Splendid Shadows (Book 2) The Beautiful Darkness Series

Chapter Ten-Jade

Hello, Lovelies, 

I hope everyone is having a great Monday!  Thank you, thank you, thank you so much for reading Splendid Shadows.  I truly appreciate all of you.  It means so much that you read my books.  I adore all of you.  

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-XXXX Amanda

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I didn't know how much more Macon could ravage my heart but admitting to him that I had always loved him was enough to crush it into little bitty pieces. I trembled as I walked down the stairs. Gaige's eyes met mine.

"Is everything okay?" He asked, his brow furrowing.

I winced, "One of my grandfather's friends was killed by Calvin," I whispered my heart clenching in my chest because that wasn't the only thing that had shaken up my world.

"It's not your fault, Jade," Gaige said, softly, "But it is concern enough for us to return to Texas and make sure you are well protected."

"We'll leave tomorrow," Macon said, behind me causing me to jump.

Gaige ran his hand through his artfully messy hair, "I'll let Antony know. I'm sure he'll have a safer house than his own for all of us."

"How many houses does he have?" I asked, frowning.

"Five under his name," Macon said, rolling his eyes, "But his family and friends have more. We have plenty of places to choose from. Don't worry, okay? I won't let anything happen to you or Noah."

I met his eyes, my worry for him shining there, "I'm not only worried about me and Noah."

His eyes darkened, "I know," he said, glancing down at Noah cooing in his arms, "And I'll try to make sure everyone is safe but you have to know that you and Noah are my first priority."

"Ours too," Abel said, raising his brow when I narrowed my eyes at him, "You can get upset all you want, Jade but when we decided you were part of our family, protecting you came with it."

I moved my gaze to Urban, "What if you end up shot again trying to protect me?"

Urban smirked and lifted his shoulders, "Worth it," he said his grin widening, "Besides, chicks love scars."

My gaze moved to Eri and he scoffed, "I'll take another busted skull for you, babe."

"Eri," Macon said through his teeth.

"I know...I know...You're going to put a bullet in my nuts," he said, rolling his eyes, "I've heard it any time anyone says anything slightly flirtatious to Jade."

"No, I'll just shoot you in the head," Macon said, flashing a grin at him.

"Brutal," Eri laughed, "It might turn me on a little."

"Quit goofing off," Gaige said, shaking his head, "We all need to get some rest because I imagine we'll be taking turns watching Jade and Noah."

"It's always lively around you Jade," Abel said, wiggling his brows, "It makes me wonder-"

Gaige slapped the back of Abel's head, "Learn when to shut up."

Abel rubbed the back of his head, "Hey! I thought we were friends!"

"We are," he said, raising his brows, "It's better a slap to the head than a bullet to it."

Macon narrowed his eyes at Abel, "He's right," he looked down at Noah, "Hey, Little man, are you going to let us get some sleep tonight?"

My mouth dropped open as Noah smiled at Macon and began to coo, "I guess that's a no," he said, cuddling him closer to his chest before planting a kiss on his forehead.

"Traitor," I said, narrowing my eyes at Noah.

Macon grinned, "He's supposed to like his daddy," he said, softly and then, whispered, "You do...He should too."

I rolled my eyes, walking away from him, wishing I hadn't admitted that I still loved him. Now, he was going to make sure I remembered that every time he was near.

"Where are you going?" Gaige asked, concern lacing his voice.

"To get rest," I said, taking a deep breath and then, turning away.

"Sounds like a good idea," Macon said, smoothly, "We all need some rest."

I ground my teeth and kept walking up the stairs realizing there was no hope getting away from him to clear my mind.

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I finished feeding Noah and put him in bed with Macon's back turned to me, "I'm finished," I said, straightening from the bassinet, "And I'm ready to go to bed."

Macon pulled his hand from his pocket, producing the handcuffs, "Sorry," I said, shaking my head, "I'm not going to let you put those on me without a fight."

Macon's lips twitched, "A fight?" he asked, his eyes flashing, "Just like old times."

"Macon, I do not want to wear those," I said, straightening as I curled my hands into fists.

He narrowed his eyes on my fists, "You know what will happen if you hit me," he said but I wouldn't let him bully me.

"Why are you making me wear them?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

"In case, you try to run," he said, raising his brow, "I don't want to have to stay up all night to watch you."

"Where is there to run to?" I asked crossing my arms over my chest, "We're in the middle of nowhere. I think you want to do this for your own pleasure."

Macon's eyes dilated as he took a step closer, taking my breath away, "Baby, if it was for my pleasure, we would be doing something other than sleeping."

My eyes widened, "Regardless, I'm not wearing those."

"Give me the reasons you won't run," he said, his lips twitching.

"I'll give you the biggest one," I said, sighing, "I realize that you and those guys down there count me as family and you would die looking for me. For some reason, I still care about every single one of you even if you keep kidnapping me."

"That's a good one," he said, pursing his lips, "Anything else."

"A million things but you are a light sleeper and I would get caught trying to take Noah with me because I wouldn't leave him behind," I said, grinding my teeth, "And if I did manage to get past you, I'm sure at least two of the guys are awake and watching."

"It's nice to know you know me," he said, grinning, "I'll let you have a reprieve from these."

He tucked the handcuffs in his pocket and walked toward the bed before laying down and patting the bed beside him. I raised my brow.

"I'll be a perfect gentleman," he said, chuckling.

"Macon and gentleman don't go in the same sentence," I said, shaking my head and walking to my side of the bed.

"And yet, you willingly got into the bed with me," he said in my ear.

"If you touch me, I will hit you," I said, realizing the rule about hitting him too late.

"I look forward to that," he said as I laid my head on the pillow. Within minutes I was in that calm, peaceful place between sleep and awake. Macon's arms wrapped around me and though I should have woken to stop him, I realized I didn't want him to.