Page 41 of Storm's Deliverance

“Why?” Dad asks in confusion.

“Because if she says no, turns me away again. I'm not sure I could handle it.” I admit. Silence stretches, until dad bursts into uncontrollable laughter. I frown. “What the fuck dad?”

“Sorry, but fuck I thought you were smart, but apparently you ‘re thick and blind too. She aint going to say no. You two have loved each other since you could fucking walk.”

“Thanks dad, I'm glad I can be your amusement.” I mutter, my lips twitch fighting a smile.

“Ghost will beat your ass, you know that right.” he points out.

“I know and he will probably enjoy it.” I sigh.

“Oh he will absolutely enjoy it.” Dad finishes his beer. “But.” He points his empty beer bottle at me. “He will respect you afterwards.”

“Great.” I sigh sarcastically.

He clasps his hand on my shoulder. “Son, if you’re man enough to chase a Black Hearts Daughter. Then you’re man enough to survive the father.”

This time we both laugh. Before dad places a rough kiss to the top of my head, before ruffling up my hair.

He makes his way to wards the door, pausing he turns around to face me. “When you finally stop being a stubborn prick.” He smirks opening the door. “I will happily watch Ghost beat the shit out of you. Because it would mean you chased for what you want, for what you deserve. For what both of you deserve.” He pauses, his hand on the door frame. “Don't let a chance of happiness slip through your fingers again son.” He adds, before closing the door behind him leaving me alone with my thoughts. My mind drifting back to Storm, the bruises, the fear in her eyes. I had been powerless then. I never want to feel that again.

Ghost will beat the living shit out of me if I ever laid a hand on his daughter. Hell a hundred punches. A hundred broken ribs,. A hundred boots slamming into my body. None of it. None of it would ever come close to the pain of standing beside her as she lay there fragile and broken, wondering if I was going to loose her again.

I will take every kick, every broken bone, every ounce of his fatherly hatred. Because the truth was… loving Storm had always been worth the pain. Losing her is the only thing I know I would never survive.

Later that day,I’m surprised to see Storm at the club. My feet lead me straight to her as she leans over the pool table to take her shot. Creeping up to her, I lean down beside her ear, my lips millimetres away.

“Slightly to the left,” I whisper. She lets out a screech and whacks the white so hard it flies off the table.

She stands upright, turning to face me. “Jack ass!” she hisses, her eyes alight with anger and amusement.

I grin and give her a playful wink. “The key is to lock yourself in the zone and drown out all outside distractions,” I state cockily, goading her.

“Well, some things are hard to block out!” she snaps. I take a step closer to her, placing my hand on my heart.

“Are you saying I’m unforgettable? That I’m that important to you, that you just can’t shut me out,” I tease. She folds her arms across her chest, her lips twitching, desperate to smile.

“No, I’m saying you’re fucking bad distraction,” she bites out.

“Oh, baby girl, I’m bad alright,” I say, pursing my lips into a pout and blinking with both eyes. She cracks, bursting into hysterics. I laugh, watching her, loving hearing her laughter.

“You’re a dick.” She snorts.

I perch on the pool table. “I know. What are you doing here anyway?” I ask.

She breathes through the last of her laughter, wrapping both her hands around the pool cue before she tips her head to the side. “Am I not allowed here?” she asks, arching her brow at me.

“Didn’t say that. I asked why have you come here today. You haven’t been to the club house in a while,” I press.

Her smiles falters a little. “Figured it would do me good to get out the house.”

“If you ain’t busy, you want to go for a ride in a bit? I’ve got some business to take care of for the club, but if you wanted, I’m free after that.” I shrug casually. She nibbles on her bottom lip, and I can tell she is overthinking it. “As a friend, we don’t have to stop anywhere. Your bruises will remain hidden under the helmet,” I assure her.

She grins. “Sure.”

“Hendrix, get your ass in here. Church started five fucking minutes ago!” Hap yells from the back.

I grin. “Got to go.” I head towards the back room, not surprised to see Hap watching from the doorway, a shit-eating grin on his face. “Don’t you fucking start,” I warn, pointing my finger at him.