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

“You asshole.” I shove Shadow in the shoulder. “Who do you think you are?” I scream, my level of anger at its highest. My violent shove stops his laughter; his face turns serious. I wanted to make him jealous, but did he have to announce to everyone I am Bull’s daughter. Between my mother and Bull, I’ll never be able to let loose and live.

“If you’re going to act like a whore, maybe you should go hang out with them.” His tone serious, he points toward a corner full of girls who were half dressed and quite drunk; club whores.

I shove my hand at his chest again. “Fuck You, Shadow!” I scream, hatred lacing each word.

I stomp off to my room, pushing muscle and half naked bodies out of the way; not caring who I knock over in the process. I want to slap Shadow; scream at him for being such an ass. I can't believe how I can be so turned on by just looking at him; yearning for the simple touch of his fingers. And then seeing Candy receive that touch instead... I wanted to round house her ass for just sitting on his lap. I have never been so angry with anyone in my life like I am right now with Shadow.

I make it to my room and stand there; I wrap my arms around my middle trying to settle my manic behavior. My chest heaves and my legs wobble from the anger building within me. He called me a whore, the bastard.

I hear the door open and shut quickly. Glancing over, I see Shadow standing just inside with that toe-curling grin of his. I still want to slap that damn grin right off his face; he loves that he’s driving me crazy. The anger inside amplifies at the thought. I walk up to him, pull my hand back and slap him. His head whips to the side. He clenches his jaw and stares at me with hooded eyes. My hand stings from the harsh contact, but I refuse to acknowledge the pain and raise my hand to slap him again; not having felt any relief from the first one. He catches my hand by the wrist, mid-air. I raise my other hand in an attempt to slap him and he catches that wrist, too. He whips me around and slams me against the door; both of my hands are now pinned above my head. I look into his eyes, they’re dilated with anger.

He lets go of my hands and punches the door behind me. His growl makes me jump with fear. His face is red with rage, his fists balled at his sides. He’s pissed!

“Get out!” I yell, pointing at the door. He turns and looks at me, his eyes now savage. Making me his prey, he stalks toward me and pins my arms above my head again; only this time I don’t fight him. Why? “Yell at him, tell him to fuck off. You want nothing to do with him. He called you a whore,” I scream internally.

He pulls my chin up to face him, and lowers his lips just above mine. His breathing is harsh and deranged; his lips barely a hair's breadth away, “I’m sick of these games, Dani!” he snarls.

“You? How do you think I feel“? I say roughly. I turn my head, his lips brushing against my skin in the process. “Leave me alone. I want nothing to do with you.” I whisper, venom pouring over each word.

“You want me to leave you alone, huh? Is that what you really want?” He shakes me against the door like a disobedient child. I stare into his sinister blue eyes, now a darker hue. I don’t know what I want anymore. I know messing with Shadow is a signed death certificate but I can’t shake the magnetism I have for him. Telling him I do want him would mean he wins; a game of control he clearly needs. Can I give control like that to someone I barely know?

Taking advantage of my hesitation, he leans in close. “I call bullshit,” he whispers, his lips brushing my own. This fight is pure sexual tension. I cannot deny it any longer, and by the look in his eyes neither can he. So what if I’m just a one night stand? So what if I'm just another notch on his belt? Maybe having sex will finally get him out of my system. The way my body craves his touch makes me take the risk.

“I want you,” I whisper, my admission catching me by surprise. Did I really just say that?

“Say it again, Dani,” he demands. Our rage and anger melt into sexual energy. His alpha male attitude makes me delirious with arousal.

“I. Want. You.” I form the words with each sultry breath.

He releases my arms and swiftly lifts me up. My legs instinctively wrap around his waist. I grab his head and tangle my fingers in his messy black hair. Pulling his face close, I smash my lips into his. His lips part mine as my tongue demands entry; he tastes of alcohol and weed. Our anger replaced with raw passion; we bite, lick, and suck each other’s mouths; savoring the taste of one another. A moan escapes me as I draw my head back, allowing Shadow to dive into the crook of my neck, kissing and nipping, causing me to moan louder.

Shadow pulls back. “I win,” he hisses. His tongue licking up my jaw line causes me to breathe heavily. His eyes show me the beast that lives within, circling in its cage waiting to be released.