“Yeah, we’re going to be fucking a lot, Shae. And pending your results, we’ll be fucking raw. Often.” He says this as if it’s a foregone conclusion, as if what we’re discussing isn’t completely preposterous.
“Storm, what happened last night was a mistake. Our emotions were high, and… What we need to do is focus on how to be effective co-parents from here. I understand you want to be in Tempest and Raiden’s lives, but we have so many details to work out. And there’s the simple fact that I don’t trust you as far as I can throw you, and I’m not leaving my babies alone with a stranger.”
Storm stares at me, tilting his head to the side with a flat expression. Then, like a psychopath, he laughs.
“I don’t know what the fuck you think is so funny,” I grumble, folding my arms over my chest.
“You. You’re funny, Shae,” he replies.
“How so?” I tack on a smile as afuck you.
“You’re funny because you still think you’re running shit here.”
I’m gonna murder him.
“Oh? Please tell me who’s in charge. I’m assuming you?” I bare my teeth this time, the ability to smile completely beyond me.
“Actually, yes,” he says, the words light. “And you’re not gonna say shit about it.”
I laugh this time.
“Oh, I’m not? Youreallydon’t know me then,” I shoot back.
Clearly over our parrying back and forth, Storm sighs and moves to hover over me again. This time, he grabs my chin—a move he used to do all the time before kissing me.
Memories rush forward, and I punch them back like I’m fighting for my life.
“Despite all that’s happened, Shae, I don’t want you to die. And I won’t tolerate my children being in danger. And as you’ve clearly deduced, seeing as you were just in a car chase and nearly gunned down, my family is in danger.”
I don’t miss the possessive way he says, “my family.”
“So, Sweetness,” he moves his thumb over my chin, caressing the flesh there. “Here’s what’s gonna happen. You ready to hear?”
I can’t look away from his eyes if I wanted to. They’ve always drawn me in, making me drunk off the power and intensity there.
So, it must be the effects of his gaze on mine that causes me to nod.
“Good girl.” Shiver. “You, Tempest, and Raiden are moving in with me. Your condo downtown is being emptied as we speak. When we land, we’re going straight to Gold Coast, where the children already have their rooms set up.”
One second passes, then another, and I continue to gape at him. Trying like hell to break his spell, I shake my head.
“You…what?”
“Keep up, Sweetness, we have a full agenda,” he says, dropping a light kiss on my forehead, which has the intended effect of completely disarming me.
“While you were sleeping, I rectified the mistake you made seven years ago by putting my name on my children’s birthcertificates. They’re no longer Tempest and Raiden Rivers. They’re Sandovals now.”
My mouth drops open. I mean, I can’t really argue with that one, even though it’s heavy-handed as fuck.
“What in the hell, Storm!” I shout, pushing him back. When I do so, I notice a Band-Aid in the bend of my elbow. “What the fuck! Did youinjectme with something?”
Air is a precious commodity, and it seems like my body is completely devoid of it. The dim lighting makes the shadows stretch, and I grab my head with my opposite hand.
“Nah, I didn’t inject you with anything. The doctor took some blood for testing and gave you some medicine to help with pain.”
“You’re out of your fuckin’ mind,” I state, knowing that the man in front of me has to be certifiably insane.
Storm smiles, further proving my point.