Page 21 of Tempest

“No!” I said, too quickly. “No, really, I’m good. Tell me more about your job.”

As Alex resumed talking, our food arrived. The aroma of melted cheese and marinara sauce filled the air, but my appetite had vanished. I picked at my chicken, my stomach in knots.

Then I felt it. A shift in the air, the hair on my arms standing up from the crackle of electricity. A feeling I’d come to associate with Tempest being nearby. I didn’t need to look to know. He’d arrived.

His presence filled the room, demanding attention without a word. I turned, our eyes locking across the crowded restaurant. His eyes were burning with a mix of anger and something else -- something that made my breath hitch.

He strode toward us, his gait purposeful, shoulders tense. In seconds, he was beside our table, looming over us like a storm cloud.

Alex looked up, confusion evident on his face. “Can we help you?”

Tempest ignored him, his gaze fixed solely on me. “Kasen,” he growled, my name a command on his lips.

I swallowed hard, torn between defiance and the urge to follow him out of there immediately. “Tempest,” I managed, my voice barely above a whisper. “What are you doing here?”

Alex’s eyes darted between Tempest and me, his discomfort palpable. He shifted in his seat, the scrape of chair legs against tile cutting through the tension.

“I… uh, is everything okay?” Alex asked, his voice wavering as he started to stand.

The thrill of excitement coursing through me warred with embarrassment. My cheeks burned as I stood abruptly, nearly knocking over my water glass.

“I’m sorry, Alex. I have to go,” I blurted, grabbing my purse. “Thanks for dinner.”

Without waiting for a response, I brushed past Tempest, the heat of his body sending a shiver down my spine. I burst through the restaurant doors, gulping in the cool night air.

Heavy footsteps followed. Had I finally pushed him to the breaking point? I was equal parts excited and terrified.

“What the hell are you playing at, Kasen?” Tempest’s voice was low, dangerous.

I whirled to face him. “Me? You’re the one crashing my dates!”

His eyes flashed. “Dates. Plural. That’s the third guy today.”

“That’s right,” I shot back, chin lifted in defiance. “Got a problem with that?”

Tempest stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. “You know damn well I do.”

My heart raced, anger and desire tangling in my chest. “Why? It didn’t seem like you were interested. If you were, you would have…”

“Would have what?”

I remained silent, and he growled, closing the distance between us.

I backed up, my shoulders hitting the brick wall. Tempest planted his hands on either side of my head, caging me in.

“Tempest,” I breathed, my resolve wavering.

His eyes burned into mine, emotions I couldn’t decipher swirling in their depths. For a moment, I thought he might kiss me.

Instead, he pushed away, running a hand through his hair. “This isn’t over,” he said, voice rough with frustration.

I watched him stalk away, my body trembling from the encounter. What the hell had I gotten myself into? And why was he leaving? I’d thought for sure something would happen this time.

I took a shaky breath and pushed off the wall, my legs unsteady as I started walking. The cool night air did little to calm the fire Tempest had ignited in me. My mind raced, replaying every heated glance, every terse word.

“Damnit,” I muttered. I’d wanted his attention, but this… this was like playing with dynamite.

A low rumble of voices caught my attention. I glanced over my shoulder, spotting Bull and Wire leaning against their bikes across the street. They weren’t even trying to be subtle. Bull’s eyes met mine, his expression a mixture of amusement and concern. He nudged Wire, who looked up from his phone.

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