by L. Wilder
Defending his purchase, Diesel shook his head. “Not these, brother. These are the shit.”
“Let’s see what you think on the first hot day, and you’ve got no wind on your legs.”
“Add in the heat from the engine, and you’ll be cooking,” Smokey snickered.
I gave him a pat on the shoulder. “Don’t listen to them. They look awesome, man. And the new gas cap is kickin’, too.”
“Thanks, Two Bit.”
I took a glance around and spotted Zoe and the girls standing by the fire pit. I couldn’t help but smile when I saw her laughing. I had no idea how long it would last, but at that moment, everything was right in the world. I thought back to that day I’d first met Cotton and the guys in that bar, and how that one chance meeting had changed everything. It made me think that Zoe was right when she said everything happens for a reason.
I walked up behind her, kissing her lightly on the back of the neck. “Hey, beautiful.”
“Hey there, handsome. You having a good time?”
“I always have a good time when you’re around.”
“What are you and the guys up to over there?”
“Just giving your boy Diesel a hard time about his new fairings.”
“That sounds about right,” she giggled. “I wanted to thank you for doing all of this for me.”
“Just glad you’re having a good time.”
“I’ve had a blast. I still can’t believe I actually got my degree.”
“Well, since you brought it up. I’ve been thinking… Now that you’ve graduated, what do you think about us starting our family?”
Surprise crossed her face. “Really? I just got my diploma today, Seth.”
“And?”
“Maybe I should actually get a job before we start talking about having kids…?”
“Okay. Job… then baby.”
“Maybe I should actually work at this said job for a few months before I get pregnant.”
“I think you’ll see that work is highly overrated. You can use the kid as an excuse to get out of all kinds of stuff.”
“Seth…”
“I love you, Zoe Lanheart.”
It still got to me every time I heard my name next to hers. I knew early on she was the only one for me, but I gave her some time to get settled before I put a ring on her finger. She’d been living with me for almost a year when we got married down by the Cape. It was one of the best days of my life, and with her by my side, I knew there were many more to come. She eased up on her tiptoes, kissing me softly before she said, “I love you, too, Seth Lanheart.”
The End.
More from the Satan’s Fury Series coming soon.
Also keep an eye out for Max’s story,
book 2 in the Redemption Series, which will release at the end of October or early November!
Amanda Faulkner – Your support and kindness means the world to me. I don’t know what I’d do without you. You are an amazing PA and friend.
Natalie Weston – Thank you for all you do. I can’t tell you how much your help means to me. I love you, chick. Even when I’m at my worst, you have a way of making me smile.
Daryl and Sue Banner, The Dynamic Duo – Thank you both for making my book the best it can be. I love you both!
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Lisa Cullinan – As always, you are awesome. Even when you’re super busy, you find time to help. Thank you so much for all you do. I owe you big!
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Tanya Skaggs and Charolette Smith – Thank you for reading Two Bit early and helping me make it even better. You guys rock! Tanya – you are such a sweetheart. Thanks for helping me search for the perfect cover!
Wilder’s Women – I am always amazed at how much you do to help promote my books and show your support. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me. I read all of your reviews and see all of your posts, and they mean so much to me. Love you big!
A Special Thanks to Mom – I want to thank you for always being there to read, chapter by chapter, and giving me your complete support. You are such an amazing person, and I am honored to call you my mom.
Continue for an excerpt of
Damaged Goods: Book 1 in the Redemption Series.
The Redemption Series
Book 1
Damaged people can be dangerous. They’ve been through hell and lived to tell about it. The pain made them stronger, more resilient, and nothing stands in their way. I’m not ashamed to say I’m damaged. I know I’m not the man that I once was. I look in the mirror, and I don’t even recognize the reflection staring back at me. I no longer see a kid with hopes and dreams, living life with blinders on. He’s been replaced by a man who’s been broken into a shattered mess, but by the grit of his own teeth managed to pull himself back together. We all have that moment—that single moment that changes our lives forever. For some, it was something as simple as a few thoughtless words that struck a chord deep inside them, while for others, it was some traumatic event or tragedy that altered their course in a way they’d never have expected. For me, there’s no question about what changed me. It was one terrible, unsuspecting night when fate reared its ugly head. Since then, my life has never been the same. I faced the pain, the anger, and the heartache. I survived it, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have my regrets. I should’ve known. I should’ve paid more attention, but I missed the warning signs and it cost me everything.
Ten Years Earlier
I parked my truck at the front gate of my dad’s warehouse, then turned to my girl and smiled. “Sit tight. I’ll be right back.”
