by Kylie Parker
“And why would I want to do that?” Bruce smirked.
“Because it’s the only way for you to keep seeing my daughter.” Howard replied, taking a step closer to him. “I get 20% of what’s in those trucks, Sanders makes an important addition to his crew, you make some serious cash and you get the girl. It’s a sweet deal, isn’t it? Not to mention I’ll be needing your help in the future. By the way, the only reason I wanted your friend to attend our meeting is that I needed him to hear this, too. Joe said he’s not very smart, but you kids go way back. He’s very dear to you. If you don’t help Sanders out, I’ll kill you both. Simple as that.”
“Oh, shit…” Matt whispered in a shaking voice. Bruce could not believe his ears. He stared at Howard in disbelief, unable to force another word out of his throat. He was in an even more difficult position, but now, his options were limited. Not only did the “Blazing Sons” tolerate Howard, but they were actually his partners in crime. Most likely, his former “brothers” would turn against him, should he refuse to assist them. Bruce believed that he had no other choice, but to say “yes”. Still, should he do such thing, Melissa would definitely be mad at him and possibly even break up with him. Just when he was about to verbalize though, Howard added:
“You got twelve hours to decide. You’re free to go.”
He did not risk another glance at Melissa’s father. Bruce slowly turned around, as Howard’s goon stepped aside. He climbed up the stairs with heavy heart, breathing in sighs. In less than 48 hours, Bruce had to discuss something very important with Melissa again. This time though, even a steamy night in bed would not make him feel better. He walked back to their table, but there was no way that he would stay in that restaurant anymore. Bruce stopped behind Melissa’s chair and leaned towards her.
“Meet me in the parking lot.” He whispered in her ear, before passing her by. Melissa did not have the time to ask him why. Feeling the adrenaline rushing through his veins, he turned left and exited the restaurant, as she followed him. The open-air parking lot was a few feet down the road. Bruce was so tense that he did not even look back, as he made his way towards it. He stepped into it and stopped between two, dark sedans, running his hand through his hair, as the noise of the busy road filled his ears.
“It was my father, wasn’t it?” Melissa asked, joining him.
“Who else?” Bruce spoke in a frustrated tone.
“What did he want?”
“I’m sorry, Melissa.” He sighed. “It looks like your father and my MC are in bed together. He wants me to rejoin them; rob those trucks. He’ll kill me and Matt, if I don’t.”
Shocked to her core, she covered her mouth with her hand, as he kept shaking his head sideways. Bruce was still unable to wrap his head around Howard’s offer. However, knowing that secrets would destroy their relationship, he decided to share everything with her. Eventually, Melissa would discover that he was back in the motorcycle club. He could not keep this a secret from her.
“Oh, my God.” She whispered in despair. “What are you going to do?”
“He gave me twelve hours to decide.” He continued. “What the hell am I supposed to do? What can I do? I could get killed doing this. Even if everything went well, I would…” He faltered. “Lose you. I don’t want the life, baby. I just want to be with you.”
Tears welled up in her eyes, as her lips trembled. Sensing that her emotional outburst was imminent, Bruce opened his arms. She collapsed into his embrace, bursting into loud tears, as she put her head on his chest and her arms around his waist. Wrapping his arms around her back, he held her tight, before kissing her on the top of her head. Her body shook, as sadness poured from her. Her tears quickly soaked his shirt.
“I’m so sorry, baby.” She sniffled. “I’ve brought this upon you.”
“You didn’t do anything.” He whispered.
“Yeah, I did.” Melissa insisted, leaning back. “None of this would have happened, if you hadn’t met me.”
“We can’t turn back time.” He said with a bitter smile. “And I’m glad I met you.”
“You should go.” She suggested. “Leave Vegas and never come back.”
“What did you just say?” Bruce squinted at her.
“It’s the only way.” Melissa said, as another tear rolled down her left cheek. “You’ll be safe in Boston.”
“We don’t know that.” He grumbled.
