What Doesn't Destroy Us (The Devil's Dust #1)(73)

“Are you going to keep staring at me, because it’s kind of creepy,” Shadow slurs with a deep, sleepy voice.

“Sorry, you look so cute when you’re sleeping.” I smile, earning a scoff from him.

“Yeah, well, this bed is really f*cking comfortable.” Shadow sits up with sleepy eyes and looks out the double doors. His body is still naked and as delicious as ever. I can’t help but sweep my eyes over it. I look back at Shadow and he has the sexiest smirk on his face. Caught in my eye-f*cking, I smile and turn my gaze out to the sunset.

“Yeah, it is very comfortable. This whole place is really nice.” I'm still unsure how Shadow can afford it. Where did the stacks of money he gave Mr. White come from?

“But what?” Shadow asks, sensing my tension.

“How can you afford it?” I look over at Shadow who is rubbing his hands over his face in irritation.

“I saw you hand that cash over to Mr. White outside,” I admit. Shadow drops his hands and looks at me with shock and confusion.

He looks out at the ocean again. His body, once relaxed and carefree, is now as stiff as a board. I sense that he doesn’t want to tell me. He may love me, but he doesn’t trust me.

“Ah, you still don’t trust me.”

“It’s not because I don’t want to, Dani.” He looks at me, brushing a hair behind my ear. “If it means anything, I trust you more today than I did yesterday. It’s just going to take time.” He cups my face and brings me close.

“You have to let me in to trust me, Shadow,” I release with a heavy breath.

“I promise I will tell you everything before we leave. I just... I just want to enjoy this week with you, in case the truth does make you leave.” His face grows with sorrow and uncertainty. Why does he think I’m going to leave him, is it that bad? The thought that it’s something dangerous, or even enough to put myself in danger, scares me because I know no matter what that I won’t leave Shadow. I’m too in love with him. I would rather fall into the flames of hell with him, than be without him.

I grab the back of Shadow's head and bring his lips a hair's breadth away from mine. “I’m not going anywhere, Shadow,” I whisper, my lips brushing his.

“That fire the lives so deep within you, that fire that makes you my Firefly, I’m afraid my darkness will snuff it out; take you under and make you someone different.” His lips brush against mine in confession, his eyes digging deep into mine.

“Fireflies can’t live without the dark,” I respond.

Shadow crashes his lips with mine; both of us on our knees and naked. The sea breeze wisps in and surrounds us, making us whole.

“Oh, shit, so sorry!” Rudy’s voice sounds from the double doors. I jump out of Shadow's embrace and scurry to the floor for sheets. Shadow chuckles at my embarrassment, so confident he doesn’t even cover himself.

“What do you want?” Shadow asks Rudy.

“I’m here to make dinner.” Rudy looks out to the patio, trying to avoid Shadow's naked ass.

“Come back in the morning; my girl’s making me some of that spaghetti of hers.”

I look up at Shadow from the floor, a smile wide across his face. I could get used to this.

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The night went just as beautifully as the day. We stayed naked all night, even while I cooked spaghetti. Dinner was delicious and Shadow admitted my sauce was the best.

“Goddamn, this is so good,” he said between bites.

“I thought you didn’t like it?” I tease, taking a small bite.

“Oh, I loved it that night just as much as tonight,” he confesses, taking another man-sized bite.

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After Rudy came and made breakfast, I decide to go for a quick shower. Between the heat and the sex with Shadow, I need it. The bathroom is big and beautiful. The counter is a shade of green marble that matches the house, and the garden tub is big enough for a family. Although a soak in the tub calls to me, I climb into the separate stall for a quick shower.

I leave the bathroom and look for Shadow. “Shadow?” I yell into the beach house.

I hear a curse come from out front and make my way up the path toward the car.

I hear the hood of the car slam and watch a greasy Shadow turn.

He’s wearing torn jeans that hang low on his hips and that’s it; no socks or shoes, no shirt. He has grease on his chest and all over his hands. His body is glistening with sweat and his muscles are flexed. My mouth instantly parts; his dirty state playing havoc on my senses.

Shadow wipes the sweat off his forehead with his arm and causes a streak of grease to spread. Dear God, give me strength.

“Hey, I was just messing with the car. The timing seems off to me.” He walks toward me, his muscles dancing with sweat and grease. As soon as he’s in reach, I jump on him, wrapping my legs and arms around him tightly. His grease spreads across me. I claim his lips with mine, begging him to take me right here on the hood of his car.

“Shit, sorry!” Shadow turns us to confront a red-faced Rudy on the pathway. This guy is really starting to get annoying.

“What?” Shadow yells at him.

“I was just wondering if you guys had any preference for lunch today.” He says, eyeing me.

“No.” Shadow declares, turning his back on Rudy and dismissing him.