Storm Mistress

by Rivers, Brandy L

  She cringed, snuggling tighter to him.

  He shook his head in apology and kissed her temple. “I want to kill that asshole for hurting you”

  “Don’t. Not worth it.” She clung tighter to Toryn. “I’m fine, he didn’t…” she let out a shaky breath and shook her head. “Please, just stay.”

  “Of course. Hey,” he tipped her head up and tenderly dried her tears with his thumbs, “Isa, this isn’t your fault.” It was his. He should have told Remus to fuck off. Then he could have brought her home, took her to coffee, and stayed with her.

  Toryn took a breath and promised, “I’m not letting you out of my sight. I’ll stay with you all night. No one will get to you.” Someone put the fucking Seducer up to this. Toryn needed to find out who so he could end them.

  She looked like she wanted to argue, probably about who was at fault, but there was no way he was going to let her take responsibility. There was so much she didn’t know, so much she wouldn’t understand, but sometime soon he would have to start explaining, even if it went against his orders.

  Even if the truth means I lose her.

  * * * *

  Isa couldn’t tear her eyes away from Evan. At least Toryn was there, holding her. If it wasn’t for him, she would fall apart. She wanted to kill the monster who was still in a heap on her floor.

  Wally stood a few feet from Evan with the gun pointed right at him. If it wasn’t for the attack, she would be laughing at the hilarity of her elderly neighbor wearing leather gloves and holding a shotgun.

  There was a knock on the half-opened door. She looked over and so did Toryn, to see Kevin and his partner walk in. Kevin was the police officer who showed up when a fight broke out in her bar opening night. She considered him a friend.

  The pair quickly and efficiently took everyone’s statements. It was awkward to let Kevin photograph her injuries, but he wouldn’t leave until she cooperated with the pictures. All because she refused to ride in an ambulance for a few scratches and a couple bad bruises.

  So stupid. I should have stayed home with the door locked and taken the damned bath Toryn suggested.

  At least she didn’t freak out when Evan woke up. The policemen had already cuffed him and moved him to a chair. Unfortunately, they hadn’t muted him.

  His eyes blinked open and looked around frantically. When his gaze locked on her, he growled, “You stupid bitch, you should have cooperated. This isn’t over.”

  The rage bubbled back up, but she contained it with a cool glance at Kevin. “Please get him out of here. I know I’ll have to deal with him in court, but I don’t want to see him again until necessary.”

  “Don’t worry, Isadora. He’s not going to be anywhere near you.” The big officer hauled Evan up and dragged him out.

  “We’ll take the trash out for you.” Kevin, the cop she had known since moving to Seattle, smiled and squeezed her shoulder. “I’m sorry this happened, but I’m glad you fought him off, and relieved Toryn arrived when he did.” Kevin gave Toryn a look that held some meaning she couldn’t decipher. “You take care of her. She looks like she could use a friend.”

  “I will,” he solemnly promised.

  Toryn sat her down on the couch once Wally left, after the cops dragged Evan out.

  He took a seat facing her. She looked deep into his eyes that were full of so many emotions she couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

  “Stay with me tonight,” she whispered, praying he would.

  Instead of answering, he stood and walked to the door, locking it from inside. It worried her when he stood there staring with his hand splayed against the wood for a long moment.

  She nearly panicked. Is he thinking about leaving? Her heart started to thunder in her chest as she fought back tears. Feeling stupid and helpless, she hugged her legs to her chest and hid her face.

  Without a sound, Toryn knelt down before her, lifting her face and sweeping hair out of her eyes. “I’m so sorry, Isa. You are more important. I should have told the client to go to the abyss.”

  “It’s not your fault.” Emotions churned as she glared back, challenging him to tell her otherwise.

  His eyes narrowed. “It’s not your fault either.” He dared her to argue, but she was caught in the fire of his eyes. “Wally saw him earlier tonight, knocking on your door shortly after we left. So coffee, or no, he would have come for you. I wish I knew why.”

  He was right. One way or another, he would have attacked. Maybe the coffee was a good thing.