“Please, Bruce!” She begged. “I just need to know that you’re safe. I know my father. He won’t come after you. He’s never gone after anyone outside Nevada.”
“What about us?” Bruce’s voice broke, as he blinked back tears. Melissa shut her eyes, squeezing two tears out of them. With bated breath, he waited for her to open her mouth, already knowing the answer to his question. She removed her hands from his midsection and put them on his face. Bruce closed his eyes, biting his lower lip, savoring her touch.
“Remember me, baby. Remember us.” She spoke in a thick voice, as more tears spilled from her eyes. Her words broke his heart, shattering the world that they had built together in just a few days. Bruce bent his head a little and pressed his forehead against hers, tightening his grip on her back, as if he was trying to hold on to a dream that had gone up in flames.
“Always.” He whispered. Unable to fight back the tears, he sensed the salty river flowing freely from his eyes. Melissa kept stroking and caressing his cheeks. It wasn’t long before her sniffles turned into sobs. Her shaking hands were getting colder by the second. Bruce closed his trembling lips. He kissed her on her forehead, as a tear rolled off his right cheek.
“Kiss me.” Another soft, tender whisper escaped her. He slid his hands up her back, laying one more kiss on the bridge of her small nose. Their mouths joined in a soft, bitter kiss. She ran her fingers through his hair, as he caressed her upper back. Feeling her soaked lips on his own, he held her even tighter. Their kiss goodbye did not last long. Once again, Melissa collapsed in his arms, grabbing fistfuls of his hair.
“Bruce…” She sniffled.
“Don’t say it.” He whispered.
“God, I wish I didn’t have to.” One more, deep, heavy sigh left her lip, as she slid her hands down his face. Melissa stroked either side of his neck, before stopping them on his shoulders. She gently pushed him back and looked up at him. Her puffy, reddened eyes tore him into a million pieces.
“Goodbye, baby.” Melissa whispered, as even more tears streamed down her cheeks. Bruce was too overwhelmed by emotion to even consider a reply. He just stared at her beautiful eyes, taking mental pictures of the woman that he would remember for the rest of his life. A cold sensation overflowed within him, as she loosened her grip on his shoulders. He dropped his arms, as if he had no more strength in his muscles to keep them up. Melissa eased her own arms down. She took one step back, squeezing her trembling lips, gazing into his teary eyes. Bruce could only watch, as she slowly turned around, deep down knowing that he would bear the scars of this moment for as long as he lived. The cold settled in his limbs and his heart, as she began to walk away from him.
“Always, my girl. I’ll always remember you and everything we had. It wasn’t much, but it was the best time of my life. Who knows? Maybe someday we’ll meet again…”
End of Sneak Peek
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BONUS SNEAK PEEK: Chasing Bad Boys Book 5
Chapter One
Selena wanted to flee but she couldn’t. She had to do this interview or lose her job. It was absurd really because she always covered court news, which was easy because she didn’t have to talk to anyone, only report what happened. Interviewing the highly controversial and public CEO of Striva Industries was on the opposite end of the spectrum. Selena was out of her element, and she knew it. Not only was Lawrence Striva the CEO of one of the richest corporations in the world but he was also gorgeous. It made no sense that of anyone at the publication; they would send the intern with
the least experience. Just the thought of him made her tingle and Selena did not know how she was going to interview him without drooling.
Waiting in the spacious glass waiting room was not helping her relax. Especially since every move she made was monitored by the severe receptionist who would then clear her throat and sigh.
“Lawrence will see you now.” The receptionist said finally gesturing towards a large oak door.
When Selena entered, the room was empty. It was dark and heavy in stark contrast to the bright, reflective room she had left. Her eyes had to adjust, and she stood still and closed them. A rich woody smell permeated the place. Selena gasped when a hand touched her arm and guided her downwards.
“Please sit here a moment before we get started.” His voice was like warm chocolate. “You are so tense; perhaps we keep it dark to help us relax.”
