by Amiee Louise
“It’s all good, Kendall, everything’s awesome.”
I hear heels clicking across the floor.
“I didn’t know you were seeing anyone, Luke,” she drawls in an American accent.
Lucas pulls away from our embrace and turns around to her. She is extremely beautiful with short blonde hair, violet eyes, and she is tall, tanned and slender. She is wearing a white all-in-one playsuit that emphasises her long tanned legs.
“I’m not. This is Peyton, she is Sam’s girl.”
She nods and smiles a fake smile.
“Oh, I see. So you guys like pass her around? A live-in groupie? Nice!”
She looks me up and down.
“Who the fuck do you think you are?” I spit out, and Lucas looks at me.
“I got this, Peyton.” He winks then goes over to her and grabs her wrist. “You’re going to fucking apologise for that now, Kendall. I don’t take kindly to people insulting my family.”
My heart swells at the prospect of being welcomed into the Rancid Vengeance family so openly. She looks up at him, and I observe the exchange between the two of them. There is definitely a history there.
“Apologise now,” he says sternly.
“I’m sorry.” She rolls her eyes and snatches her hand away from him. “Fucking let go of me you prick! We need to talk, Luke.”
He scrubs his hand down his face.
“Shit! I have to take care of this, Peyton. I’ll see you later?” I nod, and he kisses me on the cheek. “Thanks, for listening, honey, I really appreciate it,” he whispers and leaves me standing in the kitchen wondering what the fuck just happened. I am curious at the history and clear animosity between Lucas and Kendall.
“So, you had the unfortunate privilege of meeting Queen Bitch, I see?” Brody chuckles, and I spin around. Brody is leaning against the doorway with his arms folded.
“Something like that, who the fuck is she?”
He strides towards me and hops up to sit on the worktop. He opens the cupboard and takes out an unopened jar of Nutella. He unscrews the lid and starts digging his finger into it.
“That’s Kendall Savage, she is Lucas’ ex. They had a bad break up. She was pregnant with his baby, and her parents forced her to get rid of it. They’re billionaires, her dad is a Senator and her mum is some sort of socialite, her grandparents are extremely wealthy and own some la-de-da American estate. Sounds quite far-fetched I know, but those Americans are definitely like a completely new breed; it’s fucking shocking. Our British scandals are nothing compared to theirs,” Brody explains while digging his finger into the Nutella jar and licking it clean.
Our conversation is brought to an abrupt halt by J.D. entering the room followed by Jax and Sam. Sam strides across the room and pulls me close to his side. He nuzzles my neck.
“I missed you, angel.” He has freshly showered; his hair is still damp, and he smells so good. “Lucas made sure we got the best room in the house.”
I smile, I am so happy and content with life. It feels so good. I have a job I love, a man I adore with everything I am, my large extended family is amazing, and I am expecting a baby. Life is perfect for once, and it’s everything I wished for and more.
J.D’s voice interrupts my thoughts, “Right, boys, where the fuck is Lucas?”
Brody pauses and smirks. “Kendall showed up, she said she needed to talk to him.” Brody air quotes with his hands and J.D rolls his eyes.
“That fucking crazy woman, every time we come here.” He storms out of the kitchen. “Lucas! Get your fucking arse in the kitchen now!” he bellows.
Sam looks from Brody to Jax and shakes his head.
“What’s going on, babe?”
Sam kisses my forehead.
“Nothing you need to worry about, angel, let’s just enjoy being here together.”
He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes, and I start to wonder what is really going on. A few minutes of silence pass, and Lucas walks into the kitchen with scratches down his face. I go to pull away from Sam, and he digs his fingers in my hip.
“Leave it, angel,” Sam whispers. I look at Lucas, and he winks in a silent reassurance.
“Right, now you’re all together; I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome you all to Las Vegas, the city of Sin. Whatever happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, apart from STDs, that shit will follow you anywhere.” J.D laughs at his own joke. “The gig tonight is at The Mandalay Bay Events Centre. It’s your ten-year anniversary gig, so I want you all to give the fucking performances of your lives. You’re performing to twelve thousand fans, you’re doing some press junkets, and a photo shoot before the gig so you all need to be on top form, that includes you, Brody.”
Brody salutes at J.D and we both smirk at each other.
“Security is going to be tight at the venue, and each of you has been assigned a personal bodyguard. The gig starts at eight p.m., and the limo is picking us up at six forty-five sharp. Until then, the rest of the day is yours. That’s all for today, boys.”
Brody jumps off the worktop. “Class dismissed!”
We all laugh. J.D strides out of the room, followed by Lucas and Brody.
“I’m going to call Ruby,” Jax says, and he disappears, leaving Sam and me alone in the kitchen.
“So, what do my two favourite people want to do while we’re in Vegas?” Sam smiles.
“I’ll be happy to do whatever as long as I’m with you, babe.” I smile and snuggle closer to him.
