by Logan Chance
But, his father had different plans. Alastair expected him to take over the family business, and Bishop had no choice. No one defies Alastair. And, as I was quickly finding out, no one defies Bishop either.
Ivanna’s health deteriorated. And then, one day while I sat with her, Ivanna told me another story. She told me the family business. She warned me about secret dealings and made men. She used words like mafia, mob, and criminals. She told me the only way out was by death.
The day Bishop became a made man, and I realized Ivanna wasn’t just telling stories about exactly what the Blackstone’s did, was one of the hardest days of my life thus far.
To top it off, I had just found out I was pregnant.
I sat with Ivanna day in and day out, trying to think of a way out. But, one thing I was quickly learning was Bishop always got what he wanted. And what he wanted was me. Ever since he took his ‘throne,’ he’d been looking for his princess, and I knew deep down that could never be me.
When Ivanna died, I could only focus on the negative.
I couldn’t raise a child with a monster, and not having the child wasn’t an option. I couldn’t condemn my child I had no idea what to do. I turned to the only person who could help me—Clementine.
We thought for hours on a plan to help me escape. We went over every detail for weeks on how I could get myself out of this mess.
And then one night, it hit us like a ton of bricks. Leave the city, run away and pass the baby off as Clementine’s, so Bishop would never know.
It was a good, solid plan. We had everything in place and left to visit family in Alabama while I carried a healthy boy to term.
We brought him home, and everything was done. Clementine now had a son, Tennyson. And I had the most precious nephew anyone could ever ask for. He was perfect. With ten perfect toes and ten amazingly perfect fingers. I raised him for the first few months, taking a job as Joseph Prince’s caretaker.
And then I met Joseph’s grandson, Ronin, and my world spun out of control. It was like deja vu all over again, and I wouldn’t make the same mistake. But I guess I was destined to, because like I said, I’m a screw up. Because destiny is a funny beast, never caring about our past mistakes and only ever focusing on the future.
For months, I fought the attraction. For months, I tried my hardest, until finally he wore me down with his charm and asked me out.
I agreed, causing a chain of events to spiral out of control.
I may have put Bishop out of my mind, but I was front and center in his. And when he found out I was dating Ronin, he lost it. He couldn’t be stopped. The threats started, and then it got worse and worse until one day I broke down and told Joseph Prince everything, begging for his help.
And he swore on his life he’d help hide me from the monster. I agreed, not knowing the terms or realizing his plan was flawed.
Flawed in so many ways. Just like me.
A fake death and I would live out the rest of my days under a new name and never contact anyone I’d ever known. Easy, but the hardest thing I’d ever do.
We faked me getting fired, I played the part of upset, and Joseph took care of the rest.
For the greater good, I’d sacrifice myself to keep my loved ones safe until Joseph Prince could figure out a way to ruin Bishop Blackstone once and for all. I was too naive to realize people like Bishop don’t get ‘ruined.’ You might temporarily stun them, but they rise up stronger. Just like me.
TWENTY-FOUR
Gabriel
* * *
I NEVER EXPECTED Ronin to show up at the airport with Clementine’s sister, Savannah. From a distance, I thought it was Clementine. I was about to pummel my own brother to the ground when I thought he had something to do with my fiancee’s disappearance. I couldn’t even think straight. Until I walked closer, and saw the difference.
Clementine moves from my arms, wrapping her arms around her sister’s shoulders. They stare into each other’s eyes and cry.
I glance over at Dean, and like he can read my mind, he shakes his head no, answering my unasked question if Bishop got away.
Good.
And now he’ll never be an issue again, and I can finally relax once and for all.
The asshole got what he deserved.
The helicopter makes its way back to the private airport in the Bahamas so we can get on my jet to take us home. I personally can’t wait to get Clementine home.
A lot of new questions open up, wondering if Tennyson will now live with his true mother, Savannah.
The helicopter lands a few minutes later, and all of us board my private jet, taking us back to Colorado.
It’s a long flight, and most everyone passes out.
Except, Ronin and me.
He stands from his seat next to Savannah, and crosses the aisle to sit with me in the back. “I’m sorry I never told you,” he starts, and I pour him a glass of scotch.
“I would have done the same.” I will always protect what’s mine. “Can I ask you something?
He nods, taking the glass of scotch from my hands. “Sure.”
“You knew all this time she was alive?”
He shakes his head. “No, I overheard someone at Bishop’s place. I guess after Grandfather died Bishop suspected. Had I known…” he doesn’t finish his thought. He raises the glass to his lips and takes a sip. “I don’t know what I would have done.” He glances over at Savannah and Clementine. “It’s going to be a big adjustment for everyone.”
TWO DAYS LATER, I sit in my study, figuring out where we go from here. Savannah, Clementine, and Tennyson have been inseparable, and my brain is exhausted trying to wrap around all the events that transpired.
There’s a knock on my door. “Come in.”
Savannah enters. “Sorry to bother you, but I wanted to give this to you.” Savannah hands me a letter. “It’s from your grandfather.”
I take it from her hands, turning it over to read my name scrawled across the envelope in my grandfather's handwriting. “Where did you get this?”
