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Chapter 160: Negotiations
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56
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Pelican Bay Security Chapter 161: Work Uniform
"That's your work uniform?" Huxley leans against the door jamb staring wide-eyed as I zip up my tall black leather boots. They're my favorite and tonight I need the comfort of the old beloved boots I picked up at a Ross store three years ago.The leather footwear come nearly to my knee and you would think the tall black leather would be difficult to wear, but they're the opposite. These boots are the most comfortable shoes I own. I could walk all day in them. When you're a club promoter and work till three o'clock in the morning, comfort is an important feature."Yeah, don't you like them?" I ask, standing from the bed.Huxley rubs the pad of his thumb against his jaw. "This is not what I pictured when you said you had to get ready for work."I shrug. There's only four or so inches of exposed skin from the top of my boots to the bottom of the black miniskirt. Add in the baby pink polo I made Noah order when I accepted the part-time position at his club and I'm more covered than
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 162: You're Getting Old
"Aren't you exhausted?" Huxley asks around his own yawn.I widen my eyes, not having to fake being awake this morning. "Nope. You're getting old," I quip, grabbing the purse I left over the back of the kitchen chair last night.Or, well, this morning since we didn't get home until two. I'm not required to stay until the club closes since most of the action usually winds down between midnight and one. But last night's group was rough and with only one bouncer at the door after midnight I didn't want to leave them shorthanded. It's a lot easier to see and stop a fight before it even starts with my vantage point mixed in the crowd.Plus, last night was one of my best nights of sleep ever. The first few nights Huxley was here, I lay beside him in bed tossing and turning, unable to get any sleep. My head was full of thoughts. Who is looking for Archer? What does Huxley think of me? Will the guys come back again? What did they mean when they said Archer was in Pelican Bay? Why wasn't H
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 163: A Kept Promise
"This church is better. Trust me," I say turning onto the long road that leads to the older section of Pelican Bay. "This is the church I went to as a kid. It's where all my best church memories happened."It's tiny, the same design as an old one-room schoolhouse but featuring a bell tower on top. It doesn't fit many people, and that's okay because not many people go to it. There isn't a nursery for the children and they don't do specialized classes. You go in, sit down, get a sermon, and go home. It's exactly my kind of church.My promise to God I'd attend church more may have taken place in a small airplane over the ocean while I thought I'd die, but that doesn't mean I plan to default on the agreement.Two weeks ago, the sermon was about old friends and being there for them even when they go through hard times, it doesn't seem odd to me that Huxley is here now — even if the circumstances aren't great. God, faith, mother nature, whatever you want to call it, the forces brought
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 164: Still Mad
"What did you do after church yesterday?" Katy asks as we stand behind the orange caution barrels placed at intervals blocking off a section of town. "And don't think I'm not still mad you didn't tell me you have a hot guy staying with you."Heat rises in my cheeks and I silently pray Huxley didn't hear her words, but from the way his smile grows as he pretends to watch a seagull fly toward the ocean, I'm pretty sure he did. Damn Marine hearing."I told you it's a weird situation." I love Katie, she's been one of my friends for years, but I spent a lot of last summer telling her how awesome Archer and my life in Vegas was. I don't think I can handle telling her he duped me. No one wants to admit they spent years dating a loser."Do you think we're far enough back?" I ask Huxley, totally ignoring Katy's questions and staring at the big building the city is set to demolish.He shrugs. "Not exactly my specialty, but I'm sure they wouldn't let anyone get hurt."The orange caution
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 165: Gives So Little
The car door closes and Huxley is right there. Our kissing resumes. His shirt, the one I found so hot and sexy earlier, refuses to budge as I work to slip the button through the hole. He chuckles at each failed attempt, interrupting not only my concentration but a kiss, yet he refuses to help.The two of us make it to the side of my building and I tug Huxley closer. The scratchy parts of the brick dig into my back as I lean against the wall for support. Huxley's hand spans from my hip, slipping under my shirt and stopping at my rib cage. The tip of his thumb arches out to rub against the bottom of my breast.He gives me so little and leaves me wanting so much more. Kissing Huxley is a call to my soul. It's as if his lips can wash away all the pain and sorrow from the last couple of months. Everything I went through that brought me here and put him beside me has been worth it when he stands this close, his cologne filling my senses and his body shielding my mind from the outside wor
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 166: Get Inside
Huxley lunges like he's going to go after him again and I step closer putting myself in the middle of the action. "Huxley, stop."For the first time since he ran over here a few minutes ago, he turns, and his eyes semi-focus as if he's just noticed I'm here.He shakes his head and in the few fractions of a second that pass the other man slinks around the dumpsters and runs off into a small section of woods that borders the apartment buildings."You need to get inside." The apartment complexes are mostly deserted this time of day, but who knows who saw what. It would take one person to call the police before Huxley would have a lot of explaining to do.With my back turned to him, I walk to my apartment as quickly as possible. He's right behind me as I get the door unlocked and I wait to talk until its closed."What were you thinking?" I say trying not to yell too loudly. The apartment walls are insulated, but you can hear your neighbors. This is a conversation I don't want Mrs
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 167: What Do We Want?
"Why do you rent from Pierce if you hate him so much?" This is the question I often levy at Katy, but she never has an answer. Well she does, but it's always something about being able to live close to the water and how can she rent from anyone besides Pierce."Where else can I live? I can't leave now. I've grown attached to the place." Her expected answer."And why are you staging a protest for a building that's already been destroyed?" I look down at my empty piece of white poster board, drawing a blank on exactly what I'm supposed to write. There's no helpful cheat sheet like in high school where you can easily find a cute little poem to write based on a rhyme around a player's last name."It was Pearl's idea. She heard after the building is down they plan to put in a mega tall skyscraper. Like ten stories."I nod my head like I completely agree with how horrible this will be, but Katy forgot one important detail. I've been living in Vegas. Ten stories is nothing. Our Rite A
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 168: Katy Strikes Again
Katy smiles, glad they got it together and lifts the microphone again. "Get those poster boards up, people. Let the town hear what's happening.""Is she always so..." Huxley's question trails off as he considers the right word to describe my best friend."Passionate?" I supply for him.He nods. The crowd walks up and down the sidewalk, their signs high in the air. Huxley falls behind me, his arms wrapping around the middle of my stomach making it so I can't breathe out for fear he'll notice how large my gut is when I'm not sucking it in and standing with my back straight."She gets more extreme in her old age." It also doesn't help that Pearl is great at riling everyone. There's something disarming about the pleasant woman who calls herself a hippie. Until she starts talking about nuclear war and the drug trade, and then you're left with a few more questions.The group chants go on for a few more minutes until a loud bang echoes from the walk to Pierce's house. The man himsel
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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
