Page 53 of Tempest

I turned to see Ridley, concern etched on her face. Venom’s wife. If anyone could understand, it’d be her. Although, I knew she had a lot on her plate right now. After being shot, Venom had been in a coma for months, only to wake up without over thirty years of memories. He still hadn’t remembered Ridley, his kids, or grandkids. I knew it had to be hard on all of them. I felt awful for even wanting to ask her for help right now.

“I… I don’t know,” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper. “Can we talk?”

Ridley nodded, leading me to a quiet corner. “What’s on your mind?”

I took a shaky breath. “It’s Tempest. I want to help, to be there for him, but…”

“But you’re afraid he’ll push you away,” Ridley finished, her eyes knowing.

I nodded miserably. “How do I show him I can be of help to him?”

Ridley’s hand found mine, squeezing gently. “Oh, honey, trust me, he knows you want to. But Tempest… he’s got a job to do, and right now, that’s where he’s focused.”

“So what do I do?” I asked, desperation creeping into my voice.

“Be steady,” Ridley said firmly. “Show him you can handle the storm. Don’t push, but don’t back down either. Let him see your strength.”

I straightened, resolve filling me. “I can do that.”

Ridley smiled. “I know you can. Just remember, Kasen -- you’re worth fighting for too. He’s not just doing this for his brothers.”

I glanced back at Tempest, my heart racing. This time, I’d be ready when he looked my way.

I squared my shoulders and took a step forward.

“Kasen.” Ridley’s voice was low. “Be careful. He’s not his usual self right now.”

I nodded, not looking back. My heart thundered, but my stride was steady as I crossed the clubhouse. Tempest’s gaze snapped to me, dark and turbulent.

“What?” he growled.

“Need anything?” I kept my voice neutral, chin lifted.

His eyes narrowed. “What I need is for everyone to stop asking me that.”

“Okay.” I didn’t flinch. “Then I won’t ask. I’ll just be here.”

“I don’t need a babysitter.”

“Good. Because I’m not offering to be one.”

For a moment, the anger in his eyes flickered, replaced by something I couldn’t quite read. Then it was gone, his walls slamming back into place. “Whatever,” he muttered, turning away.

I didn’t move. The clubhouse buzzed with activity around us -- men cleaning weapons, voices low and urgent. The air crackled with anticipation and fear.

Tempest glanced back at me, irritation clear on his face. “Still here?”

“Yep.”

His gaze narrowed again, but this time, I caught a hint of… curiosity?

Before he could speak, Savior’s voice cut through the room. “We know where these fuckers are hiding, and it’s time to settle the score. We ride in an hour. Get ready.”

The energy in the room shifted. This was it. We were going to war. Or rather, our men were. All the rest of us could do was sit back and pray, hoping they came home.

Tempest’s gaze held mine. “Make that two. There’s something I need to do first.”

My heart nearly skipped a beat at his words.

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