Chapter Seven

Storm couldn’t take his eyes off Barrett. He looked relaxed in a way Storm hadn’t seen in ages. In a t-shirt and shorts, he played a game on his phone while a movie played in the background. Nothing held Storm’s attention the way Barrett did. With the season coming to an end, the playoffs had been kicking Storm’s ass. He was so close to that cup, he could taste it. Yet Storm didn’t want to be anywhere but right here.

Turned sideways on the couch, occasionally, Storm bumped Barrett with his foot. Even though he probably messed up Barrett’s game, Barrett still smiled every time. Maybe Storm was a little bored. He wanted Barrett’s attention.

“What do you want to do for dinner?”

Barrett set his phone aside. “I don’t even remember what we have.”

Storm paused the movie even though he hadn’t been watching it. “Let’s go see.” He headed for the kitchen. Barrett overcame him. With his arms wrapped around Storm, they waddled to the kitchen together like they were one person. Storm couldn’t stop smiling. Life was better and more stable than it had ever been. He loved knowing they were settling into a normal, healthy life. Storm hoped it was boring. Boring meant safe. Comfortable. That sounded amazing.

They dug through the cabinets and fridge, suggesting ideas. Each second that ticked by, Storm savored it.

“We could shower and go out to dinner.”

Barrett’s eyebrows rose. “We’ve both already showered.”

Storm smirked. “I meant together.”

A sexy hum escaped Barrett. “This is a plan I could get behind.”

“I’m hoping you get behind it.”

Barrett rolled his eyes at the bad joke.

The doorbell rang, interrupting them. Storm sighed. “I’ll get that. You start the shower. It’s probably just a package.”

Barrett nodded and stole a quick kiss. Storm headed for the door. He didn’t check the peephole or cameras. His mind was already in the shower with Barrett. That was why he was slow on the uptake when the door swung wide. His dad stood on the other side. He looked exactly like Storm remembered, except his nose was a bit more crooked than before. Storm’s brain stuttered to a stop. Too many emotions to name crowded his brain. A lump in his throat choked him. Storm couldn’t manage a single word.

His dad’s hand lifted. Storm was still too shocked to react. Then a loud boom filled his ears, nearly making him deaf. It felt like getting hit by a truck. He lost his breath and couldn’t draw another. His dad’s sneering face stared down at him, making him wonder how he ended up on the floor.

“I told you accidents happened. I just fixed the biggest one I ever made.”

Storm blinked, and he was gone. He blinked again and Barrett was on his knees beside him. Storm knew Barrett was yelling, but he couldn’t make out a word Barrett said. He wanted to tell him everything was okay. Barrett looked panicked as he screamed into his phone. His hands were coated in something red. Everything had an odd haze. He wanted to tell Barrett everything would be fine, but he couldn’t catch his breath. Nothing made sense. He wasn’t so sure he would be okay. Storm had never felt this way.

“What happened to your face?”

Storm shrugged. “I got hit in practice yesterday.”

That was bullshit, and they both knew it. “This is too fresh for that and you didn’t have practice yesterday. Don’t lie to me again. What happened?”

A shaky-sounding breath fell from Storm’s lips. “Dad told me to clean my room this morning before school. I did, but then Mom trashed it while I was gone, probably looking for money or something to sell. When I got home from school, he accused me of not cleaning it like I was told. I swore I had, and he said I was lying. So.” Storm shrugged, as if two black eyes and a busted lip were to be expected.

Rage boiled in Barrett’s gut. He’d had enough of this. “Stay here. Don’t leave, okay?”

Storm looked defeated. “I can’t. I’m supposed to be cleaning my room right now. There’s no telling how long I have before Dad checks and finds my room empty. The last thing I want is for him to nail my window shut. I don’t want to be a prisoner.”

Barrett’s face hardened. He didn’t like being disobeyed. “Do you trust me?”

“Of course.” Storm didn’t as much as hesitate. That cooled Barrett’s temper a hair.

He softened his voice. “Then stay here, okay? I promise he won’t nail your bedroom window shut. If, for some reason I’m wrong, I’ll come over there myself and pry out the nails.”

Storm nodded. “Okay.”

Barrett kissed his forehead. “Good boy. I’ll be back. You can sleep in my bed.”