“Well, I plan on getting you naked before the gig, so we can do whatever you want to, angel.” He strokes my stomach softly. “Go and grab a shower, get changed, and I’ll meet you back down here in say an hour?”
I nod, and he smiles his dazzling smile. He kisses me gently on the lips, my raging hormones take over, and I deepen the kiss, wanting nothing more than for him to be buried deep inside me.
“Angel,” he rasps, and I stroke his growing erection through his ripped, faded denim shorts.
“Take me to bed Sam,” I whisper seductively.
“Angel, stop, as much as I’d love nothing more than to fuck you right here, there’s something I need to show you.”
I try not to pout at his rejection.
“I promise I’ll make it up to you later, angel, multiple orgasms and I’ll make you scream so loud the whole neighbourhood will know my name,” he says huskily, and he kisses me gently on the lips. “Now go, before I change my mind.”
He winks and swats my bum as I walk up the stairs.
“Second door on the left, angel,” Sam’s voice echoes through the house, and I begin to explore the second storey.
The upstairs is decorated similarly to the downstairs of the house in warm creams, light browns, and taupes; it is very open and spacious with windows spanning the landing, which makes the room appear light and airy. There is a series of doors along the landing that read bedroom one to four, bathroom, office and gym, in silver plaques hanging on the doors. I open the door that Sam indicated that is our bedroom and I am in awe of what is inside. The room is extremely opulent and reminds me of a luxurious five-star hotel room. It is decorated in a cream and chocolate brown colour, with dark oak flooring throughout. There is a large queen-size four-poster bed dominating the room with brown fur throws, silk scatter cushions and chocolate brown bed sheets. Scattered around the room is a range of matching furniture and accessories in cream and chocolate brown. There is a dark marble fireplace with a cream fur rug in front of it. It reminds me of something from a film. There are floor to ceiling patio doors leading out onto a small balcony. I am suitably impressed with our room and make my way into the spacious en-suite bathroom.
After a long, hot shower, I dry and style my hair, apply natural makeup and slick on some clear lip-gloss. I pull on my clothes opting for a blue, striped, halter-neck sundress, which hugs my figure and compliments my growing bump. I team my outfit it with a silver skull pendant, silver hoop earrings, and black diamante flip-flops. I place my sunglasses on
top of my head, and I grab my bag, ready to spend the day with the man I love. I make my way down the large staircase and Sam is at the bottom waiting for me. He turns around and catches sight of me.
“Angel, you take my breath every time I see you.”
My stomach flips at his words. I grin widely at him, and he smiles his dazzling smile. I will never get tired of seeing him smile; it disarms me every single time. I make my way down the stairs, and he moves up, meeting me halfway.
“Hey,” he whispers and offers me his hand.
“Hey yourself.”
I take his warm, calloused hand in mine and he escorts me the rest of the way down the stairs.
“I’ve got a new additional bodyguard and chauffeur for this trip, I’m not exactly happy about it, but he is a friend of Cole’s. His name is Jace.”
I nod and wonder where Cole is. We open the doors and step out into the Vegas sunshine. I didn’t really get to take in the grounds around the house when we arrived, but I look around, and I am awestruck with my surroundings. The perimeter of the house is lined with a high grey stonewall and exotic palm trees. The driveway is circular in shape and in the centre is a large fountain.
Sam leans in and whispers in my ear, “Imagine me fucking you naked in that fountain, angel.”
I feel slick heat between my thighs. I bite my lip, and Sam growls. We make our way across the gravel driveway, and a black Hummer H1 is parked beyond the fountain. A muscular man is leaning against it with his arms folded. He is wearing a black suit and a black chauffeur’s hat. As Sam and I approach, he smiles and nods.
“Sam, Cole’s told me a lot about you.”
He has an Irish accent is average height, muscular, and his salt and pepper curly hair is pulled back into a ponytail. He has a five o’ clock shadow on his chin, indicating that he hasn’t shaved for a few days. He has pale blue eyes and an infectious grin.
“This must be the famous Peyton, the girl who stole this lucky fella’s heart.”
Sam grins and squeezes me around the waist as if he is staking his claim on me. I smile shyly, and I feel my face flush. With the introductions done, Sam whispers to Jace, and he nods. As he nods, another car pulls into the driveway. The car is a fire engine red Ferrari GTO. My eyes widen at the sight, and I think I am instantly in love! The car pulls to a stop and Cole steps out of the car.
“Peyton.” He nods in my direction.
“Cole’s going to take care of you, angel, I’ll meet you there.”
Sam winks and gets in the car with Jace. The iron gates open and Jace speeds off through them. A puzzled look crosses my face, and Cole smirks.
“What’s going on, Cole? Where are you taking me?”
Cole is silent for a moment.
“If I told you that, sugar, I’d have to kill you!”
