Revelations (Tattoos & Tears Book 2)

by Amiee Louise

  “Stop overthinking.” Ruby looks at me and sits on the sofa next to me. “Look, Peyton, you need to hear this, I’ve kept my mouth shut for long enough.”

  She narrows her eyes, and she has a look on her face that tells me she is serious.

  “I was the one who mopped up your tears, I was the one who picked up the pieces and put you back together. I was there through the nightmares, I was the one who held you while you screamed and cried because of him, Peyton. It broke my heart to watch you go through that. Christ, you tried to take your own life because of Callum-fucking-Kennedy. Sam isn’t Callum, babe; he’ll stand by you no matter what because he worships you. That boy would walk through hell for you; any fucking idiot can see that except for you. You’re just waiting for him to prove you right and you’re going to end up losing your happily ever after because of that selfish prick. You’re carrying Sam’s baby, and you have to tell him. He deserves to know, babe. He might not have been my favourite person in the beginning, but he is a genuine, kind, caring bloke and he loves you. He might be a pig-headed, egotistical, hot-tempered dick that makes the wrong decisions sometimes, but only because he loves you. I’m not going to sit back and watch you ruin the one good thing in your life; best friends don’t do that.” She clasps my hand in hers. “Everything’s going to be all right, babe, I promise. Sam’s due back next week, isn’t he?”

  I nod.

  “You need to tell him.” She gets up from the sofa. “Or I will,” she says nonchalantly.

  My eyes widen, and I rush after her. “You wouldn’t dare,” I challenge, and she raises her perfectly-plucked eyebrows.

  “Don’t dare me, babe, this isn’t some game. You’re pregnant, and you’re refusing to tell the father. Maybe I should call your mum and get her to talk some fucking sense into you.”

  By the tone of her voice, I know she really means business.

  “Ruby, please don’t call my mum. I’ll tell him as soon as he gets back, I promise.”

  She smiles brightly.

  “Good, mission accomplished. Now, get your fat pregnant arse up off that fucking sofa and get dressed; we’re going shopping.”

  I smile at her feistiness and drag myself into the shower. I dry my hair, apply my usual natural makeup, and get dressed in a simple, purple, polka-dot dress and black pumps. I admire myself in the mirror; I am beginning to think they’re right what they say that a woman in the early stages of pregnancy is glowing. My hair is glossier than usual and falling down my shoulders in a dark brown cascade, my eyes are wide, and even though they are incredibly sore and tender, my boobs look amazing! I stroke my stomach and start to wonder what’s Sam’s reaction will be. Will he be angry? Will he run? Will he be happy? I try to push my wayward thoughts to the back of my mind as I grab my bag and my coat. I go out into the living room, and Ruby is waiting for me.

  “See, that wasn’t so hard, was it, babe? You look gorgeous as always.”

  She smiles brightly. She links my arm, and we leave the flat. We walk down the steps and as we start to make our way down the street, a motorbike roars close to us.

  “Boys and their toys.”

  Ruby rolls her eyes. We carry on walking; the motorbike circles us and comes to a halt at the kerb inches away from us. The person on the motorbike pulls off their helmet and there in front of us is Sam. He smiles lazily, and he looks absolutely delicious. His raven black hair is longer than I remember, and he looks thinner, more defined, and extremely hot. My mouth forms a perfect O shape as I take in the sight of him.

  “Angel,” he rasps, and it is taking everything I have not to melt in a puddle at his feet. He climbs off his custom black Harley Davidson Sportster Iron 883 motorbike, kicks the kickstand, and strides towards me. He wraps me in his strong arms, and I cling to him tightly. Ruby is standing off to the side taking in the sight unfolding in front of her. I take in his scent and nuzzle my face into his neck.

  “God, I’ve missed you, baby,” he says into my neck.

  “I missed you too so much, Sam.”

  I feel him smile against my skin. He pulls away from me and looks at me.

  “You’re even more beautiful than I remember, angel.”

  He moves closer to me and presses his lips urgently to mine. His lips are so soft, his tongue carefully caresses mine, and I am lost in his kiss right in the middle of the street.

  “I thought you weren’t due back until next week.”

  He smiles his dazzling melt-worthy smile.

  “I wanted to surprise you; it’s just a flying visit, though. We fly out to Las Vegas next weekend for our ten-year anniversary gig.”

  I still can’t believe he is standing in front of me after so long apart. I feel so overwhelmed, I might burst into tears. I swallow back the lump in my throat.

  “Come home with me?”

  I am about to protest, and Ruby jumps in.

  “It’s fine, babe, honestly. Go and be with Sam. You deserve to spend some time together, plus, it’s kind of sickening watching you.”

  She makes a vomiting motion with her hand. We all laugh, and Ruby brushes my arm.

  “Go, I’ll find something or someone else to entertain me, babe. I’ll be fine.” She winks.

  “Are you sure, babe?”

