Page 35 of Hearts Storm

“Brex...” she starts. The resignation in her tone makes me cringe.

“Don’t,” I say softly, shaking my head as I step back. “I know. You’re leaving. It’s complicated. Blah. Blah. Blah. But…” I hold out my hand. “Give me your phone.”

Her eyebrows lift in surprise. “Why?”

“I’m going to give you my number. Without...” I say, holding up a finger when she opens her mouth in what I’m sure is going to be a reason not to. “...calling mine. You hold the power.”

Bending down, she snatches up her tiny pocketbook. Taking out her phone, she hands it over.

I punch in my number and hand it back.

Clutching her dress to her chest, she saves my information and takes out her keys.

“Thanks again for saving me.”

“Thanks for letting me fuck your mouth, Pretty.” I stuff my hands into my pockets. Otherwise, I might not be able to keep myself from letting her go.

She snorts as she shoves the key into the lock. “Have a good night, Brex.”

My chest tightens as she steps over the threshold. “You too, Reyna. Hope to hear from you soon.”

And with those famous last words, her door closes with a soft click, leaving me out in the cold.

sixteen

The door to my office swings open, and Brex strolls in with a couple of coffees, sporting his usual easy grin that makes women melt and most men want to punch him in the face.

“Morning, Cap.” Dropping into the chair across from my desk, he slides one of the cups toward me. “Thought you could use this.”

I take a sip, grateful for the much-needed hit of caffeine. “Thanks. Welcome back. How was Canada?”

Brex leans back, stretching his legs out in front of him. “Rough. We had a couple of touch-and-go moments up near Fort McMurray. Winds shifted on us without warning, nearly cut off our exit route.”

I straighten in my chair. “Everyone get out okay?”

“Yeah, thankfully. We had to evacuate a small community of around fifty people. Helicopter was our only option with the roads blocked.” He runs a hand through his hair. “Had to make three trips. Last one was cutting it close. The smoke was getting so thick, if it wasn’t for the new navigation system, we probably wouldn’t’ve made it out in time.”

“Shit.” I shake my head. “Good work.”

“Just doing my job.” He takes a long draw from his cup. “How’s everything been here? Any action while I was gone?”

“Quiet, for the most part. A few car accidents, one kitchen fire over on Maple. Nothing major.” I lean forward, resting my elbows on the desk. “How’d things go in Portland with Dex?”

The question makes Brex’s smile falter. He sets his cup down, drumming his fingers on my desk.

“Not great.” His voice drops. “He’s been getting into fights outside the ring again. Got arrested last week for assault.”

“Fuck.” I run a hand down my face. “What happened this time?”

“Some guy at a bar made a ‘your momma’ joke. And you know how Dex gets.” Brex’s jaw pulses. “Put the guy in the hospital. Three broken ribs, a fractured jaw.”

“Jesus. Is he looking at jail time?”

“Probably. His lawyer’s trying to work out a deal.” Shoulders tense, he turns his attention to the trees outside the window. “I don’t know what to do with him, Lo. He won’t talk about shit. Won’t go to therapy. Just keeps saying he’s all good.”

“Maybe he needs a break from fighting. Some time back at the family ranch might do him some good.”

Brex snorts. “Try telling him that. He says fighting’s the only thing keeping him together right now.” He looks back at me. “I’m worried about him. Really worried.”