Page 40 of Echoes in the Storm
I reach across and pick up my phone—torch on as always. The light illuminates my lap as I tap out a message to Cody.
How’s that cash coming along?
Knowing the dork, he’s probably still awake playing Xbox. Sure enough, three dots dance on my screen.
Sorry, bro. Not this week.
For fuck’s sake. I tap out half a dozen replies, deleting each before I send them. There’s no point getting mad at him, because just like our old man, he doesn’t give a shit if he puts you out. It’s all for him, and all about him.
A week or hopefully less, and I’ll be out of here and on my way to doing something for me. If I only I knew what the fuck that was.
**
“Duke.”
Nudge. Nudge.
“Duke.”
Fuck me, I’ve been asleep? Feels as though I only just drifted off. “What time is it?”
“Eight. I have to leave for work, but I’ve left you some breakfast in the oven.”
Cammie stands over me, gorgeous as always in a pair of black leggings, an over-sized white shirt, and a cropped cardigan. The boots on her feet are almost as big as she is, covered in studs and buckles. I’ve never paid much mind to women’s fashion before, but this girl certainly knows how to dress to bring out her best assets: legs that go on for days, and a trim waist that’s offset by her rounded arse and full tits. She’s every man’s perfect hourglass.
“In the oven?” I rub my hands over my face with a yawn.
“Yeah, to keep it warm.”
Cooked breakfast. She’s turning more and more into wife material. “Thanks, Cam.”
“I’ve left you something else as well.” The keys in her hand rattle as she darts across to the table, returning a short time later with a notebook. “I was thinking about how you said you had counselling starting soon, and I know when I had some sessions after Taylah, that I’d get there and my mind would go blank.” She smiles, despite looking at the book in her hands with sad eyes. “The therapist would ask me all these questions, and I’d sit there like a mute. So, I thought maybe if you wrote down your nightmares, your thoughts even, then you’d have material to talk about.” She thrusts the notebook at me, a pen tucked into its spine.
I take the offered gift, feeling incredibly rude that I’m still seated on the floor … but morning wood. What else can I do, but wait it out?
“Thanks.” I set the book aside, not too sure how writing and I mix.
She frowns a little, cocking her head to the side. “It was just an idea. But I’ve got to go, so I’ll see you tonight, yeah?”
“Sure.”
She paces from one foot to the other and lets out a cute little huff. “Damn it.”
I can’t help but chuckle as she squats down and then leans forward, bracing her weight on her hands as she stretches toward me. Her crisp eyes hold mine, seemingly brighter given the dark liner she’s ringed them with.
“Come on, Duke. Don’t leave me hanging.”
I know what she wants, and yeah, I’m stoked that she’s got the balls to be so forward about it. But that doesn’t mean I’m not arsehole enough to play with her a little just so I can hear hersayit. “Hanging how? What’s the matter?” I feign confusion at why she’s crouched down, leant over my legs like this.
“Duke …”
“You’ve got something in your eye?” I squint a little as I check out each one.
“Don’t be an arse.” Her arms start to shake as she holds her position.
“Tell me what you want, Cam.” I steady my breathing, waiting on those words from her delicate lips:for you to kiss me.
“I want proof that it wasn’t a mistake,” she says instead.