Page 28 of Shadow's Heart
Shadow pulls back, smiling wide. The look on his face makes me feel invincible. I can’t believe I’m the reason he looks like that right now.
“So does this mean you’ll scrap the idea of moving back into your apartment?” He asks, eyes and voice both filled with hope.
I can’t deny his request; this may be all new, but even when I mentioned moving back to my apartment, I didn’t actually want to leave. It’s what I thought I had to do. Everything has changed now that we’ve both admitted how we feel, and I couldn’t be happier.
“There’s nowhere I’d rather be than here with you.”
The smile that overtakes his face is breathtaking. I feel fucking amazing knowing I’m the reason behind that look on his face right now. I know this is new for both of us, but I’m reallyfucking hopeful everything is going to work out. Everything has to work out; I won’t accept anything less, and I don’t think he will either.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Shadow
So this wasn’t how I imagined we’d be having this conversation, but the moment Wreck mentioned moving back to his apartment, I knew I had to stop stalling and talk to him. I didn’t want him going anywhere, especially not after I’d had the realization about my house. So yeah, I’d somehow subconsciously built Wreck’s dream home without realizing it. Seriously, I’m such a fucking idiot. How have I managed to be blind for so long?
None of that matters anymore, though. We’ve both finally admitted we’re in love with each other; I can’t even begin to describe the way I felt when he told me he loves me. I thought my world had righted itself when Wreck was rescued and returned home to me, and it did right itself, but it’s so much better now. My heart is so fucking full, and I’ve never been happier. Who knew falling in love with your best friend could feel so good?
I can’t bring myself to move away from him, even though I know I need to. His ribs are still sore, and crowding him in this position can’t be comfortable. It takes all my willpower to move myself back. Looking into his eyes, I can’t help but be blown away by the way they’re glistening at me, full of love. God, wereally both were so fucking blind to not see what was right in front of us.
“When did you realize?” He asks as I take a seat next to him.
“Wrath kicked me up the ass when I was talking to him about accidently kissing you after you first woke up in the hospital and what I was feeling about it all.” I admit sheepishly.
“That was real. I didn’t dream it.” His voice is full of shock and awe.
“Yep, it totally happened, but I still didn’t realize anything until big brother had words. Apparently everyone has been waiting years for us to pull our heads out of our asses.”
“I had a similar conversation with Flame; the only difference is I already knew I loved you. Sera woke me up to that after your relationship with Megan came to light.”
“Oh god. Don’t remind me of what an idiot I was there; she almost cost me you. I seriously had a narrow fucking escape where that crazy bitch is concerned.”
“But she didn’t cost you me. Bet she never thought her plan would lead to us being together this way.” He says with a laugh.
I can’t help but laugh along with him at his words. He’s not wrong; if she ever finds out that her little scheme ended up being the catalyst for me and Wreck admitting our feelings and ending up together, she’ll blow a gasket. Hmm. Maybe someone should tell her and let her know just how badly she failed.
“While we’re on the topic of Megan,” he says in a serious voice, “I want a chance to face her and say my piece. I didn’t get that when I woke up; my focus was you and getting you to stop hurting yourself.”
As much as I really want to protest, I know I can’t. He deserves a chance to face the woman behind what happened to him. He deserves to face her and say his piece. If he just so happens to drop the fact about our change of relationship. Well,I won’t complain. It’ll just add to her downfall, if I’m being honest.
“We can talk to Jake. See what he can arrange. You’re not going alone though.”
“I don’t want to. If you don’t want to face her, I’ll take someone else with me.”
“Oh, I’ll be right by your side. Where I belong.”
He moves off the chair he’s sitting on, approaching me before drawing me into his arms. I don’t know how to explain it—why it feels different in his arms but at the same time doesn’t. One thing I know, right here in his arms, is where I belong. He’s my home.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Wreck
Everything has changed, while at the same time it really hasn’t. The only major difference in my relationship with Shadow is the physical side of things. By that I mean kissing, because everything else we already did. Cuddle up together. Yeah, we did that. Sleep next to each other. Check. Touch each other as often as possible. Hmm, yeah, check there too. So yeah, the only thing that’s changed is now we kiss too. We haven’t done anything more because one thing’s changed between us yesterday and two, I’m not quite recovered enough for anything sexual.
I can’t wait until I am, though. I know it’s going to be different from what either of us is used to; we both have dicks after all, but even knowing that, knowing I’m inexperienced when it comes to men. I’m nothing if not excited. I know it’s going to be fucking hot and magical between us. It isn’t going to be just sex; it’s going to be more than a physical release; it’s going to be filled with emotion, passion, and love. It’s going to be a whole new experience for us both. I know that I’ve had sex before, but I’ve never made love, and I couldn’t imagine a more perfect partner than Shadow to make love to for the first time and every other time that follows.
Shadow isn’t exactly helping to keep my libido under control right now; he’s just entered the house topless, wearing only a pair of basketball shorts, sweat dripping down his body. Fuck, I want to devour him whole. He’s a goddamn work of art.
“Had a good run?” I ask as I pull out a bottle of water for him and hand it over. He downs the contents quickly, clearly needing a drink.
