Bitter Truths: A Twisted Arranged Marriage Romance (Crimson Falls Duet Book 2)

by Dani René

  “But Lycan, we were good together.” Her pleas fall on deaf ears. “Are you doing this because of that little girl?” she spits, and even though I’m tempted to grip her throat and throw her out of my club, I wait for it. And the payoff doesn’t come too much later when my drink is set on the table.

  “That little girl is his wife,” Scarlett hisses, her voice poison, her gaze venom as she pins it on Yasmine. “And like my husband told you, whatever you think you had with him…” My little red leans in, getting in Yasmine’s face before she hammers the final nail. “Is over.”

  I can’t deny, my dick is hard, and I’m tempted to bend my wife over this table and fuck her in front of every man and woman in this club, but for now, I pick up my crystal tumbler, and sip my drink.

  It doesn’t take long for Yasmine to push to her feet, offering me one last glance, she spins on her heels and storms out of my club. I’m convinced it will be the last time we see her. And I’m more than happy about that.

  My wife slides into my lap and giggles the moment she feels my cock hard against my zipper. “Did me baring my teeth turn you on?” she quizzes me, a sly grin on her face as her hand teases me under the table.

  She elicits a groan from deep in my chest, and my palm itches to spank her hard. But for now, I allow her to play. Because the moment I get her in the VIP room, she’s going to pay for it.

  Scarlett

  Six months later

  The evening has settled with a chilly wind which sweeps along the paved driveway of our home in Crimson Falls. This is my home now. My forever. I chose to stay here instead of New York because for now, I want our twins to be born in a place where I found happiness, love, and the man who’s coming home to me from a few days away.

  My gaze tracks the man I love as he makes his way from the sleek, custom-built, charcoal Jaguar F-type SUV toward me on the threshold of our home. Dressed in a jet-black suit, matching tie, and a crisp white shirt that looks like he’s just shrugged it on, he looks ever the man who runs the world.

  His dark hair is longer now, and it’s currently styled messily atop his head, which has my fingers tingling to run through the strands to feel the silkiness. His stubble is longer, darker, making him seem even more dangerous than he usually does.

  The rain has abated for the moment, but there’s a slight trickle of drizzle which falls on him, making him shimmer, as if he’s stalking toward me through the mist. A small smile captures his mouth, tilting the corners up, and my stomach tumbles. It could be the twins growing inside me, or it could just me Lycan Shaw’s effect on me. Who knows?

  When he finally reaches me, he pulls me into his arms, and I fit snugly against him because my stomach is huge. He doesn’t say anything, he merely cups my face, and his mouth steals mine in a soft, gentle kiss. There are times he’s like a rabid animal, and at others, he’s a man needing love.

  When he finally breaks the kiss, I’m breathless, my lips wet, and I’m sure my eyes are glazed. I’m needy. Being pregnant has left me turned on more often than not. My husband doesn’t mind and takes full advantage.

  “I missed you,” he murmurs against my mouth, and I capture his lips in another soft kiss before pulling away.

  “I’ve made dinner.” Lacing my fingers with his, I tug him inside. I’ve set up a special dinner tonight because I have news for him. He’s been helping me to set up a business. At first, I didn’t know how I’d work because I would soon be a mother, but now, with my home office set up, I’ll be able to work remotely, and if I need to get into the city, I could go for the day, and we’ll have a nanny stay for the time I’m away.

  I’ve already hired Aelin to work for me. She’ll be my eyes and ears while I’m here, and she was more than willing to travel out to Crimson Falls when I needed her. Knowing I’m going to be a mom, she’s excited to finally be a make-shift aunt. We’re not blood, but I learned that family isn’t always those you’re born with, it’s those you choose.

  When we reach the dining room, Lycan stops, staring at the elegant place settings, the wine — non-alcoholic for me — and even the candles. I stop at the head of the table, and gesture for my husband to sit, he does so only after regarding me with narrowed eyes.

