Chapter 41One week laterDamien PriestPOVLeaning sideways my head resting on my fists, listening to the directors report a bunch of bull. To be honest I have no idea how my big brother listens to any of this shit. It sounds like they are talking out of their asses half the time.I look at Rayna beside me. She meets my eye and nods.“Mr. Reyes what are the projected sales for the plan?” she asks.He looks startled. He looks at us wide eyed… “Mr. Priest… My team is working on…”Rayna cuts him off. “You presented us an incomplete proposal?” She asks.He stutters.I shake my head getting up. I tie the two buttons on my suit jacket. I leave the room.The only reason I haven’t said a word during the meeting is. Because my voice is deeper than Rowan’s and I haven’t gotten Rowan’s voice down perfectly yet.“That’s went well…” Rayna says.I roll my eyes. “Wanna get naked in my office?” I wink at her.She looks over at me and pulls a face. “Fuck it’s creepy fucking someone with my bosses’ fa
Chapter 42HEADLINESROWAN PRIEST SEEN LEAVING WORK EARLY AFTER BEING AWAY FOR A WEEK WITH FLU.DAMIEN PRIEST ROWAN PRIEST’S YOUNGER BROTHER HAS GONE CAMPING AND WILL BE OUT OF THE PUBLIC EYE FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS.ROWAN PRIEST LOOKS HEALTHY AND BACK AT WORK. NOTABLY GRACE PRIEST HAS BEEN ABSENT FROM CLASSES WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS SICK WITH FLU.IS THERE TROUBLE IN PARADICE? POWER COUPLE MARCUS STANLEY AND DIANE CRICKET SEEN IGNORING ONE ANOTHER AT THE MET AFTER PARTY.==============GRACE PRIESTPOVI bite my lip as I watch the news. It took me seconds to see that’s not Rowan.Should I say something? It’s been over a week and all the lessons I took to make Rowan cakes, pies, and muffins. I couldn’t deliver any of them.Andre won’t let me see Rowan. He said Rowan needed his rest, but no matter how many times I’ve begged and even though they said Rowan would be back at work but no matter how many times I’ve paused the scene and pressed play it’s still looks like Damien and not Rowan. Ho
Chapter 43 – Hannah’s planTwo weeks laterHannah SmithPOVMy hands wrap around the steering wheel as I try to call Rowan once again, he must be with her. The bitch! She must be making Rowan ignore me. There’s no way Rowan would just throw me away for her. What happened to the video I sent her before they got married, did Rowan get it before it could get to her? He would have said something if he did. So, she just ignored it? Did she ignore it because she’s after his money? She ignores his cheating for his money.My blood boils. My entire body trembles with anger. Why would he like her and not me. I'm hotter. I'm so much hotter than her. Grace is nothing but an innocent naïve little girl. She can’t satisfy Rowan the way I can. I want nothing more than to wrap my fingers round her neck and squeeze the life out of her. Watch as she dies before my very eyes.Rowan is mine. I was with him long before she was around. My Rowan! He met her while he was fucking me. And I’m supposed to take t
Chapter 44 – Rowan wakes up.Rowan Priest (Dream)POVI stand in front of the mirror getting ready for my wedding day… I remember the first time I saw Grace, seeing her shivering from the cold, the fear yet determination in her eyes, was admiring. Grace isn’t like any woman I’ve ever come across, she’s weak yet strong at the same time. She’s maintained her smile even through the good, the bad and the ugly. She’s seen the worst of the world, yet she’s maintained her innocence and naivety, it’s one of the many things I admire about her.When she’s over talking, I don’t have to talk myself out of putting a bullet in her head, the way I have to with Gunner. The way I have to with almost everyone in my life. When Grace and I got married in Vegas I saw her in a new light. I’ve wanted to do nothing more than protect her, keep her innocence. I almost went back on everything and let her go free, yet a selfish part of me wanted to hold onto her. Let some of her light brighten up my darkness.
Chapter 45Rowan PriestPOVI frown… I look up from the document Andre just gave me. I look at him. “What is this?”“While you were in a coma, I got to thinking, you remember how we were trying to find Grace’s parents…” he reminds me.I nod. “What does this have to do with you doing a DNA on Grace without her permission?” I ask him.“She doesn’t even know those people aren’t her real parents, so I couldn’t out right ask her to give me her hairbrush now I, could I?” he asks sarcastically.I sit up in my bed, ignoring the pain in my side. “Who did you test it against?” I ask.He looks away from me. “Me…”I frown. “You?” I ask.He nods, he finally looks at me. He looks embarrassed, his face is slightly blushed. “I couldn’t shake the feeling that she might be my father’s illegitimate child. She looks so much similar to Angelica, I just had to be sure…” he says softly."This is accurate?” I ask.He nods. “She’s not my little sister…” he sounds disappointed.I look over at him. “Did you wan
Chapter 46 Damien PriestPOVI see my father sitting in the garden of Rowan’s compound. I make my way over to him sitting beside him at the table.“What’s going on? What are you doing here?” I ask."Your mom’s inside talking to Grace, I needed some fresh air..." he says softly.“What’s going on with you. You look like someone stole your favorite toy.” I tease him.“I’m just thinking about what would have happened if we had lost your brother. What would have happened if you didn’t arrive on time. We’d be mourning your brother right now.” He sighs messing his hair up by running his fingers through his hair.“But we didn’t lose him. We got a scare for sure, but he is fine…” I remind him.“The day I married your mother, I made a promised that this life wouldn’t come in the way of our family time. That none of our children would suffer the fate that a lot of other family members have faced. I feel like I didn’t keep my promise…” he says softly.I look over at him. “You didn’t break your p
Chapter 47 Rowan PriestPOV“Rowan the police have been looking into Miss Smiths disappearance…” Andre says walking into my bedroom.I sigh… I got home about an hour ago and I’ve been lazing around on my bed waiting for Grace to return from class.I’ve yet to see her, I can’t stop myself from feeling excited. The excitement is bubbling inside of me ready to explode. I’ve never felt this excited for anything in my entire life. I haven’t seen her in what feels like a lifetime.No one can blame me for being excited.“Uhm Rowan?” Andre calls out to me.I look over at him, I let out a cough, slightly embarrassed that my mind wandered. “Right Hannah. If Damien cleaned up nicely nothing should lead to Romano, though I think it would be best just to check. Also get Gunner to clean up Hannah’s plotting against Grace. I don’t want anything leading back to Grace…” I order. I didn’t want Grace being connected to Hannah. I didn’t want to dirty Grace’s reputation or her innocence by having that wo
Chapter 47 – Part 2My eyes snap open and I sit up straight… I blink a couple of times to see my brother in front of me.I frown. That was a dream? It felt so real…It felt so real. Now I want to see Grace pregnant with my child to experience that joy and happiness I did in that dream.“We have a problem.” He glares at me.“What happened?” I ask.He looks troubled. “Someone is looking into Angie’s death. They’re now investigating a murder and not a gas leak like before…” I don’t miss how my brother says my deceased wife’s name with distain.I slide my feet off the bed. My feet slide into my slippers, and I stand. “Have you informed Andre of this as well?” I ask.He shakes his head. “He’s busy with something you gave him…”I nod, I walk up to my brother and place my hand on his shoulder. “I think it would be best if we don’t get involved this time. It hurts to say this, but there are people targeting us right now. Trying to cover this up will lead to them right to us. If the police are
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