9. Storm

NINE

STORM

" S o, are you girls still mad at me?" Storm asked, a mix of curiosity and hesitation rumbling in his deep voice as he leaned casually against the back of a chair in the common room of the clubhouse.

At the table, Carlee, Ivy, and Remi looked up from their coloring books. He felt a small wave of relief when he didn’t see any of them glaring at him.

“We weren’t mad,” Remi replied softly. “We were sad.” She glanced at the others before continuing, “But we’re not anymore. Our Daddies explained that it’s okay for you to want a house of your own and that we’ll still see you a lot. We thought maybe you wanted to move out of the clubhouse because you hated us.”

Storm pulled out a chair and sat beside Ivy, with Carlee and Remi across from him. The weight of their words settled uncomfortably in his chest. He loathed that they’d ever thought that. Sure, he wasn’t the type to wear his emotions on his sleeve, and his default setting was grumpy, but that didn’t mean he didn’t care about the Littles.

Reaching out, he ruffled Ivy’s hair gently, her giggle relaxing the tension in the room. “I could never hate you,” he said, his voice firm but kind. “You girls are the fucking highlight of my day.”

“That’s ten dollars in the swear jar,” Carlee chimed in, raising her eyebrows like a disappointed schoolteacher.

Storm scowled, his brows knitting together. “Ten dollars? I thought it was five for the F-word.”

Carlee shrugged, an impish grin spreading across her face. “Inflation’s a bitch, isn’t it?”

“Carlee!” he snapped. While he sounded exasperated, he was more playful than angry.

All three girls burst into giggles, their laughter filling the room. Grumbling under his breath, he reached into his pocket and handed over a ten-dollar bill. The Littles practically robbed him blind on a daily basis with their swear jar antics. Maybe it really was time to work on his cussing.

“As I was saying,” he carried on, leveling them with a mock glare, “believe it or not, I love each and every one of you. I know I don’t show it like some of the other guys, but I do. I’m not used to so much energy, though. I’ve always kept to myself, and when it was just us guys here, it was easy to do that. Having a house of my own will give me a place to go when I need a break. That doesn’t mean I don’t like you. Does that make sense?”

The girls nodded, their heads bobbing in unison. Ivy reached out to touch his arm, her small hand resting lightly on his forearm. “Just so you know,” she said earnestly, “even though we’re sometimes naughty and pull pranks on you, we love you, too. We’re sorry if we kind of invaded your space. I guess you didn’t really get a choice in that, huh?”

No, he hadn’t. But looking at their wide eyes and genuine expressions, he couldn’t bring himself to hold it against them. Besides, with Brook now in his life, he knew his brothers hadn’t had much choice, either. Falling for Brook had been completely out of his control.

“No, I didn’t get a choice,” he admitted, his voice softening. “But that doesn’t mean I wish things were different. You’ve all brightened our lives in ways you don’t even realize. Everyone’s different, though. I like my quiet time. I’m sorry if I ever made you upset.” He looked at each of them in turn, holding their gazes to make sure they understood how much he meant it.

“We forgive you,” Carlee declared dramatically, placing a hand over her heart. Then, her eyes sparkled with mischief. “Bet you’re glad you’ve bought a house now so you can take Brook there and do wild things with her, huh?”

Storm chuckled, shaking his head. “We are not getting into a conversation about my sex life.”

Carlee feigning innocence, scoffing. “I didn’t say anything about your sex life, Stormy-Normy. I was simply talking about other things.”

His glare was sharp but laced with humor. “Don’t call me that, brat. And what ‘other things’ could you possibly be talking about?”

She shrugged, giggling as though she’d won some secret victory. “I don’t know. But since you brought up sex… are you in love with Brook?”

Jesus Christ. Storm pinched the bridge of his nose, already regretting sitting down for this conversation. “You girls are impossible,” he muttered, though the corners of his mouth twitched in reluctant amusement.

“Why are you asking about Storm’s sex life, baby? Don’t I keep you satisfied enough not to wonder about other people’s private lives?” Atlas asked as he strode into the room, a teasing edge to his deep voice. His gaze settled on Carlee, who immediately turned scarlet.

