Page 31 of The Last Shadow

Frankie

After a night that felt more like a wrestling match with insomnia than actual sleep, I stumble out of bed and drag myself through my morning routine. The clock’s mocking me, a reminder that waking up without Damien’s arms wrapped around me is a special kind of hell.

I miss the warmth of his chest pressed against my back, the steady rhythm of his heart that usually lulls me into a blissful slumber. It’s infuriating, really. I’m bone-tired and seething, but a quick shower later, I’ve got a plan.

My stomach rumbles nervously as I take the elevator up to the executive offices of Wolfe Industries. The sleek office building is intimidating as hell, but I stuff it down the same way I do when I have to question the alibi of a Hollywood studio executive or the child of a legendary celebrity. I swallow the nerves and focus on my mission, which helps me stay calm.

I smile when I spot Jess even though her words from the wedding are stamped on my mind.Be careful who you trust.I’m always careful, but her words linger and make me question everything and everyone. “Hi, Jess. Is he in?”

She looks cautious, but she gives a slight nod, forcing a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. “He is. Go on in.”

I nod and take a deep breath in front of his door, exhaling as I grab the handle and twist it slowly. Damien is inside with his gaze on a bank of screens, looking every bit the god of the tech world everyone thinks he is.

“I don’t have time now, Jess.” He doesn’t even look up and I take in the sight of him, beautiful and commanding and so in charge of his world.

“You want me to come back later?” I nibble my bottom lip, something I often do when I’m nervous and I don’t like it. This is my husband, the man I pledged my life to, a man who I shouldn’t be nervous around.

He blinks quickly before shaking his head. His gaze flicks from the screens to me. “Francesca. What are you doing here?” His gaze is dark and intense when it settles on me. “Is everything all right?”

“No.” I fold my arms across my chest and watch him carefully. “I’m not okay, Damien. I don’t like fighting with you.”

He sighs and stands from the buttery soft office chair. “I don’t like fighting with you either.”

“I was worried about you.” I hate that I sound weak, something I’ve worked hard my entire adult life to avoid. “I’m glad to see you’re okay.”

His lips tug into a reluctant expression of satisfaction. “Me too,” he says, wrapping me in a warm hug. “Fuck, Francesca, I’m sorry.”

I bury my face in his chest. “I’m sorry too. I trust you but I’m worried about what this guy might do to you.”

His chin rests on top of my head. “I trust you Francesca, of course I do. I never would have married you if I didn’t and I need you to know I wasn’t talking to The Butcher last night.”

That provides me with a sense of relief but I’m also more curious than ever about who he was talking to last night. “Good. That’s good. I’m glad.”

“Between the wedding and things with Olivia, I’m a little stressed out, I guess. But I love you kitten, and I don’t ever want to fight with you.”

I let out a sigh of relief. “I don’t want to fight with you either, but I want you to be safe. I need you to be safe because my biggest nightmare is that the killer will make a move on you, and I’ll be too far away to save you.”

“My little protector,” he growls and fits his lips to mine. The kiss starts off hot as fuck and I melt into his broad chest and inhale his expensive masculine scent.

“I’m sure it goes against your toxic masculinity but it’s my job to keep you safe. I’ve searched high and low for a man like you, and there is no fucking way in hell that I’ll let some twisted fucker take you from me.” I mean that with my whole heart.

“You won’t have to because I’m not going anywhere, my pet.” His arms tighten around me.

“Good. I really am sorry about last night. I love you and I worry.”

“I know and I’m stressed and taking it out on you. I’m sorry too, kitten.” His lips descend on mine once again, soft and insistent. He licks my mouth, teasing me until I open up for him, giving him access to whatever he wants. A slow moan escapes and Damien kisses me deeper, with more intensity. “It won’t happen again.”

“It will,” I laugh. “And that’s okay. We’ll figure it out just like we did now.”

He growls and kisses me again. “I hate sleeping without you curled into my side.”

“Me too. I slept like shit,” I tell him honestly. “Now I get why they say you shouldn’t go to bed angry.”

“Then we won’t. That’s a promise.”

I hug Damien so tightly I hear his heart thumping in my ear. It’s strong and powerful just like him. Steady and comforting.

“Hungry?”

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