  She blinked at him and wanted to say something, but she kept thinking about the electricity dancing through her earlier.

  The words tumbled out of her mouth. “I would have killed him if he came at me again.” She sucked in a breath and a sob tore out of her. “I wish he had. I wanted to kill him. Still do.”

  He gave her a fierce look. “He deserved worse.” Toryn held her gaze as he dried her tears.

  “Did I hurt you? When the sparks still covered my hands?”

  “No, not at all, Isa,” he smiled sweetly and kissed her forehead. She believed him. He had never lied to her.

  “Thank you, for coming when you did.” There was a trace of a smile on her trembling lips.

  “Come on, let’s get you dressed.” His eyes hadn’t even drifted down her body, as he kept full eye contact with her. “And don’t worry. I already promised, I am not leaving you tonight.”

  One corner of her mouth turned up sadly. “Good, I don’t want to be alone.” She moved around him and started for her room.

  “Neither do I,” he mumbled.

  When she looked back, she saw his surprise. Like maybe he hadn’t meant to admit that out loud but she couldn’t help smiling at the sentiment.

  She tossed the blanket aside and went to the mirror to take stock of the damage.

  A gasp escaped her lips as she scanned the bruises, torn dress and lack of underwear. “Why didn’t you warn me?”

  “Sorry, but I was more worried you were okay. You kept the blanket wrapped around you while the cops were here, until the pictures.” His hands clenched into fists as his eyes slammed shut and his head turned to the side.

  Discarding the torn dress, Isa pulled on a silky black nightgown and panties. He only took his shoes, jacket and shirt off before climbing into bed with her. She nestled into his arms and buried her face against his chest.

  It wasn’t the first occasion he’d held her. Yet this time something felt different.

  Chapter 7

  Toryn stirred in his sleep, his thumb grazing Isa’s sensitive tip as he gently squeezed her breast. His touch sent a firestorm through her, jolting her awake.

  It was so damned tempting to snuggle closer and enjoy his warmth and unintentional seduction. Too tempting to turn her head and kiss those lips resting against her cheek. Then he shifted, rubbing his thigh between hers with delicious friction that had her biting back a whimper.

  It was too much, she had to move or risk doing something they might both regret. As carefully as she could, she managed to get free without waking him. Besides, she needed to more closely inspect the damage because her ribs were sore. Kevin had tried to convince her to go to the hospital, but she assured them it was only a few bruises. Now she hoped she was right.

  Stepping into the bathroom, she shut the door and pulled the night gown from her body. Black and blue marks covered her from breasts to thigh, and she had a black eye. There were red welts on her thighs where the piece of shit had pried her legs open. With some make-up and appropriate clothing, she could hide the damage. She really didn’t want to have to explain how she got the marks.

  To buy herself some time, she took a quick shower and hoped to be dressed before Toryn woke up.

  That was too much to ask for. He sat on her bed, waiting patiently when she came out with her biggest towel wrapped around her. Covered from chest to knees, she still felt naked, which normally wouldn’t bother her, except he had caressed and teased her in his sleep.

  He smi
led softly and caught her hand before she made it past the bed. Unable to suppress a blush, she was glad he didn’t wake up until she’d taken her shower.

  “Come here,” he murmured in a low rumble, which turned her on. “Let me see.”

  Damn her for wanting him to mean something else. Frowning, she turned toward him and closed her eyes.

  Isa hated this part. It wasn’t the first time he had to make sure she was okay after an encounter with an asshole, or some kind of accident.

  Toryn barely touched her, and then only with gentle hands to turn her, or make sure her ribs weren’t broken. She knew her whole side was black and blue. When he was done, he re-wrapped the towel around her as he stood, and then pulled her into a warm embrace. “It could have been worse.”

  She finally looked up into his eyes and didn’t understand what she saw. There was so much raw emotion.

  “I’m going to get dressed.” She smiled weakly and went to the closet to escape the sudden, awkward silence.

  * * * *

  Seeing Isadora black and blue crushed Toryn. While she was getting dressed, he called Lana.

