“Stop scaring me!” She glares at me before kissing me.
“Sorry, but I can’t help holding you whenever I see you.” I grin and kiss her softly.
“Yeah, well a bit of a warning would be nice.” She relaxes into my arms and cuddles into me.
“How was your day?” I kiss her head.
“Long and boring.” She frowns.
“More studying?” I ask grabbing a beer from the fridge and refilling her glass of iced tea.
“Thank you. Yeah, hopefully I’ll ace this one, all this studying is starting to get on my nerves.”
“You’ll do good. I have faith in you.” I hold the back of her neck and kiss her deeply.
“Mmmm can you greet me like this every time you come home?” She smiles, closing her eyes.
“Don’t I always?” I chuckle.
“Yeah, but you’re extra touchy and kissy today.” She grins and wraps her arms around me.
“Really?” I kiss the top of her head and take a peek inside the pan to see what she is cooking.
“Yes really and I’m making your favorite.” She smiles up at me.
“You didn’t have to.” I kiss her nose and grab her ass, holding her flush to my body.
“I wanted to.” She kisses my chest.
“Can I ask you something?”
“You just did.” She grins.
“Smartass.” I chuckle.
“You love my ass.”
“That I do.” I smirk spanking it, eliciting a moan from her.
“Stop it, I’m cooking and I have to study.” She frowns.
“Alright, I’ll behave, but once you get into bed, your ass is mine.” I smirk at her, raising my eyebrow.
“Bring it, Sanders.” She chuckles. “What were you going to ask me?” she says before stirring the amazing pulled chicken goodness she’s made.
“I’m ready to read the letter, will you read it with me?”
She looks at me with a saddened expression on her face.
“Of course I will, Love.” She kisses me softly and hugs me. She knows that letter is a big deal for me. She lowers the heat to let the meat simmer before leading me to the patio. She walks back into the house and quickly returns with a bottle of whiskey and the letter. When we moved in together, I asked her to keep the letter hidden for me and I’d ask for it when I was ready. Tonight is the night.
I hold her on my lap and slowly open the letter and we both start reading.
My dear Jason,
If you're reading this letter, it means that I have died before being able to tell you the truth about your parents.
I’m terribly sorry for what happened and the pain I caused you over the years. I wish I could take it all back and make it all better, if I could, I would. I did my best to give you a good life. It wasn’t the life you were supposed to lead but it was the only one I could offer. You deserved a good life filled with the love of your parents but I robbed you of that and I’ll never forgive myself. I owe you the truth and I know you are going to hate me for what I did and why I did it. It was a terrible mistake, one that I wish I could undo.
As you know, my wife was killed in a tragic car accident caused by a drunk driver. I was devastated when it happened and even more so when the doctors told me she was pregnant at the time. She was actually on her way back from the doctor who had just told her when it happened. She had rung me to tell me she had news and was really excited about it. I just didn’t know what it was at the time because she never made it home.
A week after she was killed, I asked Nikolai to obtain information about who was driving the car and where they lived. He found out in Rina’s file that the car belonged to your father. I saw red and wanted revenge. He took my wife’s life so I was going to take his and his family’s. When I got there, I confronted them but they both denied it and said that their car was stolen, that they didn’t know what happened and that they were sorry for what had happened. I accused them of lying and shot them without regret. I was righting the wrong that had been done to me and my family. I hadn’t planned on you being there and seeing it happen.
I went back home and thought about it. Unfortunately for me, Nikolai came to me with fresh news that someone had stolen your parents’ car. They had been telling the truth all along and I was so enraged and hurt that I didn’t listen to what they had to say. I killed them without any remorse and I knew I’d pay for their deaths for the rest of my life. It took me a while to gather up the courage to drive back and bring you home with me. I made you an orphan and you didn’t deserve that.
I raised you like you were the kid I never had, I just wasn’t capable of loving you. Not because you weren’t loveable, but because my heart was broken and nothing could put it back together. Over the years, you really did become my son, well, at least to me. I was proud of you and your accomplishments. It was great to see the good man you’ve become and then I ruined it all that night I asked you to prove to me you were worthy.
