Page 7 of Storm's Deliverance

“His name is Zeke,” I correct.

He shrugs. “It’s what I said.” I roll my eyes. “All I’m saying is if we have vetted him, conveyed the message, then it will put your dad’s mind at ease a little. So let us meet him. We will be fair, pleasant even, but he needs to know to never fuck with our family,” he grounds out, his voice a low warning.

I pinch the bridge of my nose, giving in. “Fine, but if either of you step out of line…” I point at Phoenix.

His jaw drops. “What the hell? Why me?” he asks in disbelief.

“Because you have a way with words,” Hendrix points out.

Phoenix huffs. “Just because I pressed my blade to that guy’s junk for coming on to Ripley.”

“He was her gymnastics coach, and if he hadn’t caught her, she would have probably broken her ankle,” Enzo points out.

“No guy should have hands on an eighteen-year-old like that,” Phoenix counters.

“They were on her waist. Not her ass,” I point out. “And you’re lucky he didn’t press charges.”

Phoenix grins, leaning back in his chair, hooking his hands behind his head, a cocky grin on his face. “I had his dick at knife point. Ain’t no way he would have pressed charges.”

“Tori,” Zeke calls my name with caution. I whirl around and smile.

He comes to stand at my side. I press my hand into his, but he moves his away from mine. My smile falters slightly.

“We are at work,” he mutters quietly. Right. I need to stop doing that. I look at Enzo and Drix, who exchange a look while Olly, River, and Phoenix stare daggers at Zeke.

“Guys,” I warn in a low voice before clearing my throat. “Zeke, this is my brother, Enzo,” I say, pointing to Enzo. I am thankful that Enzo stands, his tall, built frame shadowing Zeke as he holds out his hand to shake.

Zeke places his hand in Enzo’s, a wince creasing at his eyes. “Nice to finally meet you.” Zeke grins.

Enzo smiles back. “So, you want to live with my sister?” Enzo asks, getting straight to it.

“Jesus Christ,” I sigh, covering my face with the palm of my hand.

Zeke removes his hand from Enzo’s with a little more force than what is usually required. “Yes, we will be. The timing is right, and I understand your concerns as her brother, but I assure you, she is in the best hands with me,” Zeke explains.

My heart swells at him not wavering to Enzo’s threatening presence. “We will need more than your word,” Olly adds, not bothering to stand, his grey eyes pinning Zeke to the spot.

Zeke shifts, staring back at Olly. “And you are?” he asks sharply.

I tense.Not the right response, not the right response,I scream internally.

Olly’s lips curve slightly at the edges. “Family. We are all family. So, I suggest you choose carefully how you speak to any of us,” Olly warns.

Zeke doesn’t even flinch. I want to hug him, or high-five him. That is the way to be around my family. Show them no weakness, because the slightest whiff of fear, and they will pounce for the jugular.

“So, you plan on hitting her?” Phoenix asks bluntly.

“Phoenix!” I hiss.

“It’s okay,” Zeke assures me. “No. I would never,” he affirms.

“That’s good, man, because her dad would tear you limb from fucking limb,” River adds, a sadistic grin on his face.

“You have sugar on your lips,” Zeke points out.

“I’m well aware,” River states.

Zeke sighs. “I get it. You are a protective family, and you want to make sure I’m not going to hurt her. I’m not. I am a doctor. Do you know what I would lose if I abused her?” he states.