The way Carlee’s blush deepened made Storm laugh, a rare and genuine sound that rumbled from his chest. Carlee whipped her head toward him, narrowing her eyes and sticking out her tongue.

“Fucking Little girls,” he said under his breath, shaking his head, though his smirk betrayed his fondness. Why had he ever wanted to get away from them?

The answer came screaming through the room as Harper bolted past, squealing at the top of her lungs, with Eden chasing her in a bear onesie. Storm sighed. Right. That’s why. How was it possible for them to be so damn loud and chaotic all the time?

“You didn’t answer the question,” Remi quipped, her voice sweet yet pointed as she leaned forward to rest on her coloring book. “Are you in love with Brook? We really like her, and she looks at you like you’re the most handsome man she’s ever seen.”

Storm froze for a second, caught off guard. “She does?”

Atlas scoffed, leaning against the door frame with a knowing grin. “Idiot. Even I see it.”

Warmth flooded Storm’s chest, unexpected and almost overwhelming. He sank back into his chair, letting the words settle. He knew he had strong feelings for Brook—feelings that scared him in their intensity—but he’d been unsure if she felt the same. They didn’t know each other well yet, and he couldn’t shake the doubt that his grumpy, brooding personality might push her away in the end.

“I like her,” he admitted finally. “It’s not that easy, though.”

Ivy tipped her head to the side, her brows knitting in concern. “Why not?”

Storm let out a deep breath, staring at her for a moment, weighing up whether to share the mess of his past. The guys knew the baggage he carried from his ex, but he’d never told the girls the ins and outs of what happened. Maybe that was part of why they’d thought he disliked them—he’d always kept his distance.

“Because eventually, she’s going to want someone better,” he said gruffly. “Someone happier, less grumpy, less… moody. Someone who deserves her. She’ll find someone like that, the same way my ex did.”

Remi’s little growl would’ve been intimidating if it weren’t so adorable. It sounded more like a kitten hissing, and Storm couldn’t help but crack a smile. “Fuck that bitch,” Remi snapped, her tiny fist slamming on the table. “Your ex was a skanky bitch, faker than my glue-on eyelashes.”

“Remi!” Atlas barked at his sister, his tone sharp, though his lips, fighting a laugh.

Remi shrugged, utterly unbothered. “What? I’m just telling the truth. I met Emmaline when you were together, and she was rude, whiny— and not in a good way —and she treated you like crap. She wasn’t even Little. That was obvious to me, but you must’ve been blinded by her vagina or something.”

“Remi!” Storm and Atlas shouted at the same time, though the other two girls dissolved into giggles.

Storm rubbed a hand over his face, shaking his head. He hadn’t realized Remi knew that much about Emmaline. It had been years ago, back when Remi didn’t spend nearly as much time at the clubhouse. Before she met her Daddy, Kade.

Carlee’s voice broke through his thoughts. “Our point is, Brook is a true Little. She’s not fake. And yeah, she’s not grumpy like you, but she likes the quiet life, too. She hangs out with us, but she needs time to decompress, just like you do.”

Ivy nodded in agreement. “And as much as you think women don’t like your grumpy side, it’s actually kind of hot. You may walk around scowling, acting all pissed off, but we know you have a good heart. What woman wouldn’t want a guy who’s an asshole to everyone else but soft for her?”

Storm groaned, holding out his hand. “Okay, that’s it. Give me my money back. You brats have been cursing this entire conversation.”

Carlee rolled her eyes dramatically but slapped the ten-dollar bill into his palm. “Don’t change the subject, Stormy-Normy,” Remi said, sounding rarely serious. “Love doesn’t have to be hard. With the right person, it usually isn’t. Don’t let your shitty ex decide your future. You’ll regret it if you don’t take a chance with Brook.”

Storm hated to admit it, but she was right. Deep down, he felt it—the pull toward Brook, the certainty that she was meant to be his. She was the missing piece he hadn’t known he was searching for.

“Well,” he leaned back in his chair, “you’ll be thrilled to know that, for now, I am her Daddy.”

The explosion of squeals and excited screams made his ears ring, but he couldn’t help the smile that stretched across his face.

“I knew it would happen,” Carlee said smugly.

