“Hurricane?” I scoff.
“Yes, you are unpredictable, powerful, and at times erratic, Hurricane. So, from now on, that’s how I will address you.” Hethen looks back at Arlo and says, “Goodnight,” before he leads me away.
“Come along, Hurricane, it’s your bedtime.”
“I guess we’re leaving now,” I say over my shoulder to Cora, who smiles and offers me a wave.
We walk past Miranda on the way out, and Soren doesn’t even glance at her. I watch the hurt cross her face at his lack of attention toward her. She should be thankful it’s not her being dragged around like a rag doll.
When we make it outside and the cold air hits me, I make another attempt to shake his hold, to no avail. We head to his waiting car, and he opens the door and hovers nearby as I get in.
“You can drop my hand now.”
“Just making sure you got here safely.” He finally lets me go. “Now, would a man who is as ruthless as you make me out to be, do something like that?” I have one foot in the car when he says that, and I look at him over my shoulder.
“Who told you I said that?”
He motions for me to get in the car. I do, and he follows me, shutting the door behind us with a quiet finality. He sits too close, with his thigh pressed against mine, warm, solid, and intentional. His scent curls in the air between us, something clean and sharp with an edge I can’t name. I’m annoyed by how aware of him I am. How aware he knows I am.
“I hear a lot of things,” he says, voice low and unreadable.
“I’m sure you do. So, what are the things you’ve heard about me?”
The car drives in the direction of my home.
“I know you’ve been married,” he states.
“I have. My ex-husband is a fantastic man,” I say with pride.
“If he’s so fantastic, why are you no longer fucking him?”
“Who said I’m not?”
“I would think his fiancée would have something to say about that.” I go to open my mouth to tell him he’s crazy, that Noah isn’t seeing anyone. But then I remember I haven’t asked Noah about his personal life for a long time, until the other night when I asked if he had a date, and he replied no. It’s very strange that he would keep that from me. I don’t know if he’s seeing someone, but it wouldn’t bother me. Sure, it would shock me, but only because he’s never mentioned it. Though when we talk, it’s usually about Oliver, as we agreed long ago not to discuss our relationships. Yes, as a mother, I want to know who will be in my child’s life, and I thought he would tell me if it was ever serious. And now I’m curious if what Soren said is actually the truth or if he said it to see if he can get a rise out of me.
“You did know, didn’t you?”
“Know what?”
“That your ex is engaged.”
“Sure.” And the lie tastes bitter on my tongue as I look away.
“Hurricane.”
I face him again. “What?” I hate that I answered to that name, and I’m sure my scowl proves that.
“Let’s agree not to lie to each other.” His expression shifts.
“You can agree, but I don’t have to agree to anything you say,” I reply.
The car slows down, and I see we’re pulling up in front of my building. When I look back at Soren, I find his dark-gray eyes are still locked on me, studying me as if I’m some sort of puzzle.
“Thanks for the eventful night. It’s always fun when you go out with a man only to be humiliated.”
“I never humiliated you.” His brow furrows.
Blowing out a large breath, I sit up a little straighter. “No, of course not. You were so amazing, making me go to an event in my work clothes, knowing that my peers would be there dressed in their finest. But, no, there was no humiliation whatsoever.” Isay that last part with so much fake enthusiasm that I hope he understands just how fucking sarcastic I am being right now.
