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Chapter 119: Epilogue
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2024-10-29 19:42:56
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Pelican Bay Security Chapter 120: Sweetest Risk
VOLUME FOUR: SWEETEST RISKNo one knows what a day will hold in Pelican Bay.I tap the thick stack of papers on the big wooden desk for the tenth time since punching into work five minutes ago. A rogue piece glides against my thumb and slices through the skin. Why is it the littlest pricks are always the most painful?"Ouch." What a wonderful way to start a day of work. Not.Dwight, nephew to the owner of the bed-and-breakfast and manager of the night shift, raises his head from the second stack of papers he's been finalizing before handing over the keys. Wonderful. The only thing worse than a paper cut so early in the morning is drawing attention to myself when he's here. What would it take to get one morning without seeing Dwight so early? Any price would be worth it.His eyes lock on to my finger as I wave it in the air praying it won't bleed. "Are you okay, Tara?"I force a smile, trying to be polite. "Yeah, it's just a paper cut.""Do you want me to stick it in my mo
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 121: In My Dreams
Of course, in my dreams I own the bed-and-breakfast, but after getting my degree in hospitality management, this is the next best step. Until I can save up enough money to buy one of my own. A haunted one with Victorian era details. One I can work to fix up and restore to its previous glory.I arrived in Pelican Bay during the middle of the summer, when the temperatures were beautiful and I could spend my off time walking around the beach, and eating ice cream from the little shop on the shore. The weather conditions have changed drastically in the last six months. The summer breezes which cooled the place off, making the temperature wonderful, are now freezing cold. 6:30 in the morning it's more often than not a negative temperature. Like below zero. Who in the hell believed temperatures went that low? I had to wear gloves this morning. It should be illegal to be so cold.Frostbite aside, Pelican Bay has been gorgeous. I'm not ready to be fired and forced to leave so soon."Did
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 122: Think of Swimsuit Season
"Are you going to eat that?" Cammie asks as she removes the golden-brown roll from my lunch tray.I mourn my favorite food in the world as it passes under my nose and lands on her plate. "No, you can have it."Cammie shakes her head in dismay but wastes no time splitting the roll in two and slathering butter on one side. "How long do you think this no carb thing of yours is going to last?""I'm eating carbs." You can't give up carbs all the way even if you wanted. I'm pretty sure carbs waft around in the air waiting to be consumed when I breathe."Tara, twelve net carbs a day is not enough carbs for a small mouse.""It'll be worth it during swimsuit season." At least I hope it will be because I miss bread. Bagels. Sandwiches. Bananas. Who in the hell knew bananas were loaded with carbs? It's not fair. I'm sure last night I had a dream where Mr. GQ fed me a piece of whole wheat bread with bananas and peanut butter, and it was the sexiest thing I've ever dreamed."At least th
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 123: Not What It Looks Like
"What?" Cammie sticks her hand over her ear and looks into the hallway with wide frantic eyes. "I'll be right there."I reach out to grab her but she dashes by making her way out the door and leaving me alone with only my red hands and one pissed off looking GQ model who is definitely a spy."Um, it's not what it looks like." I hold my hands up letting him see I didn't take anything, but it doesn't make Graham's face soften.His lips form a straight line only broken when he speaks. "That's interesting, because it looks to me like breaking and entering."Bile tumbles around in my stomach, threatening to come up and land on the floor next to the broken bottle of shaving cream. "I swear it's not that. There was a suspected water leak on the radio and I came in to check, but then Cammie left. Now you're here and there's no shaving cream on the floor so that's good. Carpet is expensive."As the words tumble out of me in a jumbled mess, he closes the door behind him without turning
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 124: You Don't Compliment Before Killing
"Thank you." His easy compliment fills me with a little more hope. You don't compliment someone you're about to kill. Would you? And also, I like the praise. It's wrong on so many levels, but he's just so cute. It's a girl thing. When a cute guy compliments you, it's thrilling. That and I need therapy.The whole situation is so epically wrong.The two of us stare at one another, neither speaking until I'm sure I'm going to go insane. How does someone sit at a table so quiet? If he is a secret government agent, that must be his superpower."So, tell me about yourself."Graham chuckles. "Contrary to popular rumors, I am not a spy. I'm here on a short-term assignment helping Ridge Jefferson," he mentions the town's leading security specialists. They have signs all over saying they'll install your home security system, but most town residents are sure they're a group of secret government operatives, so admitting this isn't helping his defense of not a secret government like job.