“He gave it to me. Wanted you to have it if everything went south.” She smiles, and it’s very similar to Clementine’s smile. “I guess you could call what happened with Bishop going south.” She laughs a little.
“I’ll leave you alone to read the letter.”
When she closes the door behind her, I move back to my office chair and sit. I pull at the sealed envelope, opening it to reveal the letter addressed to me inside:
Gabriel,
If you’re reading this, then the truth has come out, and hopefully Bishop is no longer a problem. I hope more than anything this is the case. I chose you to protect Clementine and Tennyson because you’re the only person on this planet I could entrust this task to. You’ve always been my star, and you’ve never let me down. I’m proud of you, Gabriel. I want you to know that.
You probably think I hate you for forcing you into a marriage, but it really was the only thing I could think of to keep Tennyson safe from the monsters who hunt him down. I’m sure you and Ronin both have so many questions, and you’ll find all the answers you need with Savannah. I want you to be happy, so you no longer need to marry Clementine Bright to keep your fortune. Enjoy your life, and find your own princess.
I love you, Joseph Prince.
For a full minute, I think about not even showing Clementine the letter. I debate telling her the wedding is still on, and we need to get married like nothing has changed.
Because heaven knows, if anyone’s my princess—it’s her.
I leave the study, needing to think, and wander the halls of my castle, planning my next course of action. What if I tell Clementine we no longer need to get married and she leaves?
“What are you doing?”
I turn around and spot Tennyson standing behind me in the hallway on the way to the movie theater. “I was thinking about watching a movie.” I wasn’t, but he doesn’t need to know I was traipsing around the halls feeling sorry for myself.
&nbs
p; “Want to fly a kite instead?”
I smile as an idea hits me. “Actually I have something so much better.”
Twenty minutes later, Tennyson and I are in the courtyard, two drones flying side-by-side. I show him how to land the drone, and then take back off again.
“You’re good with him,” Ronin tells me, coming up to stand beside us.
I fly my drone out of the way of Tennyson’s miniature helicopter. “He makes it easy to love him.” I smile over at my brother.
Never, in a million years did I ever think I wanted children. Not until this little guy came into my life did I think it was a possibility. Hell, I never even thought I’d ever want to be married, but I do. With every beat of my heart, I want to marry Clementine Bright.
“I can’t believe this is all finally over,” Ronin says, stepping up to help Tennyson keep his drone in the air. “I never thought it would be.”
“So, what are your plans now?” I ask Ronin.
He smiles. “I plan on being around more. And,” he rubs the back of his neck, “I’d love to help out at your company more.”
I nod. “I’d like that too.”
“I’m sorry for everything over the years. Losing Savannah was the hardest thing I’ve ever been through. I guess I didn’t handle it well.”
I pat his shoulder, after I land my drone. “It’s ok. I hope I never have to go through that.” I couldn’t imagine losing Clementine. I shudder at the memory of the pain that I suffered when Bishop took her.
“Want to fly drones with us?” I ask my brother.
His grin lights up his face. “Yes, I do.”
The three of us spend the afternoon flying drones, and once Tennyson has had enough, we head inside.
“I want to do something for Clementine,” I tell Ronin. “She’s been through a lot.”
“Maybe we can all get away. We could all use the break.”
“Actually, I have a different idea.”
TWENTY-FIVE
Clementine
* * *
HERE COMES THE BRIDE, all dressed in the dress she really wanted. Sugary sand cushions my feet as I walk barefoot toward my soon-to-be-husband. One doesn’t need thousand dollar heels when you’re on a beach in St. Thomas with a million dollar sunset painting the sky.
Tennyson holds my hand, walking me down the path to Gabriel. There isn’t hundreds of guests I don’t know, or care about, just the people that matter most.
I’ve got everything covered:
Something old—the panties Gabriel gave me on the night of our engagement party.
Something new—a Brazilian wax for when he removes said panties.
Something borrowed—the heart locket necklace of my sister’s that holds a photo of Tennyson.
Something blue—the lace garter belt, of course.
Savannah and Erin, standing to the left of Gabriel, who is flanked by Ronin and Dean, beam at me as I walk closer.
It’s a picture-perfect scene: a gentle breeze, music lilting in the background, and the jeweled ocean crashing in the background.
At the altar is the man I love, waiting in a tuxedo, and I thank my lucky stars that this man is mine.
I join Gabriel, ready to say my vows to the man I will forever be with.
“I’m glad you decided to come,” Gabriel says with a smirk, causing a swell of longing that I doubt will ever go away.
I smile. “I’m glad too.”
The preacher recites the words that will bind us together and I am giddy with happiness. When it’s time to say our vows, Gabriel looks at me with enough fire in his eyes to burn down the world.
“Clementine, you’re my fortune. I never thought this kind of life would be the one for me. But, it is. You and Tennyson are my life.”
A tear trickles down my cheek. He thumbs it away.
“Reading my grandfather’s letter made me realize two things. One, he was proud of me. Proud of the man I’ve become and it made me appreciate the ol’ bastard. And two, I’d give up everything to make you happy.”
