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’ve been welcomed into the world of the Royal Bastards, and I know I’m finally home.
I sit on the edge of the bed, my phone clutched in my hand, and listen to the familiar ringtone as I call my father. It’s been a few weeks since I moved to Belfast with Hadrian, and even though I’m settling in, I miss my father.
“Hello?” My father’s voice comes through the line, warm and comforting.
“Hi, Da,” I say, my voice catching slightly.
“My Harley Bear, it’s so good to hear from you. How are you, love?” I can hear the happiness in his voice, and the smile in his words. My father has always given me a sense of comfort.
“I’m good, Da. Really good. How are you?”
“I’m getting stronger every day, lass. Don’t you worry about your old man. Everything’s going smoothly here. How’s Belfast treating you?”
I smile, thinking about the past few weeks. “It’s wonderful. Hadrian has been amazing, and everyone here has been so welcoming. It’s very different from South Shields, but in a good way. The city is beautiful, and I’m starting to feel at home.”
“I’m glad to hear that, Harley. I was worried about you moving so far away, but it sounds like you’re settling in nicely.”
“I am. But I miss you, Da. I miss our talks and just being around you.”
“I miss you too, sweetheart. It’s strange not having you around. But I’m happy that you’re happy. That’s all that matters to me.”
“How’s the organisation?” I ask, my curiosity getting the better of me.
“It’s going well,” he says, his tone reassuring. “We’ve managed to stabilise things after all the upheaval with Gordon. The men have remained loyal, and we’re moving forward. It’s hard work, but we’re managing.”
“That’s good to hear. I worry about you, you know.”
“I know, Harley. But you don’t have to. I’ve got everything under control. You just focus on your new life and enjoy it. Are you happy? Truly happy.”
“I am,” I admit honestly. “I feel as if my life was always meant to be here with Hadrian.”
“That’s my girl,” he says softly, and I can hear the smile on his face. “Just you live your life to the fullest and bask in your happiness. Promise me you will.”
“I promise, Da. But if you ever need anything, you know I’m just a phone call away, and I’ll be coming back to visit soon.”
“I know, love. Thank you.”
We talk for a little while longer, catching up on the small details of our lives. It feels good to hear his voice and know that he’s doing well. But as much the conversation reassures me, there’ll always be a part of me that misses him.
“Take care of yourself, Da. I love you.”
“I love you too, Harley. Give Hadrian my best. Be safe.”
“I will. Bye, Da. See you soon.”
I hang up the phone and sit there for a moment, lost in thought. It’s hard being away from my father, but I know this is where I’m meant to be. Belfast is my home now, and Hadrian is my future.
The door opens, and Hadrian walks in with a smile on his face. “Hey, Magpie. Everything okay?”
“Aye, all good,” I say, returning his smile. “Just talked to my dad. It was nice to hear his voice.”
He nods and settles in beside me. “How is he?”
“He’s good. The organisation is going well, and he seems to be managing just fine.” I shrug.
I’m feeling slightly despondent, and I think it’s because I know my father doesn’t actually need me anymore. I know it’s stupid and I’ll get over it, but I enjoyed being the boss for a while.
“Hey,” Hadrian says, leaning in to place a kiss on my forehead. “He’s goin’ to be all right. Don’t worry so much. Also, I’ve got a surprise for you.”
“A surprise?” I raise an eyebrow, intrigued.
“Aye. I need you to pack an overnight bag. I want to take you somewhere.” His voice is filled with the excitement of a teenager, and I can’t help but grin. My belly flip-flops with excitement as I try to figure out what it could be.
“Where are we going?” I ask, my curiosity piqued.
“It’s a surprise,” he says with a grin. “Just pack a bag. Trust me.”
I laugh, feeling the excitement bubbling up inside me. “All right. Give me a few minutes.”
I quickly pack a few essentials into an overnight bag as Hadrian watches with a mischievous glint in his eye. I feel a growing sense of anticipation as I wonder what he has planned.
Once I’m packed, we head out to his bike. The familiar rumble of the engine fills the air as we set off, leaving the city behind. The scenery changes as we ride north, the urban landscape giving way to rolling hills and open fields. The wind whips around me, and I feel a sense of freedom that only comes from being out on the open road.