Page 49 of The Last Shadow

Pride swells in my chest at her words. Francesca is stronger than I ever imagined. She’s not just a pretty cop or even a dirty cop. She’s a kindred spirit—someone who understands me.

“Can I tell you something?”

“What?”

“The reason I know you killed him is that I was stalking him. He killed my parents that fateful night. He’s the bastard that killed my parents, and we got sent to Hope House.”

“Really? You were stalking him too? How? Did you watch me kill him?”

“Oh, kitten. I’ve been watching your every move for years.” I squeeze her hand.

“Years?” She leans closer, daring me with her eyes. “Then you know exactly what I’m capable of, don’t you? I’m just like you, Damien,” she says. “Cold, calculating, ruthless. We’re two sides of the same coin.”

I pull back just enough to capture her lips in a searing kiss, pouring all of my pride, my admiration, my twisted love into it. She responds with equal fervor, her tongue tangling with mine as we lose ourselves in the moment.

When we finally break apart, both of us breathing hard, I rest my forehead against hers. “That we are, my pet,” I say, a wicked grin spreading across my face. “That we are.”

I turn the key, and the engine comes to life. My gaze shifts to Frankie. There’s a wicked little spark in her eyes that brings every sick impulse inside me to the surface.

I want to fuck her so bad. Right here. Right now. I adjust my cock and slide the seat belt on. Sex will have to wait.

“Ready for the wildest ride of your life?” I ask, shifting the car into drive. “You realize we’re just getting started.”

“Then let’s make it worthwhile. But I need you to do something,” she says, her voice low. “And I don’t mean you have to stop.”

I’m intrigued. “Go on.”

“Make them disappear, Damien. No bodies, no connection to The Butcher. Then the case goes cold. I can’t solve a case with no bodies.”

“So, you want me to hide them?” I ask.

“Just get rid of them. I don’t care how, and I don’t want to know. I am an officer of the law.”

I reach for her hand. “You got it, kitten. Have I mentioned today how much I love you?”

“No, and don’t. I’m still pissed you lied to me.”

“Think we can kiss and make up?” I slide my hand up her thigh. She lets out a small laugh.

“We’ll see. We have a lot to talk about.”

I grin, already sensing the heat building between us. “I can’t wait.”

EPILOGUE

Damien ~ SixMonths Later

“This is so exciting! Don’t you think so, Frankie?” Olivia can barely contain herself as she and my wife put the finishing touches on their evening looks.

“I think this is amazing,” Frankie confirms, turning to me with that gleam in her eyes I know so well. “Damien Wolfe, Humanitarian of the Year.”

I almost want to laugh at the title. Humanitarian of the Year. Who would’ve thought? Truth is, I couldn’t care less about most awards, but this one…this one matters. The software and interface we’ve developed has changed everything for people like Olivia. Her progress has made her both a celebrity and a miracle. We’ve proven what I’ve always suspected. The human brain is far more resilient than our fragile bodies.

“I’ll have the most beautiful dates in the room,” I say, meaning every word.

“Charmer,” Frankie mumbles, looking absolutely stunning in her champagne gold dress that hugs every curve. “And damnstraight you will.” The sparkle in her eyes makes me wish we could skip this whole thing. I can’t wait to get her home later.

“Yes, and if we don’t get into the limo now, we’ll be late,” I remind them.

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