Taking a steady, deep breath, I slow my speech and lower my voice. “No, I take that back. Being near Brody, it helps me forget. He helps me forget. He gives me hope. Hope that I’m not the broken, damaged girl I feel like. Hope for something other than the nightmares I’ve been having every. Single. Night. Being near him calms me. I’m beginning to feel like me again.” I walk toward the couch, my gaze lowered. “I see you and all I can think about is lying tied up to a bed in the middle of a room. I look at you and all I see is pain and suffering.” I sit down, putting my head in my hands.
When I look up at Cole, he stares back at me in horror, his eyes wide and disbelieving. “I still want to try to make this right,” he whispers, “even if it’s too late for us.”
“You can’t make it right.”
Like a chameleon, his demeanor changes. He becomes angry and his body’s rigid. “I can find Armond. I can make him pay,” he says, low and controlled.
“What are you going to do, Cole? Huh? Kill him? You? Just stop,” I say, defeated. He’ll just get himself killed.
“He has to pay for what he’s done.” Cole’s jaw ticks, the muscles in his arms flexing.
“You couldn’t fight your way out of a paper bag. Please, let it go.”
“I can’t.” Cole pinches the bridge of his nose, trying to rein in whatever emotion is running through his body.
“I need you to let it go, Cole. Let. Me. Go.”
“Delani—”
“I think it’s time for you to leave.” Standing frozen, Cole watches me. When I don’t flinch, he sighs. His face falls as he gives me a feeble nod. As he walks toward the door, a thought comes to me. “How did you know about my inheritance account?” I ask, needing to know.
Turning back to me, he answers, “What inheritance account?” His quizzical look confuses me.
“The account almost two hundred and fifty thousand mysteriously disappeared from,” I ask again, waiting for the realization to cross his face.
“I have no idea what you’re talking about. You had an account I didn’t know about?” he asks, furrowing his brow and tilting his head like a confused puppy. Fear grips by body. Armond must have had someone look into my background. I shiver as I wonder what else he may know.
“Goodbye, Cole.”
“I’ll always love you,” he says as he walks toward the door, his head bent low. Looking up one last time, he adds, “Don’t ever forget that.” Cole grips the door handle and exits, closing it softly behind him.
Exhausted from our exchange, I flop down on the couch and place my head in my hands. Why do I feel so guilty now that he’s gone? He deserved everything I said, and some things I didn’t. Closing my eyes, I try to imagine the good times we had, but all I see is Armond.
After waiting a few minutes, making sure Cole actually left, I go outside, looking for Brody. As I step off the porch, he comes from around the side of the garage. “You okay?” he murmurs.
“I’m fine. I’m sorry—”
“Don’t. There’s nothing to be sorry ‘bout.”
“I thought you left.”
“You really think you’d get rid of me that easy?” he says, pulling me into an embrace. “They’d have to put a bullet in me to keep me away.”
“I don’t hate him, you know. But I don’t feel sorry for him either. He did this to us, and for that, I can never forgive him,” I murmur into his chest.
“I’ll never let Armond near you. I promise you that.” Holding me tight, he kisses the top of my head.
I sigh into his chest, both happy he’s here, but annoyed my plans for tonight are ruined. I wanted to show him how a real New Yorker lives and found a nightclub in Houston that would work, but I’m too emotionally exhausted to do anything but sit on the couch and watch reality TV curled in Brody’s arms.
On some level, I’m glad I had some closure with Cole. As much as I thought I loved him, I realize I never really did. I just hope he goes back to New York and turns his life around.
THE NEXT MORNING, Brody and I talk for hours, trying to figure out how Cole found me and who else may know I’m here. It’s been too much, too fast, and I decide I need space. Between Cole popping up and being surrounded by countless police officers the past few weeks, unless I’m with Brody, I need some alone time.
This decision is not met with the best reaction from Brody, but I explain my reasoning and tell him Cole wouldn’t put me in danger. Brody still isn’t swayed and our talk turns into a heated discussion, but after much convincing, he grudgingly concedes to let me go into town by myself. While he’s still adamant about being happier having me within eyesight, I ultimately win.
