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Chapter 89: An Abandoned Cabin
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2024-10-29 19:42:56Related chapters
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 90: Something is Not Right
The sun is warm in the area on my cheek where my head rests on the pillow. It's my first clue something is not right. I haven't been able to sleep in long enough to have the sun wake me up in...too damn long.Another half a second passes and I remember it's Friday. Two days ago I survived a kidnapping. I'm allowed to sleep in today. Another stretch to fix the kink in my body so I can sleep longer, but the muscles in my back protest.The clock on Bennett's side of the bed reads 10:07.I retract my earlier statement. I haven't slept this late since high school.Another minute happens before my mind kicks in and realizes it's 10:07 in the morning and nobody has called me. That seems unlikely. Especially since I left Tabitha in charge of Katy while running my bakery. I spent all day yesterday in the bakery cooking. Everything from donuts in the morning to cupcakes, cookies and a few new items I wanted to try. Baking helped to work through the anxiety of my kidnapping. And while Rid
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 91: Three Hours
"Are you sure this is what you want to do?" Bennett asks as his truck idles in the parking lot behind the bakery."Yes.""It's supposed to be a day off, Anessa.""Yes, but you need time with Liam." Bennett spent a lot of time the last few weeks saving me from bad guys and chasing down drug dealers. With Kevin on the run and none of Ridge's team or the local police departments able to track him down, there is still a lot of work to do. He should spend a day off with his son. "Plus I want to visually confirm that Tabitha isn't cooking.""I'll be back to pick you up in three hours," he says leaning across the cab to give me a quick kiss. "Three hours."When he deepens the kiss, it's time for me to go. Even after what we did an hour ago, kissing Bennett is never enough. Unfortunately, I have responsibilities and he has a child, so realistically we can't spend an entire day in bed having sex.I stop in my back door and turn, watching his truck in the parking lot before waving go
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 92: From Bennett
* Bennett *I swipe my thumb across the print scanner and, when it beeps, open the door. The heavy steel door opens with a squeak. Behind it Ridge's private office. The one he doesn't show anyone else. This is where the real action happens and where he keeps all his private files on our high profile clients."I thought you were gonna do something about that?" I ask taking a seat in front of the large desk in the middle the room. Papers and manila folders are stacked in tall piles on either side of Ridge.He looks up from whatever he'd been working on with flattened lips. "The door? I'd have time to take care of the door if I wasn't always chasing someone's girlfriend around.""Hey, Anessa was not my girlfriend when this whole thing started. And the first time it was your girlfriend." I laugh, stretching back in the metal chair. He can complain all he wants, but the truth the matter is Ridge lives for the kind of excitement we've had the last few months. We all do. "Doesn't your
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 93: Holiday Risk – Prologue
VOLUME THREE: HOLIDAY RISK* Spencer *Every once in a while, life takes a crazy, random array of events and turns them into something wonderful.Other times, she takes your life, spins you around, throws you in a new direction, and then kicks you in the balls.I've obviously pissed her off. There's no other explanation for why I'd find myself in this tiny apartment on the outskirts of small town USA, Pelican Bay. With a boss whose brain has been overrun with testosterone after finding what he considers his soulmate. Or the roommate who sees it as her life mission to eat every single thing in my apartment.The smell of fried chicken permeates the second floor hallway, and increases as I walk past the Johnson's apartment door."Boss, Tabitha will cut off your nuts and serve them to you as supper if you put a camera or GPS in her car."Ridge, the owner of Pelican Bay Security and my delusional boss, laughs at my reasonable assessment. I don't know how he's survived the grow
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 94: The Dog That Started it All
* Joslin *LOCAL MAN BRINGS RESCUE DOG HOME TO PELICAN BAYEight men celebrating a bachelor party in Kentucky each went home with a surprise—puppies!This past October, Kenny Jacobson and his groomsmen got together at a cabin in southern Kentucky to celebrate his upcoming nuptials. On their third morning, they noticed a stray dog outside their rented cabin."She was scrawny and shaggy-looking, but a sweetheart," said Will Perkins.Swayed by her soulful eyes, the men gave her food and water. They were soon rewarded with her wagging tail.Later that evening, Lucas Hewitt heard whining in the woods. He followed the sound to where he found six hungry pups.Their beer fund quickly turned to dog food money as the men worked to clean and care for the mother and her babies. They washed, fed, and prepared beds for them in the already-crowded cabin.But the rescue didn't stop there. When the bachelor party was finished, the groom and groomsmen all took home a puppy. Seven dogs fo
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 95: Ripped Pants
It's doubtful. I can't imagine this big guy sitting on Facebook watching a live video in anticipation of scoring a piece of clothing. It would take hours."No, it's okay." Have I said "okay" five hundred times in this conversation? I think so. Get a handle on yourself, Joslin. He may be hot, but his dog ruined a fresh pair of holiday leggings.While a piece of my legging blows in the breeze, his clothes aren't disheveled in the least. Except for his lack of a warm winter coat, he's the image of put together. My large black Columbia coat hides the upper half of my body, except for the hat and mittens I shoved in my pockets when I entered the store. Because I'm sane and wear a jacket in the winter."She's only a few months old, and all my attempts to train her have been ineffective. It's another six weeks before they start the next puppy training class, and I'm pretty sure she's going to chew me out of a house before then." He puts Frankie back on the ground but keeps a firm grip o
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 96: I'm a Moron
I'm a moron. There's something wrong with me. In my brain. For real.Sitting in my house with my cell phone in hand, I'm cute and witty and fun. Put me in live-action situations where the cute guy is standing across from me, and I make a reference to Netflix and chill. I'm aware of this fault in my DNA, but for some reason, the general population has allowed me to continue talking to people.That's why, five minutes after returning home from the pet store, I did something stupid.I texted Spencer.Because I'm a moron.I asked him over for a movie and dinner...tonight.At my place.In the back of my brain, I thought he'd be busy, and we'd plan something for next week. It would give me time to prep, pick out an outfit, work on some lines, and generally try to become less of a moron.But no. Spencer, who does not know I'm a moron, said he'd be right over.Did you catch that? He said he'd be right over.BE RIGHT OVER!As in, there will be a hot guy in my house momenta
Pelican Bay Security Chapter 97: What's He Hiding in His Pants?
Me hiding in my closet underneath a pile of blankets is probably not the chill part of tonight's plan.This is why I should not be allowed to text guys. I'm too reckless. I agree to stupid things."What did you decide on?" I ask hesitantly. Please no horror movies. Oh God, what if it's Cujo?"I called my sister in Texas, and she suggested this." He pulls out a DVD case from behind his back.I use a few seconds to puzzle it out because I'm pretty sure DVD cases are too big for a man's back pocket. Unless he's hiding a massive fanny pack back there, that case has been down his pants.A place I hope to one day become acquainted with. I'm way too wrapped up in thoughts of where this case has touched to give it my attention, but I sneak a peek at the cover. Looks harmless enough.A simple white background with a cute couple on the front, a big, fluffy Labrador retriever right smack dab in the middle. What could go wrong?"So what is it you do, Joslin?" Spencer asks, now starti
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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