I don’t know what I was looking for when I asked you to do that. I think I wanted to make sure you would stay by my side and not leave me in the hopes of finding a better life. I should have set you free that day but I was too selfish. I needed to keep my son, well the image of the kid I wanted you to be, with me.
I realized over the years how much you hated yourself for what I made you do and I hate myself for causing you all this pain. I will never be able to forgive myself for all I have done to you. All the hurt I caused you. I hope you won’t let it get the best of you. I hope you’ll be able to find happiness and not let your past taint your life.
You deserve to be happy, to have a good wife, kids, and everything you’ve ever wanted. You deserve all the happiness in the world and I’m sorry I robbed you of the life you were supposed to have.
I don’t know who you are seeing, but whenever you come back from your weekends away you always have a huge smile on your face, one that reaches your eyes, something that Jenny has never been able to do. Whoever that woman is, cherish every single second you have with her, because she is your one, your soul mate. I met mine long ago and she was taken from me, never let anyone take her from you. Fight for her, fight for the both of you because you deserve her, no matter what you’ll undoubtedly tell yourself. You deserve her. She is a very special woman and I’m happy that someone can finally bring you happiness.
Never forget to always keep smiling, love and cherish your friends and family. I know you’ll have a family one day, a big one. Treasure all those people because even though you’ll have your dark days where you don’t love yourself, they will love you no matter what. Tell them you love them every day and never let the little things upset you or stop you from doing what you want to do.
Live hard, love harder.
Sergei
P.S. Your parents are buried at the Ambrose Garden, together.
Nicole is a crying mess next to me and I’m not far behind her. Knowing my parents’ death was a mistake is a hard pill to swallow. I’m glad I finally know the truth but fucking hell it’s hard, I wasn’t expecting this. My parents were good people who had the shit luck of having their car stolen and it being used in a drunken hit and run. I wish they didn’t have to die for nothing, for a stupid fucking mistake. But despite everything, I’m glad I finally know the truth and can move on. I have my woman, more friends than I can count and a huge ass family.
“How are you?” Nicole asks, bringing me back to reality.
“Relieved and heartbroken.” I sigh.
“Understandable. I’m sorry they died because of some fucking dickwad.” She kisses my head.
“Me too.” I sigh. “Is it bad that despite everything that happened I’m happy in a way that things went that way?”
“What do you mean?” She looks at in confusion.
“Had none of this happened, I might never have met you. Who knows where I would be? Maybe I’d be miserable living a boring life or dead already, who knows? Do I wish I could take back some of the things I�
�ve done and my parent’s death, yes, but I’m happy with how my life has turned out, with you by my side and a fuck load of friends and family. Our lives might be chaotic at times but we have each other. Maybe I wouldn’t have this if none of that had happened.” I look up at her.
“I’m glad I make you happy. It’s not wrong for you to feel this way, it means you’ve made peace with your past and have closed that chapter. Now you can move on and be happy with the memories you have of your parents and maybe the good times you had with Sergei, that’s up to you. All that matters is that you are happy now and if there are days when you feel sad, I’m always there for you. That last part of the letter was so true.” She smiles at me before kissing my cheek.
“It is.” I smile looking up at her. “I love you, more than any words can express. You are my everything. I know we fight from time to time, but I really do love you. You mean the world to me. I owe you my happiness.”
“You’re going to make me cry.” She chuckles and hides her face in the crook of my neck.
“No tears,” I whisper.
“Happy tears.” She sniffs and squeezes me tighter.
I’ll forever remember that last paragraph. The rest of it doesn’t matter. I know I have an amazing group of friends and family who love me and an amazing fiancée. Life is pretty good.
A Week Later
I smile as I carry my wife through the threshold of our hotel room at the Hotel Paris in Las Vegas. I surprised her with a very special midnight wedding where all of our friends and family were waiting. It was amazing. She looked beautiful, well, she always does but the look on her face when she walked down the aisle made her seem so innocent, beautiful, shy and just altogether angelic. It’s a new side of Nicole I’ve never seen.