Besides, the town is bustling with people and Armond wouldn’t try anything with witnesses—at least, that’s what I keep telling myself.
Brody’s truck is huge, so I choose a parking spot on the side of the lot where there aren’t many cars, but still close to the stores and other people, and pull straight through, ensuring I’ll be able to drive right out instead of backing up this monster.
Meandering in and out of stores, I stop briefly to appreciate the things I can’t afford. I wander into a home goods store, admiring all the home furnishings that would look fantastic in my dull apartment.
As I exit, a chill runs through my body. Standing with my back to the display window, I scan the crowds, looking for anything out of place. The more I search, the more uneasy I become. This is crazy. There’s no one here. It’s my mind playing tricks. Brody has me freaking out over nothing.
Not taking any chances, I pull my cell phone out of my bag and call Brody. “Russell,” he answers.
“It’s me.”
“Well, hello there, darlin’. How’s your day goin’?”
“I don’t know,” I mutter, shifting on my feet. “I have this creepy feeling I’m being watched.”
“Do you see anyone suspicious?” he asks, a hint of anxiety in his voice.
“Define suspicious.”
“This is why I didn’t want you goin’ by yourself,” he mutters.
“It’s probably you making me crazy,” I snap back. “No, I don’t see anyone suspicious.”
“I guess it’s a good thing I sent an officer to keep an eye on you.”
“You did what?” I squeal. “For Christ’s sake, Brody! That explains the creepy feeling.”
“Now, Lani. He’s not followin’ you, he’s just chillin’ out in the parking lot. Just in case.”
“Good fucking Lord,” I say on a sigh.
“You want me to call him?”
“No, I don’t want you to call him. What happened to my solo trip?” I ask, irritated.
“I told you I wasn’t gonna take any unnecessary risks,” he says in a condescending tone. “Sendin’ you on your own was an unnecessary risk.”
“Don’t patronize me!” I snarl. “You know what? I’m done. We’ll talk when you get off tonight,” I say before hitting end. I know we’re closer since my breakdown, and he’s managed to get behind the wall I’ve built up, but that doesn’t give him the excuse to run my life.
Scanning the parking lot, I seek out my police stalker. He’s well hidden, but I catch him glancing up at me from the newspaper he’s pretending to read. Storming over to his car, he spots me and tries to slink down in his seat. I see you, you douchebag. Knowing he’s been busted, he rolls down the window as I approach. “Go find someone else to spy on,” I spit.
“Ma’am, I was told—”
“I don’t care what Brody told you. Go. Away.” He frowns, but doesn’t budge. “Leave!” His impassive stare doesn’t change. He doesn’t even flinch. “Gah!” Turning on my heel, I storm back toward the mall. Seriously, he can’t even give me a few hours of peace without a babysitter!
My shopping mood gone, I walk back to the truck. I know he’s worried; the least he could have done was tell me he was sending a spy because of how uncomfortable he felt sending me alone. I don’t like being lied to or treated like an imbecile. If he thinks this
conversation is over, he is so fucking wrong.
Driving back from the mall, my anger continues to grow. I’m not sure why I’m more pissed, the fact that he lied and said I was by myself or that he doesn’t trust my judgment. I’m being really careful. I don’t want to go through that same hell again. I parked as close as I could to the stores and stayed with lots of people. There was no reason for him to go behind my back and have me believing I was here alone.
Once I get back to my apartment, I throw my bags on the floor and head straight for the kitchen. Grabbing a random open bottle of wine from the fridge, I find a glass and pour. The crisp white wine flows freely down my throat and I empty the glass in several swallows. I pour myself another and proceed to throw myself down on the couch. I’m so angry I can scream, and the more time passes, the more enraged I become.
An hour and a bottle of wine later, the front door opens. Spinning, I hurl my wine glass toward the sound, just missing Brody’s head. “Whoa, what the fuck, Lani?” he asks as the glass shatters against the wall behind him.
“Who the fuck do you think you are?” I hiss.
