Page 49 of Shadow's Surrender
He yanked her closer to him, then kissed her hungrily as if he’d been starving for her his whole life. Their tongues tangled, their bodies ground against each other, and his hands squeezed her perfect ass. Scarlett was the only thing that could push the dark memories away and calm the burning hatred that was always there bubbling away under the surface.
The elevator door chimed and Scarlett broke away from him, her fingers hurriedly smoothing down her hair. They began to part and Shadow watched their images spread out from the middle then disappear. Two older ladies stood aside as he grasped Scarlett’s hand and exited the car.
“You need to sign out,” the security guard said.
Shadow let go of her hand while she picked up a pen and then he followed suit before exiting the building. The heat was still pervasive, even though it was nearing five thirty.
Scarlett pointed at the Lanai Towers. “I saw two apartments over there. I really liked the one on the top floor.”
He glanced at the building for the umpteenth time that day and shook his head. “If you end up living there, I won’t be coming around.”
“Why?” she asked, pulling on the shoulder strap of her purse.
He shrugged. “I got some bad memories with that place.” Before she could reply, Shadow grabbed her arms and pulled her to him. “I need you.” He kissed her gently.
Looking around, she pushed away then giggled. “Real romantic and smooth.” She poked him lightly in the ribs.
Shadow shook his head and rubbed the back of his neck with one hand. “I don’t mean like that—well … I do, but not right now.” He glanced at the Lanai Towers. “I meant that I need a friend right now.” Dragging his gaze away, he kicked at the sidewalk. “Fuck … I don’t know … Just forget what I said.”
Scarlett wrapped her arms around him, hugging him close. “I’m here for you,” she whispered in his ear. “Do you want to go somewhere to get a drink?”
A quick shake of his head. “Not feeling that. I’d like to go to Crystal Lake.”
A smile tugged at the corners of her kissable mouth. “Okay. Do you want to take your car or mine?” She ran her hands up and down his back.
“Mine, but the wheels are my Harley.”
The smile faded away and a look of terror crossed over her face. He laughed and playfully smacked her ass.
“I’m guessing you’ve never been on a bike.”
“Never,” she mumbled.
“Then you’re gonna love it. There’s nothing like the feel of the wind all around you.”
She glanced down at her sundress, waving her hand over it. “Can I go likethis?”
“Yeah, but you’ll have to tuck in the dress under your legs or you’ll be flashing everyone.” He chuckled when she gasped. “We’ll be taking the back roads, so no worries—really. So what do you say?” There was nothing he needed more at that moment than Scarlett pressed behind him with the air wrapped around them. It was the salve that he craved to soothe the tension, the anger, and the sadness that coming to meet Flo had stirred up inside him.
“Okay,” she replied after a long pause.
Relief spread through him and he hugged her tightly. “You’re gonna love it. You probably should pull your hair back ’cause it’s gonna be flying all around and in your face. I got a bandana if you need something.” He tucked her hand in his, then they made their way to his motorcycle.
After folding his cut and putting it, the burgundy ledger, and her purse into one of the saddle bags, Shadow pointed out the parts of the bike that burned and pinched, then told her to keep her feet on the pegs at all times, hold on to his waist, and lean with him as they rode. Scarlett nodded at each instruction, then secured her hair in a low ponytail before scrambling on behind Shadow and wrapping her arms around him. When he felt her tits press up against his back, he looked over his shoulder and winked at her.
“Hang on, baby. Here we go.”
He switched on the engine, then pulled away from the curb.
