Chapter Six
Every step Shadow took felt like death. He was so exhausted, but he tried not to show it. If Ridge knew how bad he felt, he would make Shadow stay in bed. He was bored. Shadow couldn’t go back to bed. Instead, he cuddled on the couch with Rain.
“I can’t believe I almost lost you. That would’ve killed me.”
Shadow kissed his temple. “Never. I’m your shadow. We stick together.”
Rain toyed with Shadow’s fingers. “I watched the video. You shielded me.”
“That’s my job. Plus, I love you. It’s always been us—like we’re one person. I can’t let anything happen to you.”
Rain didn’t meet his eyes. “Well, Austen wants to give you a medal or something. He’s been distraught. He keeps talking about how it could’ve been me, and his heart can’t take this.”
While Shadow got it, since he would feel the same if someone kept Ridge safe, no one owed him anything.
His motives had been selfish. Shadow didn’t know if he could live in a world without Rain.
Like he had told Rain, it had always been them.
It didn’t feel like there could be one without the other.
“Austen doesn’t owe me anything. He saved my life. I should think that’s good enough.”
“Ridge would’ve gone off the deep end if Austen hadn’t. He damn sure would never forgive me.”
That was likely true. “And Austen would have never forgiven me if I’d let anything happen to you. So everything worked out for the best.”
Rain opened his mouth as if to respond. Austen strolled into the room, pulling Rain’s attention away.
Austen was all smiles—like he saw the love of his life.
Shadow wondered if he looked like that when he saw Ridge.
If so, why hadn’t anyone said anything before Shadow lost years he could have spent with Ridge?
Maybe he had just needed someone to show him what he missed. Maybe he wouldn’t have fought.
“How are you feeling, Shadow?”
“Like dog shit,” he answered honestly. “I’m weak, tired, cold, and sick to my stomach.”
Austen nodded along with every word. “I’m not surprised. After losing that much blood that quickly, you could feel this way for days, weeks, or even months. The faster you lose blood, the harder it is to recover. I’ll give you some prescription nausea medicine. Is it okay if I check your wound?”
Shadow nodded and tilted his head to make things easier for Austen.
All he could think was weeks? He wanted to get better now.
Shadow had already lost so much time with Ridge.
Ridge had left forty-five minutes earlier with Edge.
It seemed Edge needed help to set up a big surprise for his husband, Mickey.
He hadn’t said how long they would be gone.
Shadow assumed, by the way things sounded, they would be gone for a while.
Austen checked beneath Shadow’s bandage. “It’s healing nicely.” He put the bandage back like it had been, gently pressing the tape back into place. “Now. Will you be okay if I steal my husband? Our dinner is waiting.”
Shadow immediately leaned away, freeing Rain. He expected everyone to do the same if Shadow wanted to have Ridge alone. “Of course. I’ve been listening to his stomach growl for half an hour.”
Rain laughed and stood. “Text me if you need me. I have no problem with cuddling with you.”
Shadow flashed him a grateful smile. “I will. Go enjoy your husband. You both deserve it.”
Rain pressed a quick kiss on Shadow’s forehead. “I’ll check on you later, babe.”
“You’re fine. I plan to get as much sleep as possible. I’m wiped.”
“Okay.” Rain looked understanding. “Love you.”
His smile was out of Shadow’s control. “I love you too.”
With a final wave, Rain took Austen’s hand.
They disappeared down the hall together.
It took all of two minutes for Shadow to be bored off his ass again.
He almost sighed in relief when Clay came through the door.
He looked more put together than usual. Shadow couldn’t explain it.
It was like he wore his best outfit or something.
Almost as if he had tried really hard tonight to look as gorgeous as he was.
“Hey, sweetie. Are you going out?”
Clay smiled. “That depends.”
“On what?”
Clay’s smile turned brighter. “If you’re willing to join me?”
Shadow searched his mind for a way to gently say no. He felt like shit and his brain wouldn’t work properly.
Clay didn’t wait for him to work out a plan. “Do you remember how you said I should check out Club Affinity sometime? I’ve worked up the nerve to go. I’ll even drive.”
Well, fuck. Shadow had to go. “I’ll get my coat.”
“Coat? It’s still eighty-five degrees out there.”
Shadow nodded weakly. “I’m still freezing from the blood loss.”
A guilty look passed over Clay’s features. “Oh. We don’t have to go tonight.”
Shadow waved away his words. “You’re ready and I’m willing. Let’s do this thing.”
Clay’s smile returned. “Okay.”
It didn’t take Shadow long to get his coat and shoes. The walk to Clay’s car felt like an eternity. He wanted to ask why Clay was suddenly ready to visit a hardcore sex club, but he didn’t have the energy to care that much. He just hoped like hell he made it through the night.
The moment Ridge tracked Shadow’s location, his temper shot through the roof.
The first time he left Shadow home alone, he ran straight to his club.
