Page 22 of Tempest

“You good, little one?” Bull called out.

I forced a smile. “Just peachy.”

Wire snorted. “Yeah, looked real peaceful back there.”

My cheeks burned. “You saw that?”

“Honey, the whole damn town probably saw that.” Bull chuckled.

I groaned, covering my face with my hands. “Great. Just great.”

“Your old man’s going to love this,” Wire said, earning an elbow from Bull.

I dropped my hands, fear replacing embarrassment. “You can’t tell my dad!”

Bull’s expression softened. “Not our place to tell, darlin’. But you might want to sort this out before it explodes in everyone’s faces.”

I nodded, my throat tight. As I turned to leave, Wire called out, “For what it’s worth, I’ve never seen Tempest this worked up over anyone.”

Their knowing laughter followed me as I hurried away, my heart pounding with a mix of dread and exhilaration. Whatever storm was brewing between Tempest and me, it was clear I wasn’t the only one who’d noticed.

Chapter Seven

Tempest

I spotted Kasen stepping out of her house, and my blood instantly boiled. She was dressed to kill -- tight jeans, low-cut top, hair done up. But it wasn’t her outfit making me clench my fists. It was the punk waiting for her, leaning against a motorcycle with a cocky grin.

Goddamnit. I thought she was done with these games. And who the fuck let the asshole inside the compound? Without thinking, I strode across the street, boots pounding the pavement. Each step fueled my rage. How dare she pull this shit again?

Kasen’s eyes went wide as I approached. Good. Let her be surprised.

I watched indecision flicker across her face. She hesitated, glancing between me and her date. The punk straightened up, eyeing me warily.Smart move, asshole.

“Tempest,” Kasen breathed, her voice a mix of shock and something else. I felt my chest tighten.

I stopped in front of her, close enough to smell her perfume. It took every ounce of control not to grab her and throw her over my shoulder. My gaze burned into hers. A maelstrom of emotions churned inside me -- anger, jealousy, desire. I willed myself not to reach for her.

“Going somewhere?” I asked, my voice low and dangerous. The words came out as a near-growl, laced with barely restrained fury.

Kasen’s eyes flashed, a mix of defiance and uncertainty. She crossed her arms, a protective gesture I knew all too well. But I could see the slight tremble in her fingers, betraying her nervousness.

“It’s just a date, Tempest,” she retorted, her chin lifting. “You don’t own me.”

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. I took a step closer, invading her space. “Is that what you think this is about? Ownership?”

Kasen’s resolve wavered, her voice less steady as she replied, “I… I can date whoever I want.”

I could see the rapid pulse at her throat. My hands itched to touch her, to remind her of what we had. But I held back, my anger and hurt fueling my restraint.

“You’re playing with fire, Kasen,” I warned, my voice rough. “And you’re gonna get burned.”

I took another step closer, my presence looming over her. The little shit with the motorcycle shifted uneasily, his eyes darting between us. Good. Let him squirm.

“You think I don’t know what you’re doing?” I snarled, my words sharp as knives. “Trying to make me jealous?”

Kasen’s eyes widened, her breath catching. I could see the conflict in her gaze, the way she fought to maintain her composure. But I knew her too well. I could read every micro-expression, every subtle shift of her body.

Her cheeks flushed, a mix of anger and embarrassment coloring her skin. I watched as her resolve crumbled under my intense scrutiny. Part of me wanted to back off, to give her space. But the larger part, the part consumed by jealousy and possessiveness, pushed me forward.

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