Page 41 of Storm

When an officer walked in, Storm kept her perched on his lap, his arms a protective cage around her as she recounted what had happened. Her voice quivered, and each word felt like dragging nails across her soul. She hated admitting to receivingthe unknown calls for a week, hated the weight of Storm’s dark gaze on her as she confessed to hiding them from him.

The officer nodded, his expression professional but tinged with sympathy. He jotted down notes, handed her his card, and assured her they would handle it. Then, with a polite tip of his hat, he left, closing the door behind him.

The moment they were alone, the room felt suffocating. Silence stretched between them, and it felt like the walls were closing in on her. It was painful. Brook couldn’t bring herself to look at him. She couldfeelthe intensity of his stare without seeing it, though.

Finally, unable to bear it any longer, she risked a glance. Her heart sank at what she saw—Storm’s jaw tight, his dark eyes filled with a mixture of frustration, pain, and disappointment.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you,” she whispered. “I didn’t think it was a big deal.”

Storm let out a dry scoff, shaking his head. His knuckles, bruised from his earlier fight, flexed as he ran a hand through his hair. “We’ll deal with you disobeying a safety rule and keeping important information from me later,” he said, his tone even but laced with a sharp edge. “Right now, I’m too angry to punish you, and honestly…” As his hand cupped her cheek, his next words came out softer. “I just need to hold you because I’ve never been so fucking scared.”

Her throat tightened, fresh tears spilling down her cheeks. Sadness seeped through her, more painful than any punishment could ever be. Disappointing Storm was the last thing sheeverwanted to do. Knowing she had killed her inside.

Without hesitation, she curled into him again, tucking her head under his chin. His arms encased her, pulling her closer as if he could shield her from everything, including her own guilt.

“I’m so sorry, Daddy,” she whispered, sounding utterly broken.

His hand gently tilted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. The fire in his eyes had softened into something far more profound—a mix of worry, protectiveness, and an aching desire to make her understand just how much she meant to him.

“You’re my sunshine, Brook. The light to my storm. I’m in love with you, and it’s my privilege to be your Daddy,” he said roughly. “I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you. But I need you toletme. You have to trust me enough to tell me these things, even if you think they’re small or insignificant.”

She nodded, her lip trembling as his words sank in. Storm loved her. And she’d already messed up. Tears continued to drip down her face at the importance of his words despite her behavior.

“I love you too, Daddy. So much.”

They stayed like that for hours, eventually dozing together on the couch. When they finally woke up, Storm led her into the bathroom.

“Go potty, then come into your room.”

She nodded and did her business, nerves wracking through her.

When she returned, she sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sweater as her heart pounded against her ribcage. The atmosphere was thick with tension. When Storm joined her, he sighed and looked over, pinning her with his dark stare.

“Come here,” he said finally, his tone low and steady, leaving no room for argument.

Her stomach twisted as she stood and shuffled a few steps toward him. She felt small under his gaze and not in the good, comforting way she usually did when they were in their dynamic. This was different. She’d disappointed him, and that knowledge settled painfully in her chest. She never wanted to feel like this ever again.

When she stopped in front of him, he reached out, taking her hands in his.

“Do you know why we’re here right now, sunshine?” he asked, tilting his head slightly as he waited for her response.

She nodded quickly, her throat dry. “Because I broke a safety rule,” she breathed.

“That’s right,” he said, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “And what’s the most important thing about our relationship?”

“That I’m honest with you… so you can keep me safe.”

“Exactly.” His eyes softened just a fraction, but his tone remained firm. “By not telling me about those calls, you put yourself in danger, Brook. If I had known, I would have investigated and probably figured out that it was that asshole. Could have had a restraining order put in place or had him arrested for harassing you. Do you understand that?”

New tears welled up in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Daddy. I really am. I didn’t think it was that big of a deal.”

“Sunshine,” he said softly, his thumb now tracing slow, soothing circles on the back of her hand. “It’smyjob to decide what’s a big deal when it comes to your safety. Not yours. I can’t protect you if I don’t know what’s going on.”

She swallowed hard and nodded, those welling tears threatening to spill over. “I won’t do it again.”

“I know you won’t, baby,” he replied. “But tonight, you’re going to get a spanking to remind you why safety rules aren’t optional. Understand?”

Her breath hitched, her heart racing. She nodded, unable to find the words to reply.

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