Page 40 of Avenging Angel

14

Madeline

Labor Day was in a few weeks, which meant school started soon. Emilee sat beside me, tears skittering down her cheeks. We were on a bench in the back patio, my arm around her, trying to soothe her. I wasn’t sure why she was so upset with her dad. He only wanted her safe. Returning to campus shouldn’t be such a big deal, but it appeared to be for sweet Emilee.

“I’m just not ready to leave,” she whimpered. “I was supposed to be here for two more weeks.”

“I understand.”

Not really, but I am trying to.

“All I know is the club is going to be busier than ever come Friday.” I understood my position as Storm’s ol’ lady but he didn’t give me many details. I did what I was told, didn’t ask questions, and kept my mouth shut—meek and subservient around others. Those were unspoken expectations of my role. I respected Storm more than anyone else in my life. But me, be meek? It was so against my personality.

Keep a public face on, Maddy,I chided myself.

“You haven’t even taken me to see your classroom. We haven’t gone school shopping for supplies like we planned. No movies. No dining out. I hate living like a prisoner. I’m not a child!” Her tears picked up and I stroked her arm.

“Maybe we can go tomorrow. We’ll do all the things we planned in one day.”

Dang it. Why did I say that?Storm would probably tan my hide for not talking to him first.

She lifted her head. “Really? Do you think they’ll let us go?”

Fudge. I had no clue. In bed last night, Storm was stressed to the max. When he was like that, he didn’t talk. Hard fucks were all he wanted. Sex was rough and incredibly hot. He wore me plum out by the time he’d gotten what he needed.

Then this morning, he made love to me. Slow and gentle. Whispering, thank you and I love you over and over until we both came. He often did this after a rough night. It was beautiful. He told me I wouldn’t see him much this weekend. Said I could invite Tara to the club for asleepover. That might have been the strangest thing I’d ever heard him say.Sleepoversounded so weird off his lips.

When I’d arched my brow, wondering who the hell this guy was with his cock buried deep inside me, Storm said, “Shits about to get fuckin’ crazy, Angel.”

I’d left it at that, showered with him, and kissed him a million times before he left. My heart burned, missing him already. He’d been gone all day. They’d had church in the morning, then he left with Track for some kind of “delicate matter.”

I saw him for a brief moment before Emilee and I went out back to talk. Fury rolled off him like lava down a volcano on the brink of exploding. It hurt to see him this way, but I knew it was part of his life. I’d have to get used to it. He hugged and kissed me then went to churchagain.They needed Jesus more than they needed these meetings, but I had a feeling whatever was going on would need more than a miracle.

“All I can do is ask him.” I gave Emilee a gentle squeeze. “Want me to help you pack? Go over your class schedule?”

The back door opened and Dodge poked his head out. His white T-shirt, stretched taut over his broad chest and ripped biceps. The way the sun hit his golden skin made it shimmer. He was handsome with intense brown eyes and a godlike face that was nothing like his cousin Track’s. As always, Dodge wore a stoic expression. His black leather cut might say Prospect but he looked like a fully patched member… dangerous and ruthless. “Everything okay out here?” His dark eyes shot from me to Emilee.

“Just girl talk,” I replied with a smile.

His eyes lingered a second longer on Emilee. “Storm knows you’re out here?”

I rolled my eyes. “Yes.”

Dodge’s gaze returned to Emilee. He gave nothing away regarding how he felt about her. For weeks I’d suspected he liked her, though. Sadly, Justin would never let his daughter date a biker.

“I’m going in to take a short nap.” She leaned into me and whispered, “I’m emotionally drained.”

“Absolutely. I’ll see you later.”

Emilee stood. “Don’t forget to ask Storm about… y’know.”

“I won’t.”

Storm

“No, Angel. Not happening.” I reclined on the bed, bracing myself on my elbows.

She paced in our room, hands on her hips. Did she seriously think I’d let her off the compound with Emilee… alone? This shit with the Hunters wasn’t easy on the women. None of them liked the lockdown.

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