Page 35 of Owen (Storm Enterprises)

Just what the fuck did he do to her? I clench my teeth so hard they hurt, but I shake away the pain and lift her chin to face me.

“What the fuck did he do to you?” She stares at me with a furrowed brow. “Tell me.”

She shakes her head, and anger floods me. Worse than that, I want to reassure her but don’t know how.

“Shhh, baby girl. I got you. Let me take away your pain. Be a good girl and stop crying, baby.”

“I—” She hiccups. “Can’t.”

“I know, baby girl. Shhh, I’m here for you.” My heart skips a beat with her in my arms, soothing her. Nothing has ever felt as right as comforting her in this moment. “What do you need, baby girl?” My throat goes impossibly dry, not knowing how to make her feel better or make everything all right, other than promising to find those responsible for her pain and making them pay with every ounce of strength I have. I swear I’ll tear them apart.

“I don’t know,” she whispers, and I hate her admission, hate I can’t bring her the solace she desperately needs and deserves.

“Don’t worry, baby girl. I’ll figure it out,” I promise her, stroking over her silky hair and vowing to do just that.

She nods against me as I will myself to relax while I lie there listening to her whimpers of pain that adds another layer of my anger toward the fuckers responsible for her nightmares.

I’ll show them fucking torture.

Nobody messes with what’s mine and gets away with it.

EIGHTEEN

LAYA

Owen ordered us breakfast, then we washed up and packed our few belongings. My entire body shook as we made our way to his SUV in the underground parking lot, and I finally relaxed into the passenger seat when he leaned over, strapped me in, and closed the door, securing us inside.

Romero drifted off to sleep when we hit the highway while I spent the first hour staring out of the window, doing my best to avoid any conversation about my nightmare last night and Owen talking about us having a future together. My cheeks heat thinking about it.

When my stomach cramps a little, I wince, hoping and praying I can make it home before I need to use the restroom. Wherever home will be.

“My place is just over half an hour away.”

I snap out of my daze and glance around at our surroundings, the area familiar, yet we’re not heading toward the city center.

“It is?” I turn to face Owen, knowing he lives in an apartment in the city, or he used to.

“I bought us a house.”

I blink. Then I blink again. Did he just say he bought us a house?

“Baby girl, you look adorable with your mouth open. Makes me want to stuff it with my thick cock until you choke.” My mouth drops open wider, then I replay his words in my head and snap it shut. Then he throws his head back on a deep chuckle and his bright-blue eyes dance with mirth before he brings his eyes back on the road.

“Owen?”

“Hmm?”

Trepidation fills my tone, and he doesn’t miss it, as his spine straightens and his hands tighten on the steering wheel. “About last night…”

His gaze slides to mine, and his jaw sharpens, then he stares ahead again. “Whatever you’re planning on saying, save it. Ain’t gonna like it, so don’t bother. But just know I’m going to hunt those pieces of shit down and make them pay for putting you through that.” My heart stills. There’s no way I want him to get involved. I don’t want him to get hurt. I need him; we both do.

“I don’t want you to get hurt.”

He takes hold of my hand and brings my fingers to his lips, and my eyes fill with tears. “I promise you I won’t.”

I try to pull my hand from his, but he refuses to let go, his sharp eyes drilling into me to comply, and I finally relax, allowing him the control he wants and needs. “Do as you’re fucking told. Your ass is already begging to be spanked because of how much you keep sassing me.” He winks at me, the confidence oozing from him as his gaze trails down my body, no doubt taking in the redness flushing up my cheeks and over my ears.

The next words tumble from my mouth before I can stop them. “Is that what you’re into?”

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