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

“Hey, fucker.”


I look over my shoulder and see Bobby walking up behind me. I nod at him and aim my gun back at the target.

“You going to ignore me forever?” he asks.

Annoyed, I lower my gun and scowl at him.

“I’m not ignoring you, just been busy,” I reply, but it’s a lie. Ever since he has taken Dani under his wing, I have avoided him any chance I could.

“Yeah, whatever,” he says, lying his gun out to load. “What’s the deal with you and Firefly?” he asks. I look at him in disbelief. How the hell is he going to ask me that? Especially while I have a loaded gun in my hand.

“Not much to tell; she’s a fucking rat,” I declare, firing my gun at the target. Just saying those words makes my stomach knot. I’m not sure if it’s because I feel it’s far from the truth or because I feel she may very well be a threat. Either way, I have to try to keep my head focused; she’s not to be trusted.

“You still think she’s not telling the truth?” Bobby asks, aiming at the target and firing. Looking at Bobby, I can’t help but notice his aim is a little off.

“Raise your gun up an inch,” I tell him.

“I have seen how bitches manipulate and deceive to get what they want. Fool me once.” I aim my gun at the target. “That’s all you get,” I whisper. I fire the rest of my rounds in a rage, hitting the target every time. It’s the truth; women will do anything, use any weapon they see fit to get what they want. Not me. I won’t be one of those guys left in the storm of a deceiving female.

Bobby shakes his head.” I think you’re wrong, brother.”

“Don’t much care what you fucking think, Bobby,” I spit, his attitude sparking flames of uncontrollable anger.

“Right so that little altercation between you and Tom Cat was nothing?” Bobby smarts. I turn and glare at him, of course he would have seen that.

After Bull appointed Tom Cat to transport Dani, I saw Tom head towards Dani’s room later that evening. I couldn’t help but stand by her door and see what the fuck he was doing in her room. Dani was sitting on the bed, her body slumped over. She looked extremely sad, and it killed me. I know I caused that sadness, a part of me wanted to comfort her. But I couldn’t get passed that she might be a threat. Tom Cat rested his hand on Dani’s shoulder gaining her attention. The innocent touch sparking a jealous rage within me. He introduced himself, his tone cheery, and friendly. It pissed me off. After he left her room I followed him to the court yard.

“Tom Cat, can I get a word?” I ask.

“Hey brother, what’s up?” he questions, placing his hands on his hips.

“You driving Dani around, huh?”

“Yeah, apparently,” Tom Cat says, grinning from ear to ear. He lifts his eyebrows in a gesture that has me furious. I feel jealous and angry, and I fucking hate it. I slap my hand over his shoulder, and dig my fingers deep into his flesh.

“Don’t think about trying anything,” I seethe. “You are to drive Dani where she needs to go, and keep your fucking mouth shut,” I whisper, my tone harsh and threatening. I tighten my hold on his shoulder, making my knuckles turn white from the pressure. “Do you understand?” I ask.

Tom Cat winces from my hold. “Yeah, man!” He bellows with pain.

“And if you see anything tying her to her mother, you come to me first,” I demand. Tom looks at me like I’m insane, his eyes wide with uncertainty. I glare, and tighten my hold. Tom’s knees buckle from the force, making him finally nod in agreement. I release my hold on him, and walk away. I still care for Dani, and it fucking hurts.

“What the fuck-ever, man,” Bobby says, breaking me from my thought. He throws his hands at me and walks away.

Fucking Dani. If it wasn’t already bad enough, now she’s turning my fucking brother against me. Never should have got involved with her ass.


Dani

A week has gone by, and I have been locked away in this damn apartment like a prisoner. Bobby has brought me all kinds of newspapers and I have even looked on the internet for a job, but unless I want to be a dog walker or receptionist at a tanning salon, I can’t find anything, which sparks my interest. Not for a career, anyway.

I have cleaned the apartment from one end to the other, all except Shadow’s room; I can’t bear to walk in there. Just looking at the door alone sparks images of Shadow and me in a lover’s ecstasy.

I push through the double doors, which lead to the balcony of the apartment and lay in the sun lounger. The one advantage of being here is getting to sunbathe on the balcony.

I position my black bikini top and notice I have tan lines. I lay on my stomach and untie the back of my top in attempt to get my tan even. I really wish I could find my iPod. My emotions are running so hot and cold right now I can’t make out how I feel about anything in my life. Music would help settle my racing thoughts.