“If you’re not back out here in five minutes, I’m coming in. That last glass of tea got me. I’ve really gotta go.” Lainey smiled at me, making my chest swell with pride. I still couldn’t believe she was mine. My girl was a natural beauty with her light brown hair and olive colored skin. Her eyes were as dark as the night sky, and she had a smile that could melt the coldest of hearts. She had a spirit that was wild like a mustang and a will to match. I was crazy about her, and the fact that she was carrying my kid only made me love her more. I can still remember the day I first saw Lila Grace on that ultrasound screen, all balled up with her little thumb in her mouth. Just one look at her and I thought my heart would explode right there on the spot. She was perfect, and I couldn’t wait to hold her in my arms. Thankfully, I wouldn’t have to wait long. Lainey’s due date was only a few weeks away, which was good since our daughter was sitting right on top of her bladder.
“Three minutes tops,” I promised as I leaned towards her and placed my hand on her round belly. After giving her a quick kiss on the cheek, I got out and rushed towards the warehouse.
“Hey, Nathan!”
I stopped and turned back towards the truck. She was leaning out the window with a goofy grin on her face. “Yeah?”
“Just wanted to let you know you’ve got a great ass.”
“Is that right?”
“Yep. One of the best.”
“Glad you’re enjoying the view.”
I shook my head and laughed as I continued inside. My father had sent a message that he needed me, and since business was never discussed over the phone, I had to go to him to see what he wanted. When I got to his office
, I expected to find him at his desk going over inventory, but instead, I found Murray, his longtime partner, sitting in his spot. He was like a second father to me, a confidant whenever I needed one, and he added a bit of much needed humor to the place. Without looking up, he motioned towards the back of the building. “Your father’s out back.”
“Good to see you, too.”
“Um hmm,” he grumbled. “We’re gonna need you tomorrow.”
“Figured that.” Since it was the end of the month and everyone wanted their shipments out on the first, we’d have to bust our asses to get everything done on time. It was nothing new, though. It was always like that with our kind of inventory. Dealing with illegal guns meant we were always on high alert—hoping for the best, but expecting the worst. “I’ll be here first thing.”
“Bring coffee.”
“Why? I thought that was Nick’s job.”
“Had to let him go.”
Knowing that meant I’d be stuck doing all the grunt work they didn’t want to do, I groaned, “Damn it. Why’d you go and do that?”
“The kid’s got nothing going on in that head of his. He couldn’t even get a cup of coffee without screwing something up.” He looked up at me with one of his smirks. “Besides, why pay someone to do something you can do?”
There was no point in arguing, so I turned and started for the door. “I’ll bring the fucking coffee, but I draw the line at doughnuts.”
“Hmm, doughnuts do sound good. Get me a few with sprinkles.”
“Fuck off, Murr. I’m not getting fucking sprinkles.” I slammed the door behind me in aggravation, knowing damn well I’d get his stupid doughnuts.
I headed to the back of the warehouse and found Dad talking with the DeMarco brothers. He’d been working with them for the past few months, but he’d made it clear that his patience was growing thin with them. They’d decided to expand their small business to include prostitution, drugs, and the like. My father had warned them against it, but he’d let it ride. He had let them do their thing, until they came up late on their last shipment and came up short on their last payment.
“You’re late. That’s the bottom line.”
“I know. We just need a little time, Pops,” Joey pleaded.
“I’m not your Pops. I’m not your bro. Until you pay me the five grand you owe and come up with the hundred assault rifles, I’m your worst enemy.”
“Look, you’ll get what’s coming to you. You know we’re good for it.”
“I’ll tell you what I know: Time is money, and I’m done fucking around with the two of you.”
Lenny, the taller of the two brothers with a large, crooked scar along his cheek, placed his hand on my dad’s shoulder. In a playful voice, he said, “Come on, Cal. Don’t be like that.”
“Lenny, you’ve got until tomorrow at noon.”
“We can’t have it by tomorrow. We need more time!”
“You’re not getting it.”
“Give us the time, Cal. Don’t make us do something you’ll regret.”
My father took a threatening step forward. “There are two kinds of people in this world, Lenny. Those who make threats, and those who make good on them. Tomorrow at noon, or you know what will happen.”
“You forced our hand, Cal. What happens next is on your head.”
There was no mistaking their anger as they both stormed past me and out the back door. Once they were gone, I walked over to my dad. “Everything okay?”
As always, he was cool, calm, and collected. “Why wouldn’t it be?”
“Seriously?”
“What? You mean Lenny?” He laughed. “You gotta remember something, son. This business we’re in is hard. It’s even harder when you’re stupid. Those two idiots dug their own graves when they decided to tie up with Link.”
“I thought you and Link were tight.”
“I never said we weren’t. Besides, I’m not talking about me and my business. We’re talking about them. Those boys saw dollar signs and got in over their heads. It’s gonna cost them.”
“And what about us? We need that shipment.”
“We’ll be fine.” My gut pulled at me, making me wonder if he was right, but my father’s been doing this a lot longer than me. Deciding that he knew best, I left it. He started walking towards his office. “You know your mother is expecting you and Lainey for dinner tonight.”
