Page 59 of Breaking Storm

“What the hell happened to you?” When I’m about to say something, he holds his hand up and says, “Forget it. I heard what happened.”

I suck in a breath and smack his arm. “Sean!”

Joey’s mom walks over, her face scrunched while looking over my bruises. “Oh my God, Teagan.” Her eyes wander to Joey, whose head is hanging low. She drops her voice. “Did Joey do this to you?”

To lighten the situation, I give her a hug and whisper, “Well, we kind of got carried away.”

She jerks back a little. “Doing what?”

I wink at her. “We hadn’t seen each other for a day, so we—”

His mom’s hands raise in surrender. “Okay, I got it. No need to explain.”

I purse my lips together and laugh. Kara walks over to Joey, raises his face to examine it, and walks away, shaking her head. His eyebrow cocks in my direction, and I curl my finger, beckoning him over.

When he’s in front of me, I wrap my arms around his waist, place my chin on his chest, and say, “Everything will be fine.”

“She’s mad.”

“More like embarrassed.”

I smack his butt, and we prepare an omelet breakfast with hashbrowns and sausage. My eyes stray toward Joey. His bulk and images of what he did to me last night has me crossing my legs. I’m hypnotized by him. And when his eyes darken from desire, and his intense stare burns my retinas, all I can think of is to please him.

Sean and Kara periodically gaze at my bruises, but over the course of the day, they’re forgotten. In the evening, we’re sitting in the living room next to the roaring fireplace. Sean spreads out in an oversized chair, and Kara and I are on each side of Joey. Somehow, the topic of the future comes up.

Kara asks Joey, “So, what’s going to happen next? Your dad won’t let this go.”

He shrugs. “He doesn’t have too many people backing him. By now, I’m sure William doesn’t want anything to do with him. He’s history.”

She takes his hand in hers. “It won’t be that easy.”

He drapes an arm around her shoulders. “Mom, not to worry. Even if he wants revenge, this place is off the radar.” Joey embraces her closer. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”

The room grows silent, so I ask Sean, “What are your plans now?”

He takes a sip of his beer and responds, “I’d like to own a fitness center. Have equipment, self-defense classes, and a wellness and nutrition area.”

My legs fold under my butt as I lean forward, drink my wine, and throw out my support. “That is an awesome idea.” I look from Joey to Sean. “I mean, you have the money to do it now.”

He gives Joey a sideways glance, and Joey says, “She’s right. It’s your money.”

Sean flings his legs in front and shifts forward. “Are you sure? That’s a lot of money.”

Joey sits back with his beer in hand. “It’s yours, Sean. Do whatever you want with it.”

Sean is lost in thought, staring into the fireplace, most likely dreaming about his fitness studio.

I ask Joey’s mom, “Is there anything you’d like to do, Kara?”

She clasps her hands together. “Well, I’d love to get a part-time job. Maybe work at a florist or coffee shop.”

My hand presses against my chest. “I worked at a florist in Chicago.”

Kara perks up. “Did you enjoy it?”

“Very much so.”

“I imagine it would be a calming place to work. Unfortunately, I don’t have any skills, so I doubt I’d get a job. Besides, I’m too old for anyone to hire me.”

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