What the fuck? When Ridge left, Shadow had looked to be at death’s door.
Now he had the energy to go partying. Ridge was behind the wheel of his SUV before he knew what he would do.
He fumed all the way there. When he screeched into the parking lot, he parked by the door again and jumped out.
The same doorman as last time stood guard.
Just like last time, he took one look at Ridge’s furious expression and opened the door for him.
Ridge nodded.
Surprisingly, the guy spoke up. “I’m glad to see you. He doesn’t look good.”
Ridge tried not to show his surprise. He paused and squeezed the guy’s shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’m about to carry him out of here.”
“I’ll hold the door.”
Ridge had to fight a laugh as he jogged down the stairs.
Loud moans and the sound of people being whipped floated through the hall.
Ridge had one destination. He pushed through the door to the club.
His eyes automatically landed on Zeus. They were both taller than almost everyone inside the place. Their eyes met.
Zeus pointed to his left.
Ridge followed the line of his arm and spotted Shadow slumped over a table.
He immediately pushed his way through the crowd, rushing to Shadow’s side.
“Please don’t be dead. Don’t be dead.” The second he reached Shadow, Ridge felt for a pulse.
Relief poured through him when he found it—strong and steady. He kneeled and rubbed Shadow’s back.
“Hey, baby.”
Shadow didn’t open his eyes. “Dear God, please let death take me. I’ve never felt this horrible.”
“It’s okay, beautiful. I’ve got you.” Ridge easily lifted Shadow into his arms. As he headed for the door, he looked Zeus’ way and gave him a nod in thanks.
Zeus returned the gesture.
Ridge didn’t try asking anything until they were free of the loud music. “Why did you drag yourself out tonight?”
“Clay wanted to check out the place.” The muttered words sounded like they came from far away—like Shadow was half dead.
“He drove, so I thought it would be okay.” His eyes peeked open.
He met Ridge’s stare for a moment. “I was wrong.” His eyes closed.
“So very, very wrong.” He sounded like he might cry. “I didn’t tell Clay I was leaving.”
“Don’t worry, Mr. Agafonov. I’ll find your guest and let him know.”
Shadow’s eyes opened again just long enough to focus on the guy who worked the door. “Thanks, Bronx.”
“Anytime.”
So the guy had a name. Not that it mattered.
He hoped to never see him again. Ridge wished Shadow would be done with this place.
He didn’t need it. Shadow had him. Anything he craved—no matter how depraved—Ridge would make sure he got it.
He had no problem getting as dirty as Shadow needed.
He loved everything about Shadow. His twisted side was sexy as fuck, but he got the feeling Shadow hid a lot from him.
Ridge got Shadow strapped into the passenger seat.
He quickly made his way to the driver’s side and jumped behind the wheel.
Ridge turned the heat up on Shadow’s side of the vehicle.
He went as far as to turn on Shadow’s heated seat.
There was no missing the way Shadow shivered.
Ridge drove home, walking a fine line between getting there as fast as possible and not jostling Shadow too much.
Shadow was sound asleep by the time they pulled into the garage.
He gently lifted Shadow from the vehicle.
Scout appeared from nowhere and closed the SUV’s door for him before rushing ahead to open the door heading into the house. “Whoa. He really looks awful. Should I get Austen?” Scout said the words quietly, obviously trying his best not to wake Shadow.
Ridge seriously considered it before tossing the idea away. “Thank you, but no. I’ve got him.”
Scout nodded. “I know. You have no idea how happy everyone is to see you two together again. There’s no one more meant to be.”
The words moved Ridge more than he could express. “Thank you for that. He’s always owned me.”
Scout didn’t laugh at the claim, but Scout had always been overly quiet and serious. Only when he was drinking did he brighten.
Ridge stood just inside the doorway and eyed Scout for a moment. “Are you okay? Why were you hanging out in the shadows?”
A smile lit Scout’s face, making him look even younger. “You know me. I’m my best self in dark corners. Actually, I was waiting for Clay to get home. I remembered I promised to teach him how to shoot the way I do—fast and accurate.”
“No one can shoot like you do.”
Scout made a dismissive gesture. “Foster can, but everyone has their thing, I suppose. After all, it was definitely beaten into us. I’m curious if I can teach my method without the pain.”
“Baby?”
Ridge dropped his gaze to Shadow, eyeing his pale face. There were dark circles under his eyes. “I’ve got you.”
“I’m cold.” A shiver ran through Shadow, as if proving his claim true.
Ridge met Scout’s stare again. “It was good talking with you. I have to get him under an electric blanket.”
Scout nodded. “When he’s lucid, let him know I’m thinking about him.”
Ridge gave him a sharp nod. “You’ve got it.” With nothing left to say, Ridge hurried to their bedroom. He wanted to hold and kiss his baby. Truthfully, he never wanted to leave their bedroom again. His heart needed the time with its other half. Life had been too damn hard. For both of them.