“You’re still mad?” he asks, his arms up in defense.
“Mad?” I ask, laughing like an insane person. “I’m fucking livid.” Standing, I walk toward the kitchen to get another glass.
“I did it to protect you,” he snaps as he follows me.
“Then fucking tell me that! Don’t lie and say I’m by myself when you send a goddamn spy!” I yell, slamming my palms flat against the dining room table.
“I didn’t think it was that big of a deal.” His face reddens, his pupils flaring.
“I don’t like being lied to, especially by someone I trust implicitly,” I say, low and controlled. Turning, I reach in the fridge, then open another bottle of wine and pour. “Whatever happened to endeavoring to be honest?”
The realization of his actions crosses his face, his expression changing from hostile to pained. His features soften and his face falls. Shutting his eyes, he runs his hand through his hair and inhales deep. “Christ, Lani. I wasn’t thinkin’—”
“No, you weren’t.”
Opening his eyes, he turns toward me. “I told you I wasn’t goin’ to let anythin’ happen to you. I’m not takin’ any chances.” Moving to stand in front of me, he continues. “I won’t apologize for my actions. I will, however, apologize for not tellin’ you.”
“You are the most cocky, controlling, patronizing, and wonderfully caring man I’ve ever known.” Reaching up, I grab his face and gaze into his eyes. Knowing deep in my heart he truly cherishes me, I kiss him—kiss him like I’ve wanted to for weeks. The passion that’s been bubbling inside me has finally come to the surface. Brody not realizing what’s happening at first, doesn’t react. But once he sees my intent, he kisses me back with a fire I’ve been begging for. Placing his arms around my back, he pulls me flush against his body. Holding me tight, his mouth devours mine with a raw, needy edge. Adrenaline zips through my veins and I feel that zap of electricity from head to toe. His body is pressed so close to mine, I feel his erection hard against my stomach through his tight jeans.
As our kiss turns more passionate, he pulls away. “What?” I ask, breathless.
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” he gasps.
Smiling into those beautiful milk chocolate eyes, I answer, “I’ve never been more sure about anything in my life. I can’t resist what I feel for you any longer. I need you to take me in your arms and love me.”
His lips twitch as he says, “Your wish is my command.”
Placing his hand at the nape of my neck, he grips my hair, turning my head right where he wants it. His lips come crashing down on mine and it only takes seconds for me to give myself to him. I plunge my tongue deep within the recesses of his mouth and a muffled growl comes from low in his throat. Holding me tight, he devours me. With equal fervor, my hands claw at his back, needing the contact. Our tongues slide together in a tangled symphony, making the most beautiful sounds. I whimper into his mouth as I go into pleasure overload, gripping his shirt for dear life.
Brody pulls away, panting. “Bedroom. We need to move,” he gasps. Before I know what’s happening, he swoops me up in his arms, then continues his assault with his tongue. I don’t know where his mouth begins and mine ends. All I know is I need more—so much more. Carrying me through the bedroom door, he places me on the bed.
As Brody pulls his shirt over his head, I stand. My breathing is loud and harsh. I don’t want to break contact with him, I need to touch him. I need him on me. In me. Brody chuckles as I place my hands on his bare chest, wanting more contact. “No, Lani,” he murmurs as he bends down to nuzzle my neck. “I need you on the bed.”
“Why?” I protest.
“I need to savor you. This has to be slow.”
“Slow?”
“Yes, slow. Take off your clothes, leavin’ only your bra and panties,” he commands, his eyes burning with desire as he speaks. A lazy smile crosses my lips. If he wants a show, I’ll give him a show.
Turning to face the bed, I spread my legs slightly. Bringing my fingers to the button on my jean shorts, I loosen them. Once undone, I shimmy and the shorts fall to the floor, exposing my black lace thong. Bending at the waist, I stretch, my palms touching the floor. As I wave my ass in the air, Brody hisses through his teeth. I crawl up the king-size bed, like a cat stalking a mouse. As I turn, I catch Brody stripping off his jeans, then drags a chair from the corner of the room. Sitting down, he gazes at me in nothing but a pair of tight boxer briefs. I’m beyond turned on.
