“Stopppp. I know what you’re thinking. Seeking support isn’t you trying to have a pity party. And it’s not just about you. It’s for Bailey too.”
My brows furrow. “How so?”
“I think it might be good for you to learn how to support Bailey in a way that works for her, not yourself.”
Ah, I see. She’s saying I’m too overbearing. I know that I can be sometimes and I’m trying to work on that; it’s just always been instinctively a part of me.
“Just think about it,” she says in a rush. “I can send you a link for the ones I found.”
“Okay. I will. Thanks.”
She pulls her phone out immediately and mine pings a moment later. She’s really given this some thought, and that makes my chest feel warm.
“Just out of curiosity, how long have you been researching these support groups?”
Her fingers hover above her phone before she slowly meets my eyes. “Since the day I met Bailey at Tanya’s house and you two got into it.”
I do my best to keep my emotions off my face, and when that fails, I take a long sip from my drink. Even before she was willing to open up to me, she still wanted to help. Things like that are what draw me to her flame.
She clears her throat and lowers her head before speaking. “I’ve, uh, I’ve been thinking about going back to therapy myself.”
“I didn’t know you had done therapy.”
“Yeah, a while ago. The therapist I went to just wasn’t a good fit for me, and I … well, I used that as an excuse to not find another one. But I think it’s time to go back.”
“Well, that’s great. I’m proud of you for making that decision.”
Her lips tilt up into a smile. “Thanks. When we were doing the scavenger hunt for Tanya, I just kept thinking, all the shit she went through, did she have anyone to talk to about it? Did she ever seek professional help or did she just deal with it on her own all those years? I feel like in a way she was telling me that it’s okay to find someone to unburden myself to.”
“I think you might be right,” I agree.
We’re gonna be alright, Tanya. We’re gonna be just fine.
Chapter Nineteen
Dani
“DON’T YOU FUCKING STOP, MICAH,” ICRY OUT,ON THEverge of ecstasy and hoping this time he’ll let me grab it.
My hips jerk with need when his fingers brush against my clit for the millionth time.
“You telling me what to do now, Storm?” He changes his pace, slowing his strokes so that I can get a taste of glory without giving me enough to reach it.
“Oh, fuck. Please, Micah, please.”
“Which is it, Storm? Are you begging me or demanding me?”
This is the game we’ve been playing this morning. Him bringing me to the brink but never letting me fall off the edge. It’s been tortuous and intoxicating at the same time.
“I’m begging you.” I think. I can’t even think straight anymore. My vision is hazy, but I can see him clearly. He looks like my judge, jury, and executioner, here to dole out punishment after mind-blowing punishment.
His hands roam my body, confusing my senses even more. I try to lift my ankles off his shoulders, but he grabs them to keep me in place.
“You sure about that? The right answer might make me let you come. Don’t you wanna come, Dani?”
More than fucking anything. “Yes. God, yes,” I pant.
“Final answer, then,” he says as he pumps into me once more. “Begging or telling?”
