Page 8 of Haunted By the Storm
"So what now?" I ask, looking between them. "I can't exactly file a restraining order based on one conversation in a grocery store."
"No," Storm agrees, "but you can protect yourself. Start by changing your routine. Different routes to work and Emily's school. Always have someone with you. And get a security system for the house."
"I can't afford a security system," I admit. My job as an administrative assistant pays the bills, but just barely. There's not much left for extras.
"I can," Blaze says immediately.
I start to protest but Storm cuts me off. "This ain't about pride, Camryn. It's about keeping your daughter safe."
The way he says my name, like he's testing how it feels in his mouth, makes me pause. He's right, of course. Emily's safety comes first, always.
"Fine," I concede. "But I don't see how changing my routine helps in the long run. I still have to go to work. Emily still has to go to school."
Storm and Blaze exchange a look that makes my stomach knot.
"What?" I demand. "What aren't you telling me?"
Blaze sighs. "Cam, this guy sounds dangerous. If he's been watching you, he knows your patterns, your vulnerabilities. We think... maybe you need more than just a security system."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning you need someone with you," Storm says bluntly. "Someone who can handle themselves if Eric decides to escalate."
I stare at him, realization dawning. "You mean like a bodyguard? I can't afford that either."
"Not a bodyguard," Blaze says. "A boyfriend."
For a moment, I think I've misheard. "Excuse me?"
"A boyfriend," he repeats. "Or at least, someone who looks like one. Someone Eric would think twice about crossing."
My eyes dart to Storm, who's watching me with that intense gaze. "You want him to pretend to be my boyfriend?" I ask incredulously.
"It makes sense," Blaze argues. "Storm's respected. Feared, even. If Eric thinks you're with him, he'll back off."
"This is insane," I say, pushing back from the table. "I don't even know him!"
"You don't have to know me," Storm says calmly. "You just have to be seen with me."
I shake my head, pacing the small kitchen. "And what about Emily? How am I supposed to explain to my seven-year-old that Mommy suddenly has a boyfriend she's never mentioned?"
"Kids are adaptable," Storm says. "We can tell her I'm a friend who's staying with you both for a while."
"Staying with us?" I repeat, my voice rising despite my effort to stay calm. "Now you're moving in?"
"Just temporarily," Blaze interjects. "Until we figure out what Eric's planning and how to stop him."
I press my fingers to my temples, feeling a headache coming on. "This is too much. There has to be another way."
"There might be," Storm acknowledges, "but this is the fastest, most effective option we've got right now."
I look at him, really look at him, trying to gauge his motivations. "Why would you do this? You don't know me. You don't owe me anything."
His expression doesn't change, but something shifts in his eyes. "I know what it's like to need protection and not have it," he says simply. "Besides, I don't like men who threaten women and children."
There's a story there, I can tell, but now isn't the time to ask. Instead, I turn to my brother. "Can you give us a minute? I want to talk to Storm alone."
Blaze hesitates then nods. "I'll go see that drawing Emily wanted to show me."
