Page 22 of Filthy Ruck

“That sounds like the…mother of all complications,” I said, unable to resist the pun.

“It was,” he agreed. “But I wouldn't have my little brother if it hadn't happened.”

“And I thought my family was interesting,” I said, half to myself. “Are you still friends with your best friend?”

“Yeah. I wouldn't let a little thing like knocking up my mother get between us,” he said. “She's with some other guy now. My friend is married to a nice girl, living in the suburbs. They share custody of my little brother. He's an absolute terror, just like me.” He grinned. “He's so cute he gets away with everything. All he has to do is smile and we give him whatever he wants.”

“I bet you were like that when you were a kid,” I observed.

“Exactly,” he agreed. “I've always been good at using my charm and good looks to get my way.”

He gave me a look that sent shivers of anticipation through me. He'd be a difficult one to say no to, that was for sure. Monday night was looking that much more enticing.

“What the fuck are you doing?”

I started as Storm stomped over to the table and stood beside us, glaring.

Chapter Ten

Chelsea

“Eating.”I bit into my cupcake without giving Storm more than a passing glance. It was a good cupcake, perfectly moist.

Storm glared at Frost. “I asked you a question. What the fuck are you doing with her?”

“Also eating,” Frost said easily. Only his eyes betrayed a hint of unease. “You're welcome to join us if you want, right Chelsea?”

“The more the merrier,” I agreed.

Storm seemed like he'd sooner swallow his own tongue than sit and have a casual conversation over a sandwich. In spite of that, he grabbed the back of the chair beside us and dragged it out from under the table so the feet squeaked on the floor. He flopped down onto it and pulled it in closer.

“You know who she is?” he demanded, eyes narrowed at Frost, face slightly red.

“I do. I'm not quite sure you do,” Frost said. “She's a doctor. She's doing?—”

“I know exactly what she's doing here,” Storm interrupted. “She wants to work here. If that's the case, she needs to avoid making waves.” His gaze swivelled to me.

“I'm not the one getting all worked up,” I pointed out. “You shouldn't do that either, it's bad for your blood pressure. You wouldn't want me to tell Coach you're not fit to play.”

I kept my tone light, but there was no way in the world he'd miss the threat. It was as obvious as a football between the eyes.

Storm's jaw worked back and forth. “Don't fucking threaten me,” he snarled.

“Then don't be a prick,” I said. “I can eat lunch with whomever I want. So can Mr Frost here. He's been very hospitable.” I didn't add 'unlike you,' it hung in the air for everyone to feel.

Storm's jaw worked harder. “I made myself clear the other night. Do you need a reminder?”

“No, but I think you need a reality check,” I said. “You don't?—”

He grabbed my wrist in his tight grip, fingers pressing into my flesh. “I don't need a fucking reality check.” He pulled me over closer to him so he could whisper in my ear. “I fucking own you. I. Fucking. Own. You. That's a fact. I decide who you eat lunch with.”

“I think you should back off,” Frost said coldly. “Chelsea gets to decide who she spends time with. If she doesn't want to spend time with you, she won't.”

Storm released my wrist and sat with his forearms on the table. “It seems you both need an education.” He closed his eyes and sucked in a breath through his nose. “Do you want him?” He looked over at me, eyes dark as thunderclouds. Darker.

Every muscle in my body was tense, matching his. Both of us were like bombs about to explode. I didn't want to draw too much attention to the conversation. Conflicts like this would get me kicked out before I even finished my placement. Something I suspected we were all acutely aware of, but no one more than me.

“We barely know each other,” I said finally.

---