The Last Shadow (Shadows and Strings #3)

Chapter 14

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

Damien

Where the fuck is she? I pace the length of the penthouse, wondering where Francesca could be. Jay called me hours ago and said she flew out of the precinct in a rage when he told her about our connection.

I verbally tore him a new asshole before he reassured me, he didn’t tell her everything. It’s small comfort considering I don’t know where the hell she is or what’s going through her mind, but I need to know.

I don’t live my life leaving unknowns lingering. I need every loose end tied up and burned so they never unravel again. Right now, Jay is a big fucking loose end, but getting rid of him would create more problems than it solves. “Fucking Jay.” Why did he have to open his fucking mouth?

More importantly, why did she ask him about any of this today?

It’s a question I need an answer to, and fast. The penthouse door opens and I’m there in an instant. “Francesca, thank God. I was so worried about you.” I gather her in my arms and hold her close. “Where the hell have you been?”

She slowly pulls out of my hold and her gaze slams into mine. “I’ve been out, Damien. Or isn’t that allowed anymore, either?”

Whoa. “What the fuck is going on?”

“Nothing.” That one word is so heavy it literally weighs her down as she tosses herself onto the sofa. “It’s been a long, terrible fucking day Damien and I just want to relax if that’s all right with you.”

Shit, this is worse than I thought. Frankie being angry and defiant is one thing, but this defeated version is almost unbearable.

I need her to get away from the city. Away from any reminders of my alter ego and the secrets all around her. “I’m sorry you had a bad day,” I tell her and drop beside her, holding her until all the tension leaves her body.

“Yeah, thanks.” Slowly, her breathing returns to normal and she gives me more of her weight. “Why are you home so early?”

“A night of sleeping without you has turned me into a grouchy bastard, apparently.” It’s an easy half-lie that should make her forget some of her suspicions.

“I’m glad you’re here,” she whispers.

“Me too. Want to talk about what’s bothering you?”

“Not at all,” she replies quickly. “I don’t want to talk about anything right now.”

Good. My plan is taking shape, but I need to get her to relax enough to talk to me and spill her secrets. “Let’s get away for a few days.”

She laughs and the sound is slightly crazed. “No offense Damien but I’m not really in the mood for a luxury getaway.” She groans. “I can’t even believe I just said that.”

“Good, because while this place is beautiful, it’s not exactly a luxury vacation. I promise.”

“I don’t know, Damien. I can’t keep running from my problems.”

“Why the hell not?” I stroke her hair, grinning as she burrows deeper into me. “Never underestimate the power of running away. I’ve done it a few times myself.”

She freezes and looks back at me over her shoulder. “You have?”

“Yeah. Right after I started my company when everything felt like it was spiraling out of control. And when I realized my sister might never get better.” It’s all true, and it’s the first time I’ve opened up about it.

“Did it help?”

“Yes, and no. It gave me clarity to figure things out, but actually doing it was still tough as hell.”

She laughs. “Are you running for office? That was a perfect non-answer.”

“No,” I chuckle. “Maybe I’m not explaining it well, but I think it helped. It’ll just be you and me, Francesca. No one else—just us and God’s green Earth.” I can almost hear the wheels turning in her mind, so I give her time to come to her own conclusion.

“Nature? Yeah, okay. Let’s go.” She pushes up and turns to face me. “Thank you, Damien. I’m not sure if it’ll help, but a few days away can’t hurt, right?”

That is what I’m hoping for. This time away will help me figure out what’s going on in Frankie’s head. She is getting closer to the truth than she realizes, and I need to solidify our bond. When or if the time comes, I need her to know where her loyalty lies. “I think it’s going to change everything.”

Her eyes light up with hope, but there’s a flicker of uncertainty that doesn’t escape my notice. If this trip doesn’t help, it could cause trouble for her. She’s struggling with trust in her partner, the man who’s always been like a father to her. She doesn’t know who she can rely on. Except me.

