Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 52932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 176(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 176(@300wpm)
I feel invigorated with a sense of purpose. And as the stars begin to twinkle above us in the night sky, I know there’s nowhere else I’d rather be right now than on this bench with Harley, overlooking the sea.
EIGHT
HARLEY
While I wait in the old, dimly lit warehouse, standing by a rusted metal pillar, I think about the men who are about to arrive. I can’t deny I’m excited to see Hadrian. He’s always had this effect on me. When I was sixteen, my feelings for him, a combination of affection, lust, and something far deeper, grew stronger as I got to know him. There was nothing I could do to stop them.
The air is thick with the scent of oil and dust as I watch the three men enter. They saunter in, taking up the space as if they own it.
Hades is first. He offers me a nod, and I immediately recognise the lad who came to my father’s home all those years ago. He may be older, but he’s still as handsome as he was back then, even though he never gave me the same butterflies that his twin brother did. His hair is shorter than Hadrian’s, but his eyes are just as dark as the night, and his angular jaw with a trimmed beard matches his twin’s. And like his brother, his tall frame moves with a predator’s grace.
Hades is closely followed by a man I haven’t met before. This must be Racer. His leather jacket creaks with every step, and a cigarette dangles from his full lips. He’s about six feet with a lean but muscled frame. His dark hair is a contrast to his pale skin, and his chiselled jaw ticks as he smokes. Dressed in leather and denim, he’s exactly how I’d expect a biker to look. With green eyes that are like endless pools, he stares at me for a moment before offering a nod.
And then there’s Hadrian, his presence commanding, even in the shadows. The moment my gaze lands on him, my heart jolts against my ribs. I feel like an awkward teenage girl who fancies the most popular lad in school.
Taking charge in my father’s absence is a heavy mantle, but I wear it with pride. I step forwards with confidence, nodding to each of the men in turn.
“Thank you for coming,” I begin, my voice steady. “We have a lot to discuss, and time isn’t on our side. Gordon is on his way here to sort out a new delivery that’s due to arrive.”
Hades leans against a stack of crates, crossing his arms over his chest. “What’s the plan, Harley?”
I take a deep breath, glancing at Hadrian before continuing. “It seems that someone is diverting our shipments before we can distribute them to our buyers. I have to assume whoever is responsible wants to take over my organisation. I don’t know who it is, but I would put money on Gordon working with them. He hates that I took over the running of the business when my father fell ill. He wanted to be the boss, but Da asked me. It means I can’t trust anyone outside this room, and it also means my father’s life may be at risk.”
Racer exhales a cloud of smoke, his expression unreadable. “So, what’s the play?”
“We need to find out who’s behind this,” I say, sweeping my gaze over all of them. “My father’s safety is the only thing that matters to me right now. I don’t know how to go about making the necessary enquiries without Gordon finding out and putting Da’s life at risk. Gordon watches me all the time.” Even when I’m with my father in his office, the arsehole finds a reason to be there too. “This involves my organisation, so before we proceed, I need to know you’ll follow my orders. We’ll come up with a plan together, but I have to be the one in charge.”
Hades’s eyes narrow, but he nods. “Aye, you’ve got my support, Harley. I’m in.”
Racer takes a drag on his cigarette, then flicks the ash to the floor. “Aye. I’ve got yer back. Just tell me what needs doin’.” I thought Racer was from Ireland, but his accent sounds like he comes from Manchester. I wonder briefly how he found himself in Belfast.
Hadrian steps forwards, meeting my gaze. “You know I’m with you, Harley. Whatever you need, darlin’.” His tone is deep, commanding, and reassuring, and I feel a flicker of relief. “I’d also like to speak to your father. I want to set a few things straight.”
I nod, my nerves settling as I look up at him and smile. “Thank you. All of you. I’m not sure what we’re going to find when we start digging, but if it will save the organisation and my father’s life…”