Page 13 of Shadow

Ted had been understanding enough to offer her this job, despite her lack of experience in the food and beverage industry. She knew he harbored his own reservations about the Death Seekers, but like many others in town, he also recognized the protection they provided.

“I’ll wait outside,” Shadow said, before he turned and left the diner.

Camilla watched him go, feeling a flutter of anticipation mixed with nervousness in her chest. A week had passed since Shadow got her out of that hell.

By now, all the rescued women had gone back home, except her. She had made progress. Shadow helped her find a studio apartment near the diner, and work kept her busy.

She finished up her tasks and prepared to leave. Camilla understood she couldn’t delay calling her brother any longer, but tonight, she wanted it to just be her and Shadow. She left her workplace.

Camilla’s heart skipped a beat as she spotted Shadow leaning against his Harley, a cigarette between his fingers. The sight of him ignited a warmth in her chest she couldn’t quite explain.

Shadow extinguished his smoke as soon as he caught sight of her approaching.

“Ready?” he asked, his voice low and inviting.

Camilla felt a surge of excitement coursing through her veins. She nodded eagerly.

“Been looking forward to this the whole day,” she admitted with a shy smile.

Shadow chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down her spine. He reached under the seat of his motorcycle and pulled out a spare helmet, holding it out to her.

As she reached to take it, he gently placed it on her head, his fingers lingering against her skin for a moment longer than necessary. That one touch made her body temperature soar.

Before she could fully process the intensity of the moment, Shadow leaned in and pressed his lips to hers in a tender kiss. Camilla melted into the embrace, her heart soaring with an indescribable feeling of longing and desire.

When they finally parted, she found herself breathless and exhilarated. With the helmet secured in place, Camilla climbed onto the back of Shadow’s bike, wrapping her arms around his waist as he started the engine.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“You’ll see,” Shadow replied with a grin.

The roar of the engine filled the night air as Shadow revved the motorcycle, and Camilla clung to him tightly, relishing the rush of adrenaline coursing through her veins. The wind whipped against her face, tousling her hair as they sped through the empty streets, the world passing by in a blur.

In moments like these, Camilla felt utterly free, liberated from the shadows of her past and the weight of her responsibilities. There was something exhilarating about the open road stretching out before them.

She had made the choice to stay in Hanging Grove, to carve out a new path for herself, and in that moment, she had no regrets.

They soon left the main town area. Shadow stopped by the side of the road. Dismounting from the motorcycle, Shadow helped Camilla off, his hand lingering on hers for a moment longer than necessary. After keeping their helmets, he held out his hand to her.

“This way,” he said.

She hesitated, but only for a moment, as she gazed at the pine trees ahead of them.

“Trust me,” he murmured and she realized she did.

Camilla trusted this biker with everything he was. It was a short hike through the woods and Shadow ended up leading her to a secluded spot by the lake. She gasped at the sight. The moon hung low in the sky, casting a gentle glow over the water’s surface, creating an enchanting ambiance.

They walked hand in hand toward the edge of the lake, the soft crunch of gravel beneath their feet the only sound in the stillness of the night. Finding a comfortable spot to sit, they settled down, their shoulders brushing against each other as they gazed out at the tranquil scene before them.

Shadow reached into the backpack he had brought along and pulled out a blanket, spreading it out on the ground. He gestured for Camilla to sit beside him, and she obliged, her heart fluttering at the closeness between them. With a smile, Shadow produced a small picnic basket, filled with an assortment of cheeses, fruits, and wine.

Camilla thought they’d eat dinner in town, maybe see a movie, but this was next level.

“No one’s ever done anything so special for me,” she murmured. “And this spot is beautiful.”

“I’m glad you like it,” Shadow said.

They started digging into the food. Shadow poured them two glasses of wine.

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