“What do you expect when the women in my life are trying to kill me? I’m so proud of you, Keeley, but fuck, it was hard to stand outside and listen to what was going on without being able to see you. At one point, I thought I was going to have to physically restrain myself.”
“If it helps, I appreciate it. I feel better now that I’ve done that. It’s as though I not only closed that door, but locked it for good and threw away the key.”
Sal smiles, the curve of his lips twisting until the creases meet his eyes. “That helps a little.” He kisses my head while his heart pounds against me. “But if that door ever gets unlocked, I’m going to have to kill him.”
“I know.” I giggle. “Thank you for helping me find closure.”
“You’re welcome.”
We stay like that for a beat, until a throat clears and we break apart to find Wes.
“Wes.” Sal nods, unperturbed at being caught in an intimate embrace.
“Sorry to interrupt. I thought you’d like to know that he’s gone, and I’ve let him know he’s not welcome here at the Storm.”
“Thank you, Wes.” I smile softly and he nods in return.
“Are you okay?”
“I am. I needed that to move on.”
A somber expression passes over Wes’s face before he schools his features. “I can’t imagine how hard that must have been. If you ever need to talk to anyone, let me know.”
“Wow. Ah…” I would never have pictured Wes as someone to offer an ear but?—
“Jesus, sorry. I meant Lucy. Not me. I wouldn’t know what the hell to say.” His wife, of course.
“Oh, right. Yes. Actually, I’d love to catch up with Lucy. Even without needing to talk.”
“Great.” His expression brightens and I have to wonder if there’s a story there. “I’ll let her know.”
“Thank you.”
“I’ll give you two a moment. I’m going to head out to make sure he’s left the premises.” Wes waves before leaving us alone in his office, and while I’m feeling significantly lighter, Sal still has a shadow hanging over his head.
“Is everything okay?”
“You mean, other than standing by while my girlfriend confronted the man that attacked her?”
“Yes. Other than that.”
Sal sighs, cursing softly. “Camilla texted me while you were in there. She agreed that Paige should testify. Shewason my side until she spoke to Paige. Now she’s jumped ship.”
He sounds so defeated that my heart aches for him, but at the same time, I feel the need to play devil’s advocate. “Maybe Paige’s reasons make sense to Camilla since she’s also testifying. If she’s going anyway, with or without your blessing, wouldn’t it be better to help her out?”
“Of course. I’ve already made arrangements for travel and security, but I’d be more comfortable if your brother was traveling with her.”
“He’s not?”
“No.”
I frown, confused. I didn’t think he’d let her go alone. “Maybe you should go with her?”
“Ahh.” He scratches the back of his head. “That’s the other reason I’m stressed.”
“Oh, yeah?”Why don’t I like the sound of this?“I have to go on Saturday afternoon. I’ll be there when Paige arrives, but I can’t travel with her.”
“Why?”
