Page 5 of Breaking Storm

“Why not?”

“He’s a self-employed artist.”

I let out a heavy sigh, brushing my hand over my facial scruff. “What’s his name?”

Bernardo pushes back in the chair. “No, please. He has nothing to do with it.”

“Give me his name.”

A waterfall of grief pours out, and he tries to catch his breath.

In an exhausted tone, I say, “He’s not in trouble, Bernardo. I promise.”

We wait until he settles down, and he gives us the name of his friend. I slip the money in the inside pocket of my jacket and exit the gallery.

Sean glances over before asking, “Why did you want the guy’s name?”

“Check out the story to see if it pans out. If it does, let me know what doctor is treating her.”

“You’re going to pay the bill?” I nod. “Joey, you’re a good man.”

I let out a humorless laugh. “Yeah, sure. Atonement for my sins.”

We drop the matter and part ways. Normally, I have Sean stay near, except now I have to break things off with my girlfriend, Katie. We’ve been together for show, or at least that’s my reason. Show and sex. She’s a means to an end. Katie is gorgeous in the plastic sense, made-up, sewn into a perfect body, and sucks cock like it’s a lifeline. She lacks substance.

I had texted her to meet me at The Rusty Nail, and I’m hoping an audience will keep her composed. She’s there before me, seated in a corner booth. When she sees me, she flips her hair over her shoulder and runs her tongue along Botox lips. I’m amused by her flagrant display of seduction.

Owned by my old man, mostly Cooper’s Crew guys pack the place. I order us drinks at the bar, knowing her favorite, and slide into the booth. My ass doesn’t hit the seat before she’s crowding my side.

She kisses my cheek, running her hand along my thigh, and says, “Hey baby. I missed you.”

The bartender drops our drinks off, and I take a sip. I’m putting it off, knowing she’ll be bawling her eyes out, and I hate having to deal with emotions. Katie’s touch increases, deepens, attempting to get me hard. Right now, my dick can’t even indulge. I put her hand on the table. Her lip and mouth curve downward, eyes wide and lashes fluttering like a peacock’s tail.

“What’s wrong, Joey? Did you have a bad day?” She grabs my dick again. When I lock in a severe gaze, she withdrawals her hand.

“We have to talk.” Worry creases her foundation, appearing caked along her eyes and mouth. I rip the bandage off. “I’m getting married.”

She hisses, “What?”

“My old man set it up.”

“Did you tell him no?”

I angle my head toward her, narrowing my eyes. “Don’t start. You know how things work. It’s a done deal.”

Katie huffs, slams her back against the booth, folding her arms underneath her breasts, which pushes them upward. My eyes flash to them and then turn toward the bar. I can’t fuck her one last time. Not even a blowjob. I ripped the band aid, so now I gotta get out of here.

Under the table, her heels tap against the floor as she asks, “Who is it?”

“Teagan Malone.”

Her arms fall, mouth dangles open, and eyes latch onto mine. “Teagan Malone. Your father’s biggest rival’s daughter?”

“They want to form an alliance.”

She goes back to defiance. “Well, I won’t have it.”

“Katie. You don’t—”

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