Everything is falling into place perfectly, and I’m grateful I had the help clean and stock the cabin earlier this week. I hadn’t planned on needing it so soon, but now that I do, it feels like a stroke of luck. We’ll have everything we need for a while, and if I have my way, maybe even longer.

While Francesca packs her bags, I text the property manager to let her know to send the small staff on vacation for at least a week. I’ll cover all expenses. No interruptions. Just the two of us.

Frankie packs a few bags, one filled with her laptop and work files, along with a couple more for clothes and essentials. I find her bouncing on her heels beside the front door. “I’m ready.”

I laugh. “An hour ago, I had to beg you to go, and now you are itching to leave.”

“I had some time to think, and I believe you’re right. This is exactly what I need.”

“Let’s go then.” I grab Frankie’s bags and the fob for the sleek black SUV.

As we head outside, she glances at me with a curious expression. “Where are we going?”

“It’s a surprise,” I reply, keeping my tone light.

Her eyes narrow. “A surprise? Really? Do I look like I need a surprise right now?”

“Yep. You’ll love it.”

We hit the road, and the ride is comfortably silent, occasionally broken by a song or two. We are both lost in our thoughts until the cabin comes into view. I decide to keep the destination a secret for now. I want her to experience the surprise with no negative thoughts creeping in.

I push the fob that opens the gate and Frankie’s eyes go wide. “Wow. Is this your cabin?”

I laugh. “No, it’s our cabin. Do you like it?”

“It’s gorgeous.” She leans forward to take in the details of the three-story cabin made from actual logs. It’s modern but with a rustic flair and surrounded by greenery. “Damien, this place is amazing.” Her gaze locks onto mine, and while there’s awe in her eyes, I can sense something else. Something wary.

“What are you thinking about?”

“Nothing.” She shakes her head, gaze still on the cabin as we approach. “I was just thinking that I didn’t even realize you had this property. Not that I need to know, but it caught me off guard. That’s all.”

The more she doubts now, the more she’ll believe me when I need her to. “I’m happy to show you my real estate portfolio, Francesca. This isn’t a secret. There are just too many properties to think about. Unless I need to bring my beautiful wife to one.”

“Good answer.” For the first time since she arrived back at the penthouse, she seems lighter. Less burdened by betrayal. But it doesn’t last long, a few minutes unpacking and the darkness settles over her again.

I want to ask her about it, but I need that darkness, that distrust to fester. It’s cruel, I’m aware, but it’s also necessary. “Why don’t you go wash the day off you while I get dinner started?”

“You’re cooking again?”

“Let’s say yes because that’s far more impressive than saying the chef prepared a bunch of easy to heat meals for us.”

Her lips stretch into an easy grin and then a small laugh erupts. “Yes, to the shower and I’m still impressed by you, Damien.” The love shining in her eyes tells me she means it.

Good. That makes everything easier.

“What smells so good?”

I’ll never tire of the tone she uses when someone is making her food. My eyes close and I inhale deeply. “That hint of lavender and vanilla says it’s you.”

“Charmer.”

I turn and find her with her head tilted as she studies me. I look at her in return, taking in the sight of her long, shapely legs in the denim blue shorts with a silk camisole. She looks effortlessly beautiful and her damp, slightly messy hair completes the look. “What’s going on behind those beautiful brown eyes?”

“Everything,” she admits. “Work. Lifelong friendships. The usual.” Her deadpan delivery is like a punch to the gut.

“I’m an excellent listener,” I tell her and pour us both a glass of wine. “If you’re up for talking. Or venting if that’s your thing.”

“Wow, look who’s auditioning for husband of the year.”

I wiggle my brows and slide the glass across the table. “I have to audition?”

“Don’t worry, I have it on good authority you’ll make it to the top spot.” She holds the glass by the stem before taking several large sips, ending with a satisfying sigh. She watches me carefully. Too carefully.

“What’s on your mind, Francesca?”

