STORM - (Intersex)

CHAPTER 19

CLARA

God, I need a painkiller. Urgh!

Mark's little confession earlier just pissed me off, and I told him straight. He, of course, kept piling on more bullshit, so I escorted him out. But then Tyler had to jump in and pick a fight with him. As much as I hate to admit it, I found it... kind of hot. Not that I'll ever tell her that. Still, I can't even look at her right now without thinking about that kiss—and what else might've happened. Were there more kisses? Or... more than that?

Eli's already asleep, earlier than usual, but Harley—Tyler's mum—said he'd been playing with the dogs all day, so it probably wore him out. I'm sitting here, emailing and drinking wine. It's helping me unwind a little.

Then there's a knock at the door. I get up, and when I open it, there's Tyler, standing there with a smile.

"Can I come in?" she asks, her voice soft, almost hopeful.

I nod and open the door, trying my best to stay calm as she walks in. I sit down, keeping my composure, but when I look up and see her standing there, smiling that stupid, warm smile of hers, it takes everything in me not to leap into her arms. Her haircut is shorter now, the man bun gone, and the fresh look suits her. The scent of her perfume hits me, making it even harder to stay mad.

"I'd like to apologize," she starts, her voice soft. "For not trying harder to tell you what really happened. Or what I suspect, I guess."

I give her a bored, almost deadpan look, then stand up. "Just leave. I can't deal with lies."

"I'm not lying! I didn't kiss her, and we've never done anything!" she says, her frustration clear.

"You come home smelling like her," I snap. "Late nights at the office, barely any replies, and you look exhausted when you finally come back!"

"I was doing twelve-hour shifts! What did you expect? To come home looking like nothing's wrong?!" she fires back, standing her ground. Her anger and frustration mirror mine, and it ignites something in me.

I push her. "Get out! I'm done with liars. I don't want anything to do with you. Go back to your office pussy!"

She smirks, and despite my best efforts, I feel the corners of my mouth twitch. This cheeky bitch.

"Wait, did you just say I'm the office pussy?!"

"If the shoe fits!" I shoot back. "You're fired! No, wait—you're getting sued! No, scratch that, I'm killing you!"

Before I could take another step toward her, we both hear a little giggle. We turn around to see Eli standing up, wobbling slightly, but taking slow steps toward us. He's walking! Tyler and I exchange a look of pure shock. When he reaches my leg, he tugs on it, motioning to be picked up. I immediately scoop him into my arms, kissing his cheek, and the tension between us melts away as I sit back down. Tyler follows, letting out a deep breath.

My gut tells me to give her a chance, but my head tells me to wait. Usually, I'd follow my head, but I need to know the truth.

"Tell me..." I say, looking at her seriously.

"Tell you what?" she asks cautiously.

"Your theory, Sherlock. And the truth," I snap, the frustration still lingering. She nods, gathering herself.

"We were in the office, finishing up the work. I thanked her for helping and started packing my stuff. I saw something on my desk and reached for it, and that's when she kissed me. By the time I was about to push her away, you walked in, and... yeah, it looked bad. I argued with her and kicked her out. If I could, I'd fire her. She's been inappropriate—saying things, being weirdly clingy. Clara, I would never, and I repeat, never hurt you. I love you too much. I told her that, I made it clear." Her eyes lock onto mine, the sincerity undeniable.