Page 187 of Outlaws of Tulsa

I scan our group who are all exiting vehicles or climbing off bikes, looking for Dragon. Still missing. What the hell?

“Hey,” Stormy says, cupping my cheeks and turning my attention to her ruined face. “Don’t.”

“Don’t what?”

“I know…” Her eyes water. “I know you must have seen the video… It’s just…please don’t hurt him. It’s complicated, but we were in survival mode. We had to do what we had to do.”

I study her face, taking in every bruise and cut. “I know, little storm. If you’re worried, don’t be. I love you. All I care about is getting you in the shower and into bed so I can hold you.”

“Promise?”

“Promise.” I give her a soft kiss on her forehead. “Get the twins and Erin settled in the two guest rooms downstairs and then meet me in your old room.”

As soon as she disappears into the house with them, someone grabs me and shoves me against the side of a vehicle. Green, wild eyes bore into me.

“Looking for me?” he snarls, pressing a knife to the side of my throat.

A wounded Katana lingers not far behind, making no moves to stop Dragon.

“Actually, yeah,” I grunt out.

“To kill me?” His eyes flash with pain. “Because I deserve it?”

“I’m not going to kill you, dumbass. You’re a fucking victim. I’ve been doing this job long enough to understand that.” I grab his hand with the knife and shove it down. “Besides, Stormy would never let me hear the end of it if I did. You know how mouthy she can be.”

His lips twitch with a smile. “She’s one tough bitch.”

“Fuck yeah she is, but…” I trail off and pin him with a hard stare. “Her siblings aren’t. They’re one of us now.”

“I got the littles’ backs. Don’t worry, old man.”

I pull him to me for a quick hug before he tugs away and disappears with Katana. Filter’s stare is locked on me, but it’s missing the usual venom.

“I’m not going to give her any more shit,” Filter says as I approach. “We’re good.”

“Just like that?”

He shrugs. “We had a chat.”

I’m not sure when this chat took place, but I’m happy anyway.

“All right then. I’m going to hit the sack.” I tip my head at him and then walk inside.

By the time I make it to Stormy’s old room, she’s already stripping out of her clothes. Her body is battered and she’s wrecked, but she’s still beautiful and strong and mine. I shed my clothes and follow her into the shower. It’s not until the steam fills the air and the hot spray is raining down on her that she finally breaks.

Unravels.

Shatters.

Allows the events to finally catch up with her.

Gently, I wash her abused body, cleansing her everywhere, and kiss away any pains that I can. The ones on her heart will be the hardest, but I’ll spend every goddamn day trying.

“Little storm?” I ask once she’s clean and no longer sobbing.

“Hmm?”

“You’re a hero. You helped save those people, including your siblings.”

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