  She answered on the first ring. “Hey Tor, what’s up?”

  “Hey Lana, I don’t think Isa should work today. She’s hurting, but probably won’t admit it.”

  Isadora stormed out of the closet in her leather boot-cut pants and one seriously sexy bra that pushed her breasts up like an offering. Not even the bruise along her ribs and side, nor the black eye, detracted from how utterly sexy she looked. The marks sent a shot of rage through him, temping him to hunt Evan down and slowly tear him apart. She looked like a warrior in those clothes, injured, but pissed.

  It didn’t surprise him when she snatched the phone out of his hand and glared at him. “Ignore dipshit. He thinks because of a few bruises, I can’t tend bar. I’ll be fine.”

  Toryn didn’t hear Lana’s response, but he was sure she was confused. He splayed his hand over the worst of the bruising on Isa’s side and her eyes flared wide in surprise. Without a word, he closed his eyes and focused healing energy into her, knowing he would never win this argument, but wanting her to be more comfortable.

  She swallowed hard. “I’ll tell you when I get there. Please don’t listen to him. He means well.” Isa inhaled slowly and let it out.

  Her breath fanned across his chest. He strangled back a groan.

  Isa answered, “I get that, but I am fine, really. I’ll be in for my shift. See you then.” Her hand landed on his chest as she leaned into him with a relieved whimper.

  He opened his eyes to look at her and couldn’t help smiling at the soft look on her face. Toryn was tempted to bend down and rain kisses along her side, but knew he would never be able to stop there. “Better?”

  She nodded in awe. “How?”

  With a shrug he took a step back. “Couldn’t stand to see you hurting. Go on, I won’t win this battle, but you can’t blame me for trying.”

  “Thanks,” she gave him a crooked grin before going back to pull on the rest of her clothes. He heard a sharp intake of breath when she pulled the shirt on.

  Stubborn, stubborn, stubborn. Just once, she could let someone else help her out, but no.

  Taking a deep breath, he shook his head and walked over to the closet door.

  She turned back around with a raised brow, her hip thrust out with her fist on it. “Stop, I don’t need the fatherly bit right now.”

  Toryn couldn’t contain a laugh. “I can’t imagine being your father.” She frowned as she delved into that statement. Maybe he shouldn’t have said that, but he wasn’t taking it back.

  Her expression crumpled, a frown pulling at her lips. “Why are you always right? I should have listened to you.” Shaking her head, she started to move around him.

  “Stop it, Isa. Listen to me.” He stepped closer and she switched directions, backing right into the wall with a startled gasp. He leaned in close and swept her silky black hair behind her ear. “When it comes to you, I hate being right.”

  “Why?” she whispered on a breath, but probably figured he wouldn’t answer. After a couple heartbeats and with a heated sigh, she walked around him, leaving him standing there.

  He didn’t go into his motives with her, and he didn’t discuss the past. Not because he didn’t want to, but because she couldn’t know any of it. Not yet. And the situation made him feel guilty. He wanted time to change what he could. He needed her to trust him, but with all of his omissions, he felt as if he wasn’t worthy of that trust.

  Toryn found her sitting cross-legged in front of the mirror, drying her hair. “I hate seeing you hurt, or even sad. I wish I could have been wrong about Evan.”

  “Maybe if I listened better, I would stay out of half the trouble you warn me away from.”

  He shook his head, “Don’t think it works that way. I wish it did, but even when you do listen, trouble finds you.” Hell, trouble would always be looking for her, but he couldn’t explain that yet. One day, probably sooner than not. Toryn had a feeling Evan was only the beginning.

  “Here, let me,” he took over her hairdryer, and brushed her silky mane straight while she did her make-up. She met his gaze in the mirror, “At least you’re always there to save me before it gets too bad.”

  A dark smile graced his lips. “I’m not the one who knocked Evan senseless.”

  She snorted. “I knocked him across the room with that jolt, but he was still conscious. He would have come for me if you hadn’t knocked him out.” She looked at his reflection again but he shook his head.