He winks and breaks out into a full-on rumbling belly laugh. He opens the passenger side door signalling for me to get into the car. I reluctantly get in, but don’t ask any more questions. We climb into the car and with the roar of the car’s engine, we begin our mysterious journey.
16
Peyton
We have been driving for at least an hour, and I see the familiar bright lights of the Las Vegas strip come into view. I crane my neck to take in the sights, and Cole chuckles softly.
“Curious, sugar?”
I grin and nod.
“You should be.”
We remain in a comfortable silence for the rest of the journey, and soon the car pulls to a stop. Cole gets out of the car and comes around to the passenger side to open my door. He offers me his hand and helps me out of the car. He closes the door, and I pull my sunglasses down to shield my eyes from the blazing sunlight. I look up and notice that we are outside the Mandalay Bay Aquarium. There is a sign outside and yellow tape cordoning off the entrance. The sign reads ‘Closed until further notice’. A young woman with short red hair approaches us and whispers to Cole. Cole nods his response and brushes my arm reassuringly.
“This is where I leave you, sugar.”
The young woman takes down the tape and signals for me to enter the aquarium.
“Good luck, Miss Harper,” she says brightly, and I am suddenly feeling apprehensive of what is to come. I take off my sunglasses and place my hand protectively on my stomach.
“What is your daddy planning, boo?” I say softly as I walk through into the dimly-lit main atrium of the aquarium. There is a large curved tank in front of me and a bench. I sit in front of the tank on the bench, and there is a single red rose with a note next to it. I pick it up and read it.
Peyton
When you walked into my life, you made me complete. You are my angel, my saving grace and my light in a world filled with darkness.
S x
I smile to myself, I love romantic Sam. Unexpectedly, the room is filled with music. I recognise the tune as Avenged Sevenfold’s Dear God. I let the dulcet honey tones of Matt Shadows wash over me. My eyes fill with tears at the lyrics and Sam’s husky voice comes over the speaker system.
“Watch the tank, angel.”
I look up, and I see a large figure swimming in the tank that resembles Sam. I watch his large frame bobbing in the water, complete with scuba diving gear and snorkel. The music continues, and Sam holds up a white sign with black writing on it, which reads:
You made me the happiest man alive…
When you told me you were expecting our first child…
He drops the sign and reveals another one.
Now will you do the honour…?
Of becoming my wife…?
He drops the sign to reveal another one, and as I take in the words, a tear rolls down my cheek.
Peyton Harper
Will you marry me…?
I grin so wide my jaw begins to ache, and the tears are falling freely now. I am so overcome and overwhelmed with Sam’s gesture I realise he is waiting for an answer. I look at him and nod enthusiastically.
“Yes! Yes! I’ll marry you!”
He makes a heart shape with his fingers and disappears. After what seems like an eternity, Sam appears fully dressed, and his hair is damp. He drops down to his knee and pulls a ring from the pocket of his jeans.
“Marry me, Peyton?”
I nod.
“Yes! I’ll marry you, Sam.”
I sob, and he places the ring on my finger. He places a single kiss on the ring and gets to his feet. He picks me up and spins me around. He nuzzles his face into my neck and breathes me in.
“God, you’ve just made me the happiest man on this fucking planet, angel.”
We look at each other, and Sam’s eyes are glazed too. I take in the ring that he has placed on my finger and gasp at the sight. It is truly beautiful. It is a platinum band with a large princess-cut diamond surrounded by small purple diamonds. It looks exquisite—expensive yet simple and understated. Sam lifts my hand and places a gentle kiss on my palm.
“Do you like the ring?”
I nod.
“It’s beautiful, Sam, it’s perfect,” I tell him, my voice thick with happy tears. He crouches down on his knees and places his hand on my stomach.
“Did you hear that, boo? Your mummy said yes! She is going to be Mrs. Peyton Newbolt.”
A tear escapes from the corner of his eye and rolls down his chiselled cheek.
“We’re going to be a proper family, boo: you, me and mummy, we’re all going to live happily ever after and you and mummy are going to want for nothing. I’ll protect you both and do whatever it takes to make you happy, I promise.”
His voice is shaky as he gets to his feet. He wraps his strong arms around me and pulls me to his hard chest. I wrap my arms around him, and in that moment, everything is perfect. Life is truly perfect.
After Sam’s romantic proposal at the aquarium, we go for a celebratory dinner at the famous Eiffel Tower restaurant. The view is spectacular and looks out over the whole strip, it is truly breath-taking. The food is wonderful, and throughout dinner,
neither of us can stop grinning; we can’t take our eyes off each other. From the looks we get from the other diners, it is obvious that they recognise Sam, but none of them approach us which both of us are grateful for. After dinner, we make our way down to the waiting car, which is a sleek black Mercedes. Cole is waiting beside the car with a huge grin plastered across his face.
“I take it congratulations is in order, mate?”
Sam nods. He and Sam shake hands, and he kisses me softly on the cheek.
“Congratulations, sugar.”