Page 55 of Between Passion and Revenge: Part Two
There’s clear hurt.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper, adding my heart into the words. “I won’t do it again.”
She holds the firearm to my skin for another few heartbeats before taking a step back and dropping the gun back into her pocket. She runs a shaky hand over her hair.
“Why are you here, Storm?” That’s a great question, and she sounds so fucking tired.
What can I say that won’t make me sound like a stalker or a psycho?
I shift in place before saying, “I’m here because I thought you might have more questions now that you’ve calmed down.”
Her mouth moves like she’s chewing the inside of her cheek, but then she crosses her arms and says, “Calmed down? Whatever, Storm.”
“Yes, or do you now hit people when you’re calm?” I grin at her, enjoying the hell out of this back and forth for the simple fact that I’m talking to her and we’re alone.
Her eyes narrow as she grips her Ruger, and before she can make a move, I say, “This will go a lot better if you put your piece away.”
She scowls, sputtering.
“You first,” she barks, and I lift an eyebrow. Holding my arm straight out to the side, I place my Glock on the side table in reach. Then, because I like torturing her and myself, I lift the bottom of my shirt, revealing a few inches of skin on my abs.
Shae’s eyes go wide, and she releases a choked, “What are you?—”
But I continue lifting, turning around so she gets a full three-sixty of my body. When I face her again, I lift the hem of my slacks, showing her my ankles and that I came with only one gun.
Which is very unusual, but a nigga was in a rush.
“Okay, okay, stop your striptease,” she snips, and I resist the broad smile creeping across my face.
Shae stomps toward the hall closet and steps inside. Mechanical beeping and then the sound of a lock being disengaged precedes the faintthunkof what I know to be her gun being put back in the safe.
“Now,” Shae says, closing the closet door and leaning against it with her arms crossed, mirroring my stance as she faces me. “Tell me what the fuck you want. Besides pissing me off.”
Goddamn, how I love this new fiery side of her.
“I’m not trying to piss you off, Shae. I just wanna know what you’re thinking about Keystone. You’re gonna drop the deal, right?” I shift, leaning even more onto the wall.
She makes a low, growling noise.
“That’s what you’re here for, yeah? Keystone, Keystone, Keystone,” she says, her voice a rasp.
“What else do you want me to be here for?” I ask, taking a step closer to her.
She takes an equidistant step to the side, making a dark sound in her throat.
“I don’t want you here at all, Storm.”
“That’s a lie,” I shoot back. “Shae, you’re smart and resourceful. Don’t be stupid. Get out of the Keystone deal before it’s too late.” I open my hands, pleading with her and trying to make my tone as serious as I can. But she doesn’t latch on to that part.
“Stupid?” she bites out calmly. “You think I’m beingstupid, Storm?”
Fuck.
“No, I’m saying don’tbestupid. Dealing with Keystone is a stupid decision.”
“Or it’s a decision that’s contrary to whatever selfish reasons you have for wanting me to back down.”
Anger and frustration make my face hot.