I took a big risk organizing everything with the help of Ayden, Line and Viv. I’m surprised none of them let it slip, I guess they really can keep a secret. Gabe and Aleck walked her down the aisle and it was amazing. I’m beyond happy that they approve of our marriage and gave me their blessing. I wouldn’t have done it behind their back, they’d have beaten me to a pulp. I smile as I set her down by a table that has a bottle champagne and bowl of strawberries on it, along with a couple of cupcakes. They aren’t Josie’s but I couldn’t forget the cupcakes.
“You really thought of everything,” she says looking up at me.
“I tried.” I kiss her softly.
“You did good, Husband.” She beams.
“Thank you, Wife.” I grin. “Are you happy?”
“Beyond.” She sighs happily and wraps her arms around my neck.
“Me too.” I smile, kissing her forehead.
“I can’t believe you organized everything on your own.”
“I had the help of that woman you saw earlier, she made sure everything I asked for was there. Ayd, Viv and Line picked the dress. I had no idea what they had picked until you walked down the aisle.” I chuckle.
“Can’t believe you did all of this in less than a week. You’re crazy.”
“Crazy about you.” I smile.
“It’s good to see you happy. Your smile reaches your eyes now.” She sighs happily and kisses me deeply.
“All thanks to you, Kitten.” I pour us two glasses of champagne and hand her one to toast. “To us. I’m so blessed to have you in my life and I promise I’ll always make sure you are happy, safe and have everything you ever want or need, oh and forever with cupcakes.” I clink my glass to hers.
“As long as we have cake and sex I’ll be happy.” She shrugs and chuckles.
“Weirdo.” I chuckle.
“You love me.”
“That I do.” I beam.
“To us. I’m beyond lucky to have you in my life. The wedding was perfect. I always thought I’d want either a huge ass wedding or a simple biker wedding and this was the perfect combination of both; it was simple yet beautiful. Thank you for everything. You’ve been making me happy for three years now, I can’t wait for many more with you.” She clinks her glass with mine. I take a sip of mine but notice she doesn’t.
“Don’t like champagne?”
“I can’t drink.” She nibbles her lip, looking at me shyly.
“What do you-, are you-”
“Yes!” She shouts happily and jumps into my arms.
I spin her around and smile like a fool.
“I fucking love you,” I say in between kisses.
“I love you too.” She beams. We carry on kissing and holding each other in the middle of the room before she pulls on my hand, leading me to the balcony. When she opens the door, I watch her face light up when she sees the Eiffel tower surrounded by bright lights.
“This is pretty fucking awesome,” she whispers.
I stand behind her, wrapping my arms around her, resting my hands on her stomach.
“Maybe someday we’ll go to Paris.” I kiss her behind her ear.
“I’d like that a lot.” She smiles, looking up at the Eiffel tower.
“Anything for my beautiful wife.” I sigh happily, I feel like I’m on top of the world.
“Yes I get it, we’re husband and wife, now shut up and fuck me because I’m pretty sure it’s one of your husbandly duties…officer.” And that’s why I love her.
I chuckle. “Straight to the point.”
“Always.” She smirks at me as she undoes my tie and button down shirt.
“Do you really want to fuck out here? Someone could see.”
“It’s hot knowing someone could be watching.”
And that’s how I had sex with my wife for the first time, on the balcony for the whole world to see. I didn’t give a fuck if it got us into trouble. It was worth it.
It’s been a month since we got married and life is pretty fucking awesome. I’m leaning against the patio door, watching Nicole play with Cameron and Ally and find myself imagining her chasing our own kid around the backyard, dressing them up for Halloween, getting a mini leather cut. All the things I never thought I’d have are coming true and I can feel my heart finally piecing itself back together.
I never thought my life would be like this. I never thought I’d be this happy. I always assumed the life I had was the life I deserved, but this is it. I have an amazing wife, amazing friends and a huge ass family and soon we’re going to start our own. It might be a bit fast and crazy but I wouldn’t have it any other way. She is my one and only. I’ve finally found her and I’m never letting her go.
