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Finally, Romeo asks for their check, and I do the same, fast.

As Romeo walks Storm outside, he kisses her on the cheek. “Come on,” I say to the Russian, almost pushing my date out the door.

Outside, Storm stands on the pavement. Romeo is now turning and walking away backwards, as he gives her a fun farewell.

I hail a cab, and quickly turn to my date. “Thanks I’ll call some time.” The cab pulls over, and I shove the model in. Her Botox filled lips are wide in confusion, as it pulls away, fast.

“Thank God that’s over,” I say with a sigh. Storm watches me closely, and we shake our heads at the madness. “Walk home?” I ask, as I hold my arm out.

Storm links hers in mine, and we head off together. Perfect. I message Alfred, to say we are walking, and we stroll happily in the cool night.

We haven’t travelled far, when Storm sighs, and leans her head on my shoulder. “It’s disappointing when there’s no magic, huh?” Without realizing I’ve done it, I put my arm around her, and I kiss her head.

As we walk home, talking, laughing, and beingusagain, I start to worry about someone I’m starting to really care about.

I’ve never felt this way before, and it’s alarming.

It is not my usual craving to claim, craving to mark, and craving to fuck. It’s not even infatuation. It is a wanting to protect her.

To look after her, and to keep her safe.

To also, keep heras mine.

The wrong man will not just damage Storm, he would mess up, both her heart and her mind.

Storm is now a stunning young woman, but also a rare one. One with a pure, sweet, small-town heart, but with looks that belong on a catwalk, or throne.

She is not some experienced city type, who has had every line used on her, and who has been through years and years of dating. She could easily be manipulated with words, and she could easily be broken.

Unless, she is protected.

Her unique combination of beauty and innocence, makes her an extremely rare find. Like the perfect diamond, or perfect soul.

I didn’t do much at all, to make her who she wanted to become. I only helped her with ideas, after she asked.

She did all the hard work, and she chose her hobbies. Hobbies she is enjoying. The crazy thing is this, and it is now as clear as day to me.

Why should someone else have Storm?

And why should someone else make Storm theirs? What about me, andmy needs?

24

STORM

Walking home together, along Central Park, arm in arm, feels good. Almost like we’re on our very own date. Lorenzo is in a better mood, and I’m glad to be with him, alone. Like we usually are.

We discuss the evening, and our dates in more detail. We conclude, there was zero magic with the strangers, and no connection at all.

Lorenzo explains, he’s been on way too many dates, and he’d concluded that finding the one, was like finding a needle in a haystack. I agree, even if I’ve been on under a dozen dates, total.

As we walk on, and under the trees in Central Park, Lorenzo tells me, I have to be careful.

Carefulof losers, who would prey on me.

Carefulof heart breakers, who may crush me.

Carefulof men, who may just want to use me.