Page 17 of Breaking Storm

They all do, except me. Tessa is going to Cancun for a week, Amber has a trip planned to New Mexico, and Abigail and Kailey are going together to Tennessee for a few weeks.

The group turns to me, and when I’m about to let out a gigantic lie, someone from behind says, “Nothing yet.”

My body freezes along with my breath. How did Joey find me? With mouths ajar, the women stare at Joey, and his heat indicates he’s near my chair.

“Ladies.” In sync, they stop talking, heads turn, too shocked or… whatever they’re feeling to leave them speechless. “I’m sorry to bother you, but I just need to borrow Teagan for a moment.”

I’ve yet to look at him, even when he extends his hand to me, only taking it as we walk over to a corner.

His palm caresses my cheek as he puts his back to the room. “You’re going to go back to that table and excuse yourself.”

My head snaps away from his hand and I grit my teeth. He’s evil. Why can’t I enjoy a day out?

He takes a step closer. “Did I make myself clear?”

I let out a heavy breath through my nose and swallow.

Another step closer. He tilts his head to the side, his thumb stroking my lips. “I’m pissed right now, Teagan, so I suggest you do as I say or I’ll do it for you.”

My eyes meet his, and in a shaky voice, I say, “Don’t.”

He kisses my forehead and walks outside after offering a goodbye to my friends.

I tug my shirt down, roll my shoulders back, and return to the table. “Unfortunately, I have to leave.”

Tessa’s hands are up in a stop position. “Woah! Wait! Why? And who isthat?” The other women mutter the same. “Is that your boyfriend? He’s gorgeous, Teagan.”

“Yes, he’s my boyfriend. We’ve been dating only a short time.” To stop the questions, I continue, “I’m sorry, but I really must go. We’ll do this again when you’re all back from vacation.”

I blow them air kisses as I part. Outside, Sean has the backdoor open. I loathe both of them, so I glower at him, and sit next to Joey in the backseat. His body is on fire, making the car a pit of hell. We drive home in silence. I worry as James’ suggestion of beating me comes to mind. The images of Joey fighting. And our wedding night, whennomeant nothing to him. Will I learn pain and confinement so soon in our marriage?

Chapter 8

JOEY GESTURES TO THE LIVING room, so I plop down on the overlarge chair away from the couch. He takes the couch and Sean is on the other side. Mr. Benedict Arnold cried to Joey about me sneaking out on him. I’m trying to conjure up anger, but fear is winning the battle. Because my hands quake, I shove them under my legs. The intensity of Joey’s stare from my periphery makes me want to cry. Instead, I take in the room, which I have spent little time in. Aside from the vast size of the couch, chairs, and cushions, there’s also a marble fireplace glazed in white and gray.

I detect movement and then Joey says, “Why didn’t you tell me you had a job?”

My head bows sideways and my right shoulder shrugs. I focus on the fireplace. “You never asked. Besides, I assumed you knew.”

“Why would I know? I didn’t run a background check on you. This marriage was a surprise to me as it was to you. And sneaking out? When I’m not here, Sean is to keep you safe. This afternoon became a tempered beehive because you up and vanished.” He lets out a hard breath. “Look at me, Tea!” His shout jerks me toward him. “Tomorrow, you’re going to call your boss and quit.”

I rocket out of the seat, pacing and shaking my head that he would even suggest it. “No! I like my job!” My body pauses, giving Joey a glare before resuming its ticks.

“It’s not up for discussion. You’ll be too vulnerable there.”

My arms straighten by my sides, hands ball into fists, and I yell, “I’ve been working there for a year. I am the daughter of William Malone. I will not…” I have to catch my breath. The air feels thinner and the bitterness of hearing him say quit pelts at my lungs and heart. “I will not quit!”

Joey comes toward me. I back up, slamming my backside into the wall. He cages me with his arms, gazing downward to seal in my pain and fear.

“Stop yelling and look at me.”

Tears bubble in my eyes, dripping down my cheeks as I raise my head. His blurry image doesn’t calm my nerves.

I shake my head. “No. Rosie needs me there. I’m her only employee.” He drops his arms. “Please, Joey. I love this job. It’s close to a city building and there’s a lot of police around the area.”

“Exactly the reason you need to quit. There are plenty of cops on our payroll. Those who don’t turn a blind eye can make situations… difficult. If they find out you’re my wife, which they will, they’ll be in there, harassing you with stories and threats.” He puts his hands in his pockets. “It’s better you quit.”

Without another word, I stomp out of the room and up the stairs to the bedroom. I fall on the bed in tears. I’m losing everything. Fury convulses my body. It’s only a matter of time before I’ll lose myself. My independence is wrenched from me. My job. Next will be college. I’ll become the fabricated crime boss’ son’s obedient wife, spending years and money to keep my youth. Befriend the other wives, gossip, drink in the early afternoon, and fuck my husband when expected. My eyes grow heavy, and I fall into a fitful sleep. In my dreams, I even quarrel to protect what’s left of me.

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