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

I make my way to my room and lock the door. My dad, eh, Bull, asked me to stay in here so I sit on my bed unsure of what to do next. I don’t know if I should call him dad or Bull; everything is still so awkward. I look over and see a laptop on the dresser. Hmm, I wonder if the internet has anything on the club. Maybe then I can see why my mother is so concerned. I reach over and grab the laptop before giving it a second thought.

When the browser loads, I type in “Devil's Dust Motorcycle Club”. The search engine instantly pops up with pages of news articles; yikes. The club has been linked to multiple murders, missing persons, possible gun running, and the list goes on and on. Holy shit, I’m not prepared for this. After opening every news story and article it seems they have never been charged with any of the allegations they were supposedly “linked” to. Witnesses either went missing, were found dead, or changed their story. Hmm? Well you know what they say, “innocent until proven guilty”. I slap the laptop closed not wanting to dig any further. Deep down I know better, but this is the story I am sticking to. I feel safe here, maybe it is because I’m the president’s daughter. I know nobody will fuck with me, or they will end up in a ditch or with a bullet in their leg. I lay back on the bed. I can hear the music thumping against my wall. I could just go grab a soda and come right back. No harm in that, right? I can even go check on my mother; she was pretty pissed.

I open my door slowly and peek out; it is still crazy. Cigarette and marijuana smoke fill my lungs, making me cough. It’s loud and people are everywhere. I slide out of the door and go to the end of the hall where my mom's room is. When I open the door she is passed out with a bottle of booze next to the bed. Good Lord; how pathetic. I cover her up with a blanket and lock and shut her door as I leave.

When I make my way into the main lobby, I'm shocked. I've never seen so many people with so few clothes on in my life. I see people dancing on each other, giving lap dances, and others just genuinely having a good time. The stereo is now blaring “Figured You Out” by Nickleback, another one of my favorites. Not really noticing anyone, I head for the kitchen. Just before entering, I glance back at the crowd and like the Red Sea parting, there's a clearing of bodies. My vision reaches into the corner where the club whore, Candy, is straddling Shadow's lap. My blood heats to a dangerous level; the scene making me jealous.

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 fuck 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.