Page 59 of Shadow

Running for the small gulley, I slid down the embankment, Shadow right behind me as the loud roar approached.

A tree limb cracked overhead, making me scream out as Shadow tackled me to the ground, covering my body with his. Lightning and thunder snapped and boomed all around us as the wind whipped up a frenzy. The air felt as if someone sucked it out of the night sky, making it hard to breathe. The thunderous roar coupled with the searing wind had me clinging to Shadow with all my might.

Fear, unlike anything I’d ever experienced, crippled me as the storm raged all around us, helpless against nature and the wildness of it all. And just as quick as it began, the winds eased as the roar faded.

“Breathe,Angel,” I heard him say, as he cupped my head close to his. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Breathing deeply, I tried to stop my raging heart as I slowly opened my eyes to stare into his silver-blue eyes. Panting, I dared not move. I couldn’t. Every inch of my body coiled and ready for another round of wild weather.

“You’re safe, Angel,” he barely said, never breaking eye contact. “I’ve got you.”

I didn’t think.

Reaching up to caress his face, I brought his lips towards mine.

The second my lips touched his, it was like a flash fire had ignited and consumed me. His lips were soft and warm as he deepened the kiss, wrapping his arms around me. Not caring about the rain, how wet I was or where we were, all I cared about were his lips on mine.

I’d been kissed before but not like this.

All the drama and danger dissipated until the world only revolved about him and what he was igniting in my body. I moaned when he released my lips, only to kiss the side of my face down to my neck.

I moaned as a horrendous rumble shook the ground. Rain burst from the clouds and stung my skin before dripping onto the soft ground beneath me. Lightning snaked across the sky in angry streaks as he continued to kiss my face, my lips, my neck.

The wind whipped around us, but all I felt was Shadow and what he was doing to me. I’d been with men before, but none like him. There was something about the man that called to me, begged me to help him. Help him with what, I didn’t know. I just felt he was what I needed and more.

“I need…”

“What do you need, Angel? Tell me?” he whispered, drowning me in his kiss. I know what women meant when they said they felt drunk with a man. It never made sense, but now it does.

I was drunk on him.

A gust of wind ripped my words from my throat as I closed my eyes to block out the lightning, only to discover another storm. His cologne teased my nostrils. The faint scent of sandalwood tempted my taste buds. Electrical charges scorched my skin everywhere his body touched mine. I struggled to discern the thudding of my heart from the thunder clamoring above. I wanted his hands on my back, exploring my skin and teasing my breasts. Heat warmed my skin at the images filling my head. A lust I never felt before consumed my soul.

“Tell me to stop, Angel,” he pleaded, begging me to end this madness. I wanted so much to give him what he wanted, but I couldn’t. I needed him at this very minute. I couldn’t explain why, but it was true.

I wanted him. I needed to feel him inside me.

I needed to feel alive, as the thunderstorm continued to rage overhead.

“Don’t stop.”

“Thank God,” he said, right before his mouth took mine again and this time, if I was hesitant before, I was no more. The fierceness of his claim sent electrical shocks deep into my core. Like the thunderstorm overhead, his kiss erupted something deep inside me, fueling the fire that blazed hotly.

He snaked his arm around my waist, pulling my body closer to his.

One strong hand slipped inside my shirt to rest on my stomach. That initial touch scorched my skin. With each clap of thunder, I burrowed deeper into his chest, pressing my breasts into him.

I tipped my head back to speak but forgot what I wanted to say when I looked into his eyes.

His haunting, silver-blue eyes reminded me of the danger we were in, and I didn’t care. I knew I was safe with him.

I knew he would protect me.

At that exact moment, I wanted him to touch my breast, touch every part of my body. I wanted him branded into my skin. I longed to feel his fingers caress my body. I wanted his mouth on my nipples.

I wanted him everywhere.

“From the moment I first heard your voice, I knew,” he muttered.

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