Page 33 of Breaking Storm

A distinguished looking older gentleman approaches and asks for a dance. Because I’m so upset by Joey’s behavior and my own, I accept the offer, and he takes my hand, leading me to the dance floor. He places one hand on my waist and takes my hand in the other. His cocoa-colored eyes rest on mine, and I’m smitten by their depths. My eyes take in his clean-cut chestnut colored hair, dusted in gray, and breathe in a pleasing scent of Bergamot and musk.

He smiles down at me. “My name is Elijah. Elijah Devane. And yours?”

“Teagan. Teagan Malone.”

His eyebrows rise in surprise. “Ah, William’s daughter. I had no idea he had such a beautiful daughter.”

From the corner of my eye, I see Sean standing near the dance floor. My anger at Joey has also transferred to Sean. His constant hovering is suffocating. I embrace what little freedom I have, even if it goes against what Joey and Sean want.

I step closer to Elijah, flutter my lashes, and respond, “That’s kind of you to say, and you’re a handsome man.”

Elijah’s smile reveals perfect white teeth. “Polite, too.” His arm guides me closer to his solid body. He bends down to smell my hair, and whispers close to my temple, “I’m guessing you don’t know who I am.”

My body stiffens. He must be lethal for him to bring it up, except he doesn’t get the opportunity. Joey’s hand grips Elijah’s arm and yanks him from me.

Elijah stands there smirking at Joey. “I take it this is your wife.”

Joey steps into his space, leaving an inch between them, and in a menacing voice, says, “Yes. So, keep your Goddamn hands off her.”

Elijah folds his arms over his chest, lets out a humorless laugh, and responds, “Or? What are you going to do, Joey? Beat me up?”

Joey has several inches on him, stepping forward enough for Elijah to step back. “If that’s what it takes.”

In no time, Sean is next to Joey, and the good old fathers, James and William, join.

James asks, “Is there a problem here?”

Joey’s tight facial expression is aimed at James. With a clenched jaw, he says, “Nothing I can’t handle…dad,” emphasizing dad.

My dad places his hands on my shoulders and gives them a light squeeze. “I see you met my daughter.”

Elijah stares at me as he answers, “Yes. She’s quite exquisite.”

He raises his hand, and before he can make contact, Joey slams down on his arm, about to do more, but Sean grabs him. James is glaring at Joey. My dad shoves me aside, which causes me to lose my balance, yet Joey’s there to catch me.

My dad offers, “Let’s all calm down.” He directs his comment to Joey when he says, “Elijah is the leader of Devane’s Deviants. Our families are in good standing.”

James holds out his hand to Elijah. “I apologize for my son’s behavior.” Locking his eyes on Joey, he says, “I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.”

Without another word, Joey takes me by the arm, gestures to Sean, and we head to the car. No one speaks on the car ride home. The limousine drops Sean off at his house and then us a couple of blocks away.

In our bedroom, Joey aggressively removes his coat and tie, muttering to himself. He paces, undoing his cufflinks, and breathing heavy. I disappear inside the walk-in closet, and his murmured rant follows. I curse James and William for inflaming matters. They’re not even loyal to family. My father had no problem with someone else’s hands on me, and James turned on Joey instead of supporting him. The only one who has ever shown honor toward Joey is Sean.

Before things erupt, I attempt to dash into the washroom to shower, but Joey comes from behind and pins me against the wall. He’s on fire. From anger? Arousal? I bite my lower lip, afraid of what’s coming.

His entire body crams against my backside, and he flattens his hands on the wall along with me.

Joey’s breathing deeply through his nose. “Why the hell did you dance with Elijah?”

Instead of lying, I respond, “Because I could. I’m tired of you disrespecting my wishes.” My butt pushes back into him to create distance, yet it only makes Joey growl. “You’re smothering me.”

I’m trembling now. After all this time, I still haven’t learned when to keep my mouth shut. Joey’s body is vibrating, and I can only assume it’s from anger.

His breath fans my ear. “I’m smothering you?” His hands disappear from the wall, and the zipper of my dress comes down in slow motion. “Then let’s make sure you can breathe.” Again, I push back with my butt. A low groan comes from him. “Keep doing that and you’ll be out of breath.”

“Are you going to…” I can’t even say the words. After grappling over my attraction to him and what he did, I’m not even sure what I want anymore. Do I dislike him? Is this infatuation?

He places a kiss on my neck and says, “No. Say the word, and I’ll stop.”

---