Page 29 of The Last Shadow

“It will be all right,” I say but I’m not ready to talk about it. “Let’s go. Am I dressed okay?”

His gaze rakes over me as heavy and intense as a caress. “No, but I have something for you.” He hands me a bag that has some heft to it.

I roll my eyes. “You don’t have to keep buying me things, Damien. I love you for you.”

“I know and I love you, but I enjoy spoiling you. The look of surprise you get never fails to make my cock hard. I can help you change if you like?”

I laugh at his jumping brows. “We are not having sex inside this precinct.”

“Sounds like a challenge,” he says with a teasing smile.

“It’s not,” I insist. “I’ll be back soon.”

The dress is perfect. It’s nothing more than a thin layer of teal silk, but somehow it hugs all of my curves and hides the evidence of too many carbs throughout my workday. The nude pumps are beautiful, and I feel sexy as hell as I rush out to meet Damien.

“Damn Francesca, you are stunning.” He takes my hand, practically yanking me from the precinct. “Half of me just wants to take you home so no one else can see you in that dress.”

I laugh. “And the other half?”

“Wants the entire fucking city to see you and know you’re mine.”

Mine.The word is so possessive. So hot and searing, like he’s branding me his in a thousand different ways.

The entire night is magical, from the sea-themed restaurant and the courteous waitstaff who treat us like royalty. The tasting menu is mouthwatering. Every salty, brine-y bite is something I’ll remember forever. “Wow, this is fantastic.”

Damien’s eyes sparkle with amusement and something darker. “What’s fantastic is watching you enjoy good food so immensely. The sounds you make are giving me ideas for later.”

That look sets my body on fire. “In that case, I can’t wait for later.”

His lips curl up. “Neither can I. Watching you in that dress has been torturing me all night.”

“Good.” I lean in with a mischievous smile on my face. “It’s so slinky I can’t wear anything under it. Nothing, Damien.”

His gaze is jet black and full of lust. “Check please,” he growls at the first server he sees.

“Right away, sir.”

Ten minutes later we’re in the car rushing back to the penthouse. My thighs are squeezed so tight when the car slams to a stop in the parking spot reserved for the penthouse. We both jump out like two horny teenagers.

Damien’s hands are all over me inside the elevator, sliding up and down my waist and hips before his hands settle on my ass. “Love this fucking dress.”

“Me too. Thank you, my sweet husband.” I wonder if I’ll ever get tired of saying that.Doubtful.

His kisses make me melt and too soon, the elevator doors slide open and we’re inside the penthouse. It’s been a perfect night with an amazing dinner. Now it’s time for dessert.

As if the universe has a twisted sense of humor, Damien’s phone rings. I keep my expression carefully blank because I know a call this time of night can very well be a business emergency, which means dessert has to wait. He answers the phone and then mouths the words, “I’ll be right up,” to me.

I nod and make my way up to our bedroom, slowly undressing because I’m hopeful Damien’s call will finish quickly, and he’ll catch me undressing. Ten minutes later, I’m totally naked and waiting on top of the plush bedding.

And waiting.

And waiting some more.

He’s not coming.

I know the smart thing would be to just grab some pajamas and go to bed, but I’m not that woman. I’m a detective who alwaysneeds answers and right now I just want to make sure everything is okay.

And he’s not talking to another woman.

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