Page 31 of Breaking Storm

I slam the door behind me. Once done, I walk out to find Sean standing with his arms folded by the door.

I wash my hands, grab the door handle, and say, “Come on, Caveman.”

We make our way back to the ballroom. Some people are dancing, others placing bids at the silent auction, and the rest, most likely conniving or scheming their way into more power and money. My brother approaches, shakes Sean’s hand, and pulls me into a hug. I don’t reciprocate it, letting my arms dangle at my sides.

“You look great, Teagan.”

In a bored tone, I say, “Yeah, you, too.”

He motions to a waiter for more drinks and returns his attention to me. “I guess you’re still mad.”

“Can’t get anything past you, Leo.”

He taps my chin with his finger. “Monkey. I love you.”

Those damn needles are in my eyes, trying to make me cry. I swallow and in a lower voice, say, “I love you, too.”

By this point, Sean has moved away from our conversation, but not too far.

A waiter arrives, and Leo hands me a glass of wine. “So, how has your husband been treating you?”

My eyes search the room for Joey. He’s standing in a group consisting of the mayor, his wife, James, and a young woman flirting with him, but his eyes are on me. Instead of shying away from his boldness, I stare at him as well, unfazed by the cheerful young woman next to him. She tucks her hair behind her ear while giggling, batting her lashes up at him, smiling, and touching his suit. You can’t blame her. The darkness and silence that follows Joey boosts his physical allure. A quiet fighter poised for the unexpected. The young woman notices his eyes set on me, so she sulks and walks away.

I take a sip of my wine, never losing eye contact with Joey when I answer, “He’s been fine.”

Leo touches my arm, and I consider him. “I’m glad, Teagan, I…”

“I don’t want to talk about it. How are things with you?”

“Good. Great. I’ve wanted to call you, but I knew you were still pissed.” His smile stretches across his face. “Isabella’s pregnant.”

My eyes widen. “She is?” I give my brother a one-arm hug, holding the wine at a distance. “Oh my God, that’s great. I’m so happy for you, bro.”

His arm slinks around my shoulders, pulling me close, and kissing my hair. “Thanks, Monkey. You’re going to be an awesome aunt.”

When he releases his arm, I find Joey by me, his front flushed with my back, and a hand placed on my hip. His jealousy is barbaric, yet somehow endearing. Leo and Joey greet each other.

Leo addresses him. “I was just telling Teagan she’s going to be an aunt.”

Joey offers his hand and congratulates him, returning its warmth to my hip.

There’s an awkward silence. My brother skims the room and waves someone over. Isabella joins us and we give each other air kisses. My brother’s wife has impeccable taste. She wears designer clothes as if made for her. There are sparkling jewels in her long blond hair, and her silver dress shimmers in the light. Gray eyeshadow enhances her blue eyes. Even though she’s part of this crummy crime world, I’ve always liked Isabella.

I gently squeeze her hand. “Congratulations, Momma!”

She squeals, which makes Leo laugh, and then she says, “I know, I’m so excited. And you’re going to be an aunt. I bet you never saw that coming.”

“Not at all.”

As Isabella and I talk, Joey’s stance hasn’t altered. There’s a prickling heat along my back, and the location of his hand reminds me of the other day and his magic fingers. I cross my legs at the ankles to squash and hide my arousal.

There’s shouting in the adjacent ballroom, and out of instinct, Joey and my brother shield us by stepping in front of me and Isabella. Since most people here are foreign to me, I have no clue when Leo mentions the name Jimar Neal. Joey bends down, pulls his pants cuff up, and slides a knife into his hand, handle in palm. Leo shifts his hand to his belt and produces the same. They exchange a glance, then at me and Isabella, telling us to stay here as they head to the other ballroom.

Sean is already at my side, along with Isabella’s bodyguard. I hate violence, but watching Joey march next to my brother is hot as hell. His back is straight, suit unwrinkled, and his hair a flagrant disorder of sexy. He exudes intensity. James and my father are also moving in that direction. Sean and Isabella’s bodyguard usher us to the closest exit.

I turn to Sean. “What’s going on?”

“Not sure, but Jimar wasn’t invited.”

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