Page 97 of Delicate Storm

“Don’t. It didn’t really stop him, did it?”

My mind flashes back to that day and I tense, swapping one awful person for another. The dick we’re referring to had an issue with Luke’s wife. Though she wasn’t his wife at the time, I don’t think… I never asked about their timeline. But she was pregnant with his baby and this guy—I can’t remember his name—was a piece of shit. I didn’t do what I did for Luke or Amelia specifically. I didn’t give it much thought at all. I just reacted.

And I think it has a lot to do with growing up surrounded by women. If that had been one of my sisters or my mom, I would have done the same thing. So I did.

“You don’t have to thank me,” I add genuinely. “I’m sure you’d do the same for me." Luke’s face lights up and I immediately regret my words. “Don’t,” I warn.

“What?” He lifts his hands in surrender but hits me with his thoughts anyway. “I was only going to ask if there was someone special you needed me to keep an eye on?”

“I can take care of myself and my family.”

“I know you can but—”

“But nothing, Luke. It was a throwaway comment.”

“East.”

“I want you to stay out of my business.”

I grab my phone from my pocket and make a show of bringing up our chat, leaving the group.

Easton left the group

Barely a second passes before both our phones chime with a notification.

Reed added Easton to the group

Motherfucker.I can’t escape this.

My gaze shoots to Reed’s and the guy smirks. There’s not even a hint of apology in his expression.

I offer them both a glare before turning away and aggressively shoving my bag into my locker, ensuring my phone is out of sight and hopefully out of mind. For the sake of this and Macy.

Luke’s still standing behind me when I’m ready for the group workout, so as I walk away we bump shoulders.

“See you in the gym.” He smiles as though all is good. “Let me know if you need someone to spot you.”

My fists clench but I keep walking. I can work out my frustrations during our weight session.

As soon as I’m back at my locker, I check my phone, holding my breath for an image from Macy. Stupid idea. I’m likely to die before she does something helpful.

Bringing up my search engine, I look for options and find two Halloween tees with trucks on them, so I call in a favor—another favor—with Keeley.

Easton: Any chance you can go to Macy’s (the store) for me on your lunch break?

I’m thankful when she responds right away.

Keeley: What lunch break? What are those?

Typical Keeley. I’d snap back if I wasn’t desperate.

Easton: It’s for Isaac

Keeley: What do you need?

I audibly sigh in relief because if she’d said no, I might have had to actually ask one of the guys for a favor, and that’s the last thing I want to do. But Mom needs me as soon as I’m finished here and I don’t have time to shop.

After sending Keeley the two images and asking her to buy both, I finally relax. Macy owes me big time. And I owe Keeley.

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