  She pulls me in for a hug. “’Course I’m sure, you silly tart. Call me once you’ve told him, we’ll have some celebrating to do,” she whispers so only I can hear her, and she pulls away. “Enjoy your day together, lovebirds.”

  She laughs and walks off down the street, leaving Sam and me looking at each other.

  “You look … Fuck, you look amazing. Our video calls are no match for the real thing, angel.”

  I smile shyly.

  “Should we go up to your flat and get some clothes for you? Although, while I was away, I hired a personal shopper and got you a whole new wardrobe full of clothes at my place.”

  I raise my eyebrows.

  “I’m not sure whether to be flattered or creeped out that you did that for me.”

  He laughs. “You should definitely be flattered, angel.”

  He pushes his bike nearer to my flat, secures it, and we head up to the flat.

  “Did you have anything to do with this?” I say as we step into the new state-of-the-art reception area, complete with security guards and twenty-four-hour surveillance. He smirks.

  “I might have.”

  He guides me towards the stairs with his hand at the small of my back.

  “I just wanted you safe and protected while I was gone. If you’re still adamant that you don’t want to live with me, then it’s the least I can do. Besides, Diego owed me a favour.”

  I smile, and I get a fuzzy feeling inside that he is so protective. I start to think that maybe telling him about the baby won’t be so bad. We go up to the flat, and he stands in the living room. I pack some things in my overnight bag, zip it up, and join Sam in the living room. I lock the door on the way out, and we head out onto the street. Cole is waiting at the kerb in Sam’s sleek black Mercedes SL convertible.

  “Cole’s going to take you to my place. I’m going to take the bike back, and I’ll meet you there.”

  Cole smiles brightly and tips his hat. Sam kisses me gently on the lips, and I get into the car. We make the journey back to Sam’s place in relative silence. I am lost in thought for the whole trip, and I hardly notice as we pull up at the kerb.

  “Peyton?” Cole’s deep rumbling voice interrupts my thoughts. I look up into his deep brown eyes, and I manage a smile. “I thought I’d lost you back there, sugar.” He smiles warmly. He opens my door, and I step out of the car. “Are you sure everything’s OK, Peyton?” Cole asks as we walk into Sam’s building. I don’t hear him as I take in the opulence; it never ceases to amaze me, the marble floors, and the sleek, clean lines and despite the feeling of wealth within the building, the warm, inviting atmosphere soothes you as soon as you step inside.

  “Peyton.” I spin around. “I said, is everything OK?”
<
br />   I nod and smile, knowing that my smile doesn’t quite reach my eyes.

  “Yeah, everything’s fine, thanks, Cole.”

  He smiles and nods, but something about the way he looks tells me he doesn’t believe me for a second. Cole calls for the lift, and we step in. I am silent and a slave to my thoughts as the lift ascends to Sam’s apartment. I step into the foyer and Cole steps out behind me, he hands me a purple key on a Rancid Vengeance key ring.

  “Sam asked me to give you this.” I take the key from him, open the apartment door, and go to hand the key back to Cole. He shakes his head. “He said you can keep it, just in case.”

  I go into Sam’s apartment, and Cole follows me. I put my bag down and take off my coat. I notice four mounted photographs wrapped in bubble wrap leaning against the kitchen island. Sam’s luggage and a guitar case are leaning against the wall. I am curious as to what other adjustments Sam has made to his apartment while he has been gone. Cole stands stock-still with his hands behind his back.

  “Do you need anything while I’m here Peyton?”

  I look up at him regarding me intently and shake my head.

  “No, thanks. I’m good.”

  I smile. He nods, and I wonder if he is under orders from Sam to stand guard until he comes back. I move into the kitchen, and I suddenly feel dizzy. I stumble and lean into the kitchen island for support. Cole is at my side in seconds.

  “Are you sure you’re all right, sugar? You look pale; come, sit.” He guides me to the sofa and sits me down. He crouches in front of me. “Do you need me to get you anything?”

  I look at him and smile at his concern. “A glass of water would be great, please.”

  He nods, and as he gets to his feet, the door closes, and Sam strides across the apartment. He takes Cole’s place crouching in front of me. His face is marred with concern, and a frown line jumps into place on his forehead.

  “Angel, is everything OK?” I am suddenly sick of being asked if I’m OK. I go to rise from the sofa and fall back down as another dizzy spell takes hold of me. “Jesus, angel.”

  I look at him.

  “I’m just tired, babe, that’s all, it’s been nonstop at the shop lately.”

  “I’m taking you to our room, baby; you look like you could use a lie-down.”

  “I’m fine, babe, I promise, I just need you to hold me for a while. I’ve missed you.”

  He smiles and nods. He picks me up and carries me into the bedroom. He sets me down on my feet and moves me so he can look at me.

  “God, you’re beautiful.” He strokes my face and tucks my hair behind my ear. “I have a surprise for you, angel.”

  I raise my eyebrows, and he smirks mischievously. We both stand facing each other, and he strips off his t-shirt. I lick my lips as he reveals his perfectly ripped torso.

