My jaw tenses. There’s a low-key threat in his tone that I’m sure Colson feels based on the tight grip he has on my knee.
“You love Specter, yes?”
Colson nods. “Yes.”
“I’m sure you already understand that our lives are not conventional. You can’t bring your family or friends here. I can’t guarantee that we’ll celebrate holidays traditionally or do all the things normal families do. Ours is different. Special.”
Colson nods again, glancing briefly at me.
“We’d lose everything if the wrong people knew of our existence,” Shadow continues. “And I’ll protect us with all the force I have.”
My anger rises up and I’m about to get in my boss’s face, but Colson pats my thigh.
“Can I speak now?”
Shadow nods, his gaze dark and intense.
“First of all, I’m not an idiot. With all due respect, I don’t need to be warned or threatened about the sanctity of your organization.”
Shadow raises an eyebrow.
“Secondly, as you pointed out, I’m in love with Specter, and I’d rather die than hurt him. By extension, that means I would never hurt any of you.”
Shadow looks at me like I should do something, but all I can do is let Colson cook.
“Finally, I have no family or any real attachments outside of this. I understand you don’t know me well and you need to havea certain level of intimidation about you to maintain order, but I really don’t appreciate your thinly veiled threat of violence.” He leans forward slightly. “I’m here because Specter said I would be safe. So tell me, Shadow, am I safe here?”
My shoulders tense as I wait to see how Shadow will respond to such an aggressive question. He studies Colson for a few seconds that feel like centuries, then he settles back in his chair, a slight smile on his face.
“I should’ve known the only man capable of taming Specter would be a fighter.” He nods. “You’re safe here, Cashmere.”
“Colson, actually. My name is Colson.”
I smile at that.
“Colson,” Shadow repeats, glancing at me. “Got yourself a spitfire, huh?”
Still smiling proudly, I nod. “I sure did.”
“Honestly,” Shadow says, “I’m happy Specter found you. He deserves a good man. Welcome to our fucked-up little family.”
Colson’s expression neutralizes, but his cheeks turn pink, revealing the emotion he’s restraining. “Thank you.”
Shadow leaves the table, and once he’s out of the dining room, Colson exhales slowly. “Jesus, I almost peed myself.”
“You’re so fucking amazing. I can’t believe you faced off with him like that. Not a lot of people would.”
“When you’ve been through the shit I have, you learn quickly to bare your teeth. I can respect him while reminding him he doesn’t need to threaten me.”
I lift his hand and kiss his palm. “You blow me away. I can’t believe you even exist, much less that you’re mine.”
“You can’t believe it? You told me I was yours the minute you saw me.”
I chuckle. “Nice call out.” Time for a little honesty. “I was attracted to you on sight. Of course I was, because I have fucking eyes.”
He smiles.
“And I knew I would make you mine, but I didn’t think itwas gonna be like this. I had no frame of reference for how I feel about you and how important you are, or the lengths I would go to to keep you safe. I didn’t know I had enough depth to feel this much. It’s a goddamn ocean.”