He held up a hand to silence them. “We’re taking it slow and seeing where things go.”

There was only one problem with that plan: he didn’t want to take it slowly. He wanted Brook in his bed every night. Hell, he wanted her in his life completely, and they hadn’t even had sex yet. And the more he thought about it, the more Storm knew he’d never settle for anything less.

By the time Storm pulled up to Brook’s workplace, the day had dragged endlessly, his mind a tangle of thoughts and his patience worn thin. After his conversation with the Littles earlier, he’d retreated to the shop, immersing himself in the meticulous task of inspecting Brook’s car. The accident had left little more than a faint scratch on her bumper—nothing structural, nothing alarming—but he’d gone over every inch of it anyway. The other guy’s car was likely just as unscathed, making an insurance claim probably unnecessary. Yet, even after ensuring her car’s safety, a restless unease had settled in his chest, refusing to budge.

When he spotted Brook stepping outside alongside a coworker, it was as if a weight had lifted off his shoulders. The tightness in his muscles eased, replaced by a soothing contentment that rolled over him like a balm. He hadn’t even realized how tense he’d been until the sight of her brought relief.

She waved goodbye to her coworker and skipped toward him— skipped. The lightness in her step sent a pang of warmth straight to his chest. Storm climbed out of his truck, rounding the hood to open the door for her. As she stopped in front of him, her cheeks flushed a delicate, rosy pink, and her gaze dropped shyly to the ground.

He tilted his head, studying her. She’s not used to being looked at like this, is she? Openly. Directly. With every ounce of his focus.

“Hey, pretty girl,” he murmured, his voice rougher than he intended as he reached out, pulling her gently into his chest. The moment she was there, he knew—she fit. Perfectly. She was made to be in his arms.

“Thanks for picking me up,” she whispered, slipping her arms around his waist as she let out a soft sigh. The sound was so full of trust that it undid him a little. Did she feel the same sense of calm seeing him that he felt seeing her?

“Anytime, sunshine. Ready to go home? Atlas is bringing your car to your place later. It’s good to go.”

She lifted her head, her sparkling eyes locking onto his. Her lips—plump and glistening with cherry-scented gloss—curved into a smile, the sight teasing his senses and testing his restraint. His cock twitched as he stared, and he clenched his jaw. He’d never thought of himself as ruled by lust, but with Brook, everything was different. She unraveled him in ways he hadn’t known were possible.

As she climbed into the truck, the curve of her ass stole his attention. He bit back a groan, his fingers spasming with the urge to touch her. Goddamn, she’s perfect.

“Need to go anywhere before we head to your place?” he asked, sounding slightly strained as he slid into the driver’s seat.

“Nope,” she replied, a playful pop to the P before giggling softly.

Her lightness sent a jolt through him. She was in a playful mood, and it was downright adorable.

The drive to her apartment was mercifully short. As soon as they stepped into the entryway, Storm shut the door, locking it with a deliberate click. He couldn’t wait another second. Pinning her gently against the wall, he captured her lips with his. The kiss was deep, hot, and all-consuming, the tension between them igniting like a spark to dry kindling. Her hands slid under his shirt, her fingers grazing the hard lines of his stomach.

“Brook,” he muttered breathlessly against her lips, trying to steady himself. The last thing he wanted was for their first time to be a frantic tumble just inside her apartment door.

“Can we?” she asked, her voice soft but urgent, her gaze searching his. “Can we go to my bedroom? Please?”

Before he could respond, she tugged on his arm, leading him down the hall. Her room was an explosion of pastel colors, plush toys, and delicate touches that screamed Little. He barely registered any more details, his focus entirely on her—her flushed cheeks, her sparkling eyes, her lips still swollen from his kiss.

“We don’t have to do this, sunshine,” he said, steady but tender. He needed her to know she had an out, even if every fiber of his being begged her to want this as much as he did.

“I know,” she replied, stepping closer. “But I want to. It doesn’t have to be anything serious. I know we’re seeing where things go, but I’ve been squirmy since this morning, and I might die if we don’t do something.”

Storm’s brow arched, a smirk tugging at his lips. “You might die, baby? Don’t you think that’s a little dramatic?”

