Page 73 of Beautiful Storm

“Do you really think you’re going to finish this job with a—” My gaze snaps back, ready to chase after him when Easton beats me to it, shoving him through the gate and into the tunnel, cutting him off before he gets the last word out.

I stare shocked as Easton follows after Jake, and when they both disappear into the darkness, I snap out of it and shake off my disbelief.

As a team, we all have each other’s backs, but Easton is not the guy that gets involved in other people's business. Especially if there are cameras around.

Jesus. The cameras.

I frantically search the media chaos to find most of them resuming their interviews, but God knows what footage they have. When I finally glance back to Amelia, I’m met with her panicked gaze before she turns away, beelining straight for herassistant. And I hate that I can’t go to her. That doing so would make things worse.

My mind whirs as I contemplate what to do next, and I’m about to demand someone do something when I overhear Coach talking on his phone. “I need you to find Keeley. We need to make sure none of that gets seen.”

I release a held breath as his words work to ease some of my anger, but as I walkaway—hoping to lose myself in the crowd—I realize how much I’m still holding onto. I want to hurt that asshole. I want to chase after him and make him pay for what he tried to do. What he did.Who the fuck does he think he—

“Calm down,” Reed cuts into my throughs before grabbing my elbow and subtly dragging me away.

“Don’t tell me—”

“Play it cool then. Smile. I don’t care. Just do something to avoid attention.”

I pause and the second I do, I notice the eyes on us from around the space, including Thomas’s questioning expression.Jesus. Reed’s right. And here I was worried about Amelia.

“Thanks, man,” I whisper back, shaking his hands off me but following without protest.

When we’re once again out of earshot, Reed turns my way, his expression marred with concern. “So…” He hesitates before stepping closer. “It was never your brother, was it?”

“What?” I ask, taking a few seconds to catch up.

“The baby,” he whispers and I almost laugh.Oh right. I forgot I told him that little white lie.

“Oooh. No. It was me,” I confirm. “You’re looking at a soon-to-be DILF, right here.” I point to myself and huff out a laugh, bouncing my eyebrows as I throw out a joke like I’m expected to do, though my lack luster tone gives me away.

Reed’s eyes widen. “Jesus. Aren’t you freaking out?”

“I was. I’m past that now. I’m goooood.”I am so far from good I don’t know what I am.And maybe if I wasn’t so distracted, I’d be able to have a proper conversation about it, but right now it’s not going to happen. Especially when Easton returns, moving into my line of sight and I have to hold back from rushing over to him.

“You’re acting weird,” Reed cuts into my thoughts. “Are you sure you’re not just telling yourself that you’re fine?”

“That’s exactly what I’m doing, Reed.” My voice rises before I cut myself off. “Sorry,” I say, softening my tone.“ButI’m going to need you to work with me here.”

Reed’s demeanor reverts back to caring mode before patting my back. “This is going to be amazing. You’ve got this. I know you do.”

My body deflates as I release a quick breath. “Thanks, man. I appreciate that.” I had no idea how much I needed to hear that until this very second.

We keep up the ‘everything’s fine’ charade for as long as possible, until Amelia passes by, refusing to meet my eyes while all I can think about is making sure she’s okay.

Reed laughs from beside me, cupping my shoulder with his palm. “I’m sorry, I tried. But man, you are fucked.”

I bark out a laugh, watching as Amelia walks away, my stomach twisted in knots. “Yep, I’m fucked,” I agree without looking his way.

So fucked.

I’ve been trying hard to pretend I’m good with the way things are between Amelia and me, but the truth is that I’m in thiswaydeeper than I realized.

And it’s got nothing to do with our baby.

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Luke

---