But eventually, Shadow leans down and whispers in my ear, "Can we go home? I want you alone."
Heat floods through me at the promise in his voice. "Yes."
We make our rounds saying goodnight—thanking Mom for organizing everything, hugging Dad, promising Dakota we'll have lunch soon, saying goodbye to Shiver and Siren who are heading back to Vegas tomorrow.
Then we're in the truck, driving back to our house under a sky full of stars.
"That was perfect," I say.
"It was," Shadow agrees. "Your mom did good."
"She did." I look at him in the dashboard lights. "But I'm ready to be alone with my husband now."
Shadow's hand tightens on the steering wheel. "Yeah. Me too."
The house is quiet when we get home.
Charlie greets us enthusiastically, tail wagging, spinning in circles, but after some pets and a quick trip outside, she settles on her bed in the living room.
Shadow locks the front door, and when he turns to me, the look in his eyes makes my breath catch.
Predatory. Possessive. Hungry.
"Grace."
That's all he says. Just my name.
But the way he says it—like a prayer, like a promise, like a claim—makes heat pool low in my belly.
I walk to him slowly, deliberately, and take his hand. "Bedroom. Now."
We make it to the bedroom, and then Shadow's kissing me—deep, demanding, consuming.
His hands are everywhere, pulling at my dress, needing skin.
I help him, stripping off the dress, letting it pool at my feet.
I'm in just my bra and panties now, and Shadow's eyes drag over me like he's memorizing every inch.
"Beautiful," he murmurs, his voice rough. "You're so fucking beautiful."
I reach for his cut, carefully remove it, hang it over the chair—this symbol of everything he fought to get back.
Then I unbutton his shirt, push it off his shoulders, expose his tattooed chest.
My name. Right there on his ribs, permanent.
I trace the letters with my fingers, and Shadow's breath hitches.
"Grace."
"Shadow."
I push him backward until his legs hit the bed, and he sits. I climb onto his lap, straddling him, and the position puts us eye to eye.
"I love you," I say, cupping his face in my hands.
"I love you too."
