LOGINShare
Chapter 38: It Could Happen to Anyone
Last Updated:
2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 39: Why Didn't He Use His Key?
Even though I'm sure it's Ridge, I'm concerned he didn't use his key. I sneak to the partition that separates the kitchen and living room. Around the side I try to see out the window to the side of the door. To my dismay, Richie put the curtains up when he finished this morning and the cow shape patterned fabric blocks everything. Probably a print Aunt Gertie ordered from the Country Curtains catalog. From the number of them lying around the house and in the mailbox, she was a frequent shopper."I'm using my key," Ridge yells into the door, and then the handle twists and opens. He steps inside and turns to punch in the code Riley made me set up today to stop the alarm from beeping.I'm not sure what kind of social call this is, so I'm not up on my etiquette. From the plaid boxers Ridge is sporting I'd say he's looking for a quick booty call.I step around the partition. "Hey.""You're still awake?""Getting a drink." I hold up the half empty glass of water as my proof.He c
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 40: A Phone Hidden in the Desk
Sunlight filters in through my kitchen window brightening the room. It reflects off the bright yellow walls and I raise a hand to shield my eyes from the glare. Maybe yellow wasn't a great choice for this room. I shuffle to the fridge, but before the door's fully open, there's a muffled ringing from the living room.The phone hidden in the desk.A new home for that needs to happen sooner rather than later. Better yet, an upgrade, cordless. With voicemail.So far I haven't uncovered a hidden answering machine, and the phone is too old school to have voicemail, so I hustle to answer. It rings when I open the drawer and pull the phone out, answering with a muffled hello. No one responds. I'm about to hang up when a voice I'd hoped to never hear again shouts."It's about time you answer one of my calls, Tabby."I'm tempted to match his volume, but it's too early for yelling. "I'm tired. What do you want, Mario?""You know what I want." He lowers his voice to a normal decibel ra
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 41: The Porkchop Boss
There's a circular rug over the tile floor with a large coffee table in the middle. Two tall backed fluffy chairs on either side of the couch make a half circle. Throughout the rest of the shop, small tables of different heights are placed in the open space, the colorful chairs we painted spaced around them.Anessa walks out from the kitchen area, dusting off her jeans."The place looks amazing. I'm sorry I wasn't here to help put it together.""Please." She scoffs, turning back to grab two mugs from a stack behind the counter. "You've been shacked up with your hottie. If I had a four pack at my disposable, I'd do the same thing. A girl understands.""Actually it's six." I stare out the window getting lost in a quick daydream about Ridge. It's not his six-pack that first comes to mind anymore. It's more. Thoughts of him in the morning when he brushes my sleep tousled hair from my eyes. Or the way he smooths his hand against the frame of my face, like I'm the most precious perso
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 42: Before I Yell At You
A piece of hair falls over my nose and I wipe it away to avoid sneezing. Ridge pulls the few loose strands from my face and places a kiss on my neck."I'm awake.""Good." Ridge smooths his hand down my side stopping at my upper thigh. "Any bruises?""I don't think so. Why?""I want to make sure you're not hurt before I yell at you."Time for avoidance tactics. "What time did you get back last night?""This morning. I didn't want to wake you."Yesterday, after Bennett and I made it back to the bakery, he gave me what he considered a proper chewing out — his words not mine —and we finished setting up for Anessa's big day. Then he deposited me safely back at Ridge's house, set the alarm, locked the door, and took his position in the truck out front. An hour later he called to tell me Ridge would be late, and I needed to settle in. Even though I reminded Bennett many times that we didn't need to tell Ridge about our adventure with Benny, I'm sure he didn't listen."How was
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 43: Did You Miss Me?
"Mario..." Shock colors my words. Or maybe it's my fear."Did you miss me?" Benny steps to the side and closes the door behind Mario. "Because I sure missed you, Tabby."My back hits the couch, the heavy piece of furniture sliding inches across the carpet, before the pain of Mario's slap registers. I rub my cheek refusing to cry as my stomach rolls in pain and worry. This is so not good.Mario, the left side of his face covered in an ugly green bruise, crouches down to my level and grabs a handful of my hair, wrenching my head back. "I want my diamonds, bitch. Where are they?" Mario's black suit wrinkles as he leans into my face, each of his slicked back black hairs in place.My head screams in pain as he loosens his grip and then pulls back more. "Mario..." I stammer over my words, "I don't... have... any–""Shut up." He releases my hair, leaning in closer. "I've heard enough of your lies. Now I'm here to collect one way or another."He stands, but motions to Benny, pointi
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 44: Now I want it Back
"That's right, sweetheart, the coffee can I told you to never touch." Because he had the good stuff, I finish the sentence for him in my head. "You touched it. Now I want it back.""It's in..." I pause, but too late to pretend. I'm dead either way. It's risky if I tell Mario and stupid too, but it also might get them away from me long enough for me to make it out the front door. "In the kitchen.""See Benny, that's how you get shit done with women. Bring her with us." Mario leaves the couch headed toward the kitchen.Benny reaches down, but I stick my hands out, silently promising to come along without a fight. We cross into the kitchen. Mario opens and slams cupboard doors, most of them still empty. I haven't had time to replace the dishes since Benny's last visit. He mutters to himself about wanting a job done right you have to do it yourself."We already checked the cupboards, boss."Mario stops and turns, "And now Larenzo is dead for your incompetence. I told you if I had
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 45: How Do We Want to Do This?
Benny, however, can't turn away. His dark eyes burn as he stalks me from above, a gun pointed in my direction. "How do we want to do this, Tabitha?" he asks, his grin one of nightmares.The gun clicks.I'm out of plans. Let's be honest. I only had one plan, and it failed miserably. My indecision and regret fill the quiet room and I give up with a final gasp for air.The back door flies off its hinges and slams against the wall causing me to jump and recoil away in my tight ball. A loud crash and splintering of wood rings in my ears. There's a pop and I freeze waiting for the pain of Benny's bullet.It never comes.Benny's smile falls, he takes a step back and then crumbles to the floor. A stream of red liquid from the side of his body pools in the cracks of the tile grout moving away from his body."What the fuck?" Mario screams turning to me, the strainer full of diamonds held out in front of him.A thick black boot I've watched Ridge lace up every morning steps into the
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 47: From Ridge
* Ridge *I stop in front of Anessa's propped open bakery door, my head shaking. Does no one around here think of any future risks? Tabitha left early this morning and has been here helping Anessa with opening day prep. I don't like it. The doctors told her to rest for two weeks and it's been thirteen days. The woman doesn't listen to anyone."Anyone here?" I yell into the open bakery walking a few steps in.Holy shit. The place is covered in pink. It's like a girly paradise. The walls are bright pink with other girly colored chairs and even a couch. With throw pillows. No self-respecting man would hang out here. I shouldn't be seen in here. The shit I do for Tabitha. This is worse than chasing after her ex-boyfriend."I'll be right there," Tabitha's voice comes from the back kitchen.I throw my thin coat over the back of an ungodly teal colored chair and lean against the front counter trying to steal a glimpse into the back. The large open room is sweltering the further in y
Latest chapter
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