I’m so glad I took a leap of faith and trusted her. I’ll never regret it. I now know what it means to be truly happy and in love. It might have taken me longer to find it, but it came when I needed it the most.
Surround yourself with the people you love, they are the ones that make your life worth living. They’ll get you through tough times and make the good times that much sweeter. Nothing is more important than that.
Live hard and love harder.
The End.
FORGIVING BENNETT PREVIEW
Bennett
My life has been a breeze compared to my brothers in the MC. My parents are still alive and happily married, I’ve never been heartbroken or emotionally scarred, well I’d need to have been in a serious relationship for that to happen but that’s not in the cards for me. Not that I didn’t have the opportunity, a lot of my one night stands want more, but I’ve never been tempted. Until I met her, the one woman I’ve ever truly wanted and she doesn’t want me. In fact, she’s scared of me, despite what my friends tell her.
I can’t blame her. She hasn’t had it easy in her twenty-two years of life. I just wish she would trust me and see me for who I really am and not just the tough badass biker exterior. I guess the fact that I’m a lot taller and broader than her doesn’t help.
There’s something about her that makes me want to protect her and keep her safe. I just wish she would let me in.
Nancy
I hate my life. Always did and always will but I can’t bring myself to end it. I want to know what’s in store for m
e, but by the looks of my latest mishap, it’s nothing that exciting.
I thought I had made friends. The first in a very long time, but they were backstabbing bitches who were after what little belongings and money I have.
I finally managed to get away from them, but at what cost? I’m stuck with a guy who scares the shit out of me. Every single one of his friends assure me that he’s the nicest guy ever, but I can’t trust him. If I do, I could see myself falling in love with him and I’m not built for that.
Let’s just hope he really is different and can help me get back what I need. Then I’ll disappear and leave the only one who’s ever made me feel.
FALLING FOR KALLI PREVIEW
by Mia Lily & Muriel Garcia
Mason
All damn morning I’ve had to listen to Tyler go on and on about the rents due. I don’t mind the first and second time, but after the third and fourth, he was starting to piss me off.
“I’ll sort it, how many fucking times do I have to tell you!” I snap at him, making him realize he is giving me a damn headache.
It’s always me that gets moaned at because apparently it’s my fault we are down a room-mate. In a way, it probably is my fault, but it takes two to tango. I can see from his facial expression that one of his Tyler rants is coming.
“Well, if you hadn’t fucked and broke our last room-mate’s heart, we wouldn’t be in this mess. How many times did I tell you not to go there? Yet, you did it anyway!” Tyler huffs, following me as I walk away from him, heading towards my bedroom. I step inside and slam the door hoping to God it shuts him the fuck up, even if it’s just for a minute.
Yeah, I did fuck Faye, the last room-mate. She knew my reputation and what I was like. It’s not my fault she developed a huge crush on me and then lied to Amie and Tyler, telling them I said I wanted more just to get in her pants. I may be a manwhore, but I’m not a liar. I take in the familiar scene of my bedroom in the loft we live in, I can describe it in two words, absolute shithole, but it’s my shithole. I keep it a shithole as it reminds me of my room back hom when I lived with my mother. It reminds me of how she used to get on at me to clean my room, I can still hear her voice clear as day in my mind. People that used to know me say I look very much like her, dark brown hair, piercing blue eyes. I can’t see it myself. I shake her from my thoughts as thinking about her only saddens me. I head over to the desk on the far side of the room to look for a pen and a piece of scrap paper, pulling open my top drawer, condoms…nope, don’t need them. More searching turns up more condoms. For fuck’s sake, can I catch a break? I slam the drawer shut nearly breaking the cheap piece of shit, and open the second drawer. Aha! My sketchbook and a pencil, that’ll do the job. I rip a bit of paper from the page and quickly scribble an advert, it can’t be that hard to find a room-mate surely, we live in the city of Manchester for God’s sake.
Trusting Nicole Page 23
