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)
When we finally come, together, I look into her eyes and see the love shining in them. It’s taken us far too long, but we got here in the end, and that’s all that matters.
“I didn’t think anything could feel so good,” Harley whispers against my neck as her fingers draw over the ink on my chest. “This is what perfection feels like.”
Afterwards, we lie together in each other’s arms, our breathing slowly returning to normal. Harley rests her head on my chest, and I hold her close, feeling a sense of contentment I’ve never known before.
“It was worth the wait,” she murmurs, her voice filled with awe. “Thank you, Hadrian.”
I smile, pressing a kiss to her hair. “Thank you, Harley. For trusting me. For being with me. This is just the beginning for us.”
She nods, her eyes closing as she nestles closer. “I can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
I watch her as she falls asleep, the soft rise and fall of her chest a soothing rhythm. In this moment, everything feels right. The challenges we face and the decisions we have to make all seem more manageable with Harley by my side.
As I drift off, I know that whatever comes our way, we’ll face it together. And that’s all that matters.
SEVENTEEN
REV
The next morning, Hades, Racer and I head back to Belfast. The drive to the airport is filled with a sense of dread, but there’s also hope. I’m not running away. Instead, I’m facing up to my responsibilities, trying to find a way to balance the two worlds that mean so much to me.
Once we’ve landed, we pick up our bikes from the long-stay car park and head into the city. It immediately feels like I’m back home as the chaos of Belfast envelops me in its heavy cloak. The streets are bustling, and the air is filled with the sounds of car horns, distant laughter, and the occasional siren. It’s strange how you can leave a place, but it never really leaves you.
Riding our bikes through the narrow streets, the wind whips past me as we head towards the clubhouse. The familiar sights and sounds of the city are a stark contrast to the inner turmoil I feel. My mind is still stuck on the girl back in England, and the hours Hades and I spent questioning our father keep replaying in my head.
The clubhouse comes into view, its weathered exterior is familiar, calming some of the anxiety in my gut. The trees that form the backdrop to the garden are a welcome reminder of the summer days spent outside with the family I’ve found.
We park our bikes and head inside, the scent of leather, smoke, and beer hitting me as soon as I step through the door. The place is alive with laughter, banter, and the clinking of glasses. The rowdiness is comforting.
My brothers greet us with a mix of relief and concern. They’ve been holding things together while we’ve been absent, but there’s an unspoken understanding that they need us.
Hades and Racer both look over at me and offer me a nod, giving me permission to catch the rest of the brothers up on what we’ve found.
“There’s been a lot of shite going down in South Shields. The organisation Hades and I worked for when we were youngens was under attack.” There’s a slight Irish twang returning to my accent as I speak to them. “The leader, Shaun Hunt, had become increasingly unwell. He was bein’ poisoned in a way that wasn’t noticeable from a blood test.”
“And ye caught the cunt who was doin’ it?” Monster asks, his voice rough, filled with violence and anger.
“Aye,” I say with a nod. “It was the leader’s right-hand man, Gordon. He wanted ta take over the organisation. He thought if Shaun could no longer run the business, then he’d be asked to take over. He was put out when Shaun asked his daughter, Harley, instead.” Even mentioning her name makes my chest ache.
“Feckin’ hell,” Tye mumbles, shaking his head.
“Gordon wasn’t working alone,” I continue. A sick feeling twists in my gut, causing me to lean over and place my hands on the table. “He was workin’ with the Mod Boys, a rival gang,” I tell them.
“Oh?” This comes from Sully, who’s been listening intently.
I know he also had to make a choice between the club and his woman, and it’s all worked out for him.
“Aye,” I say then, looking at our President, Monster. “It was our da,” I say, waving a hand between my twin brother and myself.
The room falls silent, and I’m thankful no one speaks. I’m still reeling when I think about it.
“You never amounted to anything, either of you,” Dad gasps. “I always knew you wouldn’t. Becomin’ a fuckin’ priest, Hadrian. What the fuck is that all about? Then both of you end up joining a fuckin’ motorcycle club.” His dark stare flicks between my brother and me.