And then he kisses me. Full of promises.
“You’re not supposed to kiss me yet,” I whisper against his lips.
“I do what I want,” he says with a grin.
“Well, I don’t know if I can top what you said. I love you, Gabriel. You’ve taught me so many things. You’ve taught me that I can swim in a world of sharks and never be afraid. And you taught me that as long as you’re flying your drones I should always duck. I will love you today, and I’ll love you for the rest of my life.”
“I love you too.”
And then we’re man and wife. And this time he can kiss me. And he does, deep and consuming.
And then I have my own special surprise for my groom. Kites. A rainbow of kites release into the sky, and Gabriel wraps an arm around me.
“Just like the kite, my love knows no bounds and can fly freely because I know my string is always tethered to you on the ground,” I whisper to him as we watch them soar.
He pulls me in, kissing me until I’m breathless.
Later that evening, Ronin makes a speech, happy we’re all together, and thanking his brother for everything.
I can’t even look at Gabriel without wanting to thank him for everything too. He even still offered me the ten million dollars, told me it was the right thing to do, and I told him absolutely not. This wedding was because I love him. And then, an idea strikes. Maybe I can get him alone on the island and thank him for everything in my own special way.
Maybe on the beach, in the red string bikini I packed, I can show him exactly what he means to me.
“I’m so happy for you,” Savannah tells me as we grab another bottle of champagne from the kitchen. “You’re the greatest sister anyone could ever have. And I’m so lucky I get to have you.”
I fan my face, keeping the tears at bay. “Don’t make me cry.” I glance up, and then give my older sister a hug. “I love you,” I tell her as the floodgates open.
We head back through the house and onto the patio, where Gabriel sits with Tenny in his lap. My husband smiles at me, vowing with his eyes to make our wedding night one I’ll never forget. As if I could.
And I vow back with my gaze that I will give him a life he will never forget.
From this day forward, nothing will ever take me away from him.
Not until death do us part.
EPILOGUE
Gabriel
* * *
HERE COMES THE BRIDE, all dressed in . . . holy fuck . . . nothing. Inside my bathroom, there’s a goddess slipping into a steaming tub filled to the brim with bubbles. Now, the bathroom alone to most adoring eyes would be captivating enough. I know, seems weird to say about a bathroom, but mine costs more than most people’s entire estates and it has more amenities.
I built it custom for my wife, completely decked out with all the lavish and luxury touches a woman of her caliber is deserving of. I want Clementine to have the best because—quite simply—she is the best thing that has ever happened to me.
So when my sweet goddess strips down to her stunning naked body out of her restricting clothes she now has nothing but comfort surrounding her. From the heated marble tiles under her bare feet, a sunk-in spa with massing jets and no shortage of hot water or bubbles.
The room smells like a garden of roses. It gets me hard just breathing her in. Just picturing what’s going on beneath the layer of foam she’s slipping into, one leg at a time, as she eases her way down into the water.
Fuck me.
The suite is complete with a towel warmer so she’ll never be cold, although that kind of fucks up my world because I love to see her nipples standing at attention and warm towels mean none of that shit is going to happen. A small price to pay, I remind myself.
There’s so much more to her than a good body, and you can’t say that about most of the women in my world.
She loves triple-ruffle pink roses so I make sure every three days there’s a fleet of roses being deliv
ered to our home to ensure they’re decorating and filling every room. She steals a stem from the bouquet in the bathroom and pops the head of the flower off, sprinkling the petals in the water. Her toes turn off the handle and the stream of hot water slows to a halt.
Part of me is tempted to just keep watching from the doorway. I could easily jerk off without being caught. It would be so fucking epic and satisfying to pump my hand over my cock as she washes her incredible tits and longs legs. But the flowers pull me back to our wedding day. I remember the feel of her. How good she feels to be inside of. How hard she makes me come and how much I fucking love hearing her screaming my name as she comes around me.
It’s too damn much. I have to unbuckle my belt or I’ll die.
The memories come flooding through my mind and now I’m straining against my boxers. I let my dick spring free, just pulling down my zipper to stroke myself. Precum is already soaking the tip of my cock and I use it to pump quickly, a little too quickly as I feel the build up already—no pun intended—coming. I have to be disciplined or I’ll come too fast. Clementine dips back, her back fully arched as she wets her hair in the water.
Her breasts are fully exposed. Wet. Soapy. Fucking perfect.
I want to put my dick there, mashed between her perfect mounds.
Slowly, I kick the door open. She straightens up but hasn’t noticed me yet. I tuck myself back into my pants. It’s painfully hard . . . but I want her to touch me. I want her to take me in her hand.
I sit on the edge of the collosal tub.
She finally opens her eyes and looks at me.
“Oh,” she smiles. “Gabriel.”
“Like your new tub?” I grin back.
“It’s beautiful. Everything you put into this is just so . . . thoughtful. It’s too much though. You didn’t have to spend so much money.”
“I didn’t spend enough,” I say. “There isn’t a thing as too much when it comes to you. I want to give you everything—even shit I don’t have yet.”