for the simple touch of his fingers. And then seeing Candy receive that touch instead... I wanted to round house her ass for just sitting on his lap. I have never been so angry with anyone in my life like I am right now with Shadow.

I make it to my room and stand there; I wrap my arms around my middle trying to settle my manic behavior. My chest heaves and my legs wobble from the anger building within me. He called me a whore, the bastard.

I hear the door open and shut quickly. Glancing over, I see Shadow standing just inside with that toe-curling grin of his. I still want to slap that damn grin right off his face; he loves that he’s driving me crazy. The anger inside amplifies at the thought. I walk up to him, pull my hand back and slap him. His head whips to the side. He clenches his jaw and stares at me with hooded eyes. My hand stings from the harsh contact, but I refuse to acknowledge the pain and raise my hand to slap him again; not having felt any relief from the first one. He catches my hand by the wrist, mid-air. I raise my other hand in an attempt to slap him and he catches that wrist, too. He whips me around and slams me against the door; both of my hands are now pinned above my head. I look into his eyes, they’re dilated with anger.

He lets go of my hands and punches the door behind me. His growl makes me jump with fear. His face is red with rage, his fists balled at his sides. He’s pissed!

“Get out!” I yell, pointing at the door. He turns and looks at me, his eyes now savage. Making me his prey, he stalks toward me and pins my arms above my head again; only this time I don’t fight him. Why? “Yell at him, tell him to f*ck off. You want nothing to do with him. He called you a whore,” I scream internally.

He pulls my chin up to face him, and lowers his lips just above mine. His breathing is harsh and deranged; his lips barely a hair's breadth away, “I’m sick of these games, Dani!” he snarls.

“You? How do you think I feel“? I say roughly. I turn my head, his lips brushing against my skin in the process. “Leave me alone. I want nothing to do with you.” I whisper, venom pouring over each word.

“You want me to leave you alone, huh? Is that what you really want?” He shakes me against the door like a disobedient child. I stare into his sinister blue eyes, now a darker hue. I don’t know what I want anymore. I know messing with Shadow is a signed death certificate but I can’t shake the magnetism I have for him. Telling him I do want him would mean he wins; a game of control he clearly needs. Can I give control like that to someone I barely know?