“For fuck’s sake, the Feds were looking into me. Does that sound like the type of man you want to be with?” He goes on, “I’ll make some calls. Tomorrow, you’re free to go.”
“And if I don’t want to?”
“I’m not asking.”
“Hades, why are you doing this?”
Reaching down, he grabs his pants and shoes, dressing quickly. And then he walks away without saying another word. My heart feels like it’s shattering into a million pieces, but I’ve been through worse. Inhaling, I get up and go to the bathroom to shower.
I’ll leave in the morning, because that’s what my stubborn husband thinks he wants. But I’m not done fighting for us. Not by a longshot.
Epilogue
Four Months Later
I stay away for as long as I can, hoping Hades will come for me. I mean, that’s what a normal person would do when they realize they’ve made a mistake. When the jerk doesn’t show up, I decide to take matters into my own hands.
Dad asks, “Are you sure you want to do this?”
This is the longest he’s been sober since Mom died, making me so dang proud of him.
“I know it’s hard to understand, but I care about him. Yes, I want to do this.”
“Then go get him, Kinsley, and find a love like I had with your mother.”
He makes a few phone calls, but by the end of the day the plan is set. I’m going to get my man.
When the motorcycles approach, I get out of my car. The entrance to the clubhouse is blocked by six police cruisers, and no one is getting through unless they move. The bikes come to a stop, and Hades gets off.
“Is there a problem?” He’s looking right at me.
God, even now he takes my breath away.
“There is. You broke our contract, and I’m here to get my payment.”
“Contract?”
“We were supposed to be together for six months. Not two.”
“I see.” He gestures to the police cars. “And they’re here to make sure I’ll listen?”
“You can be quite stubborn, if you weren’t aware. Figured it wouldn’t hurt to have some backup.”
“Ah.” He nods. “Okay. Let’s talk, Princess.”
I go to him, getting on the bike behind him. We speed down the driveway, and it feels like I’m coming home. Inside, nothing has changed. When we get to our room, I stop. The bed doesn’t look like it’s been slept in since I left. My nightgown is even still hanging over the chair from that night.
“It’s starting to lose your scent. I hold it every fucking night, wishing you were here.”
I turn to him. “I know the feeling.”
Because every time I catch a whiff of smoke my heart lurches, and I pray he’s there.
He closes the door and asks, “Why are you here?”
“You know why.”
“Because I sent the divorce papers in the mail?”
“I have to say, that was a dick move, even for you. Just so we’re clear, I’m not signing them. Not until you hear me out.”
He nods once, and it gives me hope.
“I love you, Hades. It was true four months ago, and its true today. When I left, I thought you’d come for me. When you didn’t, I decided to talk to a friend of yours.”
“Saint?”
Meeting Saint Massacre was an experience. He’s the one man who holds more power than Hades, and I can see why. I could also see that he wants Hades to be happy, which is why I’m here today.
“He had a lot to say. He told me something that struck a chord.” I move closer to him. “He said you’re scared of being happy because you lost someone close to you in the Army. Someone you loved. Hades, we all die. It’s a fact of life. That doesn’t mean you can skirt through life without living.”
Tears fill his eyes, but I need to get it all out.
“We can be happy. I know it, and I think you know it.”
He clears his throat. “Is that all? Because I have something to say, too.”
“No. I’m here because you owe me something.”
He’s close now. So close that I could touch him, if I wanted. But I don’t. Because this has to be his choice. Closing his eyes, he sighs.
“I was a god damn fool to let you go, Kinsley, and I’m so fucking sorry.” He closes the distance between us, his lips brushing over mine. “So, tell me, wife, what do I owe you?”
I smile up at him. “A shindig with our close family and friends. And that bonfire better be huge, because we’re celebrating two things.”
I guide his hand over my stomach, to the small bump under my shirt. Life is full of surprises and this is no exception. His eyes light up, and he pulls me into his arms, spinning me around.
“I love you, Kinsley. So fucking much.”
“And I love you, Hades.”
“Come on. Let’s tell the others. They’ll be glad to hear I’ve finally gotten my head out of my ass.”
“Oh no, husband, we’re not going anywhere. We have a lot of lost time to make up for.”
He gives me a wolfish grin. “Is that so? We better start now, then.”
I laugh as he carries me to the bed. As he moves over me, I know that I’ve finally found my place in this world in the most unlikely place possible. Sure, this princess wasn’t saved by a knight in shining armor, but a biker in leather won my heart.
About the Author
Sarah Bale's family always knew she was destined to write romances when they saw the elaborate stories she created for her Barbie dolls. At fifteen she penned her first book, which will never see the light of day if she has any say. When Sarah isn't writing she enjoys spending time with her family and friends and also planning what she’d do in a zombie apocalypse. She resides in Oklahoma and doesn't plan on leaving any time soon.
You can find her at: www.SarahBale.com
First Time Feels
Lasairiona McMaster
Life for Ana gets complicated when she falls in love with her best friend – only her best friend is a girl… and has a boyfriend.
1
“No.”
“But—”
“No!” Ana sighed and glared at her best friend.
“Ok, so I’m getting the impression that you’re leaning towards ‘no’, buuuuut could you at least hear me out first, please?”
Ana rolled her eyes and sighed again. “Why?” She blew out a frustrated puff of air, causing her bangs to flap against her forehead.
“I want you to be happy, that’s all.”
They were sitting in their small dining area. It was more a dining space they had created where none previously existed. Cozy, also known as ‘room enough for two but only if you angle your knees just so’. Ana and her best friend, Cadhla ‘Ky’ Ní Corráin, had lived together in a small, two-bedroom apartment in Detroit for over a year. Try as they might, no amount of ‘feminine touch’ made the place feel anything more than the over-priced shoebox it was.