What Doesn't Destroy Us (The Devil's Dust #1)(51)

“Well, Bobby agrees that I would be hotter than Chelsea in leather anyway,” I slur.

“Bobby better learn to keep his opinion to himself,” Shadow mumbles, while gently guiding me the rest of the way to the bed.

The alcohol takes me down into a deep, dark slumber. I try to open my eyes but it’s no use, I’m passed out and I don’t even have my shoes off.





I wake up to a slight throbbing in my head and the sunlight shining through my window feels like a laser beam. I pull the blankets over my head to block out the light and hear something slide off the bed. I peek over the side and see a large, white gift box on the floor. What the hell is that?

I reach down and grab it. It's heavier than it looks, so I drag it onto the bed with me. I open the lid and find a crisp, white note setting on top of black tissue paper.

“I told you that you would hate me more than like me, but you're mine and mine is the hottest bitch in leather. -S”

A small grin spreads across my face as I reread the note. I rip the tissue paper open and uncover a jet black leather jacket folded up. I run my fingers over the leather as the smell of it overtakes the room.

The door opens and Shadow steps in. “Do you like it?” he asks with his hands in his pockets. He’s nervous; how cute.

“I f*cking love it!” I respond, making him laugh. “Nobody has ever given me anything like this before.” I pull out the jacket to admire it. The only time I've ever been given anything was when it was expected, like a birthday.

“Well, I have never given a gift before, so it’s a first for me, too,” he says quietly and sits down next to me.

“Do you remember anything from last night?” he asks me, shifting his body behind me on the bed. I lay back and nestle myself on top of his hard chest; his masculine smell makes my senses instantly wake up.

“Some,” I reply back.

“Don’t ever think that you are not as hot as someone else, don’t ever stoop that low again,” he whispers in my ear. His tone is dominant and not to be messed with.

He grabs my chin and lifts it so I'm staring right into scorching blue eyes “Don’t ever drink that much again, either.” He leans in and grazes his lips across mine.

“Let’s get you in the shower and brush your teeth, babe,” he says laughing and pushing me off his chest. I’m sure I smell of vomit and stale liquor.

Getting out of bed, I notice for the first time that I have been stripped down to my red bra and panties. Shadow must have taken my clothes off after I passed out. Ugh, red. After that girl last night, I can’t stand the color of red. Just the thought of her has me all pissed off again. I head for the bathroom with Shadow right behind me. When I reach the sink, I place my hands on the counter and glare as he’s turning on the shower.

He sees me staring at him; I'm sure my face radiates my hatred.

“Who was that girl last night, Shadow?” I finally ask.

“Chelsea,” he answers flatly.

“Who is she to you?” I wonder if she's actual competition, or just another bed notch like Candy.

He grabs the hem of his shirt and pulls it over his head; my eyes immediately dart to his toned abs and happy trail. He’s not playing fair. I can’t be pissed and focus on our conversation when he takes his shirt off and looks like that.

“She started coming around when Bobby and I became prospects. I started sleeping with her here and there. She got clingy, though; wanted more, wanted to be my Ol’ Lady. That shit wasn’t happening, though. I just didn’t see her for anything more than a good lay.” He spoke matter of fact. I nodded my head in understanding, somewhat. I hated that he had slept with her; she was beautiful, not trashy like Candy.

He walks up behind me and starts kissing my neck lightly. My skin flutters with goose bumps in response to his tender lips.

“She’s just another club whore to me; she’s not you. Nobody can be you.” He whispers against my skin, his breath so warm and sticky on my neck I turn my head, inviting him deeper.

__________________________

The scent of Shadow in the bed permeates my brain before I'm fully awake. I've gotten used to waking up like this over the past week. It started that day Shadow made love to me in the shower. Our hands slipped and slid all over each other. Our mouths nipped and sucked at every inch of wet skin we could reach. The shower stall filled with heavy moans and loud panting. My body molded to Shadow's perfectly; like I was made for him. Every time he touched me, whether it be his mouth, hands, or scruffy jaw scraping my delicate skin, I could feel our relationship flourish.

I felt my emotions becoming deeper. Some would call it love, but how can you love someone you've known for just a short amount of time? Telling Shadow I am falling in love with him would surely scare him away. A guy who doesn't do relationships would piss himself at the three little words a normal guy just dreads. I won’t say it until he does; when I know it won’t push him away.

The rest of the week went by much like what unfolded in the shower that day. We made love multiple times and even f*cked a couple. Of course, we had to sneak and hide. Watching over our shoulders at every second was exhausting, but Shadow said it was necessary. Go figure, the first time I fall in love it has to be in complex terms.

A few club whores flirted with Shadow over the week, but I just bit my lip and made myself busy. Afterwards, Shadow would come find me and f*ck me into ecstasy like I was the only girl in the world.