Page 13 of Within Shadows
I smirk at the sight and wonder who she will assume left them.
The smile drops when Garrett is the first to come to mind, but he won’t have any idea what she’s talking about.
The idea of him getting the credit irritates me.
I take my time as I clean up the wet droplets I’ve left on her floors before I lock up as I leave.
Sitting in my car at the curb, I pull my phone out and power the security system back on before switching to the cameras outside Garrett’s home.
Everything is silent, except for one fucking problem.
Oliver's car is across the street, and it’s too dark for me to see much else.
“Son of a bitch.” I drop my phone and throw the car into drive, squealing the tires as I speed down the street. If he tries anything and I’m not there, I’ll never forgive myself.
“I’m coming, Muse.” I turn onto the street, my headlights light up Oliver’s car, and he shrinks down in his seat a second too late.
Pulling on my mask a split second before I stop next to his car, I slam the brakes and stare through the window.
In the dark I can’t make out his exact features, but I can feel his fear and see him shrink back the slightest bit.
I roll down my window and lean close, motioning for him to do the same. Oliver might be a piece of shit, but he’s smart to only crack the window.
“You can leave, or your father can spend the next year tracking your body parts down all across the fucking country, Oliver.” I smile behind the fabric covering my face and force myself to use a calm tone.
“Fuck you,” Oliver spits the words, but starts his car and quickly drives away as I roll my eyes.
Pussy . Pulling up next to the driveway, I stretch my legs and groan at the sound of the joints popping.
Being damp sucks, and these jeans are chafing in the worst places as I struggle to get comfortable.
I give up and climb out of the car, confidently strolling right to the front door.
“Little muse, little muse, let me in,” I sing under my breath, chuckling as I unlock the door and silently shut it behind me.
I frown at the pile of blankets on the couch and peer down the hallway to where Maeve is loudly snoring.
I wonder if she’ll be disappointed when she wakes up to realize she’s alone in bed.
Her little friend didn’t sleep next to her after all. What a shame.
The first night we sleep together will be the last night she sleeps alone. If Maeve were in my bed at my house, nothing could tear me away from her embrace. Every step is slow and quiet, bringing me closer to her until I’m standing at the foot of the bed and watching her.
Her hair is tousled and wrapped around her face. With one arm slung over the top of her head as she snores, drool pooling on her cheek.
“You are fucking stunning, Thalia,” I whisper, coming around the side of the bed.
I nearly trip when my feet tangle in a pair of discarded sweats, and Maeve shifts in the bed.
I watch as she kicks the blankets off and rolls onto her side, giving me a full view of her perfect ass that’s framed by a pair of purple lace panties.
My entire body is frozen as I stare, my mouth watering at the idea of biting down and leaving a claiming mark on her pretty skin. She whimpers, shifting and curling inwards as I lean forward to brush the hair away from her face.
“You’re okay, I’m here,” I whisper, putting my lips next to her ear. Maeve’s entire body relaxes beneath my touch. Her body shifts again, and she clenches her legs together while moaning a name, sending a shock through my entire body.
“My delicious muse, when you say my name, I want to devour you.” I groan, brushing my nose over the shell of her ear as she whimpers and reaches towards me.
Moving slowly so as to not wake her, I lay her hand down and pull the blanket back over her, tucking her in as she frowns.
A single tear reflects the moonlight as it rolls down her cheek, and I use the pad of my thumb to smear it away.
“Don’t cry, sweet girl. You’re safe.” My voice is a whisper as her frown deepens and she scrunches her face; a sob racks her chest, and I have to grip the headboard to stop from lifting her in my arms. “Please stop,” she begs, and I hold my breath. The words aren’t meant for me, though.
“Oliver, no. Stop.” Her head twitches, jolting over the pillow. My shoulders tremble as I lean closer, wrapping my arm around her as I sing in her ear. The words a haunting promise of safety, serenity, and a world where she’ll never fear another man.
“As long as I live, you’ll be safe,” I promise as she slips back into peaceful sleep.
Ripping myself away is nearly torture, but I manage to do it after one last look at her.
She’s the most divine creature I’ve ever laid eyes on, and I can’t wait for the day that she will see herself the way I do.
My escape is hindered by a puffball of rage, Maeve’s cat.
He sits near the door, back arched, while regarding me with distrust in his eyes. I roll my eyes while crouching low and hold my hand out. He swats at it once, but I don’t pull away. Instead I ruffle his fur and earn a growl of protest that morphs into a soft purr as he trots away.
“You keep protecting our girl, and there’s some fancy treats in your future,” I say, his head perking my way on the word ‘treats’.
I shake my head, snickering under my breath as I walk back through the house to double-check all windows and doors are locked.
The pile of blankets on the couch still makes me frown.
Maeve is safe here, but it doesn’t ease my discomfort.