  “No, Isa, he wasn’t going to touch you again. You hurt him worse than you think. After seeing what he tried to do, I couldn’t resist hitting him. I already regret not doing worse.”

  Her eyes sparkled. “Well, thank you for being my rogue knight in leather pants.”

  “I am so far from a knight it’s ridiculous.” He squeezed her shoulders, and fought the urge to elaborate.

  She stared at his reflection and turned around with a grin. “I don’t care about your past, Toryn. You are my knight. You’re always there when I need you. You always catch me when I fall, and you always get rid of the villain when they step out of line.”

  That made him smile, but she didn’t have a clue what he was. “Turn around. Let’s get you ready since you insist on going to work.” He raised an eyebrow in challenge. “Which I don’t think you should.”

  Frowning, she did as he asked. She finished her make-up in no time, artfully hiding any trace of the black eye.

  He grinned. “I’m taking you to breakfast.”

  “No. I’m taking you. Don’t argue.” He wanted to, but knew he wouldn’t win that battle either.

  Chapter 8

  Toryn was still trying to convince Isadora to stay home when they walked into Shenanigans. He followed her straight back to the office as if he owned the damned place.

  “Good morning, Lana,” she greeted as she stashed her purse in her locker.

  “Don’t let her work, she’s still sore,” Toryn demanded stubbornly.

  A wicked grin spread on Lana’s lips. “And why is that?”

  Grabbing Isa’s shirt he lifted it to reveal the worst of the bruises.

  Lana let out a gasp, all humor gone. “What the fuck happened to you?”

  Glaring at Toryn, Isa smoothed her shirt back down. “Remember the hot blond at the end of the counter a couple nights ago?”

  “Yeah, the one you ditched at last call?” She looked confused.

  “He showed up at the club last night and didn’t take the hint. Then he followed me to the Jitter House, still didn’t get the hint. Finally he barged into my fucking home and tried to…” She looked away, taking a deep calming breath that did shit to calm her down.

  Toryn’s rage was barely contained. “He tried to rape her. You should see the marks on her thighs.”

  That shocked Lana. Her steely gray eyes nearly fell out of her head. “Shit, really?”

  “I’m fine. The
asshole is in jail,” she snarled and shot a dirty look Toryn’s way.

  Lana looked miserable, her face scrunched up. “I’m sorry, Isa. Maybe I shouldn’t have told him where to find you. He seemed so upset that he scared you off, said he would try to win you over the right way. I didn’t tell him where you lived though, only about the club.”

  “Forget about it,” Isa gritted out. “I’m fine to work. Besides, if I’m here, I can put off going down to the police station to find out what I need to do to keep him there.”

  “It’s up to you,” she nodded toward Toryn, “but you know he’s only trying to make sure you’re all right. He has a point. That bruise looks like it hurts.”

  It hurt worse before Toryn touched her side that last time, but he’d done something and now it was only tender. Not that she was going to admit he somehow helped heal the damage. Lana would never believe her.

  “I know. He’s a good friend and I am happy to have him.” Isa squeezed his hand. “I’d still rather work.”

  “I tried,” he muttered, resigned. Toryn kissed her forehead as he pulled her in for a gentle hug. “Call if you need anything.” He left without further argument.

  “I will,” she promised.

  As soon as the door shut, Lana started in, “He’s worried about you, Isa. Don’t be a bitch.”

  She rolled her eyes because she hadn’t been that bad. “I know. He warned me about Evan.”

  “Fuck, if you two would just hook up, you wouldn’t have to deal with these assholes coming on to you all the time.”

  “Go to hell. He doesn’t want me.” She turned to go out the door but Lana grabbed her wrist.

  “You are both too damned stubborn to see what’s right in front of you. He’s my friend too, but he doesn’t show up like that for me, and he sure as hell doesn’t stay over when something bad happens.”

  Isa paused, frowning. Then reality settled in, and she snapped back. “He’s a big boy. If he wants me so damned bad, he’s had plenty of opportunity to say something. Besides, you know me, I go after what I want.”