Page 74 of The Price of Love

An arm goes around me, and I expect it to be Shadow, so I’m surprised when I look down into Storm’s concerned eyes. I consider making a joke about our height difference, but judging by her expression, she’s not in the mood for teasing.

“I’ll find another way,” Storm says. “Take it off.”

“With your girlfriend in the room?” I raise my eyebrows, trying to lighten the tension I’ve created.

Neither of them laughs.

I flash them a smile, knowing my dimples will show. “Oh, come on, guys, lighten up.”

Storm shakes her head. “They won’t work on me. I see it in your eyes. I’m not putting you through it.”

“It’s not your fucking decision.” Now that I’ve put Storm in an awkward position, regret courses through me. It’s not like me to show my hand. I should’ve sucked it up like I always have. Now that people have my back, I’ve gotten soft. “I’ll be fine.” I jut out my ass and wiggle it. “We’ll make a killing tonight.”

“Not at your expense,” Storm says with conviction in her voice.

Storm’s dark eyes grow darker. It’s times like this that it’s apparent how she got her name. Then she reaches up and touches my cheek. It’s an intimate gesture, not sexual, and her eyes soften, reminding me of the other side of Storm. The side that most don’t see. I’m a little surprised she’s showing it in front of Shadow so soon, but it only confirms there’s something special about Shadow.

Her warm hand against my cheek is comforting, but I should push it away. I’m good at stepping out of my body, disconnecting. But her touch keeps me here.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Shadow studying us, so I turn to her. There’s no jealousy in her eyes, just questions. She’s sizing up the situation and has probably figured out that Storm’s grounding me, keeping me from leaving my body.

“I’ve got an idea,” Shadow says.

I give her a questioning look but say nothing.

“Do you mind if I look in your closet?”

I nod my assent.

Shadow pulls a black leather tank top corset that laces up the front from the closet. “Are you comfortable in this?”

I walk over and take it from her. “I love this piece,” I say with a smile.

“Okay, good.” She kneels.

I’m looking over her shoulder when she stands, almost clocking me in the chin.

“Uh, sorry,” Shadow says and hands me my pair of over-the-knee boots. “What about these?”

“Holy shit. I haven’t worn these in forever.” She hands them to me, and I wave them at Storm. “Remember when I wore these last?”

Storm laughs. “Halloween a couple of years ago. When you went as Cher.”

I pretend to toss back my hair and belt the lyrics from If I Could Turn Back Time.

“Stop.” Storm covers her ears. “You can’t sing.”

We both know I can, but I sing off key just to annoy her. I sing a few more lines while Shadow laughs.

“I’m taking it you like those boots then?” Shadow asks once I stop singing.

“I love them. They make me feel badass.”

“Okay. Now we’re getting somewhere.”

I’m seeing her plan, and I’m liking it.

Shadow turns back to my closet. “Do you have a skirt? No, any shorts? Something with an attitude?”