Page 52 of Breaking Storm

“Whenhe tells me, and yes.” My lips press against hers. “I’ll be quick. I don’t want to be away from you too long.”

Hauling her into my arms, I pet her hair down, telling her how much I love her. She returns the sentiment.

Sean has loaded his car with her items and the cash is stowed in a built-in secret compartment. We both had these types of compartments added to our vehicles to evade the police or enemies.

By the car, Sean and I give a one-shoulder pat, and I tell him, “If you think someone’s following you, ditch the car and get another using the money.”

His face puckers from confusion. “Are you sure you don’t need me? I feel like I’m running away… with your money.”

I laugh. “You’re doing me a favor by keeping Tea safe.” I point to the car. “She’s everything to me.” He agrees and rounds it.

Tea is in the passenger seat with her window rolled down. I dip through the window, and give her a long, tender kiss.

“Listen to Sean. If he thinks something is wrong, he’ll change plans. We’ll get in contact.”

Teagan’s hand braces my forearm, preventing me from leaving. “What do you mean, change plans?”

“Unforeseen things happen sometimes, Tea. Sean and I know how to contact each other if the plans change. Don’t worry.”

She leans out the window to kiss me on the cheek, then rolls it up. Staring straight ahead, wiping her tears, Sean pulls away without another glance.

It’s time to go see James and find my mom. After Reuben and Frankie told me others are tired of James, I’m ready to face him, and if warranted, torture him to get what I want.

I dial Frankie’s number, and when he picks up, I ask, “Can you meet me at the silos?”

“No problem. When?”

“Now.”

The call ends and I go inside the house to gather my suitcases and load the car. Driving away, I take a last look in the rearview mirror. I bought the house on a whim to be free of James’ hoarding personality. There’s not much meaning or sentimental value in it. Once my mom is with us, Tea and I will build a new life we’ve only been able to crave for up until now.

Chapter 20

SEAN AND I LEAVE JOEY behind for him to do what he needs to find his mother. I close my eyes, still shaking from James’ attempted assault. If Joey hadn’t gotten there in time… I shudder at the thought. One minute the house was quiet and the next, James locked our bedroom door with me inside. Sean keeps apologizing for letting James get the best of him, but I tell him it was James’ fault, not his. He did nothing wrong.

The drive is endless. We talk a little, but mostly I submerse myself inwhat if’sandwhat could have happenedpunch at my emotions. Tears spring up, dry out, and repeat. With my eyes closed, I reenacted what James did. After he locked the door, he came right over to me. I fought like a wildcat, clawing, scratching, screaming, but he just laughed. My fight was a turn on to him. He punched my jaw and slapped my face several times. When he grabbed my jeans, I pumped my legs in and out to disengage his hands, except he had a grip on them. He smacked my ass and laughed. His strength tore the jeans down. Both of us naked from the waist down, I jerked and grabbed at the bed covers to drag myself to the other side of the bed. Digging his fingers into my hips, he slid me back, his erection pressed against my backend. I swore I wouldn’t cry, but he had me pinned. That’s when Joey saved me. I’ve never in my life been so relieved to see someone.

I wipe the tears from my face, lean against the headrest, staring out at the landscape swiping by, which puts me to sleep. The next thing I know, Sean is shaking my shoulder and telling me we’re here.

My eyes open to the serenity of a forest. A variety of trees surround the car, and aside from nicely groomed trails, the forest floor has a moss rug. I step out to the sounds of birds and the rippling of water. It isn’t until I turn toward the front of the car that I see the house. This stunning two-story stone-built lake house has large windows outlined in beige frames. It’s stone, glass, and has layers of extended rooms, including a circular sitting area. The windows vary in size and shape from rectangular to square, and the one above the door is a half-circle. Small stained-glass windows punctuate and highlight the different floors. There’s a small portico held by two stone pillars covering the red arched front door. The place is breathtaking.

Sean laughs at my gawking as he says, “There’s more inside.”

I cut my eyes to his and smile. “This is…”

He looks over the place and says, “Yeah, I know. Joey has good taste.”

Sean and I take the duffel bags and suitcases out of the car and bring them inside. Once inside, he puts in the security code, which he shares with me, leaving the stuff by the door. Because of the number of windows and open floor plan, the house is airy and lit up. To the left of the small foyer is a cozy seating area containing an oversize couch, chair, bookshelf nooks, and a fireplace. If we keep walking, there’s a staircase on the right to the upper floor, and straight ahead is the humongous kitchen with double islands and living area. Brass handles decorate oak cabinets paired with marble countertops. It has state-of-the-art appliances I’ve never seen in this size. There’s an oven large enough to cook for an army, and a refrigerator stretched to accommodate two separate freezer compartments.

In the living room, more bloated couches and chairs of soft brown leather cover the area. A large screen television is attached over another fireplace, decked out in warm beige stone hues.

I follow Sean up the stairs. The upper floor over the living room and beyond is the master suite and bathroom. On the other side are three more bedrooms, each with its own bathroom.

My butt hits the mattress in the last bedroom, and my drawbridge mouth finally finds the words to say, “I can’t believe this belongs to Joey.”

“And you, too.”

I pivot my head toward him. “Well, not really. I mean…” My eyes bounce around the room, out the window as I stand to take it all in.

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