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 125: This is Crazy
"This is crazy." After Graham followed me out of the dining room after our blackmail date, he practically demanded I give him a real date.And so, I agreed.I didn't even make a fight or pretend like I wasn't interested. I still haven't worked out if he is mysteriously hot or scary hot, and I think deep down inside I'm curious enough to find out. Will he wine and dine me or lock me in a kidnapper van with shag carpeting and no windows?Cammie sighs as she tugs on my hair, her fingers flying through the strands as she braids it in some kind of elaborate design. She promised my medium brown color would make me look like a feisty Katniss when she finished. "It's romantic.""How exactly is getting caught snooping in his room and then blackmailed into a date romantic?""It sounds like the opening to a romance novel. You and the hero have an unlikely first meeting, but over time the two of you fall in love and eventually he sweeps you off your feet and takes you home where he is th
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 126: Second-Best Place
What would people in town consider the second-best place? There aren't many options. "The bakery?"Graham's steps falter, but just for a second as if he's an engine that missed a click. "That place is a little too friendly."He says "too friendly" as if that is a bad thing. The bakery is one of my favorite parts of Pelican Bay. Everyone knows everybody else and wouldn't waste a second giving you a helping hand. Even the color scheme is happy.We stop much quicker than the steps it would require to get to the bakery, which is a good thing because my nose has already started to complain the frostbite will take it right off my face. Graham holds the door open, stepping back and letting me enter the diner first.One point for a gentleman.Graham is right. I have spent too much time at the bed-and-breakfast the last six months and not enough in the rest of Pelican Bay. Besides the occasional trip to the bakery for something hot to drink or one of her handmade cookies, I haven't go
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 127: You're Seeing the Spy Again?
"You're seeing the spy again?" Cammie asks, waving her hand in front of her face and pretending to fan herself."Shhh. Lower your voice. He's not and yes." If he were a spy, it's not like he'd tell me anyway.Her eyes narrow as she studies me and worry builds in my stomach. I love Cammie even though she gets me into trouble, but that girl could make money as a human lie detector. She has to be part gypsy because half the time she knows what I'm planning to do before I do."Is he blackmailing you?" She stares for a moment longer. "Because he is hot, but he caught you in his room with a B&E.""Me?" I whisper shout and then quickly look around to make sure there were no guests in hearing range. It can never get out that I was in someone's room when I shouldn't have been. The consequences would be dire for the bed-and-breakfast and myself."Where is he taking you?" she asks leaning against the front desk, her eyes never wavering. Human lie detector.I shrug. "I have no idea."
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Pelican Bay Security Chapter 324: From Elliot
ElliotFive years later"No, sweetie, we only get one puppy today." I squat getting on the same level as my daughter, Brandise.The round ball of fluff she squeezes onto with all her might so he doesn't run away licks her across the face and she giggles. "Daddy, they're twins just me and Bray. They have to stay together."My eyes flick back and forth between each dog. One held in the tight grip of Brandise and the other being sized up by my son. Their mother, Harley, a woman who took too long for me to figure she meant everything stands between the two of them with her lips pinched together not helping me in this situation. She's left me out in the cold on my own.The two puppy siblings look alike, but in my eyes every Yorkie looks the same. How can you tell them apart? The puppies my babies held both had a lighter colored face than Rocky, but other than that they were big puffballs of fur."Sweetie, Rocky only needs one brother," I try again hoping to talk sense into her.
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 322: No Listening to Reason
Elliot's steps are slow but sure as I hold open the bakery door to let him get through the space. Once he's cleared the way, I stand beside him in case he needs me for support as he makes his way to the first table in the busy sitting section. You wouldn't expect a shoulder injury to cause issues walking, but with each movement his body makes, his shoulder sways with the force and his face grimaces.It's too soon for him to be up and moving, but I couldn't make him listen to reason.He finds his seat and plops in it heavily, the chair legs scraping on the tile. The people around us stop what they're doing and turn before a small round of applause starts from behind the bakery counter and then picks up including people from every space in the bakery. Elliot turns to the noise, catching everyone in their adoration, and scowls until the clapping fades."Cupcakes for everyone," Anessa says smiling from her spot at the counter. "Especially for our new hero."Elliot's scowl deepens.
