What Doesn't Destroy Us (The Devil's Dust #1)(65)

I sit up and my ribs wake with pain. They're not as sore as they were yesterday, maybe the hot shower helped. My head feels a lot better, too. Everything is not as fuzzy, and it doesn’t feel like a rock band is playing in my skull.

I climb off the bed and realize I’m naked. I don’t even really remember going to bed after the shower. I do remember Shadow, though. He was… different; stubborn, distant, dominant, pissed. Pissed? I don’t think pissed is the accurate word to use; he was beyond that. I knew getting on the back of Charlie's bike was a bad idea; I just didn’t realize how bad.

I walk over to my suitcase to find some clothes. Everything is clean and folded and sitting on my suitcase. Hmm, I wonder who did that. I grab some black leggings and a gray tunic. I love this tunic, it is wide and loose at the top, hanging off my bare shoulders, and tight and stretchy at the bottom as it hugs mid-thigh.

I make my way to the bar where everyone always seems to congregate and smell food immediately. My stomach kicks in high gear, pissed that I haven’t fed it in twenty-four hours.

“You must be hungry, doll. Here, have some eggs and toast, and this cup of O.J. It will make you feel like a million bucks.” Babs slides a plate over the bar.

“Yes, please. Thank you.” I scarf down the eggs, toast, and juice like a starving child in a third world country. I could barely taste the food I ate it so fast.

From the corner of my eye, I see my dad sit down next to me. He sips on a cup of coffee and I can feel the tension radiating off of him. He is still pissed about me and Shadow. I avoid eye contact and finish my food; our silence thick and heavy with unspoken words is enough for me.

“Thanks, Babs. I’m going to go pack up my things. Looks like I’ll be staying with Shadow for a while.” I push away from the bar, trying to flee from the talk I didn’t want to have with my dad.

“Aww, you are more than welcome. I cleaned your clothes for you, by the way,” she takes my dish and puts her hand on her hip, waiting for my thank you.

“You didn’t have to do that, Babs. Thanks.” I start to turn.

“It was a breeze; a lot easier than washing these dirty bastard's clothing. Anyway, you going to help me bartend after the Bike Rally in a couple of weeks?” Babs shifts the plate in her other hand and eyes my father, asking him more than me.

“What Bike Rally?” I ask, looking at my dad.

“It’s something the town does every year. MC’s and bike enthusiasts come from all over; we go every year. If you want to help bartend you can, as long as you keep your hormones to yourself and don’t f*ck any more of my men.” He looks up from his coffee and cocks his eyebrow.

I scoff and go to my room. How dare he talk to me like that; acting as if I was sleeping around with the whole club. I sit down on the bed seething with anger and play with my bottom lip. Have I worn out my welcome here? Maybe I should have gone with my mom.

“You ready?” Shadow asks, opening the door to the room.

“Yeah, that’s my-“ Shadow zips up my suitcase and walks out of the room before I can even finish my sentence. My heart feels like it’s being chipped away at. My heart aches with the harshness Shadow is displaying toward me.

I grab my purse and walk behind him; exiting the clubhouse.

“Get in, I'm driving you there.” My dad yells from the front of the black SUV.

Fucking f*ck, f*ck.

I climb in the passenger side of the SUV and look out the window, praying Shadow doesn't live far and my dad doesn't utter a word to me.

We make our way out onto the road, the sound of the wheels on pavement filling the silence. Shadow is following us on his bike. I miss riding, but I know my ribs are in no condition.

“I don’t approve of this, Dani.” My dad finally speaks, his words slicing through the thick tension. I keep my eyes out on the passing buildings, the taste of salt becoming thicker. We must be headed toward the beach.

“My brothers have been dishonest; they lost a part of my trust, something not easily earned.” His tone drips with harshness, his wisdom about earning trust not going unheard. I nod.

“Shadow, he’s no prince charming. He has his...” he pauses, “his shadows, but he will protect you. I know he wouldn’t go under my nose if he didn’t really feel for you. He’s like a son to me; he wouldn’t jeopardize my trust for just anyone.” He speaks like a wise old man.

“I ordered you to stay with him. I can’t have you staying at the club; having cat fights and my men fighting is not something I am willing to tolerate.” I could feel him look over at me, looking for a reaction.

We pull up to a building that is as tall as my eyes can see. I would have to stick my head out the window just to see the top floor. The front is redbrick and covered with balconies. Palm trees with spotlights at their bases scatter the front entrance. It looks expensive. How can Shadow afford such a beautiful place? In fact, he seems to have lots of very nice things; the nicest bike, name brand clothes, and now this apartment in an obviously upscale neighborhood.

My dad stops the vehicle and turns to look at me, his face etched with worry lines. He looks much older than usual. “Just remember, Dani, our world is different than what you're used to. Don’t go running before you truly understand it.” He's acting like I'm a frightened animal ready to flee at any moment; like my mother.