Page 67 of Between Passion and Revenge: Part One

“Shae.”

I stare at the pristine floor as if it could swallow me whole.

“Shae, look at me.”

I resist. But when he puts his fingers on my jaw, turning my face toward his, I let him.

I let him because if there’s anything I am, it’s a ball of confusion when it comes to Storm Sandoval.

“The reasonwhyI wouldn’t have fucked you is because I want you, and I respect you, Shae. The first time I slide into you, it won’t be trapped somewhere in the Econ building. When we finally fuck, it’ll be everything you deserve and desire.” There’s not a trace of deceit on his face. Instead, he’s open with me. I believe every word he says.

Each word hits me like a dodgeball to the face. The monitor starts to flash a warning that my heart rate has increased, and soon it will begin alarming if it continues its upward trend.

I inhale, holding my breath to slow my pulse, before blowing it out.

More silence, and his hand falls away. I keenly miss the feeling of his skin on mine, but it gives me space to think.

To breathe.

“What makes you think we’re going to be sleeping together? We don’t even know each other.” I’m proud of how I don’t stumble over the words.

And there it is. That cocky smile I both love and loathe.

“You think you can stop a wave from crashing against the shore, Sweetness?”

I…what can I say to that? I shake my head dumbly, biting my lip.

“Exactly,” he says. He looks at me for a moment longer before standing. Leaning over me, he brings his face close to my ear and says, “Rest up. I’ll see you soon.”

Then he kisses my cheek. It’s soft and sweet.

Almost…reverent.

He pulls back to leave, but despite my sensible side screaming at me to let him go, I wind my fingers around his.

He pauses, lowering back to the bed without releasing me.

“Yes, Sweetness?”

His voice is a rasp I feel in my spine, in my soul, but before I can do anything, Daddy’s familiar knock cracks against the door and he swings it open at the same time.

I pull my hand back, but Storm doesn’t release me.

I stare at where we’re joined.

“Oh, it’s you again!” Mama rushes forward and engulfs Storm in a tight hug. Fat tears spill down her cheeks. “Thank you for saving my baby girl.”

Daddy comes up behind Mama and slaps a hand on Storm’s shoulder. “Thank you, son. Now…you said your name is Storm. Do you have a last name?”

“Reginald,” Mama hisses.

“What, Opal? I can’t ask questions?”

“Reginald—”

“Daddy!” Mama and I speak at the same time.

Storm’s jaw twitches before unleashing a brilliant smile. “Sandoval. Storm Sandoval, sir.”

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