“But I was stupid,” I murmur, casting my gaze away.
“Doll, you’re not stupid,” he says, sliding his hand to where he grips my chin between his fingers, forcing me to look up at him. “You were hurting because of what I did to you, baby, and he took advantage of the situation. If anyone’s at fault besides the fucker who did this to you, it’s me.”
“I love you,” I say, breathlessly.
“Love you too, Doll.” Stoney grins, leaning forward to press a kiss gently to my lips. “Now how about we call the nurse and let them know you’re finally awake.”
“What do you mean finally awake?” I ask.
“You’ve refused to wake up for the past three days. You’d been in the ICU for the first day and a half, then they moved you in here,” he mutters.
My eyes widen as I realize what day it is. It’s Christmas Eve. “Where are the kids? Oh my God they can’t have Christmas without us.” Panic starts to set in.
“Shh, easy, Rachel. Calm down. We’ve already got everything under control. Doctor’s spoken with Connors as well as Tinsley. Once he comes in here and sees you, you’re coming home,” he says, calming me down.
“Really?” I ask.
“Yeah, baby, Victoria used her swaying power with the hospital board back home and they agreed to send the helicopter here to transport you back home without you being in pain the entire way.”
“Oh.”
“Now I’m going to get the nurse so we can get this ball on the road.” As Stoney starts to pull away, I grip his hand and look up to him.
“Don’t leave me,” I whisper.
Leaning back down, Stoney reaches a hand out to cup the side of my face as he uses another hand to grasp my hand that doesn’t have an IV in it and pulls it to his chest. “I’m never fuckin’ leaving you, Rachel Dane. Never. You crashed into my life, giving me the best fuckin’ gift I could ever receive.”
With my hand pressed to his heart, I can feel it beating in his chest.
“Okay,” I whisper.
“Okay,” he returns, but rather than pulling away from me, he keeps my hand in his, reaches behind him bringing the chair closer to the bed and presses the nurse’s button while taking a seat. The entire time his eyes never leaving mine.
I love this man.
I have since I was a teen. Now as his wife, his ol’ lady.
A few minutes later, the nurse comes in the room. A minute after a doctor comes in. I was leery of having him near me at first but with Stoney holding my hand I knew it was okay. Two hours later, I was loaded into the helicopter and taken home. Soon after Tinsley had me situated in Stoney’s bed at the clubhouse since our house was a disaster.
Stoney grins as he takes in the surprised look on my face when I realize he’d had the room decorated for Christmas. Presents were even under a small tree.
“You did all this for me?”
“No, Doll, I did all this for us,” he murmurs, as someone knocks on the door. “Come in,” he calls out without leaving me.
“There’s some little ones ready to see their momma and daddy,” Momma B says pushing the door open.
“Bring ‘em in here,” I say more than happy to see my babies.
“Mommy,” Luca and Corinne yell as Sebastian squeals.
“Easy, Mommy has a boo boo and you have to be careful with her,” Stoney says, helping our kids up on the bed.
“Okay, Daddy.” My heart soars at hearing my daughter. She’s definitely a daddy’s girl.
“Best Christmas gift ever,” I whisper as Stoney settles back next to me. Our kids sitting around my legs, jibber jabbering, a Christmas movie on the TV.
“You got that right, Doll. You are the best gift ever. I’m just sorry I was an ass for so long,” he murmurs, pressing his head against mine. “From now on we go through this life together as a unit.”
“Sounds good to me, because I don’t think I could ever be far from you again,” I say, smiling.
“Like I said, baby, best gift ever. One I intend to keep until the day I take my last breath,” Stoney rasps, lifting one of my hands between us and presses his lips to it before settling in with me in his arms, our children with us, and the tree twinkling in the corner.
I couldn’t ask for a more perfect way to celebrate with the man who holds my heart. Always has, always will.
Author’s Note
Dear Readers,
Thank you for being a part of Stoney and Rachel’s journey. I know it’s taken them a while to finally find their peace. But they finally found it and I couldn’t be happier for them. Their story goes to prove anything can happen. As long as you stick together, weather the storm, you’ll make it to the other side together. Stoney refused to give up on his woman as she struggled with knowing he had a child with someone else. And he struggled in making the decision on what’s best for a child he helped create as well as his other children.
No one is perfect; however, that’s okay because who wants to live in a perfect world. Now as their story concludes don’t think you won’t still see them throughout all the books still to come.
Coming in 2021, I’ll be rocking your world as I will be moving around and switching up between all the clubs because not only will the guys from Twister’s club be coming back, we’ll be going to Hammer’s club as well as Blow’s. Oh, and there may be or may not be another charter or two I haven’t mentioned just yet.
Hang in there and enjoy the ride. It’s going to be a bumpy but epic one that’s for sure.
Sincerely,
E.C.
Be sure to follow or stalk me!