I kneel, sitting back on my heels with my legs spread wide. Brody’s hands are palm down on his thighs, but I catch his fingers twitching. This has to be one of the most intimate things I’ve ever done. I pull my tank top over my head at a snail’s pace, exposing the matching demi bra to the thong. My skin tingles where the shirt skirted across my skin, leaving bumps in its wake.
Matching his demeanor, I place my hands on my thighs. “What now, Officer?”
His lips curl into a sexy grin. “Oh, darlin’. Have patience,” he drawls. “I just need to look at that perfect body of yours.” Standing, he rips off his boxer briefs, his erection standing large and proud. “Take off your bra,” he growls as he sits back down.
Reaching around, I unclasp the back. As I slowly drag the straps down my arms, Brody grabs his erection and starts to stroke himself, his eyes never leaving mine. I bite my lip, resisting the urge to jump off the bed and pull his cock into my mouth. Tossing my bra on the floor, I wait patiently for his next move.
Brody stands and walks toward the bed. “I’m not goin’ to do anythin’ to you unless you ask me,” he says, his voice low and steady. “I want you to tell me what you want.”
“Brody—”
“No. This is how I want it.” Towering over me, he waits for my answer. I could stare at his perfect body all day. His abs are tight and I itch to touch the V leading down to his cock. “I need to be sure you’re ready for this, so everythin’ I do to you will be your will, your choice,” he says, his pupils fixed and dilated. “Every. Sexy. Move.” Drawing my lower lip between my teeth, I sit perfectly still, weighing all the options in my mind. Where do I even begin? He’s trying to look impassive, but the corners of his mouth quirk up. “So, darlin’, what’s it gonna be?”
“I want you to touch me,” I whisper, every single nerve ending in my tense body aching for him.
“Where?” he asks. His gorgeous brown eyes sparkle, the sage green around the rim glowing bright. I understand the reasoning behind what he’s doing, and he’s being remarkable, but I also know he’s enjoying this more than he wants to admit.
“Everywhere,” I mewl.
“Oh no, I need explicit instructions,” he teases. “Where?”
I’m wound so tight, I could snap at any second. I’ve never wanted someone as much as I want him—need him. “Kiss me,” I moan.
“Where, darlin’?”
“Here,” I say, placing my index finger on my lower lip. Brody crawls across the bed, stopping just short of me. Heat radiates off his body, but he doesn’t touch me. Leaning in, he takes my lower lip and sucks on it, grazing his teeth across the top. Little noises squeak from the back of my throat and I see stars.
“Where else?” he breathes, leaning back to gaze at me.
“Here,” I say, pointing to the side of my neck.
“Mmmm, I love that spot.” His voice is low and raspy, and between him nuzzling my neck and the sound of his voice, the tiny hairs all over my body stand on end. A delicious chill runs through me as he nips and sucks his way from the nape of my neck to my shoulder. Making the return trip, he traces his tongue along my skin until he reaches just underneath my ear.
“Where else?” he hums, my skin tingling from his soft, warm breath.
“Here,” I say, cupping my breast.
Glancing down, he says, “Oh, darlin’, I thought you’d never ask.” Brody makes his way down my neck and latches on to my right breast, his tongue going in circles around my longing nipple. The sensation from his sucking and fondling travels right down my body to my clit. A moan escapes my throat as he continues his heavenly assault on the other breast.
“You okay, baby?” he asks.
“Mmmmhmmm,” I hum. Still sitting on my heels, I shift so I’m lying on my side. “Anytime you want me to stop,” Brody murmurs as he tugs on my nipple with his teeth, “you just say stop.”
“Oh fuck!” I moan. “Please!”
“Please, what?” he asks, his voice full of mischief.
“I want you inside me—I need you inside me,” I cry out.
“Not yet,” he reprimands. “I have so much more in store for you.” Shifting so he’s lying beside me, he asks, “Where do you want me now?”
When the Storm Ends Page 13