He stepped in front of her and was even more amazing in real life. As her eyes adjusted to the light, she looked at him and stammered hello. She sat down across from him, and he leaned back behind his desk. Fortunately, she had a list of initial questions to ask and made it through the interview without fainting. She was shaking, though, and when he motioned for her to get up, she didn’t move.
“Well, we have to go, our ride leaves in 15 minutes.” Lawrence said.
Selena looked at him confused. “Go where?”
“There is a meeting tonight to discuss the merger, then tomorrow a tour of the new facilities; you might as well stay as a guest at the Striva estates as it will be easier for us to get to know each other.” He said as they walked together.
“Overnight, wait I have to check with my editor. He never said…” Selena was caught off guard. She had been expecting to take the train home that night and had not packed or planned for an overnight trip. Her editor, Edwards, was meticulous and would not have forgotten a detail this big, so what was this about, she wondered.
“Edwards assured me this would be fine. Is there a problem?” He asked looking irritated.
“No, sorry, I will shoot him a message to confirm. Let’s go.” Selena said as she followed Lawrence out to a waiting helicopter. She had never ridden in a helicopter and was nervous. Lawrence could see she was shaking and grabbed her arm, guiding her into her seat. She looked like she wanted to flee.
“Take deep breaths and hold on to me. It can be a little unnerving if you’ve never done it but after you get used to it, it is exhilarating.” Lawrence looked at her. His dark eyes probed her, and she gave him a small smile.
“Thanks.” Was all she could muster. Up close he was so domineering, masculine and muscular. She kept her eyes locked on him as the helicopter flew away. The butterflies in her stomach were growing not only because of the flight but because of his presence.
Throughout the flight, and between the landmarks Lawrence was pointing out, he described the benefits of the merger in his smooth voice. All the while he kept a hand on her arm. Selena couldn’t believe she was riding in a helicopter with Lawrence Striva and had to keep shaking herself to make sure it was true. She tried to ask intelligent questions but felt totally out of her league especially considering she had no lead time to research this story. Her mind went back to the previous day when she had been called to cover the story for their usual reporter. Many others wanted an opportunity to do the story because it was so controversial and Striva was so powerful. Even Selena had requested that someone else might be better suited. But Edwards had insisted, and Selena had spent one night and one train ride scouring the file and trying to play catch up in regards to the story. And now she was headed to a dinner party and an overnight stay at one of the richest men in the world’s house. Shit. She had no clothes, what was she going to wear to a dinner party.
“You look concerned about something,” Lawrence said looking at her with widening eyes.
“I didn’t bring a change of clothes or anything…” Selena stammered feeling silly and small.
“No worries. I will find something suitable for you to wear. You are a size 4 is that right.” He asked.
Shocked by the wording of the question and a little embarrassed he guessed her size she only nodded and looked at him. She hoped he could not tell how inexperienced she was. This was her first big interview and could make or break her career. Now, if only she had time to plan. Hopefully, she could get access to a computer or at least have some time to make notes. This man worked fast, and he was so hard to keep up with.
Chapter Two
As soon as the helicopter touched down, Lawrence was out the door walking down the stairs. Selena followed running to keep up. She chased him down multiple hallways and stairways and had no idea where she was or where she would end up. Finally, she found him waiting for her at a thick wooden door.
“Go on in there. Make yourself comfortable and I will be back in a while.”
Selena smiled at him as he left then took the time to call her editor and complain. Unfortunately, he seemed angry at her. Apparently, the only way Scriva would give them the story was if she came. It was a last minute change to have it be an overnight stay and Edwards was livid that she had not been properly briefed and might miss an opportunity for a great story. There was some controversy with this new merger, and he felt they needed a seasoned journalist, not an intern.
“You better not screw this up.” He hissed into the phone before hanging up.