  “What is going on here? What are we celebrating?” he asks as I settle in beside him.

  I pick up my glass and hold it there. “I’ve finalized the details for my media start-up,” I tell him. “And I’ve spoken to Aelin, she’s willing to do the running around for the first year or two. I will, if I need to, take the twins with me, but she said she’s more than capable of helping me every step of the way.”

  His smile brightens the darkness that’s always on his face. There’s something handsome about it, about the danger he exudes. And it has me needy for him twenty-four seven. But the way he’s looking at me right now has my stomach tumbling.

  “I’m proud of you,” he tells me, his voice gentle, deep and commanding. “You’ve grown a lot since the moment we met. You’ve become more yourself than you were then. Stronger, feistier,” he says, a smile tilting his lips seductively. “And I’ve gotten you a gift, to show you just how proud I am of you.”

  Lycan reaches into his pocket. His eyes locked on mine, holding me hostage as he hands me a set of keys. There’s a little heart-shaped locket on it, and attached to the silver keyring, is a card which shimmers under the candlelight.

  On the front is my name, Scarlett Shaw, with my job title below, CEO – S. Shaw Media. The lettering done in gold, against the black background of the card makes the wording pop. Running along the bottom of the business card is my cell phone number, along with an email address and website.

  “This…” Words fail me as I try to fathom what he’s done. “Where do the keys go?” I flick my gaze between my husband and the gift in my hand.

  “They’re offices in the Shaw building in New York, top floor beside mine.” There’s a hint of satisfaction on his handsome face. One that makes every inch of my body burn with the need to kiss him, to climb into his lap and forget about dinner.

  “You got me offices even though I won’t be there?”

  “We’ll visit before you give birth, and the twins will be able to travel afterward, so there’s no need for you not to go to the office.” He takes my hand in his. “I wanted you to have the career you always dreamed of, but I couldn’t have you too far from me, so you’ll have to live with working next door to your husband.” He winks, and my heart catapults wildly in my chest.

  This man.

  “I think I can deal with that,” I tease, but I’m already moving, sliding into his lap, into his arms, and my lips find his easily as I enjoy the softness of his mouth against mine. This is my life, my future, and I doubt I could be happier. “Oh!”

  Lycan’s eyes widen in fear and shock when I cry out, but it’s only a kick against my stomach. Taking his hand, I place it on my swollen belly, allowing him to feel the movement which has pride shining in those perfectly gentle green eyes.

  The eyes I fell in love with. And the eyes I want to look into every day for the rest of my life. “Am I dreaming?” I ask, laying my head on his shoulder.

  “No. This is the fairy tale you’ve been dreaming of all your life, little red,” he taunts, pressing soft kisses to my cheeks, mouth, ear. He even tugs at my long hair as I nestle into his warmth.

  “Mmm, I don’t think Red Riding Hood actually marries the wolf,” I tell him, as I recall the ending of the story.

  “Well, don’t you think it’s time to rewrite the story?” Lycan whispers along my cheek. His lips grasp my ear, and he bites down hard on the sensitive lobe, sending heat coursing through my body, pooling between my thighs.

  “I think that sounds like a good idea, Mr. Shaw,” I tell him, turning to look at the man I love. “Now, you better eat your dinner before it gets cold.” I move to shift from his lap, but he holds me tighter. His arms a vise around my waist.

  “How about I get dessert first?” he taunts in a low growl. �
��The wolf always gets what he wants, and right now, he’s fucking starving, for his pretty little red.” He doesn’t wait for my answer before he lifts me onto the table, the place setting clattering against the smooth wooden surface.

  I don’t have time to think as his hands explore my thighs, my yoga leggings are tight against me, and the heat coming from my pussy has him growling when his fingers taunt me through the thin, flimsy material.

  “My little red is all wet, soaking her panties for me,” Lycan murmurs as he looks up at me through dark lashes, a predator ready to devour his prey. I’m about to respond when his hands grip the material, and rip the gusset, opening me to his fiery stare. He shoves my panties to the side, and his mouth latches onto my clit, sending me reeling as I lean back on my elbows, watching him lick and lave at my entrance.

