Page 75 of Storm

Eventually, she stops watching as I touch her and focuses on my face. Pointing at me and without any heat, she scolds, “Stop being reasonable.”

“Never.” Leaning down, I hover my mouth over hers, but don’t initiate contact. Her eyes drop to my lips, then she studies me more closely.

“I’m still angry with you.”

The corner of my mouth tugs up in a small smile. “I know. We’ll talk more about that later. For now, let’s move on to your job.” I brush my nose against her and pull away. She must have been holding her breath because it rushes out quickly after that.

“Continue on,papí.”

I swear, my cock grows harder each time she says that to me, and I suspect she knows it. Shifting her so her ass is pressing more firmly in my lap, I let her feel what she’s doing to me, but don’t comment on it.

“Legally, your job can’t fault you for medically being unable to work. It doesn’t mean that everything will work out the way you want, but Miriam, if you push yourself and don’t abide by the instructions your doctor has given you, it could cause serious issues down the road which would make you unable to work either way.”

Totally relaxing into me, she looks up at the roof of my car. “I know all that, but it doesn’t ease the guilt that I’m leaving all of my coworkers hanging. Plus, I love my job. I love taking care of people and feeling as if my help is making a difference in their lives.” Her eyes begin to water when she adds, “I’ll go mad just lying around. I have todosomething.”

“It’s not forever, Miriam. Three months at the most. Besides, Dr. Jolee said that it’s only for now. If things change, she could give you more leeway in your day-to-day activities. Your blood pressure…”

I trail off because she knows. Pushing herself up, she not so easily tries to shift away from me, but I stop her before she’s fully dislodged from me. Cupping her face, I encourage her to look at me.

“We have one more thing to discuss.”

“I know what you’re going to say, and I’m hoping to avoid it.”

With a sigh, I tilt her face down and press a kiss on her forehead, then help her back into her seat. She refastens her seatbelt, then I shift the car back to drive after ensuring the road is clear. Continuing our way to her apartment, I address the biggest elephant in the room.

“You can’t stay alone at your place.”

I swear to God, she snarls at me. “Yes, I can. Just because I have to lie around my apartment doesn’t mean I’m an invalid.”

Shooting her an incredulous look, I lay out the facts. “You’re on strict bedrest. That means no lifting, no strenuous activities, no cooking, no housework, little to no travel, quick showers, and trips to the bathroom only. You get the idea. Dr. Jolee said that if your blood pressure comes down, she’ll shift you to modified bed rest, but for the time being, you need people to help.”

Her arms go around her stomach, and she leans forward. “I’ll just go home, or…” My heart hurts for her when she doesn’t offer any other suggestions. I know this has to feel like her worst nightmare, but I’m convinced we can get her through it and help keep her mind from devolving into despair.

“Come stay with me. I have a large guest suite on the first floor, so there aren’t stairs to climb. Tons of windows, gorgeous scenery.” I hold a hand up to stop her when she opens her mouth to argue. “Plus, if you’re comfortable with it, there arefourof us ready and willing to help out. Between our schedules, we can work it out so there’s always someone there for you.”

Scrubbing her hands over her face, she sighs. “I’m going to drive you all insane.”

“Quite the contrary. I’m sure we’ll do our best to encourage you to follow the rules so you’ll be anxious to get out. But also, and consider this as well, you’ll need helpafterthe baby is born. Not just with him, but for your own recovery as well.”

“Fine,” she whispers, not looking at me.

My eyes widen, surprised I didn’t have to argue more. I glance at her and see her scrub a tear away from her cheek. I’m not offended by her melancholy. It’s not truly directed atthe unwanted closeness she’d experience being in my home, but more for her independence being intruded upon. I wouldn’t like it either.

Reaching over, I grip her thigh and give it a squeeze. I refuse to give her more reassurances right now; they won’t help how she’s feeling until she processes. “Let’s get to your place, throw a few bags together, then get you to my place now. That way it’ll be done and we can keep you from second guessing it. Sound like a plan?”

“Fine,” she murmurs again, adding in a soft, “Thank you.”

As soon as we make it to her apartment, I follow her up while sending a quick text to the guys only to tell them she’s agreed. I tell them where the spare key is hidden at my place and Tatum and Ezra are quick to offer to go there now and spruce up the suite I’ll have her stay in. Richard, surprisingly, offers to get an order for food delivered and put away before we arrive, stating he’ll cover food items on the list provided by her doctor.

After an hour of packing, then the two-hour drive back to my city, I ask, “Do you mind if we stop by the station so I can grab my things and arrange for my tasks to be covered? This way, I’ll be able to work from home while you get settled.”

“That’s fine.” She’s tired, but follows me inside after I park near the front.

Leading her to my office, I unlock the door and guide her in. “Wait in here for a few minutes. I’m going to take care of a few things, then I’ll be back. Shouldn’t take more than fifteen minutes, tops.”

Nodding, she wordlessly heads in and I leave the door cracked, then hurry to the other side of the station to speak to a few officers who can handle shit for me while I’m not here.

As I’m walking back to where Miriam is waiting, I notice a few people looking in the direction I’m headed, then a commotion hits my ears. My concern quickly turns into anger asI see the back of Sandra filling the doorway to my office and I catch the tail end of the absolute shit she’s spewing.

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