  “Don’t get any ideas, angel,” he rasps. He throws his t-shirt on the bed and looks at me. “Do you see that?”

  He points to a spot above his right pectoral and there in bold, flowing script is a tattoo of my name ‘Peyton’ with two elaborate black and grey angel wings either side.

  “That’s how much I love you, angel. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you, you’re my good luck charm, my angel; you are my life, my whole world. You own me.”

  My eyes glaze over at his words, and I can’t believe he has my name permanently etched on his skin. I trace over the lines of his tattoo, and I lose it completely. I collapse in floods of tears in his arms, mentally cursing my hormones to hell.

  “Hey, what’s with the tears, babe?” he soothes. “Shhh.” He kisses my forehead, and I snuggle closer to his warm chest. “I’ll never let anyone hurt you, angel.”

  I don’t doubt for a second that he means every word. We spend the rest of the day catching up and spending some quality time together. I have missed being in his presence—it calms and soothes me. By the time the evening rolls around, we order takeaway and snuggle on the sofa. After we finish eating, I literally fall asleep in Sam’s lap; I didn’t realise how tired I was. I am only aware of him lifting me from the sofa and carrying me effortlessly to his bedroom. I am awake as he lays me down on the bed.

  “I’ve got you, angel.”

  I shake my head. “It’s fine, baby.”

  I smile, and he kisses me gently on the lips. I get up and go to the walk-in wardrobe. I take out one of Sam’s oversized Rancid Vengeance t-shirts that I have become accustomed to. I go into the bathroom and close the door, not wanting him to see me naked. I take off my dress and quickly pull on Sam’s t-shirt—he doesn’t knock, and he opens the door.

  “Hey, what’s with the closed door, babe? You’re not normally so shy about getting undressed in front of me. Is something wrong? Have I done something?”

  “Everything’s perfect, babe, I’ve just put on a little weight since you’ve been away. Too many late nights at work, too many takeaways, and too much Ben and Jerry’s. I should get back to the gym.”

  I smile, but something in the way he looks at me says he knows something is wrong and he doesn’t believe me for a second. I brush my teeth and tie my hair in a loose ponytail. I go back into the bedroom, and Sam pats the bed.

  “I’ll stay with you until you fall asleep, angel, I’ve got some unpacking to do, and I’ve got some stuff that needs taking care of, but I’ll be in soon.”

  He lies next to me, and I fall asleep in his arms.

  ***

  I’m not sure how long I have been asleep, but I wake up screaming to Sam softly calling my name.

  “Peyton, wake up, baby, you’re having a nightmare.”

  He strokes my hair. My breathing is laboured, and I have a thin sheen of sweat forming on my forehead.

  “Jesus, angel, I’m here. Are you OK? You scared the shit out of me,” he says quietly.

  He goes to pull me into him, and I flinch as if he has burned me. I can’t do this. I jump out of bed and run into the bathroom. I slam the door and lock it behind me. I slide down the wall and onto the floor in a hysterical sobbing heap, with the remnants of my nightmare still clinging to me. Sam rattles the doorknob.

  “Angel, fuck! Open the door, please talk to me.”

  I sob hard. I am shaken by the nightmare and realise it has been such a long time since that particular nightmare has haunted me. Except it wasn’t Callum, it was Sam, and the image of that cold green gaze makes me sob harder. I pull my knees up to my chest.

  “The door’s coming down if you don’t open it, angel.” His voice is soft. “I’m not going anywhere until you talk to me, babe.”

  I hear him sit down outside the door.

  “Please just go away,” I choke out.

  “Not happening, baby, I’ll sit out here all night if I have to.”

  A few minutes of silence pass.

  “Do you want to tell me what your nightmare was about, angel?”

  As he says those words, something inside me just snaps, I really can’t do this. He is going to run; I just know he is. I can’t put myself through that; my heart has been trampled on enough. I shakily get myself to my feet and lean on the sink. I look at my reflection in the mirror—my face is pale, my eyes are red, and my hair is sleep mussed. I pull my hair loose, run a brush through it and splash cold water on my face. I unlock the door; Sam is sat outside leaning against the wall, shirtless, and wearing only a pair of tight grey boxer briefs. He stands up as I open the door and reaches his hand out to me. I know if I touch him, I will give in and talk myself out of the decision I have made. I need to get out of here, and I need to get out now. I push past him and run into the living room. Sam is following me.

  “Fuck, where are you going, angel?” His voice is panicked, but I don’t answer him. I frantically start throwing my stuff back into my overnight bag. “Peyton, will you just fucking stop for one god damn second!”

  He makes me stop in front of him, and he tilts my chin up to face him. I look into his eyes.

  “Don’t leave me, angel.”

  I
shake my head. “I can’t do this anymore Sam, being with you is unpredictable. Every time I’m near you I lose myself.”

  I swipe the stray tear that has escaped from my eye. Be strong, Harper.

  “Why are you doing this? What have I done? Tell me what I’ve done, and I’ll fix it, I’ll make it right.”