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 323: Eligible Bachelors
Dominick releases a breath and sucks in another one as if preparing himself for this new life. "Are you positive? Because there are very eligible bachelors in my club. A brother could keep you safe."I don't argue with him that Elliot kept me safe. Well at least until he got shot, and no one can blame a man for that. He literally stuck his body in between me and a loaded weapon. How much more could he have done?Plus I could never live life in the club again. Now after experiencing life on my own. "Yeah, and then they'd cheat on me or go to prison."Dominick shakes his head. "My men aren't that way. They love hard and deep. I changed the club here, Harley. It's different from how we grew up in Colorado."There's honesty in his words, but it will never be enough to bring me back. "Elliot is mine."Dom shakes his head once, admitting defeat. "Fine. Onto topic two. I met your father," he says father accusatorily like I've been keeping something from him.Which, in a way, I hav
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 322: Three Bullets to the Chest
Without warning there's another harsh pop in the air like someone shooting off a firecracker, and then red blossoms in the middle of Pete's forehead. His body falls back hitting the ground once again. The thud is too far away to hear, but I swear my body feels the vibration.Holy fuck.My ears ring from the gunfire as men pool around us each of them yelling things back and forth. It's coordinated chaos. An ambulance with its lights flashing speeds over the highway."That man took three bullets to the chest," Huxley mutters to himself shaking his head. "I haven't seen anything that crazy since Thailand."... The steady beat of Elliot's hospital machines lulls me into a restless sleep as my head rests on Elliot's hand."Harley," a deep voice whispers in my ear, shaking my shoulder. "Har."In a start my head pops up and my eyes search Elliot's face, but his hand still rests underneath my head, a pool of my drool sticking between his fingers."Still drool, huh? I wouldn't
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 321: Nobody to Save Me
"Dominick won't pay anything for me," I lie.Pete laughs. "Don't want money. I'm looking to trade you for a free get-out-of-town card. If he won't offer me his protection, you'll be a going away gift to my men. They're upset with having to leave. I'm sure you understand.""What?" Fear causes me to choke out the word as a hundred images flash through my brain of what he could mean, but only one is sick and depraved enough for this man.He smirks. "They'll love you if the Impaler doesn't."I fall to my knees against the back of his seat. "No, please don't." I'd rather he shoot me now than do what his smile promises. He means I'm to be a sexual gift given to his men and passed between them. I'd never survive. Sure, Dom trained me in basic self-defense skills, but my mother sheltered me from club life so I only heard the evils of the world through others. Until now, I never once felt concern for my safety. Not the way I do now.The cargo van travels on the highway, passing a bill
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 320: Nothing Drastic
"Stand up, Fucker."Elliot scoots away from me as I claw deftly on his leg trying to hold on and keep him close. He turns, not making any sudden movements and puts his body in front of mine to shield me once again from the nasties of life."Let's not do anything drastic, Pete." Elliot takes a step forward with his hand held out defensively.I twist seeing the old man wearing a pair of board shorts, a blue Hawaiian shirt with palm trees, and flip-flops on his feet standing in the middle of the beach. He resembles a tourist who belongs in Florida not a man running a drug ring in Pelican Bay. He sneers at me taking the tension from Elliot for just a moment and waving the gun in his direction as if either of us could forget it's there."She's the only one who can name me. Without her I can pick up shop and start somewhere fresh and there's nothing you can do about it. You guys don't have shit on me.""You're standing in the middle of a public beach during the day, Pete," Elliot t
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 319: Stagnant Words
He flinches as of my question has hurt him, but I'm the child who didn't have a father. "I got out early for good behavior and I looked up your mother. I learned what happened. Sorry about your loss," he says. The words are stagnant as if he knows what he's supposed to say but struggles with the meaning. Yet, something in the inflection makes me believe he means each one. His eyes turn soft, possibly remembering his time with my mother.My life has never been cupcakes and cookies, but the last month has been indescribable except for the word surreal. First, I had no father, then I picked up a club president for a stepdad, lost him, and now gained back the original. What is happening to my life?"What will happen now?"My father shakes his head and stares at me with a touch of a smile tweaking his lips. "I'm out of the club life. Plan to take the straight and narrow from here on out."I hold back the cringe at his promise. It's one I've heard from club brothers my entire life. E
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 318: She Deserves Better
Elliot shakes his head, his fingers curving around the handle of his gun. His face pinches together as if he has so much to say, but is staying silent for me.Until he doesn't anymore."Would someone mind telling me what the fuck is going on?"He's not the only one looking for answers. "Me too. Mom said you died in a motorcycle crash. Drove your bike over a mountain ledge one night." She hadn't said he'd been drinking, but I've filled in the blanks for myself as I aged.My father's teeth come together hard making a gnashing sound I hear even from my position. "Yeah well. She thought it would be better than the true story. Easier for both of you to move on rather than wait around on me living only a half-life.""Then what is the true story?" After my mom left Dominick's dad, it was the three of us together. I always believed we never hid any secrets from one another.My father shakes his head and stares at me but looks past me as if he's reliving the memories himself. "She s
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 317: Escape Plans
My gaze and thoughts flip to the back door, but I'm too far away to reach it before he could shoot me.The man is younger than Pete and not the person I saw put a bullet in someone earlier this month, but he's old enough to be my father. His skin is leathered and wrinkled as if he's spent a lifetime in the sun. His jeans are loose and a leather jacket lacking any MC cut is wrapped around his body. Not a Bloodhound.I stand next to the kitchen island breathing heavily while trying to come up with an escape plan as the two of us stare at one another unmoving.He speaks first. "Now, Harley, is this any way to greet the old man who named you?"His words scatter in my brain, startling me into paying attention, all my plans of escape lost. "Excuse me? My father named me."It was one of the few stories I had of the man who shared such a brief relationship with my mother. "He wanted to pay homage to the best...""Damn motorcycle company the US has ever seen," he finishes my sentenc
