Page 19 of Storm's Deliverance

CHAPTER SIX

STORM

TWO WEEKS LATER

“Mom,I’m fine. I’ve just been working non-stop, and what little time we have off together, we just want to spend it alone. That’s all,” I lie to her down the phone.

“It’s been two weeks! Two weeks, and we have never gone that long in seeing each other. Even Maisy said she hasn’t heard from you, and when I asked Hendrix, he said you’ve not replied to him,” she huffs.

I bite the skin around my thumbnail, the area already sore from my anxious nibbling. I had muted Drix, and I didn’t want Zeke seeing him messaging me. He had messaged apologising, said it was his fault and that we could still be friends. I hadn’t replied, even though I wanted to. I wanted to tell him we were still friends, that all was okay, but I couldn’t. Zeke had asked me to give them some distance, and I promised him I would. Hell, if I saw him kissing someone else, I would have slapped the hell out of him and her.

“Storm,” Mom calls.

I focus back on her, not realising I had zoned out. “Drix kissed me,” I sigh, telling her a partial truth.

My mom gasps. “I knew it,” she hisses. “All these years, Maggie and I have said that he’s always had a soft spot for you.”

“Mom, I’m with Zeke, and he saw,” I explain.

“He better not be treating you badly for one incident.” Her tone turns threatening.

I roll my eyes. I could literally murder someone, and she would find a way to blame the deceased for it. “No, Mom, he’s been understanding.” I wince at that lie. “He just needs some reassurance, some time for us to work it out. That is all it is, okay? I would appreciate it if you kept this to yourself,” I add, knowing full well she is probably messaging Maggie as we speak.

“No one will think any less of you. You’re human. Whether you want to admit it or not, you and Hendrix have a powerful bond.”

“I was expecting you to be a little pissed. I know how you feel about cheating,” I counter, trying to steer her away from the ‘me and Drix being destined to be together’ crap.

“Did you stop it?” she asks.

“Yes,” I answer.

“Are you cheating with Hendrix behind Zeke’s back?” she asks.

“Hell no!” I snap.

“Then you had a blip. You’re a good girl, and we raised you right. You made a mistake and now you’re making it right. Just don’t change who you are because you feel guilty. Zeke seems like a nice guy, but no man is worth changing yourself for, and if things get nasty, you have rusty and dusty,” she adds.

I roll my eyes. My sixteenth birthday gift, a pair of brass knuckle dusters, were engraved with a message from my mom.When I am not there, you have these. Knock them the fuck out.

“Love you, Mom.” I smile.

“Love you, baby girl, but come by the clubhouse tomorrow. Let your dad see that you are alright. He won’t believe me, and to be honest, I want proof, too.”

“Okay. I have work, but I finish at six. I will swing by then,” I tell her. The front door opens, and in walks Zeke. “I have to go now, Mom. See you tomorrow.” I smile at him and give him a little wave.

“See you tomorrow, beautiful!” she sings before I disconnect.

I place my cell down and walk over to Zeke, wrapping my arms around his neck. I lean up and press my lips to his. He holds me against him, his hands stroking up and down my back.

“You’re going to the club tomorrow?” he asks. His fingertips glide over the last of the wounds healing on my back. Most have scabbed over; only the larger ones remain.

“Yeah, Mom wants to see me, and Dad wants actual physical proof that I am not abducted or dead.” I chuckle softly, rolling my eyes. His fingers dig into my back slightly, catching on one of the scabs of my cuts. I hiss in pain and flinch. “Sorry,” he murmurs.

“Why don’t we car share tomorrow? I’ve been invited out for a meal and drinks with some of the surgical team. Be great if you could pick me up after,” he suggests.

I nod. “Sure. Just message me when you’re ready to be picked up.” I press a chaste kiss to his mouth before pulling away. “I ordered in from that Thai restaurant in town that you like,” I call over my shoulder as I walk into the kitchen to plate up the food.

“Takeout again? Jesus. I will need to try and fit in another session at the gym.” He sighs in annoyance.