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Chapter 224: Cross My Heart
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 225: It's a Couple's Thing
"Katy isn't coming?""She doesn't come if it's a couple's thing. She's worried about it. I don't know. I keep telling her it's no big deal, but she doesn't listen.""Ridge won't let Tabitha anywhere near the grill, so we've been stuck inside keeping the side dishes warm," Winnie says with a laugh and changing the subject.Tabitha pulls a non-covered casserole dish — what looks to be macaroni and cheese — from the oven and places it on the last bare spot on the counter. "It is for the best," she says, raising one shoulder in a half shrug. I get the impression this is an argument they've before and she's just given up."You promise there wasn't a camera in the bathroom?" Anessa asks, walking out from a small powder room off to one side of the kitchen.A camera?"He promised the bathrooms and bedrooms are clear," Tabitha says not paying attention as Anessa dries off her hands, whipping them on the top of her jeans."Where do you think they are?" Her eyes search the corners o
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 226: Motorcycles
The noise gets louder and louder until it sounds like the motorcycles stop right on the other side of Ridge's house. I put the casserole down on the wooden picnic table in the middle of the yard, and Nate stands beside me holding Emma to his chest. The fact he's tense doesn't go unnoticed and doesn't make me feel better about the racket happening at the front of the house.The engines cut off in unison and I hear voices.From the right corner of Ridge's house walk a large group of men — oversized and wearing more leather than they should in the heat of Pelican Bay summer. They stop at the edge of the yard.One man in particular with a determined look stands with his arms crossed. His eyes drag through the crowd and stop at Anessa when he nods his head once in her direction. She nods back and then her head tips up, looking at Bennett, who stands by her side with a scowl written across his features."I don't remember inviting you," Ridge says, stepping up to the front of his crow
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 227: Never Helpless Again
"What does that mean? I like working. I want to keep doing it. I just hate how it interferes with the fun parts of life." My mind fills with vivid images of getting to be a stay-at-home mom to Nate's kids, but that won't happen. I won't allow myself to be into a situation where I don't have to work again. It sounds odd, but getting divorced caught me off guard and I wasn't prepared. I counted on my husband for everything and the day he told me he was leaving, he left me out in the cold with nothing. No job, no savings, and no prospects for the future.I refuse to let myself fall back into that position ever again, regardless how wonderful the person I'm with treats me at the time."What about working part time or something?" His words sound almost hurt as if my response isn't what he expected. I already only work part time.I do my best to sit up straighter without leaving his side while I share a bit of my past. "When I found out about the cheating with Barry, it was the scaries
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 228: It's Too Soon
"It is too soon. I'm not making any promises right now, but I want you to know where I'm coming from. Josie, I'm not looking for a two-month stand. I promise I wouldn't be in Emma's life if I didn't plan to be here a while, and I want to be in both your lives for as long as possible."Hearing him say he wants to be in our lives creates another little crack in the wall formed in my chest keeping me from trusting. It's too soon.Neither of us are ready to say the words yet, but I hope he has found a family in Emma and me. I never thought I could be taken with a person — especially after the divorce — but as corny as it sounds Nate and I have a connection. Being with him doesn't make me feel like I have to fill every second with mindless chatter. I don't have to dress up and look perfect every time he's in the room. With him I can be myself. It's as if before I met him, I was running around looking for the second half of my soul. Now that Nate is here, I've been stitched back together
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 229: Diaper Changing
Nate holds the door open for Pearl as she walks into the bakery, and she turns back, spending a few seconds watching him leave. "That man. I don't know how you are so lucky to end up with the backside that dude is sporting."The word dude coming from the older woman's mouth is weird and off-putting, but then so are half the things Pearl says.She sits down at her favorite table and Crispin raises his book, pretending to read again."Although if you had seen Roland in his younger days. Tsk tsk tsk. That man was a looker. We used to get it on three times a day.""Pearl!" Tabitha says.Crispin lifts his book a little higher, and I swear his ear turns a shade of red.Pearl rolls her eyes. "Don't tell me you aren't, ladies. If you aren't, then you are not using your time effectively. You're young right now. Don't waste these years of flexibility."Anessa wipes her hands on her pink apron and brings over a teacup of water and tea bag for Pearl, setting them on her plate."Why
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 230: Beach Walk
A BIT OF WIND — a cool blast off the ocean's waves — twists my hair and pushes past where Nate, Emma, and I walk along the beach. Emma squeals in her stroller. She's always loved to be near the water."Are you cold?" Nate asks, looking at the goosebumps running across my arms.I wipe them away and they stay gone. "No, every once in a while the breeze picks up, but I'm not ready to go back."We spent the day together, walking the beach hand in hand. Emma played in the sand, knocking down all the tall sand castles Nate worked so desperately hard to build for her. It was a wonderful afternoon. The sun warmed my skin, and the birds squawked in the sky while the waves crashed against the shore. It has been one of those days I'll remember for the rest of my life but each time I'll wonder if it was as amazing as I recall. It'll seem too good to be true.But that's what it is. Perfect.Nate stops and then pushes down the parking brake on the stroller. He stares out into the water wit
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 231: A Special Dessert
Nate walks us right up to the Pelican Bay Bed and Breakfast, using the ramp to get Emma past all the steps. The hostess meets us at the door and he asks to be seated on the patio."Wow, I can't believe they have an opening," I whisper as the blonde-haired hostess leads us to one of the large open patios facing the water. In the past, I've tried to eat here before when my mother was in town, but reservations happen weeks in advance over the summer.Nate checks his watch. "Not many people coming in for dinner at 9 p.m."He has a point.The waitress steps up to our table as soon as the hostess steps away. A few pieces of hair have slipped from her bun and her eyes are droopy."Hi, my name is Sammie and I'll be your waitress tonight. The kitchen is closing down and shutting off ovens, but we offer cold items from the fridge. Salads and chilled pastas.""That's okay, Sammie. We're just here for dessert. Can we have those menus?" Nate asks, handing back the dinner menu she passed
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 232: Spy Business
He shakes his head. "Although, some days interesting things go down on cameras." The way he says it has me narrow in my eyes as if I stare at him long enough maybe I can see what he means. I suspect it has to do with the tiny incident involving the storage unit visit. Or Emma's adventure with chocolate."Why are you on camera duty?" I don't know what Nate normally does, but it seems like a downgrade going from spying on the motorcycle club to watching a bunch of cameras for a day. How many cameras could there be for him to watch?He shrugs. "Spencer's dog ate some carpet and needs surgery.""Carpet?"Nate shakes his head. "Not the weirdest thing the dog has ingested, believe it or not, but I guess this time it was like half the living room or something.""This time?" Pictures of a living room with half the carpet missing and a trail hanging from the dog's mouth make me reconsider getting pets. Maybe I just became a fish person."Oh shit." I say checking my watch. "I'm going
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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
