Page 126 of Between Passion and Revenge: Part Two

I can’t think of what to say to that, so I tilt my chin down in acknowledgement. After a cleansing breath, his teasing grin comes back.

“And finally, the third point,” he says, oh-so calm. “While you’re here for the foreseeable future, we’re going to get to know each other again. I’m going to get to know our children. Our beautiful children, Shae.”

His expression goes soft in a way I don’t think I’ve ever seen on him. He’s open, vulnerable, and…happy. Even in the midst of all this bullshit, he looks happy when thinking of his children.

Maybe…maybe he really is all in when it comes to them.

I stop fighting.

“Storm,” I start, but realize I don’t know what the hell to say.

“When I saw them for the first time at Versailles…it was like I couldn’t breathe, but I didn’t mind it. Looking at their little faces, getting to experience Tempest’s attitude, and the curious way Raiden looks at the world—I was in awe, Shae. And from the second I learned of their existence, I loved them. Ilovethem.” His words are soft, but his gaze doesn’t stray from mine while he speaks.

“They’re yours, baby, but you’re gonna have to learn how to share. I plan on being afatherto them. I plan to learn everything there is to know about them. And…” He tucks a piece of hair behind my ear, the same lock he’d played with moments before.

“And, Sweetness, I plan on us being a family. Whatever family looks like for us.” I want to look away from him. My heart pounds as my soul screams,“No! Don’t fall for his stories!”

But as I get lost in his gaze, all I can think is….

“How the hell am I supposed to ever trust you again, Storm?” My words sound pained, and it’s because they are.

Storm’s hand goes around the back of my neck, squeezing the flesh there for a moment before sliding his hand down my front, over my racing heart.

“I don’t know, Shae,” he murmurs, and I feel the honesty in those words down to my toes. “But I plan to figure it out.”

He kisses my forehead, his lips lingering, and I can’t help it. I relax into him.

I give myself this moment.

“Stay, Shae,” he whispers, his lips still pressed to my flesh. “Don’t run away. Just…just stay and let me keep you and our babies safe. I promise I won’t let you or them down again.”

I lose the battle against my tears, confusion and hope numbing me to all reason.

But instead of answering him, all I do is sigh.

TWENTY-SIX

STORM

“Okay, so are you clear on what we’re doing here?” Shae whispers as we stand outside the playroom I had set up for the twins. Inside, both Tempest and Raiden play video games Axel set up for them. I had to check behind my friend’s work to make sure all the downloads were age appropriate.

They weren’t all at first.

“Yes,” I say, clearing my throat. I’m about to spend time with my kids. Sure, Shae will be there and we’re going to answer some tough questions from the twins, but…I’m about to be around them, talking with them.

Is it normal that I want to run around the house like a maniac?

“I’m to let you take the lead,” I say to Shae, “and if I say something wrong, you’ll squeeze my thigh.”

Shaetsks.

“I’m not gonna touch your thigh,” she says, huffing.

I’d smile if I weren’t a ball of emotions right now. It’s not just the confrontation we’re about to have with our kids that’s got meon edge. It’s Lakeland. It’s the Keystone CEO’s death. It’s Riale and Axel being asses.

“You’re in charge,” I say, waving a hand toward the door to indicate Shae should enter. But instead of opening the door, she pauses with her hand on the doorknob. Her face shows all her thoughts, and…she’s terrified.

“Shae,” I say, trying so damn hard to push down my fear and excitement. “It’s going to be great.”