176 — “Break out into the storm.”

My chest feels cold. I open my lips to answer Desmond’s mother, but no sound escapes through them.

Noticing my sudden anxiety, Desmond subtly positions himself between the two of us, protecting me with his body.

Mrs. Sterling frowns, placing her hands on her hips. “Don’t stand in front of her like that; it looks like I’m being mean to the girl.”

“Mother-”

“Why don’t you go with your brothers? It’