Well so much for the support. Selena was on her own and under a lot of pressure. The odds were stacked against her, and the file she had was missing key information. Frustrated tears ran down her hot cheeks. This was ridiculous. Selena slumped back on the bed and lay sprawled out trying to muster to courage needed to continue this charade. She got back up and walked around the room noticing the pictures, awards, and books out for her perusal. Looks like she could do some research right here. She opened a book and a picture of Lawrence, in a tight swimsuit on what looked like a yacht fell out. Selena stared at it, admiring the body of the gorgeous CEO. His perfectly chiseled brown chest glistened with water in the picture, and his swim shorts were just tight enough to hint at an impressive package.
Letting herself relax, Selena remembered a few years ago with her boyfriend (she had only ever had one boyfriend, and she had been alone since he broke up with her three months ago). He thought she was too freaky in the bedroom, so he had eventually left. Sitting here she remembered role playing with him so she could spice things up. She had encouraged him to be more playful and one time got him to agree to some roleplay. He had pretended to be a rich billionaire, and Selena was the innocent journalist sent to interview him. In their play, her boyfriend had not been commanding enough to make it work. This situation was a funny comparison. And Lawrence, Selena guessed would not have to pretend any of it. Thinking about his dark, sleek hair and personality to match made Selena excited. She wanted to touch herself while thinking about him and let her hand creep slowly under her clothes. She breathed in deeply as a voice boomed from a speaker overhead.
“Selena I trust you are making yourself comfortable. Please choose a dress from the closet and be ready in 15 min.” The thick accent was hard to place, and Selena looked around to see if there was a way to communicate.
“Can you hear me?” She asked.
“If you need to communicate press the intercom button beside the door. It is the only way someone can hear you.” The voice lied.
Finding the button, Selena pressed it and tentatively said, “Thank you, but can you tell me what is appropriate attire?”
“Yes, anything in that closet will do fine. Will there be anything else?”
“No, thank you,” Selena said, and she walked over to the closet. Opening it, she found a huge array of evening gowns. After trying on a few, Selena settled for a shiny black dress with a long slit up one side. Looking herself over in the mirror was like looking at a different version of herself.
The knock came a few minutes early, and Selena opened the door to see Lawrence in a tuxedo. He looked at her apprec
iatively and then took her arm and guided her down the hall. Into a conference room, she went and sat down in the chair Lawrence directed her to. This was apparently a pre-supper meeting, and Selena sat and listened to almost the same spiel regarding the merger and who it would benefit. One name was mentioned, Ziti, and it triggered a memory or a niggling idea to look into that Selena just couldn’t place. At the end of the meeting, Lawrence came up to her and once again grabbed her by the arm and guided her away. This time, he brought her to a quiet balcony where wine and glasses waited. He handed her a glass, his hand lingering on hers as she took it.
“You are very poised for someone so young.” He said as he let his hand drop to her waist.
Blushing and looking away Selena smiled and said: “Then I am good at hiding it.”
“You don’t give yourself enough credit. You know what you want so don’t be afraid to go get it.” Lawrence stared at him, his eyes half covered by long strands of black hair.
“I should be taking notes,” Selena said. “Or asking the questions.”
“Ask me anything.” Lawrence challenged her, leaning in a little closer.
Biting her bottom lip, Selena thought for a moment. She did not have a creative question about the merger but more thought about Lawrence personal life though he might not be keen to answer.
“How many people do you share this house with?” It may not be her most clever question but with his eyes on her, she couldn’t concentrate.
“Depends on how long you stay.” He said in a light voice putting a hand to her cheek. She didn’t move. This was supposed to be all business, yet Selena’s mind kept wandering, and she could not help it. Fortunately, they were interrupted when someone came and told them supper was ready.
A formal meal, Selena sat between Lawrence and some of the other Scriva executives. She smiled and watched with wonder how the other half lived. She was thankful to have recorded it all. The wine was making her hazy, and she was sure it was Lawrence’s leg pressing into her. The executives scrambled to share their version of the story with her, and she nodded at their requests. Finally, after five hours they had a full course dinner and Lawrence walked Selena back to her room.