Chapter 14 – Dinner with the Hudson’sOne week laterRowan PriestPOV“It’s so nice to meet you Grace…” Gabby, Alex’s wife says as she sits down across. I’ve known Gabby for exactly five years now, they got married I think six years ago.Gabby’s met Angelica, though the two didn’t hit if off, she was always friendly to Angelica because she knew Alex and I were friends.Grace smile widens. “I’m so glad to meet you too. You’re so pretty. You like those model’s I see on tv. I can’t believe how pretty you are. You’re really pretty.” She goes on, but I take her hand in mine to stop her from rattling on.She looks at me before quieting down.“You’re making me shy…” Gabby says but the wide smile on her face says she’s looking anything but shy. “What is it you do Grace?” she asks.Grace looks at me for answers.We haven’t talked about it, but I’ve asked Rayna to apply at NYU for her to start studying there. They had the best fine arts program I could find. And it helped a lot that Grace’s gra
Chapter 15One month laterGrace WilsonPOVI stand in front of the mirror my future mother-in-law has tears in her eyes.We’re trying on my wedding dress just the two of us. I don’t have any friends and Rowan doesn’t have any other family.“The dress is beautiful Grace, but I don’t think this is the dress.” Sandra Priest says biting her lip, her eyes narrowed at the dress.The dress was a tightfitting lace ensemble. Though it’s beautiful and the most expensive thing I’ve had touch my skin in my entire life.I nod and head back into the fitting room with the consultant Samantha. She’s been super helpful, though I was ready to give up an hour ago, my future mother-in-law had other ideas. She was determined to get my dress today.“How about we try on the dusty pink dress you were eyeing?” Samantha asks.I bite my lip. I loved the dress; I don’t think Rowan would. “My fiancée would want me in a white dress…” I’m sure Rowan wants his virgin bride in a white dress.Samantha looks at me bef
Chapter 16Hannah SmithPOVI stand in the door as Rowan walks into my apartment, I stand on my toes to give him a peck on the lips, but he dodges.I pout my lips closing the door. "Hello to you too lover…" I purr walking up to him.He pins me a glare.“Oh, come on don’t tell me you didn’t miss?”He doesn’t say anything just crosses his arms.“Oh, come on, when you look at me like that, I almost think you’re Damian.” I tease.“Don’t fuck with me Hannah. Why have you been blowing my God damn phone up?” he spits out.I walk up to him; I untie my robe. His eyes roam my body.He shakes his head. “You think that shit is going to work on me? I know a hundred other models with a body like yours.” He snorts.I let my robe fall to the floor. “Yet not one of those models have been fucking you for as long as I have.” I remind him.He tilts his head. “Just be out with it. I thought you were more straight forward than this…” he assesses me.I sigh dramatically. “Well, I want to ask about what’s go
Chapter 17 Rowan PriestPOVGrace and I walk into the restaurant together, I wrap her in my arms the cameras flashing, and the growing crowd is rowdy, and Grace is cowering into me. I’ve realized she’s not a big fan of large crowds. Spending the month with her, I’ve come to realize whenever we’re near them or she spent the day out she gets nightmares.Though for the first time in years I find myself laughing and genuinely smiling. A lot of the shit that comes out of her mouth is comedic and she’s got no filter.I brought her out to lunch today to celebrate and as payback to burying Hannah’s story I had to give the person she bought off a story worth more. And what do they want? Grace and I on a fucking date.What are we celebrating? We got her acceptance letter for NYU. She was so excited, and I couldn’t tell her my money got her in. Jesus I’ve gone soft. I know it’s only because Grace is genuinely a good person, and she didn’t deserve half the shit she’s been through. If it were any
Chapter 18Hannah SmithPOVGetting a tip off Graham set me the fuck off. Hours after he left my apartment, he was with her, happily. Sitting talking with her. I’d have to force him to talk to me. Last night was different I will admit that. He didn’t want to fuck me. I had to force him to. I went to the restaurant, thinking I’ll see cracks in their façade. A way to break them up. I didn’t expect to see him with hearts in his eyes. The last thing I expected was in this life was seeing a man incapable as so much as a smile to fucking laugh.Imagine my surprise when I see Rowan laughing, tears in his eyes at something she’s said. He ordered for her, I watched as he kissed her head and held her protectively as they walked in.Watching him not scowl at her. He doesn’t even look at her with the cold look he permanently has on his face. Even when he smiles his eyes are dead cold. But somehow, she gets him to smile even when he isn’t smiling with his mouth, if that makes sense.She looks like
Chapter 19 Rowan PriestPOVDamian on his phone sitting beside me. My eyes on the server Andre brought to the safe house. We call it a safe house but it’s anything but a safe house, we’re currently in the basement watching the man sweat.His wrists tied to the back of the chair and his ankles ties to the steel chairs legs. And what I assume is a white cloth tied around his to prevent him from speaking. My eyes go to Andre sitting to my right.Andre doesn’t say anything as he gets up… He removes the cloth and throws it to the side.“I-I don’t know anything…” is the first words out of the server’s mouth.I turn my head to look at him. “I didn’t ask you to speak. Why are you opening your mouth?” I ask.His eyes wide.Andre’s phone goes off. He looks at the screen before his eyes goes into slits.He walks over to me and hands me his phone. I watch him throw something in the burger before handing the waiter our food.I give Andre his phone back as I watch this asshole.Damian watches the
Chapter 20Rowan PriestPOVRING RING RINGThe sound of my phone ringing wakes me from my slumber. My head pounding. I feel like a truck had run over my head at least ten thousand times.Fuck!Laying on my stomach I reach for my phone on the bedside table. I answer the call without looking who it is.“What?” I bark. Who had the nerve to call me this early in the morning?“You better watch your tone when you speak to me Rowan.” My mother warns.I sit up “Mom?” I ask confused.Where am I? I don’t recognize anything around me. It takes me at least a couple of seconds to recognize my surroundings. I scratch the top of my head. My hair in knots.I look around and notice I’m at Hannah’s place. What the hell happened last night? The last thing I remember was driving to Rayna’s place. What happened between Rayna’s place and being in Hannah’s place? In her fucking bed naked… It doesn’t take a scientist to know what happened last night.I run my fingers through my hair.“Where are you Rowan?