E.C. Land
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By: E.C. Land
Devil’s Riot MC Series
Horse’s Bride
Thorn’s Revenge
Twister’s Survival
Reclaimed (Devil’s Riot MC Boxset Bks 1 – 3)
Cleo’s Rage
Connors’ Devils
Hades Pain
Badger’s Claim
Burner’s Absolution
Redeemed (Devil’s Riot MC Boxset Bks 4 – 6)
Devil’s Riot MC Originals
Stoney’s Property
Owning Victoria
Blaze’s Mark
Taming Coyote
Luna’s Shadow
Choosing Nerd
Ranger’s Fury
Carrying Blaze’s Mark
Inferno’s Clutch MC
Chains’ Trust
Breaker’s Fuse
Ryder’s Rush
Axel’s Promise
Fated for Pitch Black
Dark Lullabies
A Demon’s Sorrow
A Demon’s Bliss
A Demon’s Harmony
A Demon’s Soul
A Demon’s Song
Royal Bastards MC (Elizabeth City Charter)
Cyclone of Chaos
Anthologies
Romanticizing the Gods By: Corrine Falls
Santa’s Naughty Helpers
Available on Audible
Reclaimed
Cleo’s Rage
Connors’ Devils
Hades Pain
Badger’s Claim
Coming Soon
By: E.C. Land
Devil’s Riot MC Originals
Neo’s Strength
Cane’s Dominance
Venom’s Prize
Protecting Blaze’s Mark
Inferno’s Clutch MC
Tiny’s Hope
Their Redemption
Fuse’s Hold
Nora’s Outrage
Tyre’s Wrath
Brielle’s Nightmare
Royal Bastards MC (Elizabeth City Charter)
Spiral of Chaos
Standalones
Frozen Valentine
Pins and Needles Series with Elizabeth Knox
Blood and Agony
Delancy Crime Family with Elizabeth Knox
Degrade
Anthologies
Remembering Ryan
The Elites
Twisted Steel: Second Edition
Want Me, Santa
Ashlynn Mills
Chapter One
Gray
“You have something for me today, Michael?”
He shakes his head, crossing his legs in his chair, revealing a ridiculous pair of socks with penguins holding candy canes on them. “Not yet, boss. But I will by the end of the day.”
I nod, spinning a Christmas globe between my fingers, wishing my secretary would keep her Christmas spirit off my damn desk. “Good because before you leave, I have some plans for you to look over for a new client. I want your opinion on what I have so far. You seem to have a good eye and I could really use it this weekend.”
He shifts in his chair, making an annoyed grunting sound. Like most people, he probably found my workload to be unfair and excessive. Well it’s all part of the job. Especially if he wants to get promoted to partner. “Yes, Sir. I can take a look at those for you. I did look forward to having this weekend off though to visit my family, since I’ll be working Christmas.”
I smile, trying to keep my eyes off the sliver of tan skin and dark hair peeking from above his festive socks. He thinks he gets a whole weekend off so close to a major holiday, that’s really cute. “I think it’s sweet you’re so close to your family. I really do, but you see Mikey, everyone else will be off this weekend so that means you and I can’t be. Being so close to the holiday and all, with all the vacation requests and people taking time off, we really have our work cut out for us here. I’ll tell you what, how about you spend these next few days working hard on helping me get us caught up and maybe you can have Sunday free to do whatever it is someone like you does. I can’t imagine it being anything too fun or exciting.”
Uncrossing his legs, he takes a deep breath and his jaw twitches. I’m ready for the day he will break. Eventually they all do, which is why I have yet to make anyone partner. I have to give it to him; he has more patience than anyone I’ve ever met and I often wonder where else this patience of his gets practiced. Pressing his hands on the armrests of the chair, he stands up, nodding. His brown eyes are intoxicating and sometimes I get lost in them for way too long. “I guess I better get started then. Looks like I got a long day ahead of me which may not have many breaks, if any at all.”
“You can always take your break during the Christmas party like I’m sure everyone else will. I look forward to seeing you in the break room in a few hours for the Secret Santa thing Linda put together. I won’t be in there long, but I did promise Linda I would make an appearance. I brought a dip that I think everyone will love.”
My smile is wide and mocking and I know he doesn’t miss it when the corners of his lips begin to twitch. “Yes, Sir, I’ll see you then and I’m sure it’s great. I can’t cook, so no fancy dips or dishes from me.”
The door shuts loudly behind him when he exits my office. I pick up my phone and send a text message to a guy I’ve been hooking up with in another department.
Me: I got you a little something, it’s in my desk drawer. I’ll have my secretary deliver it to you during lunch time.
Michael: I can’t wait.
Was it weird that I’m fucking a guy with the same name as one of my main architects? Probably, but sometimes when I’m spanking Michael from downstairs, I like to close my eyes and imagine I’m punishing the guy who is soon to become my business partner. The one who always tests my patience with his snarky personality, rolling of his eyes, and the mocking way he says “Yes, Sir.” There are times I want to pull the belt from my loops and tell him to bend over my desk for me. I bet that will change his tone really quick. Maybe then he will stop questioning his workload or when I should give him days off. A knock comes at my door, taking me out of my thoughts. “Come in.”