“Everything,” she admits quietly. “You and Jay know each other. Like, know. From before.” It’s not a question or even an accusation, just a statement of fact. “Neither of you said a word to me and now I wonder who, if anyone, I can trust.” She has a distant look in her eyes, as if she can’t see me or anyone else, lost in the chaos of mistrust.

“Jess told me to be careful who I trust, and then she told me Jay should be at the top of the list of people I can’t trust. I mean, what the fuck is that about?”

My brows dip and I make a mental note to have a conversation with Jess about her loyalty.

“Jess told you that?”

“Yeah, but why? What does she know that you or I don’t know?”

“Hold on, Frankie. Jess, my assistant, told you to distrust your partner you’ve known for years, and you believe her?”

“I don’t know. Everyone is keeping secrets now. I don’t know who I can trust. Jay admitted to knowing you before this whole Butcher shit started. Why would he lie to me?”

“What do you want me to say, Francesca?” I take another sip, giving myself time to come up with an answer. “Jay and I don’t know each other, not how you’re thinking. He was a beat cop twenty years ago when I lived at Hope House.” Give her as much of the truth as I can now so that when I give her the rest later, she’ll accept it.

“Why would he need to protect me from that?”

Good question and I don’t have an answer. “You should probably ask him. I have no clue how cops think.”

“I’m serious, Damien.”

“So am I. I have no idea what’s going on in your head right now except that a bunch of other people have gotten in your head about me. My wife, whom I love, the seasoned detective, has decided the best option is to doubt me.”

“I’m not doubting you! I’m just asking questions.”

“There’s nothing for you to doubt.”

She glares. “That’s not an answer.”

“No, it’s not because I don’t have an answer, Francesca. Why are other people trying to come between us? I have no fucking clue. I know I love you and I trust you. I just wish you’d do the same.”

“I will,” she begins. “I want to. Tell me who you were on the phone with the other night.”

That’s an easy lie. “A business associate. He wants more money for a deal we’ve already closed, and he threatened to come by and expose me if I didn’t give him more.” I keep my expression carefully neutral. Frankie is great at reading people, but so far, she hasn’t been able to read me.

“What’s his name?”

“Jacob Sandusky.” I choose a name I know should be familiar enough for her to buy my story.

“The nepo-baby from the tech world with the drug problem?”

I nod once. “Don’t forget the hooker problem.”

“Sex worker,” she shoots back. “Why are you in business with him?”

“Because he had a controlling stake in a company that provided something vital for my operations.”

She studies me closely, searching for any signs of half-truths or outright lies. “Hmm.”

“I don’t like it when you doubt me, Francesca. I’ve given you no reason.” My tone is low and commanding, and she notices.

She sits up taller in her chair, her gaze glued to my own. “You’ve kept things from me.”

I have. “Only to keep you safe.”

“Not only for that reason,” she shoots back.

“Mostly,” I reply and let a slow smile spread across my face.

Her expression matches mine.

“Let’s not fight anymore, Frankie. I’m willing to forgive you.”

She laughs. “Forgive me?”

“Yes,” I nod and turn down the oven, crossing the kitchen until I’m right in her face. “Give me a good reason to forgive you.”

She loves the challenge I present, and the shadows in her eyes vanish as she rises to her feet, wrapping her arms around my shoulders. “I think it’s you who needs to earn my forgiveness.”

“You first.” I tease her with a fiery kiss that makes my pulse pound and my cock harden behind my zipper, pulling back just as things start to heat up.

Frankie lets out a half-moan, half-whimper. “Tease.”

“You have to earn it,” I whisper. “Show me how much you want me, Francesca. How much you crave me. Need me. Show me how badly you want to fuck me.”

Her eyes glaze over, and I can feel her body trembling. “You know I do.”

“And now I need you to show me.”

Her gaze lights up with excitement, her skin flushing as she begins to reveal exactly what I want. I make sure that I’m the only one she sees, the only one she trusts for the rest of the night.