  His tongue dances along my slit, flicking my hardened nub as he teases me into submission. My legs tremble when he inserts two fingers inside me, and he taunts my opening, sliding in and out slowly. He doesn’t touch my G spot, merely teases until I’m a trembling, soaking mess. My arousal drips from my body, his fingers coated with it, the slickness allowing him to slip a third finger in and I’m lost to the pleasure.

  I cry out when his free hand slaps my mound. The trickle of pained pleasure sends me to the edge. I’m so close, so needy for my orgasm, I can’t think straight. He swats my pussy again, and again, until I’m flying over the edge in a screaming cry, calling his name.

  My whole body shaking as I open my eyes to find him smiling at me, his mouth wet with my juices, his tongue darting out to lick at his lips. “Now that’s what I call a delicious fucking meal.”

  Lycan

  Four years later

  Giggles and my wife’s sweet voice filter through my office window as they play out in the garden. The twins are going to be three, and with them racing around the property already, we’ve had a fence built around the edge of the property line to ensure they don’t venture into the woods. But Scarlett knows there’s a small gate just waiting for us to escape through if we want to play out there.

  While watching them, I think back to how this all started, how it almost all ended, and what it’s like now. I didn’t expect her to take a hold of me and never let go. When we met, she seemed too young, but when she opened her mouth that night, I was blown away by just how grown up she truly was.

  Having her under my roof changed things. For both of us. I’m not sure it would’ve been the same had I agreed to allow her to live with her parents until we wed. But I’m glad I stepped up the moment I heard about her father’s deal. The bastard would’ve given her to a vile piece of shit who would’ve truly hurt her.

  I asked Darius to keep an eye on Miles, even though he’s no longer a threat, I always like to know where my enemies are. Darius has The Kovenant MC keeping close tabs on him, watching his every move. He’s turned into a hermit they tell me.

  My thoughts flit back to the conversation I had with my brother.

  Setting the tumbler on the table, I focus on Darius. I’ve put this conversation off long enough, but now that we’re alone, he needs to come clean. I have to know why my brother shot me just to take Scarlett.

  “To new beginnings. And making sure history doesn’t repeat itself,” I lift my drink, watching as my brother clinks his glass with mine.

  “Jealousy was always something I’d struggled with. Even as the older brother, it always felt like dad favored you. I mean, you were the one set to take over Shaw Industries, so I got that, but my gut didn’t. Those feelings don’t just disappear when you tell them to.”

  “So, you shot me?” I arch a brow in question, knowing that’s not the reason. There has to be more. “I mean, if you wanted money, you didn’t have to kill me and take my wife.”

  Perhaps I’m toying with the hunter here, but I need to know.

  Darius’s gaze lifts to mine and he shakes his head. “I’ve lived my life in awe of you, Lycan. How much control you had wasn’t because you were born that way, you learned it. When I saw you moving on without me, learning that I may actually not be your brother, it led to anger. You know I’m one to shoot first, ask questions later,” he tells me, honesty lacing his words. I can see the pain he holds, even under all the layers of violence and cockiness, he’s still the broken teenager who wants what his brother had—Dad’s attention.

  “To be honest,” I start, “having father’s attention wasn’t something I wanted. Yes, I am business minded, but only because he made me that way.”

  “But you always did everything with him, while they left me to fend for myself.”

  “We were hardly poor,” I throw back, annoyance taking hold of me.

  Darius sighs. “I know. I mean… He never once looked at me as if I was his. At least it never felt that way, and I wondered if he hated me because I wasn’t Grace’s.” He sips the alcohol, and I don’t take my eyes off him. I can’t imagine what it would feel like not knowing who you are.

  “So, why my wedding day?”

  “I wanted to take everything from you, I felt as if everything was taken from me.”

