Page 31 of Haunted By the Storm
The storm outside crashes once more, but this time I don't flinch. In the circle of Storm's arms, with his warmth surrounding me, the thunder is just a distant echo; no match to the storm brewing in my own heart.
CHAPTER EIGHT
storm
Her lips taste like coffee and something sweet I can't name.
I shouldn't be kissing her. Not now, not when she's vulnerable and seeking comfort from a storm that terrifies her. But the moment she walked into my room, eyes wide with fear and something else, something that looked dangerously like need, I was lost.
Now, with her pressed against me, fingers tangled in my hair, mouth opening under mine, I can't remember why this was such a bad idea. All I know is the softness of her skin beneath my palms, the quiet sounds she makes when I deepen the kiss, the way her body fits against mine like it was made to be there.
When we finally break apart, both breathing hard, I keep my forehead pressed to hers, unwilling to let her go too far. "I've got you," I whisper against her lips. "You're safe with me."
The words are a promise I intend to keep, no matter what it costs me.
The storm continues to rage outside but Camryn doesn't flinch anymore. She stays in the circle of my arms, eyes closed, breathing steadier now.
"I should check on Emily," she says after a long moment, though she makes no move to leave.
"Probably," I agree, equally reluctant to break this connection.
She looks up at me, those hazel eyes clear and direct. "What is this, Storm? What are we doing?"
It's a fair question and one I don't have a good answer for. "I don't know," I admit. "But it feels right."
A small smile plays at the corners of her mouth. "It does, doesn't it? Which probably means it's trouble."
"Darling, I've been trouble my whole life," I say, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "Never felt like this, though."
Her smile widens slightly. "Like what?"
I consider the question seriously. "Like I'd burn the world down to keep you safe."
Her smile fades, replaced by something more solemn. "That's... intense."
"I know," I acknowledge. "Too much?"
She hesitates then shakes her head. "No. Just... unexpected."
I want to kiss her again, to show her with actions what I'm struggling to express with words, but she's right. We should check on Emily, make sure she's still sleeping peacefully through the storm.
"Come on," I say, reluctantly releasing her. "I'll walk you back to your room."
The hallway is quiet as we make our way to her door. Inside, Emily is indeed still asleep, curled around her stuffed rabbit, oblivious to the thunder and lightning outside. Camryn stands in the doorway watching her daughter for a long moment, her expression so tender it makes my chest ache.
"She looks so peaceful," she whispers. "I envy that—the ability to sleep through storms."
"You're getting better," I point out. "You made it through this one without hiding."
She glances back at me, a flicker of pride crossing her face. "I did, didn't I?"
"Progress," I say with a small smile. "One storm at a time."
She closes Emily's door softly and turns to face me in the dimly lit living room. "Thank you," she says. "For... everything today."
There's a wealth of meaning in those words: for confronting Eric, for helping her through the storm, for the kiss we shared.
"No need to thank me," I tell her. "Protecting what's important to me is what I do."
