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)
“You’re going to pay for your sins,” I tell him, trying to keep my voice steady. I don’t want him to see how much control he still has over me.
“Aye,” he spits out. “Let me pay, then.”
“Lads, I’m sorry ta hear that,” Monster says as he pushes to his feet. He rounds the table, and stopping in front of me, he gives me a one-armed hug and then offers one to Hades. “Nobody should have a da that’s a cunt like that.”
“Thank you,” we both say at the same time. But I continue, “There is more...”
I glance at Hades, and he offers my shoulder a reassuring squeeze. He knows why I’ve come back, and he respects my need to find a way through this.
“Go on,” Monster gestures.
I stand before my brothers, my family, and I lay it all out. I tell them of the love I have for Harley, the responsibility I feel towards the club, and the struggle I’m having reconciling the two.
“I met Harley when she was too young for us ta be together. I left her once. I broke her heart, and in the process, I feckin’ broke my own.”
My chest still tightens when I think about that day.
“We’re both older now, and we want to make it work between us, but I’m not sure how. That’s what I want to talk to you lads about. I don’t want to leave the club. It’s my home, and you’re my family, so I’m asking if you’ll allow me time to figure out a way to be with her, the woman I love, and still be a part of the Royal Bastards.”
There’s silence when I finish speaking, the weight of my words hanging in the air. Then Hades steps forward, his gaze steady. “Rev, you’ve always been there for us. I’m sure I speak for everyone here when I say that we won’t stand in the way of your happiness. If Harley’s the one for you, then we’ll find a way to make it work.”
His words are a balm to my soul. The other members nod in agreement, their support giving me the strength to believe that maybe, just maybe, we can find a way through this.
Monster takes my hand and shakes it. “I’m not one ta stand in the way of love,” he says. “We’ll figure this shite out. Don’t ye worry, lad, I’m not sendin’ ye packin’.”
As the days turn into weeks, I throw myself into my duties with the club, ensuring everything is running smoothly. But my thoughts constantly drift back to Harley and the life we want to build together, despite the distance between us.
Straddling the two worlds is a challenge that I haven’t been able to resolve, so after much deliberation, I decide to speak to Monster and ask his advice.
When I arrive at the clubhouse, I spot him sitting by the bar, his hulking frame unmistakable. He’s nursing a pint, his brows furrowed in thought. I make my way over, weaving through the crowd, and slide onto the stool next to him.
“Rev,” he says, looking up from his drink.
“Monster,” I reply, giving him a nod. We sit in silence for a while, the noise of the clubhouse providing a backdrop to our thoughts.
“You’ve got that look on yer face,” he says, breaking the silence. “The one that says ye’ve got a lot on yer mind.”
I let out a sigh, rubbing the back of my neck. “Aye, you could say that.”
He takes a swig of his pint and gestures for the bartender to bring me one. “Talk ta me, mate. What’s eatin’ ye?”
I take a deep breath, trying to find the right words. “It’s Harley. I love her, Monster. I really do. But I’m torn. I don’t know how to make our relationship work without abandoning the club.”
He raises an eyebrow, his expression thoughtful. “That’s a tough one, Rev. The club is yer family. But so is she.”
I nod, taking a sip of the pint that’s been placed in front of me. “Exactly. I can’t imagine leaving the club. It’s been my life for so long. But Harley… she’s my everything. I love her.”
Monster leans back, considering my words. “Ye’re not the first lad to be torn between love and loyalty. Ye’ve got to ask yourself which is more important? The club will always be here for ye. I meant what I said, mate, I’m not goin’ta ask ye ta leave. But if ye let Harley go, ye might regret it fer the rest of yer life.”
I stare into my pint, the amber liquid swirling as I ponder his question. “Part of me thinks I can find a balance, but another part of me is scared I’ll end up letting both sides down.”
Monster claps a hand on my shoulder, his grip firm. “Look, Rev. The club’s important ta all of us, no doubt about that. But yer needs are important too. Ye’ve got to do what’s right for ye. If Harley’s the one, then ye owe it to yerself to try and make it work.”