Page 12 of Chasing Storm

I’m sprawled out on the bed and his head rests against my shoulders. His breathing—a sweltering tempest. It begins to die down, and he falls next to me onto his back, eyes closed. I turn my head to witness Joey relishing in his birthday present. Undeniably, he’s the most beautiful vision.

His stunning mint green eyes find mine. Sweat coats his skin, and there’s a twinkle of a smile on his face, as he asks, “Did you enjoy it?”

I scratch my nose and reply, “It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.”

He rotates to his side, holding his head up with his arm. “So, you didn’t like it?”

“It was a different kind of sensation. I’d do it again for you, but I can think of other things that bring me pleasure.”

Joey leans over and presses his lips against mine in a loving way, whispering, “Thanks for the birthday present, Tea.”

I whisper back, “You’re welcome.”

He pulls me into him, our fronts flush against one other, and his nose kisses mine. “Now, what would you like foryourbirthday?”

I dissolve into his arms. Those eyes, full of affection. Lust. His gorgeous face released of tension. Body built to withstand an army, with the grace of a leopard. Joey is the poster-boy of resilience.

He adds, “Name a gift.”

I tug him closer, kiss his lips, and say, “I already got my gift.” His eyebrow rises, so I say, “You. You’re gift enough for me. The rest are embellishments.”

Joey’s entire body softens when he murmurs, “Aw. Is my sweet Tea trying to make me cry?” I shove him for mocking me, but he tightens his hold. “I’ll give you anything you want.”

“And you did.”

We fall asleep in each other’s arms, and when we wake, Joey makes me come once more before we head out for dinner and gelato. My sore crotch and ass throb and ache, which reminds me of what Joey did to me. For the rest of the day, a smile embeds itself onto my face when I think about how he worships my body, showers me with kisses, and keeps me safe. What gift can trump that?

Chapter 5

Our birthday celebration was the best one in a long time, and not because of anal sex. But who am I kidding? It was a big part of it. Tea has a way of building a deep, gratifying life for us. Willing to try anal is an example. She gave her body to me freely. Even though sex was the highlight, the day together, laughing, talking, walking the boardwalk, left me satisfied. There is nothing lacking. And when she mentions I am all she needs, I joke to cover up the emotions lodged in my throat. This woman owns me. She might think I’m controlling and demanding, but the simplest of requests, and I’ll fall to my knees or go to the ends of the earth to get it for her. She’s my everything.

Unfortunately, I only had one day off, so I’m back to helping Richard out at the old mansion on the hill. The place is withering from age and weather, but there’s no substitute for its regal façade; lathered in white, with touches of pale blue on the ornamental décor attached to the edges of the house and complimenting the windowsills. The floor of the porch reflects the same accented colors. There’s a wraparound porch held up by Doric columns. Inside the house is bathed in corals and blues, plush furniture, and ceiling to floor drapes guard against fading from the sun. Built in the early twentieth century, the rooms have been updated over the years, except for some furnishings, dating back to its earlier days.

I’ve learned a lot from Richard about fixing things, painting, and building from scratch. He’s a patient, quiet man who speaks when necessary and not a syllable more, which I appreciate. We work in silence. No music. No small talk. The rooms echo noise when we’re working or he’s explaining to me how to do something.

Like every working day, lunch time has me eager to find out what Teagan packed for me while I call her to see how her day is going. Today, she hasn’t answered the phone or called back. This sets off alarms. We keep in touch throughout the day. It’s a given. To not hear from her means there’s a problem. I tell Richard I need to take off. He glances at my unfinished work, sighs, and nods.

I’m off in search of Teagan. The weather hasn’t cooperated much lately, and today isn’t any different. Rain pours down, leaving little leeway in staying dry. My feet pound the gravel, making a run for our door. Inside the apartment, everything is where I left it. Shoes discarded by the door. Breakfast dishes on the table. I yell Teagan’s name, barging into the rooms. She’s nowhere. My heartbeat intensifies, and I grab my chest.

Someone’s got her. I flatten my hands on the wall and push against it. My heartbeat is at war, the speed rattling my bones. She’s gone.My Teagan. Mine!If they hurt her, I’ll fucking rip them to shreds before they can kill me. Blood pumps hard in my ears, drowning out all noise. Pushing off from the wall, I clench my fists at my sides. A trickle of sweat runs down my temple and the back of my neck.

Think!

I scour the apartment. Her shoes and purse are still here, and her phone is sitting by the bedside. The breakfast dishes scatter the table, which means whoever took her got here early. She’s been missing now for…I check my watch. Six hours. Six fucking hours. They could be torturing her. Raping her. Scenes flash in my head of her screaming. People’s hands on her naked body. I tear at my hair. Pressure behind my eyes turns into a sting. Tears. I’m crying for a part of my life I’ve lost. My fortune is missing and out of reach.

Something is ringing. My eyes glance around the room. I don’t remember sitting on the floor. From my jacket pocket, I yank my phone out and answer it. I remain silent, waiting for the other person.

“Joey Storm Cooper.” I’m holding my breath. “That’s you, right?”

My teeth grind together, controlling the fury inside me. “You fucking hurt her—”

“And what? You’ll kill me?” He laughs.

“Worse. I’ll keep you alive for the rats to devour you slowly.”

“Tsk, tsk. Is that any way to treat a guy who is holding your girl?” He smacks his lips. “And damn, what a gorgeous girl she is.”

“Touch her and I’ll fucking hunt you down, you motherfucker.”

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