Page 33 of Goddess of Storms

“Not with a fucking hammer, I have a sword,” Phoenix counters.

“Boys, are we comparing who's bigger now?” I joke, then my face becomes serious, “Because if we are, I wanna see.”

This gets a laugh from both of them.

“Good try, Harper. We don’t have time for that. Besides, Stone doesn’t need another reason to be pissed at me.” Phoenix winks.

“Get to packing. We need to grab Nile and come up with a plan.”

“You’re right as always.” Stone sighs.

I kiss him on the cheek, and head to find my pack from my father. It had another set of clothes in it. I’d have to stop on the road and get some more. I can’t just recycle these, and I want new underwear. Those I won’t rewear. I shudder at the thought. The bag was thrown in the corner of the small room. Digging the set out, I place them on the bed and start to change. I pull my top off and then the sweaty bra. I’m standing there topless when Phoenix walks back in.

I don’t try to cover up, and he doesn’t look away, but he does stutter his words. “I...I...am sorry.”

I raise an eyebrow at him, “For? If I didn’t want you to see me, I could’ve covered up or locked the door.”

He doesn’t reply as I pull on my new set, but as soon as I start to tug my pants down, he bolts.

Stifling a laugh, I continue changing. I repack the old set and shoulder the pack, making my way to the living area.

Stone and Phoenix were rushing around like mad men, packing up the food we just unpacked yesterday.

“What can I do to help?” I ask. I hate standing around helpless.

“We are almost done. You just stay here for a couple minutes. Once we are all loaded, we will come back for you and head out,” Stone replies.

I huff and cross my arms. I would have stuck out my tongue at him, but Stone didn’t stop long enough for me to do so. I thought about Nile, sending a silent prayer to my father.Please guide Nile from harm and back to me.

Pulling my cell from my pocket, I scroll back to his last message.

Me: You ok?

My heartbeat races faster with each second that he doesn’t answer.

Nile: You’re worried about me?

Me: Yes, asshole. I am.

With a smirk, sent that back to him.

Nile: I love it when you call me by a nickname.

Me: Please be careful.

Nile: Always, my love.

“Why are you smiling at your phone?” Stone asks.

“Nile’s an asshole, that’s all,” I reply.

“Yes, that he is. You ready?” Stone questions.

“When you are. Can you pull the seat forward and signal when I can run out?” I ask.

“Of course, good thinking.” Stone gently presses his lips to mine and ducks back out the door.

I haven’t seen Phoenix in a few minutes, he must be in the car already and waiting. Inching forward, I wait for the sign from Stone. He gives me a thumbs up, I pull the cabin’s door closed behind me and dart to the driver’s side door. I dive into the back seat and Stone rights his seat then climbs in.

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