"Storm.I need your advice.It's about a sub, Skye."
He's quiet for a beat."Sounds like she is more than just a sub."
"I want more, but that can't happen now," I say.
"Why?”
"School started, and on day one, there she was in my class.When we met at Club Red, we didn’t talk about our lives outside the club, and I didn't know.Now it's complicated.I'm not seeing her anymore because of the conflict, but I still want her.Badly."
Storm exhales slowly."That's messy.You sure it's worth the fallout?"
"I think it is.I've never felt this way before, not since..."I trail off, not needing to finish.
Storm picks up the thread."You don't want to repeat old mistakes.But sometimes, Gage, ethics aren't about what you feel.They're about what you do next."
"Believe me, I know.I'm not trying to justify it.I just...I needed to tell someone who'd understand.Even though I want to do the right thing, the right thing hurts like hell."
Storm's voice is calm."Then do what you can live with.Keep it clean.Keep her safe.And if you fight for her, make sure it's with both eyes open.No secrets.No shame."
"I will."
"Good.You know where to find me if you need more than advice."
"Thanks, Storm."
"Anytime."
He hangs up.
On the way home, all I can think about is Skye.About the way she looked the last time I saw her.About Dom Keller's smug face.And I make a promise to myself.
I'm going to fix this.
Even if it's messy.
Because some things are worth fighting for.
Chapter 15
Skye
Themorningsunfiltersthrough the thin curtains of my apartment for the last time.I sit on the edge of my mattress, surrounded by half-packed boxes and scattered memories, trying to breathe through the knot in my stomach.Today, I move into the guest house behind Gemma and Carter's.It should feel like a fresh start, a gift really, but everything feels heavier now.
Packing the last of my things into boxes and bags feels surreal.Everything about this apartment has always felt temporary, like I was holding my breath waiting for the next phase to start.
A knock at the door jolts me up, and when I swing it open, there they are, Gemma, Carter, and...Gage.I freeze.
"Hey, need a hand?"Gage's voice stops me cold.
He's standing there in jeans and a black tee, looking like he belongs.As if this isn't weird and complicated.
I freeze, my breath catching."What are you doing here?"
He lifts a brow."Helping.Carter asked.It's not against the school code to have mutual friends and spend time with them."
I narrow my eyes at Gemma and Carter."You set this up."
Carter just smiles."We figured an extra set of hands wouldn't hurt."