Linda smiles, walking into my office with slow movements. “Good morning, Mr. Masters. You wanted me to deliver something for you?”
I nod, grabbing two presents from my desk drawer. “Yes, I have my Secret Santa gift and one I need you to run downstairs to a friend in another department. Now this is very important, this red present goes under the tree in the front and this striped one goes downstairs to my friend. I wrote down exactly where to take it on this sticky note.”
She nods, grabbing both gifts from my hand, her red lipstick stretching from ear to ear. “Of course, Sir, it won’t be a problem.”
Before she can fully turn around, I shout, “Don’t forget, the one with the stripes goes downstairs. I need to make sure these two gifts don’t get mixed up.”
“Of course not, Sir, I’ll make sure they both go to the right places.” She pushes her glasses up her face, cupping both presents under one arm. I sigh, slipping back into my office chair as soon as she walks out the door, closing it gently behind her. I stare at the calendar on my desk that says, holiday Christmas party today, don’t forget.
Oh, how much I wish I could just block out this whole month altogether.
Chapter Two
Michael
The laughing and loud talking stops when everyone leaves the break room. I close my eyes taking in the silence, enjoying it while it lasts. Everyone came in here to talk about the Christmas party today. I purposely took an early lunch to avoid the potluck happening in an hour. All I wanted to do was eat in peace. Instead my whole lunch break has been interrupted with, “What do you think, Michael?” No one usually cares what I think so I’m not sure why they do now. I was the guy people usually ignored, but not lately. I got promoted to one of the top architects for the company after helping close a large deal and all of a sudden I am Mister Popular. The silence ends and so do the thoughts in my head when the door opens. Gray walks in, running his hand down the front of his suit as he walks to the fridge. The guy even looks gorgeous just grabbing his lunch. “Hey there, Mikey. How’s the current project coming along? I’m excited to see the ideas you came up with after last week’s meeting.”
I hate when he calls me Mikey, it makes my jaw clench and my teeth grind every time. Only one person was allowed to call me that and I wasn’t sure I would ever see him again. Instead of correcting him the way I always do, I swallow the last chip I have in my mouth and smile. “It’s coming along very well. I think you will like what I’ve come up with.”
He nods. “Great. I sure hope you have a backup plan just in case. Remember, Mikey, serious architects always have a backup plan.”
This smug asshole knows exactly how to grind my gears. I don’t give him the satisfaction and decide to keep my true thoughts to myself. Yelling at him isn’t going to bring me any closer to making partner and I didn’t come all this way to take a step back. “Yes, of course Sir. I’m always prepared.”
He stands there with his hand on the fridge door just smiling at me with his stark blue eyes piercing mine. “Good. Why are you all alone anyway? Where’s that one friend who you always seem attached to? Little miss gossip queen.”
“Rachel? She had to go home and take care of something during her break. It’s not like having lunch alone is something people never do.”
“I never do. I always have the best company. People like me usually do. You should pay attention more; you may learn something.”
“I have better things to do other than watching who people go to lunch with.”
“Sounds like someone’s a bit sore that it’s not with him.”
I resist rolling my eyes. “Oh yeah, that’s exactly it.” With a crunch, I pop another vinegar chip in my mouth and he glances at the bag cringing. “How can you even eat those?”
Grabbing another handful of chips, I shove them in my mouth, chewing loudly and talking around my food, “Like this.”
He scrunches up his face in distaste, opening t
he fridge to grab a bottle of water. “Whatever, at least wait until I leave to be disgusting.”
I mimic his words with chips falling down my face, but he is too busy staring down at his phone to notice me. Someone has him smiling and I hate how beautiful he is with his mouth stretched wide, highlighting his perfect cheekbones. He laughs around his water bottle, moving his fingers against his keypad. His laughter stops when the break room door opens and another one of our coworkers, Tate, steps in. “Hey there, boss man. I left a very important file on your desk just now.” He walks past me, not even acknowledging my existence.
“Is that right? Was it a big one?”
He walks up to Gray, running his finger over his tie. “So big that we should go over it together.”
They have to be kidding me right now. Can’t they do that somewhere in private. The new architects always come in acting like flirting with Gray will ever get them anywhere. Even if it does get them in his bed, it will never get them anywhere else. Gray may be the scum of the earth, but he values the company too much to hire the wrong person who could run it into the ground.
It doesn’t matter how well they can suck dick. If they don’t have the skill he is looking for, all they are doing is wasting their time sucking up to him. I was the perfect example. I didn’t get where I am today by being Gray’s friend or being a piece of eye candy for him to gawk at all day. I wasn’t a bad looking guy, but I wasn’t someone who turned heads either.
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