Page 40 of Storm's Deliverance

His smile fades, a serious look quickly replacing his amusement “I've just been deciding where to start.”

“Try starting nowhere.” I state taking a seat at the breakfast waiting for the lecture, the famous dad talk I know is coming.

He ignores me, “Storm.”

Everything inside me tightens. “What about her?”

He studies me for a long moment, then he quietly asks, “How is she doing?”

I shrug. Not expecting that to be his question. “Better.”

“Sure about that?”

I shake my head. “No.”

Dad watches me, “You’ve been around a lot.”

“I promised Ghost I would keep an eye on her.” I shrug.

“Did you just promise Ghost that or yourself?” he presses.

I laugh, “Jesus Christ.”

“What?”

“You sound like mom, the only difference is she practically pleads for me and Storm to be together.”

“I adore your mom, so I will take that as a compliment.” Dad raise his beer in a toat to mom before drinking from it.

I place my beer down and run my hands through my damp hair. “Storm has been through hell. I'm just making sure she's okay.” I huff.

Dad shrugs. “I know.”

I look to the ceiling and sigh exasperated. “So what is your point?”

He gestures towards the front door. “My point is you’ve spent most of your life having different women, come and go.”

“And how is that your business dad?” I yell my irritation growing.

“Because they aren’t her.” He pauses watching me.

I grit my jaw.

“They aint your BB, they aint fucking Storm.”

I'm well aware who I am fucking dad.” I bite back.

“Watch your tone boy.” He seethes, “I've watched you let her go when she chose someone else, I watched you smile while it ripped your heart out.” He pauses. “And I've watched you stay close, being by her side ever since Zeke nearly killed her.

I swallow. Hard. “I wasn’t about to let her be alone.” I grit.

“No. you weren’t.” He steps closer. “You would have traded places with her if you could have.”

“I nod. “I would’ve.” The words leave before I can stop them. “I would have taken every punch, every kick every broken bone. If it meant that she never had to go through that.” I shake my head. “I would’ve done it.”

Dad nods. “I know.” Silence stretches, the only sound is the clock ticking.

“I cant tell her now.”