With a nod, Storm pulled back the covers and climbed beneath. He looked tired and ready to give up all hope. That wouldn’t happen on Barrett’s watch. Once he made sure Storm was settled, Barrett headed for his dad’s office. He knocked on the door.

“Come.”

Barrett stepped inside. His dad sat behind his desk, smoking a cigar. He looked relaxed. That was good. Barrett needed him. “Storm is here.”

“Okay.”

Barrett swallowed. His fury had no place to go. “Both his eyes are black, and he has a split lip.”

He set his cigar in the ashtray. “The dad again?”

Barrett gave him a sharp nod.

His dad made a sound between a sigh and a growl. “Take your brothers. I’ll make some calls.”

An evil smile pulled at the corners of his mouth. That was all he needed. This would never happen again.

Barrett held Storm’s hand, waiting for him to wake from surgery. A machine beeped, annoying the shit out of him while also reassuring him Storm’s heart still beat. A nurse had tried lowering the volume for him. He had refused. Barrett needed the distraction.

Tanner sat nearby, lending his silent support. Barrett appreciated him making the trip. While nothing mattered to him but Storm surviving, it would matter to Storm to know he wasn’t out of a job over this. This wasn’t his fault, but it was the second major event this season, putting him out of commission. Storm loved hockey. He wouldn’t want to lose it, especially because of his fucking father. The fury choked him. This felt like another broken promise. Barrett hadn’t protected him. Jean Paul was already dead. He just didn’t know it yet. Barrett just waited for word he had been found. For now, he had to lend his strength to Storm.

Goddamn it. For the millionth time, he wished he had made different choices. He should have asked his dad to get Storm emancipated and married him back before Storm figured everything out for himself without Barrett. They were always meant to end up as husbands anyhow. At least he wouldn’t have lost the last few years with Storm if he had tried harder. Now he was scared out of his mind, they would never get the chance to have that wedding. He couldn’t lose Storm. Barrett wouldn’t survive it.

He felt a light squeeze around his fingers. Barrett’s gaze shot Storm’s way. His eyes were open. “Hey. How are you feeling?”

Storm felt his face. The oxygen mask got tangled in his fingers.

Barrett stood and fixed it. “You need that, okay?”

“I’m fine.”

A stressed chuckle fell from his lips. It was just like Storm to downplay something his father had done. He had spent his entire life acting like his father’s actions never hurt. “You’re not fine. Your piece of shit dad shot you in the chest.”

“That’s unfortunate.”

Another laugh escaped Barrett. Goddamn him. He always knew how to make Barrett smile, even at his lowest. A light knock landed on the door.

“Come in.” Barrett hated how many people had come and gone, but he understood people liked Storm.

A huge guy, who looked slightly familiar, poked his head inside. His light brown gaze swept the room. “Are you sure it’s okay for me to drop in?”

He looked like a nice guy.

“Hey, Hugo.” Storm’s voice sounded rough.

The giant stepped inside. He held a vase full of flowers. “Hey, man. These are from the team.” He set them on the counter nearby. “I’m glad to see you awake. How are you feeling?”

Storm tried to chuckle and ended up coughing. The way he winced said it all. It hurt like hell. “Sorry. Tired.”

Barrett helped him sip some water.

Hugo focused on Tanner. “Hey there, Mr. Paige. It’s been a while.”

They shook hands and exchanged pleasantries. Barrett kept his focus on Storm. He seemed lucid. Relief flooded his veins. Storm was too strong to let his dad kill him. Another light knock sounded on the other side of the door. Barrett fought an eye roll. Storm was too popular for his own good. He would never get any rest. Before he could let anyone else inside, the door opened. Tavey stuck his head inside. He spotted Hugo first. That seemed to draw him up short for some reason. After a moment, he finally focused on Barrett.

“It’s time.”

Barrett gave him a sharp nod.

Tavey’s eyes moved back toward Hugo as if he couldn’t stop himself.

Barrett leaned over and kissed Storm. “Go back to sleep, baby. I need to take care of something, but I’ll be back before you have time to miss me.”

“Too late.”

Barrett shook his head. Storm had him smiling again. “Close your eyes.” He waited until Storm obeyed before turning their visitors’ way. “Are you guys hanging out for a minute? I don’t want him to be alone.”

Tanner nodded. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Hugo claimed the chair Barrett had vacated. “I’ve got time.”

Barrett appreciated the pair more than words could express. He had someone to kill. It had been a long time coming.