Page 78 of Storm

“I fuckingknewyou spoke Spanish! Well, I didn’t know for sure, but what the hell, Ez? Why didn’t you say anything like, oh I don’t know,six months ago?”

I run my nose over her cheek and nip at her ear. “I like it when you say things and don’t think we can understand. It’s like a secret thing.”

Groaning, she pushes me away until I’m lying on my side again. “You can’t keep kissing me. I’m not supposed to getexcited.” She stresses excited with finger quotations.

I blink at her, stunned. “Well shit. Although, now I’m extra horny knowing I’ve turned you on.”

“Ezra?”

“Yeah,mi pétalo?”

She closes her eyes and whispers, “Stop talking about being horny.”

“Sí, mami.” I use one finger to brush her hair away and enjoy the feel of her body curled into mine. Even with the baby bump, she fits perfectly. I’d lay here forever if I could, napping alongside her.

Even when Tatum sneaks in and pokes me in the shoulder with a questioning glare like, “What the fuck are you doing in here?” I only smile at him and snuggle in closer.

Huffing in annoyance, I watch him consider his next move. My lips press together to hold back a laugh when he swears under his breath, kicks off his shoes and slides into the bed on her free side.

Just before I can whisper to him, his hand shoots up over her body and all I see is him giving me the middle finger.

CHAPTER 36

RICHARD

“Thanks for meeting me here,” I say when Miriam’s friend Susanna climbs the stairs with all three of her boyfriends falling in line behind her.

It didn’t take long for us to realize that Miriam needed a lot more than she grabbed when it was just Kevin and her hurriedly packing things up. I volunteered to make a run because I have an extra agenda planned on my way home.

Susanna nods as Chester says, “Not a problem. She doing alright over there?”

“I told her she could come stay with us, but apparently my safety wasn’t guaranteed in my sleep.” I turn to Theo, Susanna’s burly bodyguard, and snort.

“I wouldn’t be surprised.” Using her key, I unlock the apartment and step inside, seeing it for the first time. Fuck, this place is tiny, but clean and organized. The rest of the group crowd in behind me and I immediately feel claustrophobic. “How did you all fit in here?”

Theo slaps me on the shoulder, making my body jerk forward, and I stumble a step. “Wedidn’t live here. Just the two of them, and they’re short. We brought a few bags and suitcases, so Susu and I will start in the bedroom.”

Glancing at the silent woman, I find her studying me curiously. I’m not sure what to make of her, but Miriam said she’s a good person. Knowing her backstory, it’s hard to fit the idea of this pixie of a woman being taken and almost buried alive by her grandfather. She must sense where my mind goes, because she huffs and flips her hair over her shoulder before walking away.

“They’re both like that,” her third boyfriend, Vance, says, leaning toward me as if he’s imparting a secret. “But you’ll appreciate it. Let’s grab the kitchen and living room stuff from her list.”

Between the four of us, we’ve pretty much emptied out her apartment, with the exception of some kitchen items and furniture. Looking around the space, Chester plants his hands on his hips and blows out a frustrated breath. “I hate that she’s spending money on this place and isn’t even living here.”

“I paid up her lease.” It comes out without me even thinking, and Susanna whips her head in my direction.

“Does she know?” It’s the first time she’s spoken to me and I’ll admit, I’m surprised at how raspy her voice is. I had expected something higher and lighter.

Nodding slowly, I say slowly, “Yes… I told her. She wasn’t happy, but I made good arguments.”

Instead of scolding me, she simply raises a brow curiously. “Huh.”

“Alright, let’s get you loaded up. We’re making a trip out to see her next weekend. Already spoke to Cooper about it.” I appreciate Chester pushing everything along because I’m definitely anxious to get on the road. After a few trips, my car is packed full and before I pull away from her apartment building, I enter her dad’s address into my GPS system.

I hadn’t let him know I was going to be here, but I was able to learn from Miriam that her father works a very early shift and isnormally home before dinner. Since it’s after five in the evening, I test my luck. Grabbing the file on the passenger seat, I exit my car to knock on the front door after the hour drive to his place.

Her little brother, Lorenzo, answers, frowning when he sees me standing on the front stoop. “What’s up? Miriam isn’t here. Well, she’s not really ever here. You know she doesn’t live with us, right?”

I’m glad to see he’s not holding any grudge against me. There’s only confusion about why I’m standing here alone. “I know. I’m actually here to talk with your dad. Is he home?”

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