“We wouldn’t miss it. We’re headed that way after I leave here.” I followed him into his large office and over to his desk. “I just came by to see what you needed me to do.”
He reached inside his desk drawer and pulled out a thick yellow envelope. “I’ve got some papers that I need you to get over to Des.”
“No problem. I can take care of it.”
“Make sure you get this done tonight. He’s expecting them.”
“You got it.”
I started for the door and was just about to walk out when I heard him shout. “Hey, Nate.”
“Yeah?”
“Eyes and ears open.”
“Always, Pop.”
I was on my way back out to the truck and was about to open the door when Lainey came rushing inside. She stormed past me and headed straight for the restroom. Just before the door closed behind her, she shouted, “Just so you know, that was not three minutes.”
When she finally came back out, I smiled and said, “Sorry about that, baby.”
“It’s all good. I’m better now.” She gave me a quick kiss before she turned and started for the door. “Let’s roll, Daddio. We’ve got places to go, and people to see.”
I shook my head and laughed. “I love you, woman.”
She turned back to look at me with one of her smiles that knocked me off my feet. “You’d better, because you’re stuck with me.”
“I’d say that makes me a lucky man.”
She stopped and turned to face me, looking at me with nothing but love in her eyes. She brought her hands up to my face, pulling me close as she pressed her lips against mine. Her kiss was soft and filled with promise. I’d never dreamed I could be so content with another human being. She was my everything. “I’m the lucky one.”
We got back to the truck, and we’d only gone a few miles when I looked over and found her with her eyes closed and her head propped against the window. She was sound asleep—another side effect of the pregnancy. Poor thing was still out cold when I drove out to Desmond’s place. It wasn’t until I pulled up at my folks’ place that she finally woke up. It was pitch dark when I finally parked the car, and I felt bad for having hauled her around all day. “Hey, baby, you have a good nap?”
She rubbed the sleep from her eyes as she yawned. “Yeah, but I need to stretch my legs and get something to eat. I’m starving.”
I got out of the truck and walked over to open her door. “Come on. Mom will have dinner ready in a minute.”
She followed me inside where we found my mother standing at the stove, stirring the pasta sauce. She was one of the good ones. She always had a smile on her face and worked her ass off to make sure her family was taken care of. She was one hell of a cook, and her spaghetti was legendary. “Smelling good, Mom.”
“You finally made it.” She spun around, spread her arms wide, and rushed over to me with a big smile on her face. “I was beginning to think you weren’t coming.”
“You said dinner was at 8. I’m ten minutes early.”
“Well, you know I like to spend time with you.” She wrapped her arms around me and gave me a tight squeeze, then headed over to Lainey. “It’s been ages since you’ve come to see me!”
“Miss Clara, we were here on Sunday.”
“Oh, that doesn’t count. You were only here a few minutes,” she huffed. “With Colton gone, it seems like I never get to spend time with my boys anymore.”
My brother had decided a long time ago that he wanted nothing to do with the family business and had gone off to some Ivy League school out east. He hadn’t come home in months, and
even though my mother would never admit it, I knew it was getting to her.
“Now get this sweet girl something to drink, while I get the bread in the oven.”
I looked over to Lainey and asked, “Tea or water?”
Before she could answer, Mom started fussing under her breath as she looked frantically through the cabinets. “I can’t believe I forgot it. I don’t know what I was thinking.”
“What’s wrong?”
“I can’t find the bread!” She rushed over to the pantry and dug around inside. “It’s not here.”
“Mom, we can live without bread. It’s not a big deal.”
“We can’t have spaghetti without garlic bread, Nathaniel.”
I knew she was upset when she used my full name, and knowing she wouldn’t be happy until she got just what she needed, I offered to go grab some for her. “I’ll run to the store. What do you need?”
“Are you sure?”
“Yep. Just tell me what you want me to get.”
She grabbed her purse and started going through her wallet. “Get us a loaf of French bread.”
“I thought spaghetti was Italian,” I teased.
She tried to hand me a ten-dollar bill, but I refused. “Maybe I should go with you.”
“No, I’ll go with him,” Lainey proposed.
“You both stay here. I’ve got this.”
Just as I opened the door, my dad stepped inside. “Where are you running off to?”
“Just a quick run to the store, Pop. I’ll be right back.” I gave him a pat on the shoulder and headed for my truck.
I heard the screen door open again, followed by my mother shouting, “Make sure it’s fresh!”
I nodded as I started the engine and pulled out of the driveway. It didn’t take me long to get to the store and back—fifteen minutes at the most. I was expecting dinner to be on the table when I walked into the kitchen, but as I walked in, I found it empty. I stopped in my tracks as a strange sensation washed over me. I’m not sure what triggered the feeling… maybe it was the unsettling silence or the hint of gunsmoke that filled my nose, but I knew immediately that something was off. As I pushed down the panic creeping into my throat, I called out to my mother. I got no response, so I called out to Lainey. Nothing.
