Page 39 of Storm

He just shrugs. “I’m unsure what any of that means. I know he’s got a rough past with his dad, but the rest is a mystery. You call Tate?”

I nod. “No answer, but I left a message.”

The intercom buzzes and Richard strolls over to answer, then tells security we’ll be down in a few minutes. Turning, he locks eyes and blows out a breath. “I’m not certain what we can even do. We can try calling him again?—”

“His phone is off now.”

“Then I’m not sure what there’s to do. Victoria is here. We’ll figure it out this weekend. I’m sure it’ll be nothing once he’s calmed down. Ready to go?”

I still don’t feel right just leaving, or comfortable with the whole weekend, but I remind myself that I’m not going to participate with Ver—Victoria. Following Richard down to the main floor, before we exit the elevator, I tell him where I’m parked and that I’ll follow.

Victoria is standing in the lobby with three large pieces of designer luggage piled around her, and she’s clutching an oversized handbag.

She is a lovely woman. Tall, close to five-foot-ten, lithe like a dancer, blonde hair that doesn’t look bleached. Her make-up is flawless and she’s technically perfection. But there’s nothing that inspires desire as I brush my eyes over her. Lifting my chin, I silently greet her, then carry on outside, leaving Richard to greet her.

I hear the beginnings of an explanation of my departure, but don’t catch it all as soon as the chilled air hits my face. I didn’t realize how warm it was inside, so I tug at my shirt to cool my body off.

It’s not long before Richard has Victoria loaded into his car and we’re on our way to the cabin. It’s a bit of a drive, so we’ll get in late, but that’ll be another good reason for all of us to find our separate bedrooms and distance ourselves from each other. I’m an early riser, so I plan to keep myself occupied.

Without knowing Victoria’s personality, I’m hopeful she’ll be quiet and maintain her distance. I don’t have plans to be rude, but I’ll establish my boundaries early if need be.

Throughout the drive, I call both Tatum and Ezra a few more times, the former ringing before going unanswered and the latter directly to voicemail.

What I’m not expecting is to see the cabin lit up like a fucking Christmas tree and Ezra’s vehicle parked out front. Both Richard and I sit in our vehicles, staring at the house in confusion, then we glance at each other, together understanding that this isnotgood.

Both of us hurriedly get out of our cars, leaving a chatting Victoria to follow. She’s annoyed and complains. “Hey! What about my things? I’ve got products in there and they can’t stay in the cold for too?—”

“I’ll grab them in a minute. We need to figure out what’s going on first,” Richard snaps over his shoulder. Then to me, he asks in a lowered voice as we climb the porch steps, “The hell is Ezra doing here? When he waslucid, did he mention he was coming here?”

“No,” I bite out. “I told you everything I remember him saying. I wouldn’t have missed this piece of information.”

“Fuck,” he groans, then tries to open the door, finding it locked. “Why the hell is he locked in there? How the hell did he get in?” he asks, fumbling with his keys to get the door opened.

Victoria is panting behind us, blowing into her hands. “It’s freezing up here. I didn’t realize it was so remote. You sure you’ve got sufficient electricity for hot water?”

I glance back at her, speaking to her for the first time. “Obviously. All the lights are on.” Turning away from her after she parts her mouth in anoh, I wave her forward to follow Richard inside, then halt.

Ezra should have been the one we’re facing. Instead it’s averywild and furious Miriam.

“What the fuck areyoudoing here? Are you following us?” Richard is already stomping toward her, just as irate, but all I can do is stare in shock.

She’s standing there in a gorgeous fury, arms flying up to stop him from coming closer. “Don’t get in my face,pendejo. And don’t be a fucking idiot. How the hell would I be following you when I’ve been here for over an hour against mywill?”

Ignoring Richard’s incredulous snort, I find myself stuck on the “against her will” comment. Glancing around the room, my eyes fall to an elated Ezra, stretched across the couch and grinning from ear to ear.

“Who the hell is this?” Victoria asks the room, which has Miriam snapping her head toward the unknown voice.

“Who the fuck are you?” she bites back, eyeing her over, then darts her eyes to me for a brief moment. I don’t miss the flash of understanding and hint of hurt as she realizes what this is. “Nevermind,” she grumbles, then faces off with Richard once more. “You all can enjoy your fuckfest, I just need someone to get my bag from that asshole so I can leave.”

She stresses asshole with a thumb over her shoulder toward Ezra. He still hasn’t said a word, just solely focused on Miriam as she plants her hands on her hips and waits for someone to do as she asks.

“Where’s her bag, Ez?” Richard’s question comes out sharp and it’s obvious he’s impatient. Without giving him a chance to answer, to Miriam, he adds, “We very specifically discussed the no contact portion of your NDA. I could take you to court for violating it.”

Standing up straighter, she pushes her hair off her shoulders and takes a step toward him. “I could argue that it’s null and void since you didn’t hold up your end of the contract. Seems I never did get paid for being your whore. Isn’t that right, Mr. Leigh? Better make sure you pay this one. You don’t seem like someone who normally makes mistakes.”

Richard bares his teeth, but it’s Victoria who shoves her way forward and puts her nose in the middle of this mess. “Excuse me, you bitch?” Her insult has Ezra’s smile falling away, and he immediately sits up, his attention now focused on the woman he sees as a threat. “I don’t know what you’re implying, but I’m not a fucking whore.” She looks Miriam up and down, the sneers. “But if I were, I’m sure I’d fetch a much better price than the fifty bucks they would toss your way.”

Instead of reacting, Miriam simply stares her down, then to Richard, says, “Wow. I have to say, I’m disappointed in your taste.” Then to all of us, she demands, “I’d like to go now.”

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