Page 84 of Storm

They may be grumpy assholes... but they're also stupidly good-looking grumpy assholes. And if I'm honest, part of me wants to see where this could go.

But Rook... Rook will always be home. I know what he’s saying. This is the safest place I could be.

"And we’re staying," I whisper. "Wherever you are, I'm home."

The grin that spreads across his face is pure sunshine and relief.

His whole body relaxes against mine, and then he’s kissing me again. Slower this time, like he has all the time in the world to love me properly.

I nip at his lower lip, making him rumble low in his chest, his hips pressing into mine like he’s not planning on moving anytime soon.

For a moment, it’s tempting, so tempting to stay tangled up in him all day.

But the excitement buzzing under my skin won’t be ignored.

Laughing, I shove lightly at his chest. "Come on, alpha. Hurry up and get dressed. I want to explore."

He groans like I’m personally ruining his life but rolls off me with a playful huff.

"Yes, ma'am," he chuckles, dragging himself out of bed.

Once he’s dressed, he crosses the room in two long strides, his hands coming up to frame my face with that same overwhelming tenderness.

"Have I told you today how much I love you?"

My heart swells at the simple declaration. "Yes, and you can show me later." I tease rising on my tiptoes to meet his lips.

"I missed this," he murmurs. "Seeing you excited about something. Seeing you happy."

We make our way downstairs,hand in hand, the anticipation of freedom making my steps light. The scent of breakfast greets us—bacon and coffee and something sweet. Elena is at the stove again, expertly flipping pancakes while Fox sits at the table. Frankie sits at the island, sipping coffee and looking adorable. He must have changed to go outside, too. My heart gives an unexpected flip at the sight of him. He gives me that shy smile and I perfume.Ah, fuck.

Fox looks over to me, and I brace for him to tell me I smell bad. Instead, he winks.

"Good morning," Elena calls out, breaking the awkward tension, looking over with a warm smile. "Perfect timing, Rook. Your breakfast is ready."

“Nice to meet you, ma'am. Smells amazing, but I’m gonna go out with Storm.” Rook smiles over at her, and his large, warm hand in mine squeezes gently.

"Not before breakfast, you're not," Elena says firmly, pointing a spatula at him. "Sit. Eat. Then you can go adventuring."

I open my mouth to protest, but Rook's hand squeezes mine in warning. "Yes, ma'am," he says.

He moves towards a chair at the table and takes a seat as he lets go of my hand.

“I can’t say no,” he whispers to me. “That would be rude.” Rook, my big, hard, scary alpha with the softest middle.

Elena smiles approvingly, setting a plate of pancakes, bacon, eggs and a hashbrown in front of him.

"Storm, why don't you go ahead with Fox and Frankie? Alex should be down any minute." She places a hand on Rook's shoulder. "This one needs a proper meal. He's too thin."

I hesitate, glancing at Rook. The thought of leaving him, even for a short time, makes my chest tighten with anxiety. After four years apart, every moment together feels precious.

Rook's expression softens. "Go on," he encourages. "I'll catch up. I promise."

"You're sure?" I ask, searching his face.

In answer, he presses a kiss to my hand, his lips warm against my skin. "I'm not going anywhere, Storm. Go have fun. I'll be right behind you."

"Okay," I agree reluctantly, pushing back from the table. "But don't take too long."