Page 141 of The Forgotten

“That’s more foreplay than therapy,” he shrugs.

“Gross,” I say. “I’m very happy for you, Tommy. However, you’ve been cock blocking me for my entire life. If I had to worry about heats, this would be a problem.”

They get really quiet and I let them sit with that while I continue to walk.

“What did you do, Marie?” Tommy asks.

“It’s just a little pill, it’s fine,” I say.

“Who are you getting them from?” he asks. “Most of those aren’t legal.”

“Shaw,” I reply.

“Dammit, you really are at Omega’s Haven,” he says.

“You need to have your tongue cut out, Storm,” I say, angry.

“He would have figured it out himself,” Storm says unrepentantly.

“Ugh. Maybe I just need to move where there’s no mafia involvement,” I say.

“You’re safer here, Marie. Just…maybe don’t walk alone,” Tommy says. “There’s been rumors about auction headhunters.”

“They’re fucking everywhere,” I mumble. Chicago has an issue with them too. “It’ll be another two weeks until I can get my car back.”

“What’s wrong with it exactly?” Storm asks, confused.

“Cash flow issue,” I mutter. “Insurance apparently has decided to cap what they’re willing to pay, and I need to wait for my paycheck.”

“Marie–” Storm begins.

“Honestly, until you can prove to me that you have anything to offer other than money, get the fuck away from me,” I say, yanking on my hair until the pain helps to center me.

“Can I give you a ride, Marie?” Tommy asks tentatively.

I think he can tell that I’m about to start screaming and then be unable to stop. Facing the two of them, I decide to take him up on it. I’ll keep my weapon with me to remind my brother to keep his hands off me.

Though, looking between Storm and Tommy, I think this may be the safest that I could be with my brother. He got his aggression out.

“Yeah,” I finally say, walking to his truck and opening the door.

“Come on, Marie,” Storm says, turning toward me.

“Give her time,” Tommy mutters, his eyes on me. “I’m inclined to agree with her. You don’t have anything to offer my sister.”

Since that’s been decided, I climb into the truck and close the door.

“Put on your seatbelt, please,” Tommy says politely.

“What alien crawled up your asshole?” I ask, shocked as I pull on my seatbelt.

“I’m not sure, but I think I’m going to let it stay awhile,” he says, pulling around Storm’s bike and leaving him behind as he drives. “I’m not doing so hot on my own.”

Chewing on my bottom lip, I rub my chest as Storm gets farther away.

“Is he really so bad?” he asks.

“A motorcycle club member who trashed my car for fun with his buddies?” I ask. “Yeah, it’s worse actually.”