She shook her head with an adorably serious expression painted on her face. “Nu-uh. It could really happen. Death by arousal. And then you’d feel terrible because you could’ve kept me alive.”

The playful defiance in her tone was a revelation. Beneath her sweetness was a brat just begging to be tamed. Storm’s grin widened as he leaned in to whisper into her ear in a low rumble. “Well, baby, I can’t have you dying on me, now, can I?”

From that moment on, there was no holding back. Storm knew—he was gone for her. Completely. Forever .

She shook her head. “Nope. That would be bad luck.”

This sassy side of her was so fucking cute.

“Do you know what a safeword is?” he asked.

“Yes. I don’t have one, but I know the stop light system.”

That pleased the hell out of him. He hoped that meant any partners she’d had in the past had at least been good men.

“Good girl. So you’ll say red if you want everything to stop?”

“Yes.”

He took a step toward her, reaching out to lift her chin. “Yes, Daddy.”

A dimple appeared as she smiled widely. How he hadn’t noticed it before, he had no idea.

“Yes, Daddy.”

His cock ached, and he regretted not masturbating before he’d picked her up because the likelihood of him lasting long was slim. He’d make it up to her, though.

When he kissed her this time, it was demanding and wild, their hands roaming each other’s bodies desperately. She was soft and curvy beneath his touch. When he cupped her ass and squeezed, she moaned, and he nearly came right then and there.

“Fuck, sunshine. You’re killing me,” he ground out.

Her only response was a whimper as she bit down on her bottom lip.

“Arms up.” As soon as she obeyed, he lifted her top up and over her head, letting it drop to the floor as he moved on to her skirt.

At the same time, she yanked off his T-shirt and ran her fingers over the lines of his tattoos. A trail of goosebumps rose on his skin, chasing her fingers. There was no doubt in his mind that things would never be the same after he had her. She would be his, and he would be hers.

Fuck seeing where it goes.

Her breath hitched when he unsnapped her bra. She tried to cover her heavy breasts, but he grabbed hold of her arms before she could. Why the fuck she was trying to hide he had no idea, but that was going to be a rule.

“Keep your arms at your sides. I want to play with and suck on these pretty tits for a bit, sunshine.”

She whimpered and nodded, and when she slid her fingers through his hair, gripping it tightly, he groaned. Her nipples were hard peaks, practically begging for his mouth, and as soon as he latched on to one, she moaned and arched up for him even more. So full and plush, he wanted to spend hours on her beautiful breasts.

Flicking his tongue over one, he rolled the other between his fingers, loving all the sounds she was making for him. Storm liked being in control, but it seemed like around her, he couldn’t manage very much over himself.

“Storm,” she cried out when he bit down on her nipple.

He lifted his head, his heart hammering and his cock throbbing. She drove him wild, and they hadn’t even fucked yet.

“Call me Storm one more time and I’m taking my belt to your ass, sunshine. I’m Daddy to you now.”

Her gaze flicked down to his, and he resumed sucking her tits while keeping his eyes locked on hers so she could see the gravity of his statement. He might not have any control when it came to her, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t punish her.

“Oh my God. That feels so good,” she whined, lifting her hips to meet his.

They ground against each other like a couple of needy animals, but he didn’t care. It felt too fucking good. If all he could do for the rest of his life was dry hump Brook, he’d fucking settle for that. Hell, he was pretty sure he’d settle for just about anything so long as it was with her.

No one had had ever made him think about rings, vows, and a happily ever after before, but those thoughts were quickly becoming a permanent fixture in his mind.

“You taste so fucking good, baby girl. I bet your pussy tastes even better. Are you going to be a good girl and cream all over my tongue for me?”

Something flashed across her face that had him pausing immediately. Almost like she was frightened or worried. He didn’t like that.

“What’s wrong, Brook?”

She shook her head. “You…um, you don’t have to do that. I don’t need oral.”

Raising his eyebrows, he lifted his head and pinned her with a stern look. “And why the fuck not? I want to. I want to lick, fuck, and taste every fucking hole you have, and I plan to, sunshine. So tell me, why the fuck do you look like I just told you something terrible?”