Page 108 of Between Passion and Revenge: Part Two
Storm wisely shuts up.
“Mama, what if we set you up with security?” I offer. It hits me that I’m problem-solving, compromising with Storm. It also hits me that he’s made so many damn unilateral decisions, not just regarding me and the children, but everyone.
She seems to think it over, still giving Storm hard looks, but then says, “Fine.”
Tempest pipes up at that, having watched the entire exchange.
“So can I go with you, Gigi?” she whispers, but we all still hear her.
I start to speak, to soothe my child, but Storm interrupts me with a firm, “No, Tempest. You’ll stay here with me, your mom, and your brother.”
It’s like watching a tea kettle shift from hot water to boiling. Her face tightens as angry tears begin to spill.
“I hate you!” she shouts, then runs away from us, deeper into the house.
Storm Sandoval just made my daughter cry.
My daughter, who doesn’t cry.
My daughter, who never even told me she missed me when I worked late, because she didn’t want to seem weak.
Now she’s sobbing because of him.
I stand, ready to chase after her, but Yennifer puts her hand on my arm.
“Let me talk to her,” she murmurs, and I freeze, trying to figure out what the hell is the right thing to do.
Who is this person? This is notme.
“You,” Yennifer snaps, pointing a finger at Riale. He gets a strange look on his face as he stares Yennifer down. “You live here, right?”
Riale pauses for a beat before saying, “Something like that.”
“Great.” Yenn gives him one of her most charming smiles. “Show me around the place and help me find my goddaughter.”
Then, with a flick of her hair, she sets off after Tempest. Riale scowls but follows her.
Mama sighs, then says, “Fine. Send overmoresecurity. But I’m not leaving my house, and that’s that.”
Storm lifts a hand, placating. His other hand firmly circles Raiden’s.
“Yes, ma’am,” he replies.
Shaking her head, Mama heads toward Raiden.
“C’mon, baby. Your parents need to talk,” she says. Raiden takes a step back, hiding behind Storm’s hip. Storm seems to transform at the action, and he stands up straighter, getting ready to protect his son against any threat.
Even if that “threat” is his grandmother.
“Raiden, Gigi’s right. I need to discuss a few more things with your…dad.” I clear my throat after saying the word. “But you and I can talk in just a few minutes. Okay?”
Raiden looks at me and then Mom, before looking up at Storm as if asking his permission.
“It’s okay,” Storm whispers.
Raiden seems to swallow, and I can tell he’s nervous.
“Will you be around…later?” Raiden asks. Storm’s nostrils flare when he sucks in a sharp breath, but he reins it in.
