Page 19 of Tempest

Without waiting for a response, I strode toward the exit, heart pounding. The cool air hit my flushed cheeks as I stepped onto the sidewalk.

Tempest was right behind me, his hulking frame casting a shadow as he followed me around the corner of the building. I spun to face him, anger and excitement warring inside me.

“What the hell was that?” I demanded.

His eyes narrowed. “Could ask you the same thing. What are you playing at, Kasen?”

“Playing? I’m not playing anything. I’m living my life.”

Tempest took a step closer, looming over me. “With some random asshole?”

“Jake’s not an asshole. He’s nice.” At least, the short time I’d spent with him, he’dseemednice.

“Nice,” Tempest spat the word like it tasted foul. “You don’t need nice. You need --”

“What?” I challenged, tilting my chin up. “What do I need, Tempest?”

For a moment, I thought he might actually answer. His gaze dropped to my lips, and my breath caught. Then his expression hardened.

“You need to stop this bullshit,” he growled. “No more dates.”

I bristled. “You don’t get to decide that.”

“The hell I don’t.” His hand shot out, gripping my arm. Not painfully, but firmly. “You’re coming with me.”

“I have plans,” I protested, even as my body thrilled at his touch. “I’m not your property. You don’t get to decide what I do or who I see.”

I yanked my arm free and went to my car, getting in and speeding away before Tempest could catch up to me. I’d wanted my plan to succeed, but not like this.

* * *

Four hours later, I sat in a dimly lit movie theater, the rom-com on screen a blur of colors and meaningless dialogue. Mark, my second date of the day, munched popcorn beside me, oblivious to my distraction. In his defense, I’d chosen a movie specifically so we wouldn’t have to talk. After all, I wasn’t here because I was interested in really dating him. I felt bad, but at the same time, he probably wasn’t here to find a girlfriend. Like most guys, he was likely just hoping for a hookup.

My mind raced, replaying Tempest’s stormy expression, the possessive fire in his eyes. What was I doing here? This game suddenly felt childish, dangerous.

“You okay?” Mark whispered, leaning close. “You seem a million miles away.”

I forced a smile, guilt gnawing at me. Shit. So he’d noticed after all. “Just… thinking about work. Think I forgot something important before I left yesterday,” I lied, my gaze drawn to the theater entrance. Part of me still half-expected Tempest to appear, to claim me again with that burning intensity.

As the movie droned on, a familiar prickling sensation crawled up the back of my neck. My breath caught. I knew, without turning, he was here.

Slowly, I shifted in my seat, peering over my shoulder. There, a few rows back, sat Tempest. I didn’t know how he’d gotten in without me noticing. His eyes, shining with an intensity that made my insides liquefy, were fixed on me. A shiver raced down my spine.

“Hey,” Mark whispered, his breath warm against my ear. “Want to share some popcorn?”

I nodded absently, not really hearing him. My attention was split, torn between the flickering images on screen and the man who refused to let me go. Tempest’s body coiled with tension even as he sat perfectly still.

“This part’s hilarious.” Mark chuckled, oblivious to the silent drama unfolding around him.

“Mm-hmm,” I mumbled, my heart racing. How had Tempest known where to find me? Sure, I’d hoped he would, but it wasn’t like I’d advertised where I was going. The questions swirled in my mind, but beneath them all, a thrill of excitement pulsed through my veins.

I risked another glance back. Tempest’s eyes hadn’t left me, his gaze a tangible weight on my skin.

“Kasen?” Mark’s voice cut through my thoughts. “You sure you’re okay?”

I turned back to him, forcing a smile. “Yeah, sorry. Just… thought I saw someone I knew.”

As I settled back in my seat, I could still feel Tempest’s eyes burning into me, his possessiveness settling over me. And despite everything, a part of me reveled in it.

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