Page 88 of When Darkness Calls

Shadow won’t be able to push me away this time. Not when he’s written such a beautiful letter to me with his fists.

I’m watching the clock over Cade’s shoulder as he does another run through of his check list before heading out on his trip for the weekend.

I bounce on the ball of my feet, wringing my hands, trying to hold my smile.

“Remember, you need to keep the doors locked. Liz can come over but keep them locked. Always, Dee Dee. I’m not fucking playing. Are you even listening?” He crosses his arms, staring me down sternly.

“Yes, I’m fucking listening. Doors: Locked. Liz: Invited. Anything else?” I mimic his position and he shakes his head.

“I left some cash on the counter. Order food so I don’t have to worry you burned the place down.”

I scoff. “Last I checked, you burned the brownies. Not me.”

“Dee,” he states.

“Ugh, fine. Can you please go? You’re making me anxious, being anxious. I’ll be fine.” I started pushing on his chest and he tried to argue.

“I don’t have to go. I can do these meetings online or something. It’s not a problem.”

“Cay,” I mock his voice from earlier.

He rolls his eyes. “I love you too, dickhead.” He leans forward to kiss my forehead and I groan, scrubbing at my face.

“You’re going to be late. I love you too. I will be safe. No worries. I’m just going to work on homework.”

“Okay, okay. Fine. Call me if you need anything.”

“I know, now go. Bye. Love you. Don’t die!” I shouted, shutting the door. He calls through it to lock the door, and I do.

I watch as his car pulls out of the driveway, then I’m running up the stairs.

I try to focus on stuff for class, but truly, I can’t keep my eyes off the sun descending behind the mountains. Once night falls, the fun begins.

twenty-seven

Dani

He’s here. To my surprise, he’s much closer to the house than he has been in the past. Shadows head is titled high, the vacant eyes staring at me from below. Still standing in his position of worship, just for me.

My mind wonders what it would be like with him. Despite how we stand now, I can’t imagine the position would be the same in reality. I can only imagine myself kneeling at his feet, eyes looking up at him in wonder, and amazement. Completely enraptured in his presence.

Would he like that? Me on my knees for him, ready for whatever he wishes. The mystery of what he’s capable of doing to me is as much a turn on as it is terrifying. That might just be the thrill though, riding the thin line motivated by endorphins flowing through my brain.

I watch him, just as he watches me, taking in every little detail his body tells me. His mask is the same as it always is, tucked beneath his hood, hands hanging by his side, though I can see a slight glimmer of light reflected off of his fingers.

Does he like what he sees when he watches me?

I stand from my desk chair, walking to my bed. You could torture me for days and I would still deny that I swayed my hips, just a little extra those few steps.

My ass barely touches the comforter before my phone rings.

“I was beginning to wonder if I would hear you today, since you so rudely shooed me away earlier,” I teased him.

His chuckle is low, rough, vibrating through my core. “Sweet girl, I told you. I was working.”

“Oh yes, I know. I have to say, I loved the artwork you painted on Ethan’s face. The colors blended together so beautifully.”

I can hear him smirk, “Yeah? I didn’t think you were one for violence.”