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Though I tried telling myself Darby wasn’t dirty—that he had nothing to do with Clive’s death or the shit I went through with the Golden Frogs, there was that tiny voice inside that was shouting I shouldn’t trust him.
And even if I wanted to give him the benefit of a doubt, I had to look out for the lives of my people. I would not gamble with Beam’s life—with Storm’s life.
While I would be careful around him for now, it killed me to believe our friendship meant nothing. I’d spent my entire life with this man and now the world had conspired to show me something I probably wasn’t ready for.
But that was the only worry.
Storm’s anger if it turned out Darby had me burnt was another bridge I’d have to cross.
He rubbed my back, and I looked up into his eyes.
“What do you think of Tex’s suggestion?” Storm wanted to know.
“Why not?” I asked. “Let’s put the top down on the jeep and go out—maybe do some shopping. I need to pick up a few things. Then I treat you to lunch or something.”
“Can we go to the beach P?” Beam asked. “Maybe not the same one Darby is at, but one?”
“Of course.” I approved. “The two of you need to change, then we’ll go.”
Beam darted from the room like an excited teenager.
I couldn’t help the laughter that caused in me.
Storm hunched down in front of me and took my hands in his. When his eyes met mine, I sighed and allowed him to search my gaze.
“I do want you to be my woman.” Storm spoke up. “I can see the question every time you look at me. That’s what I want—but that choice isn’t mine. Do you understand?”
I nodded.
“And I don’t want you to make that decision now.” Storm continued. “I want you to make it when you decide if you’re coming back to Thailand or staying here.”
“Stay here?”
“This is your home, Taz. I’m under no delusions what we feel or what we want goes beyond Australia.”
“I didn’t know I’d have to make that decision.”
He smiled, sadness still in his eyes.
“The day will come.” Storm continued. “I just want you to know this is totally up to you. I’ll go with whatever you decide.”
“But you want me to choose you.”
He stood and released my hands.
“I’m going to change.
“Storm…”
“Yes.” He didn’t look back. “But like I said—don’t make a decision based on what I want. I’m not the one who must live with it after. I never want you to be disappointed or sad. And choosing me when you your heart is here—will hurt you.”
I sighed.
Storm left.
CHAPTEREIGHT
Storm