  “So, you wanted me to suffer like you did,” I say with an understanding nod. I get it. I do. Lifting my glass, I tip it toward him. “This is our fresh start.”

  “You’re not going to shoot me?” This time, he arches a brow at me, and I chuckle. “I mean, I can take it if you want to.”

  “Oh, I know you can. But you see, where you’re the impulsive one, I’m the level-headed one. This is why we work so well together when we’re on the same page.”

  He shrugs. “I guess so.” This time, he smiles. “I won’t stay in Crimson Falls,” he informs me, but I knew this. He’s not cut out to live in a small town. My brother loves the city, and that’s where he belongs. Hell, sometimes I wonder if I should stay in New York. But then I remember Scarlett, she should be the one to choose where we end up.

  Perhaps, once she’s opened her business, she’ll choose the Big Apple instead of Crimson Falls. I’ll do anything for her. And she knows it. I smile at my brother, happy to finally have some semblance of a family. It’s been a long time coming. Far too long.

  “To the Shaws,” Darius says, and we clink our glasses to that. Scarlett and our children will bear the Shaw name, and maybe one day when they’re older, my wife can tell them about the Bardots. But until then, we’ll make sure it’s nothing more than a distant memory.

  I never believed in fairy tales and true love. It was a myth I was happy to allow to pass me by. My life had been filled with work, with scenes at Heaven which if I even try to recall now, don’t even come close to what I’ve found — happiness.

  There were days I thought about myself as a father and almost laughed it off. I couldn’t do it. I glance out the window to find the kids settled on a blanket while Scarlett pours them some juice. And I smile. At least, I thought I couldn’t be a dad.

  I watch them for a long while, and when I finally rise from my desk, I realize I’m smiling. I do that a lot lately. At first, Scarlett pointed it out, telling me that something had changed in me. Granted, I am still the bastard she loves, but with Kadence and Kailee running around, I’ve softened. Not entirely, because I still put Scarlett through her paces, and she enjoys every moment of my domineering self. But there are times she’ll smile wistfully at me.

  She glances up to the window where I’m now standing and gives me a wave. The kids follow suit, excitedly jumping up and down on the grass as they wave both hands in the air. I respond with one of my own, and the shrieks of giggles that filter toward me have me chuckling.

  My perfect family.

  We do have to get ready though because Darius is on his way, and both girls will be excited to see their uncle. I think it’s the leather cut and rumbling of the motorcycle that always has them squealing.

  He’s also softened. His usually grim features will relax when he sees them, and he’ll give them a smile I haven’t seen on my brother before. At least, not for a lo
ng time. Not since we were kids. It’s good to see him change before my very eyes. The man he became is less of a violent rogue, and more like a family man. My thoughts flick to his love life, and I wonder if he’ll ever find someone who will lock him down and give him a family of his own.

  He’s great with Kadence and Kailee, so I believe he’ll be a great father. He just needs to realize there is more to life than killing and revenge. I suppose, running a motorcycle club has its responsibilities, and he has to portray a certain persona. But there comes a time in everyone’s life where they have to change. Where they have to really think about what’s important.

  I turn and make my way down the hall toward the back door, which leads me out into the sunshine. The garden looks magnificent with the flowers blooming, the grass is a stunning, bright green. With summer being here, we’ve spent a lot of time outdoors. Scarlett’s company is doing well and watching her grow into a businesswoman fills me with pride.

  “Are my beautiful princesses behaving?” I question, as I close the distance between us.

  “Yes, dad!” They both answer at the same time, giggles filtering to me, and I chuckle. They race up to me, and I quickly scoop them up in my arms. Scarlett pushes to her feet, coming toward me to kiss me, and we get a chorus of ewww from the girls.

  This is the life.

  This is happiness.

  This is our happily ever after.

  Looking for more?

  Keep reading for a sneak peek into another fairy tale retelling I loved working on!

  While She Sleeps

  Prologue

  Vera

  He is the first person who sees the real me.