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Chapter 216: Let Me Appreciate You Properly
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 217: Spend the Night?
He spent last night with me, but again we didn't do much sleeping. It's not Emma who gets a say. It's me. Do I want Nate to spend the night again?I debate for less than a minute before I answer. "No, I don't think Emma would care if you spent the night. In fact, I think she'd like it."Let's hope he picks up that I'm Emma. She's two. Unless he sprouted red hair all over his body and started talking like Elmo, she won't notice anything.He slows the car when the speed limit lowers. "Do you want me to spend the night?"I fight the smile that threatens to break, but lose. "Yes. I think I do.""Once you decide if that's a yes or no, let me know." He smiles, pulling into a parking spot in front of the bakery.He has to know I want him to stay, but just in case, I play along for longer. Not to string him along meanly but to build up the anticipation.As soon as I open the door to the bakery, it's obvious something is off. Not only is there a charge in the atmosphere, but three
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 218: We're Divorced
My mouth drops open, mostly because he has the audacity to ask that question. We're divorced. "No, I did not sleep over at his place." I leave out the part where he slept at mine. I've never been to Nate's house, and I get lost in the small moment thinking I need to invite myself over and see where he lives.I must make sure he is not hiding a secret family somewhere. Not that I expect him to be that kind of guy, but I also didn't expect it of Barry either. I used to think he was too honest to keep secrets. Ha."I don't like Emma's mother out running the streets.""Excuse me?" What street does he think I'm running around? "Is Pelican Bay a dangerous town in your opinion?"He has no concern over what I'm doing. He's only pissed because he thinks I'm having fun. Barry doesn't like the fact I'm seeing Nate. He's allowed to move on, but I never should in his opinion."You should concern yourself with raising our daughter rather than someone you're sleeping with."When he gets o
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 219: Long Night?
"I'm letting myself in."I walk out to the living room and find Winnie standing at the dining room table taking off her shoes."Oh, you haven't left?" Winnie asks. "Huxley left about ten minutes ago."Nate steps behind me and passes off Emma to my waiting arms. She rubs her eyes groggily, not a morning person today. "Shit, I have to go."He pulls on Emma's pigtail and gives us each a kiss on the forehead before almost running out the door as he grabs a set of keys from the kitchen table on his way."Long night?" Winnie asks with one eyebrow a little higher on her face and a smirk written across her lips.I sputter and shake my head no. "We we're just talking.""Uh-huh. Huxley and I did a lot of talking when we first met, too."Emma reaches out for Winnie, and surprisingly she takes her without a second thought."If you will hold her for a second, I will get some breakfast around.""No problem," Winnie says, bouncing Emma on her hip and talking to her in a baby voice
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 220: Code Name
"You know."Winnie shakes her head that she doesn't."The police give certain individuals monikers for use on the radio so they know who they're talking about without using names.""Sure," Katy says. "But why would we have one?"Pearl hesitates, her eyes flitting from one person to the next. "Well...you have a tendency to be talked about on the police radio."I didn't think it possible, but Katy's mouth drops open wider until Winnie steps over and closes it with her hand."What exactly is our name?" Winnie asks, keeping her hand on Katy's chin so her mouth doesn't fall open again.Pearl swallows and shakes her head a tiny amount like she doesn't want to tell us, but she opened this door and now she has to walk through it. "I'm not positive, but I think they've referred to you as The Bakery Bandits.""What? That doesn't even make sense. Who started this?"Pearl shrugs. "I'm not sure. It's been around for a while.""A while?" Katy asks, stepping away from Winnie so sh
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 221: My Reputation Can't Handle It
"Why not?" I ask.Her eyes widen and she pleads for something with them, but I don't know what. Drugs go to the police. That is the rule. "My reputation can't handle it. We're already known as the Bakery Bandits. What will Pearl say?"I roll my eyes, but when I get a flash of Winnie, she seems concerned too."Huxley will never let me hear the end of this. We need to call somebody and get a handle on this situation.""You guys, there's a storage unit full of drugs. We need the police.""No," Katy says, her eyes now bright. "I have a plan. We'll call Tabitha.""Tabitha?" I ask, confused. What does she have to do with this? Are they smuggling drugs in the bakery? It would make more sense with the name, but I can't see Ridge dating a drug smuggler.I'm clueless, but Winnie nods her head like she's following along. "That's a good idea. We'll take the drugs and put them in the back of the car and drive them to Tabitha. She'll know what to do."Okay, now I'm starting to worry.
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 222: Whoops
"Whoops," Winnie says, turning the car with a hard left as we get closer to Pelican Bay. The stack of boxes hits the window and Katy hugs the middle one trying to keep everything lined up."Shit, we've almost made it," Katy says as we drive past a cop car stationed on the side of the road using a radar on cars as they pass. She smiles and waves as we pass the police car and we all breathe a sigh of relief when it doesn't pull out into the road after us."I will need so much church for this," Winnie says, stopping the car in the back parking lot of the bakery...."I just can't believe you did it," Nate sputters in complete disbelief.It's been four hours since we dropped the car load of drugs off at the bakery and left Tabitha with a bunch of similar questions. Anessa, the smart one, refused to let the drugs enter the store. But eventually, without even being called, Tabitha's fiancé and a few guys showed up in the back room, and magically the drugs disappeared. Ridge put the
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 223: Run a Few Trips
He did tell me he'd have to run a few "trips" this week. He didn't elaborate on what the trips were, and even though I'm dying to know, I'm doing my best not to ask. We're a hot minute into this relationship. I don't want to become the crazy girlfriend all up in his business.There's a small thread nagging in my brain and warning me that I should worry his trips are to a secret wife or prettier girlfriend, but I work to bash the horrible thoughts down to the far reaches of my brain. Nate doesn't seem like the cheating type. Plus, I'm sure you have to be with someone for more than a week before they're allowed to cheat.I'm perfectly aware I have trust issues after the divorce — I gave a therapist a lot of money to tell me this many times before I believed it — but I didn't expect them to show their ugly heads so soon. There's a small possibility I'm not as grown-up, mature, and rational as I once believed.I watch him bend over to tie his other shoe, the muscles in his back stret
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 224: Cross My Heart
"Yes, I promise." I cross my finger over my heart.Who knows why his actions mean so much to me? But they do. I stare at the green dot labeled Nate, reassuring me he's right next me even though I can see him as he sits on the bed. If I was younger and a little more naïve, I would tell my friends it was absolutely crazy. You don't attract someone with the issues I have, but I'm older and wiser. My heart has been broken. I'm aware that in life you clutch on to the little things that give you some sense of peace. And call me crazy, but knowing I can see Nate's green dot whenever I want is already providing me peace. Tabitha's not so crazy.Just the fact he's willing to do it and thought of the idea himself is enough. I can't imagine Barry ever offering such a concession. Then I would've known when he was out to late night dinners with his girlfriend or visiting the small studio apartment he'd rented for her. I'd have found out about all those times he promised me he was working late a
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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
