Helpless (Steel Demons MC #5) - Crystal Ash Page 0,92
wanted to sit and talk with him just as badly as I wanted to curl into that huge, strong body. I wanted to help him face his fears, to feel his strength like an impenetrable shield. I wanted him to know how amazing love could feel.
My whole body thrummed with nerves as I forced myself to quit stalling. I shoved some items into a clutch purse, made a final check of my hair and teeth, then headed for the door.
The tailoring staff politely informed us that animals would not be allowed at the party, so I gave Hades, Freyja, and Horus final pets before leaving the room. If I wasn’t already nervous enough, I turned out to be the last one ready. Everyone stopped chatting to turn and look at me.
“Holy shit, girl!” Noelle held her arms out. She wore a simple, but elegant, white toga-style dress that made her red hair and colorful tattoos pop. “Are you ever not fucking stunning?”
My face reddened as she leaned in to kiss my cheek. “Thanks, Nellie.”
She held tightly on to my arms, her lips lingering near my ear. “Thanks for watching out for my man,” she whispered. “I knew he’d be in good hands with you.”
I returned her affectionate squeeze. “He watched out for me. He’s a true Demon and you should be proud.”
She released me with a beaming smile, returning to Larkan’s side as he slid a possessive arm around her shoulders. They looked as adorable as ever, but my gaze slid over to the largest man standing with us.
Shadow’s broad chest and arms filled out his suit in a way that made my knees buckle. His slacks could barely contain his muscular thighs, and if he turned around, I’m sure the same would go for his ass. Like Gunner, his hair had been brushed back and fell over his shoulders in soft waves. He’d clearly run his fingers through it, as evident by the strands pulled forward to cover the scarred side of his face.
He looked uneasy, and completely out of his element. But none of that took away from the fact that he just looked wildly masculine and beautiful. He would be even more irresistible if he didn’t see himself as so ugly and unworthy.
I made a decision right then. Jandro knew, so the other guys had to as well, to some extent. If Shadow didn’t know, I hoped it would be made clear to him soon.
With a smile, I crossed our small circle to Shadow’s side. “You look so handsome.” Even in heels, I had to stand on tiptoe to reach his face. Slowly, to not catch him off guard, I brushed away a strand of dark hair to kiss the scar on his cheek.
Everyone’s eyes felt heavy on my back, but I ignored them, stepping back after the brief kiss to give Shadow space.
“Um, thank you.” He looked equal parts stunned, confused and terrified. “You look…very nice.”
“Thank you.” I put him on the spot, so I didn’t expect to get a compliment back. I just wanted him to know what I saw when I looked at him.
Reaper’s dry chuckle rumbled in my ear, followed by his firm hand on my lower back. “Ready, sugar?”
I nodded, following his lead out to the front porch.
Two large black SUVs waited for us, Governor Vance’s staff wearing dark suits as they held the doors open. The short drive took us into the heart of Four Corners. I thought at first that the event would be at Vance’s cabin home, but our rides pulled up to a sprawling pre-Collapse building in the middle of the city.
The driver opened our door, with Reaper taking my hand as he stepped out. Jandro and Gunner followed, framing me protectively on all sides as we walked up the stone steps. A quick glance over my shoulder told me Shadow followed a few paces behind, as usual. More staff members pulled open heavy glass doors for us, and I could only blink in awe at the inside of the building.
The outside had been completely understated, if even unremarkable. But the inside had a beautiful dome ceiling as one big skylight, showing the early evening sky darkening above the chandeliers. Tall archways led to various spacious rooms for different functions. One was clearly a smoking lounge, another with drinks and hor d'oeuvres. Another room appeared to have a live band with a dance floor and its own private bar. The main banquet appeared to be straight ahead, and