Page 25 of Breaking Storm

I close my eyes to the sounds of nature, picturing myself walking to classes. Lunch with friends. Studying in the library. Stealing kisses from Ashton and having sex. Sex in a darkened room. That’s how we always did it. Pure blackness. And it was never mind-blowing sex, sometimes not even taking care of my cravings. My core pulsated from need, except Ashton seemed to be the only one meeting his. He claimed I took too long to orgasm. Ashton would say, “My face has to devote a weekend between your thighs to get anything done.” I would laugh at his comment while wondering if something was wrong with me. Orgasms didn’t come easy.

A water bottle poured over my head douses my thoughts. Sean’s laughing behind me as he tosses the bottle and runs around the yard like a dog’s first bout of freedom. I run after him, shouting what a jerk he is, but my laughter diminishes the words. Near the fence, I retrieve a volleyball and whip it at his head. To my surprise and his, the ball smacks into his forehead, knocking him back a foot. He’s shocked but bends over laughing.

I walk to him with my hands on my hips. “What is wrong with you, crazy man?”

He grabs my wrist and tugs me down to the ground. Laying on our backs, the sun warming our faces and limbs, my body relaxes. All the prior things I’ve been thinking about melt into the grass.

Sean swivels his head in my direction. “Teagan, talk to him.”

I let out a slow, long sigh. “It won’t do any good.”

“He’s not like the others.”

My mouth has a mind of its own. “You mean men who don’t rape? Are those theothersyou’re referring to?”

His interest returns to the sky. “There’s so much about Joey you don’t know.”

“Because he doesn’t talk. He only demands things and dictates. In his mind, I’m a fucking puppet.”

He says with a smile, “Watch that mouth, little lady,” which makes me laugh. “Yeah, Joey is a man of few words.”

“And brain cells.”

“Ha! I wouldn’t be so sure. That’s an area Joey will surprise you in.” Sean takes my hand, kisses it, and adds, “Ask and you shall receive.”

I roll my eyes at him. We return to the outside chairs and talk for another hour before Joey arrives and Sean heads home.

The time of day I dislike the most is dinner. No conversation and too much chewing. Joey’s in his seat, legs stretched out, fingers dancing over his phone. Gerard brings the food out once I’m seated. Today’s special is pork tenderloin, sweet potato, and steamed broccoli. With my fork in one hand, and my phone in the other, I eat and browse social media. I place both down when I finish, pat my mouth with the napkin, and stare at Joey. He’s engrossed in whatever he’s reading. Sean’s wordsyou’ll never know until you askring in my head.

I clear my throat and say, “Joey?”

“Yeah?”

“Can I talk to you about something?”

While still messing on his phone, he says, “Sure.”

This isn’t going to be easy, but I remain calm. “Can I have your undivided attention?”

Joey’s Fiji colored eyes meet mine and he notices I’m waiting. My focus follows his hands as he places the phone down and folds them on his abs. Those grooved abs. I shake my head and make eye contact again.

“Um… school is going to be starting in a month.” My fingers slide the fork back and forth over the glossy wood. “I want to register for classes for the next semester. I have two years left.”

His dead stare has me squirming in my seat. I can’t remember the last time I’ve been nervous about a request. Maybe because so much is riding on his decision. My eyes travel the room, leg kicking underneath the table.Why isn’t he saying anything? What’s with the stare?

I sit straighter. “Joey? I really—”

“What do I get out of it?”

My back presses against the chair, and I grip the armrests. “What do you mean?”

Joey leans his forearms on the table, eyes hooked on mine. “What do I get out of you going to school?”

Gerard walks in to clear our plates. I wait until he’s gone before answering. “My appreciation.”

He sits back, a smirk planted on his face, and crosses his legs at the ankle. “No offense, Tea, but that’s not much.” His hand presses against his chest. “You want me to pay for your college for two years, and I get your appreciation?”

“I’m your wife. Isn’t that enough?”

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