Chapter 21 Grace Wilson POV When I woke up, I heard Sandra shouting at someone, and I when I was about to say something when I heard shuffling, but I heard her speaking to Austin about Rowan. So, I kept my eyes closed. What are they doing in my room? Why would Rowan let them in my room while I was sleeping? That’s a little weird right? “Where is Rowan?” Sandra asks. “I don’t know, I spoke to Lucian.” Austin "What did Lucian say?" Sandra asks. “It wasn’t an accident. Someone tried to kill her. Rowan spent the night investigating. They found a lead, but I haven’t been able to contact Rowan or Damian since last night. I had men check in on Damian he’s fine. I can’t find Rowan or his driver.” Austin says. “And Andre have you called him?” Sandra asks. Austin sighs. “Andre was busy, he didn’t go with Rowan. He hasn’t been able to find Rowan either.” Austin says. "Ha-has some-something happened to Rowan?” I ask trying to sit up. My throat hurts. It feels as though I swallowed kni
EpilogueFive years laterSofia PopovPOVAlex turns me around roughly he glares at my jumpsuit. “What fuck is this? Why won’t the dress go over your hips.” he growls.I bite my lips to stop myself from laughing. “It’s called a jumpsuit. It doesn’t go up your hips, it’s not a dress.” I tell him.“What the fuck is a jumpsuit? Why would Sasha let you something so ridiculous?” he asks.Before I could say anything, I felt him rip the jumpsuit right off me.I stare at the fabric laying at my feet in shock.My eyes move up to my husband.He smiles innocently. He shrugs his shoulders. “I couldn’t get it off you and we don’t have much time before Sasha’s and the kids come looking for you.” He wasn’t joking.Today was Sasha’s wedding day and we were supposed to be downstairs at the reception, but Alexsei wanted some time alone away from everyone.Me being pregnant with our fourth child we barely have any time to ourselves anymore. Ellie’s nearly ten now and the twins Shasha and Dasha are three
Chapter 53Damien PriestPOVA few minutes ago, when my daughter was born, I watched her laying on her mother’s chest. She’s got a head full of dark hair similar to mine."Would you like to hold her?" Amara asks.I nod."Where’s the baby bag?” Amara asks.My eyes widen. “In the car…” I forgot to bring it in with us.I take Sutton from Amara and hold her in my arms. She’s so tiny.“Hello Sutton, it’s your father…” her little fingers form fists. she’s so fucking cute. I’ve never seen a prettier baby.“Why don’t we run a few tests and have little Sutton cleaned and we’ll have her back to you before you know it.” the nurse suggests.I nod handing her over to the nurse.I kiss Amara’s forehead. “You did great momma…” When I woke up this morning, I didn’t expect the day to end holding my baby in my arms.What I didn’t expect either was my wife being a fucking trooper through it all. I thought she’d be biting my head off cursing me out. She fucking took the pain I wouldn’t have known she was
Chapter 51{Three months later} Amara PriestPOV I’m sick of this. I’m so fucking sick and tired of this shit!!!!I’m so done with all of this pregnancy shit. I’ve been pregnant forever now. I’ve been pregnant for almost a fucking year.This little shit won’t get out. We’ve tried everything, spicy food, walking, sex we have sex almost five times a day and she still refuses to leave my damn body.If I could evict her I would. Damien’s been walking on eggshells around me because every time I so much as look at him I want to throw something at his fucking head! He put me in this situation in the first place.For the last month I’ve been to the hospital almost every week. I’ve been having those damn fake contractions. They don’t feel fucking fake to me though.Sutton is our rainbow baby; Damien and I’ve gone to therapy and had every hospital check up possible. We made sure she was healthy. Fear grips us no matter what we do.The longer she’s in here the more I worry. On the one side I w
Chapter 50Sofia PopovPOV"Ladies and Gentlemen please help me in giving a round of applause for Mr. and Mrs. Popov…" The MC’s voice boomed throughout the ballroom.My brothers were very generous when it came to today’s proceedings, Damien paid for the bridesmaid dresses, Rowan opened up his house for us for today.Growing up my brothers and I weren’t close, they had responsibilities they needed to take care of, I had to learn how to take care of a family while they learnt how to protect their own.Alex and I walk into the hall hand in hand. He squeezes my hand as we approach the table with my grandmother and some of my friends from Ireland.Ellie rushes off to her friend. They flew out to America thankfully. Everything happened so suddenly Ellie couldn’t even say goodbye.“Hello everyone.” I greet them. They stand. Wendy Moira’s mom hg me first. I introduce her and her husband Henri. All five of their kids were in attendance. Addis, Adeline, William, Rush, and Moira. Addis and Adeli
