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 nod in silent agreement.
With that, we part ways, each of us preparing for the task ahead. The future is filled with uncertainties, but we have a plan, a purpose, and the strength of our combined resolve. And with all of that, we’ll face whatever comes our way and come out on top.
ELEVEN
REV
The sun sets in a blaze of orange and pink, casting long shadows across the old bench overlooking the sea. Harley and I find ourselves here again. This place holds so many memories, sweet and bitter. Tonight, it’s the setting for yet another pivotal moment.
Harley sits next to me, her posture rigid, the weight of recent revelations bearing down on her. It’s a bitter pill to swallow, knowing that Gordon, her father’s right-hand man, is behind her father’s declining health and a plot to overthrow her organisation.
“There’s always going to be somebody who threatens my father’s life and mine and who wants to take over the business,” she says, her voice breaking the stillness. “Do you think I should give up the organisation?”
I turn to look at her, seeing the turmoil in her eyes. Harley, who’s always so strong and composed, now looks fragile and on the brink of breaking. I take a deep breath, knowing my next words carry weight.
“No, Magpie,” I say firmly. “Giving up the organisation won’t save your father. It will only embolden your enemies. You’re a leader, and they fear that. If your enemies thought you were weak, there would be more of them trying to take you down.”
Her eyes meet mine, filled with uncertainty. “But if it’s the only way to keep my da safe, how can I not consider it? I can’t bear the thought of losing him, Hadrian.”
I reach out, taking her hand in mine. It’s a small gesture, but I hope it conveys the strength and support I want to give her. “Your father built this empire with his blood and sweat. Surrendering it to save him might seem like the noble thing to do, but it’s not what he would want. He believes in you and your ability to lead and protect what he created while he can’t.”
She looks down at our intertwined hands, a single tear slipping down her cheek. “I’m so scared, Hadrian. Scared of losing him. Scared of failing.”
“You won’t fail,” I assure her with confidence in my voice. I don’t want her to ever doubt herself. “You’re not alone in this. We’re all here to support you and fight alongside you. And as for your father, we’ll keep him safe while we take down Gordon and the bastards who are working with him. You’re stronger than you realise, Magpie.”
She takes a deep, shuddering breath, then looks up at me, her eyes shining with a mix of fear and determination. “Thank you, Rev.” She whispers the nickname my brothers call me, and it makes me smile. I like that she calls me by my given name, but there’s a special intimacy when she uses my road name. “I needed to hear that.”
I smile, squeezing her hand gently. “Anytime.”
For a moment, we sit in silence. There’s a peacefulness to this place. It’s a stark contrast to the chaos of our lives. I savour it, knowing these quiet moments are rare and precious.
Harley shifts closer to me, her shoulder brushing against mine.
“Do you ever think about what could have been, Hadrian? If things had been different, and we weren’t caught up in this world…”
I glance at her, my heart aching with the possibilities of a different life.
“All the time,” I admit. “But this is the life we have chosen, and we have to make the best of it. We can’t dwell on what-ifs.”
She nods, her gaze returning to the horizon. “You’re right. It’s just… hard, sometimes.”
“I know,” I say softly. “But you’re not alone.” I remind her, knowing this life isn’t exactly filled with loyal friends. “We’ll get through this together.”
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting the world in twilight, I feel an overwhelming urge to bridge the gap between us. Harley turns to me, her eyes reflecting the fading light, and I see the same longing mirrored in her gaze.
“Hadrian…” she begins, but I don’t let her finish.
Leaning in, I close the distance between us, and my lips meet hers in a gentle, lingering kiss. It’s a moment of pure connection— a way to convey all the emotions we’ve been keeping bottled up. Her lips are soft and warm against mine, and for a few seconds, the world fades away, leaving just the two of us.
When we finally pull apart, she’s breathless, her eyes wide with surprise and something deeper, something unspoken.
“Hadrian,” she whispers again, this time with a hint of wonder.
I brush a strand of blue hair from her face, my hand lingering on her cheek. “I’ve wanted to do that for a long time, Magpie,” I admit, my voice low and rough with emotion.