Chapter 49 – The WeddingTWO MONTHS LATERAlexsei PopovPOVToday was one of the biggest days of my life. Today I change the last name of the woman I plan to spend the rest of my life with. Sofia stayed over at her parent’s house last night while I stayed over at Sasha’s new apartment.My sister got her own apartment so I could get the house we were staying in, she said it was the perfect home for a family and she didn’t want to get in the way of our family time. I thought it would be better if she stayed with us, but she didn’t feel the same way.I stand at the end of the aisle, watching Sofia’s brothers stand with their wives. Amara was seconds away from popping.I had no idea how far along she was, but she looked ready to pop. Not that I know much about women’s bodies and how they work.A slap on my back brings me out of my thoughts. I turn to see Sasha.Wearing a teal blue dress.“What are you doing out here? You’re supposed to be with Sofia…” I remind her.She rolls her eyes. “Th
Chapter 48 – the dress part 2After everyone told Randy which dresses would look good on me.Randy asks me. "Please this way."He leads me to the dressing room. A woman is waiting for us when we walk in. “This is Samantha, she’ll help you into the dresses and have it fitted to you.” He introduces her.I nod. We talk a little more. After that he goes off to check out dresses.I am told to change into a robe and to wait for him.When Randy returns, he has a huge bag in his arms.“I want you to try this one on. Your father picked this one out…” he tells me.He walks back out.Samantha unzips the bag and I gasp out. The dress was stunning huge but stunning.An A line dress, it looked like a ballgown dress. It was white the material looked like mesh with lace appliques. The top was a boat neck, and the sleeves were off the shoulder.Samantha helps me into the dress, and it fits perfectly. It fit me so well. Tears well up in my eyes just looking at the dress on me.“It looks so good on you.
Chapter 47 – The dressSofia Boyle - PriestPOVToday is one of the best days of my life and the day hasn’t even started yet. Today is my wedding dress appointment.Today I’m getting one step closer to walking down the aisle.I have no idea what the men are getting up today, but Alex said Rowan and Damien asked to see him. I’m also well aware of the fact that if they didn’t, he would find a way to sneak into my appointment. He hates leaving me alone, even when we’re with family.He's constantly looking over his shoulder making sure Ellie and I are okay.Ellie will be joining us at my appointment today, she’s just as excited to pick out her own dress.All the women are joining. My mom, Amara, Grace, Sasha, Mia, Rayna and Ellie"What are you doing up so early?" Damien asks walking into the kitchen."I couldn’t sleep…" I say taking a sip of my coffee.He smiles he leans against the cabinet crossing his arms and legs.“What?” I ask.He shakes his head. “Just I never thought the day would
Chapter 46Four months laterDamien PriestPOVWe’re at a studio getting Amara and my pregnancy photoshoot.She’s only six months pregnant. But there’s are for our baby shower, Amara has this whole plan for the baby shower, she’s been planning it since she found out we’re pregnant again.This being our rainbow baby, Amara’s been extra cautious. She’s handed the reigns over to me. letting me take care of her.Do we still mourn the baby we lost before, yes. She’d insisted we get scans as soon as she found out she was pregnant. She wanted something to hold onto. We didn’t have anything for the baby we lost, no stuffed bears, no scans not a piece of clothing nothing.“I’m so excited to get this done…” Amara says with a smile. “Sutton will look back at these pictures and love them…” her smile bright her blue eyes shining brightly.Sutton our daughter’s name. We found out last month. We haven’t informed our family yet. We’re doing it at our gender reveal in three weeks.Sutton Wren Priest…
Chapter 45Rowan PriestPOVSitting in bed with my wife I keep thinking about how to be there for Andre and Rayna without overstepping.Andre was there for me through my darkest moments, I want to be there for him, help him.I don’t want to overstep by telling Rayna the truth. Andre helped me realize that was in love with Grace, he told me to move on with Grace and I know we wouldn’t be where we are without him.“What’s going on with you?” Grace pauses her show and looks at me.I shrug my shoulders. “This whole drama with Andre. I want to help.” I tell her honestly. Though it wasn’t the whole story, Grace knew there were parts of my life I could never be honest about.She’s never held it against me. When I say Grace is an angel, I’m not lying. She knows I’m a terrible man, that I’ve killed people. That our empire was built on other’s bones, yet she still finds it in her heart to love me.She’s not only an amazing wife but an amazing mom to the twins. I don’t know what I’ll do without