by Amiee Louise
He swallows a few times before he speaks.
“Angel, I…”
We are interrupted by a soft rap on the door. Sam opens the door and I hear Cole say.
“Can I have a word, Sam?”
Cole’s deep timbre fills the eerie silence.
“Anything you have to say, you can say it in front of Peyton,” Sam says hoarsely, and Cole enters the room, nodding curtly in my direction.
He is wearing a black suit, a black tank top and a shirt and tie underneath, with black shoes, a black flat cap, and a black pea coat. He pulls out a card and walks over to me. He hands me what looks like a business card, what is written on the card, causes a cold chill to run down my spine and settle in my gut as I feel the colour drain from my face.
Next time, bitch
X
“It came with a bunch of white lilies, which arrived about half an hour ago. We have to treat this as a serious threat.”
Cole folds his arms across his broad chest, and I can’t fight back the tears anymore as a sob escapes from my mouth. There was a time when I felt safe with Sam and nothing could hurt me while he’s around, but at this moment, I start to doubt whether I am truly safe. Before I know what, I’m saying, I blurt out.
“Please leave.”
A look passes between Sam and Cole.
“You don’t mean that, angel.”
Sam’s voice is laced with hurt, and Cole tries to placate him.
“Come on, Sam, don’t fight her on this one. I’ll drive you home, mate.”
Sam steps forward.
“This isn’t fucking finished, angel.”
With those words, he turns around and leaves. I don’t doubt that it is far from over, not by a long shot.
***
In the week that passes, security is doubled, and I now have another guy called Trey guarding me in addition to Kai. Trey is an ex MMA fighter, and he has long black hair pulled back into a ponytail. He has cafe au lait skin and is of Native American descent. He has broad shoulders, dark brown eyes, a goatee beard, and he looks menacing, but he is the nicest person I have ever met. I recovered from concussion after a few days of bed rest and TLC from Remy, who has become a welcome fixture to our lives again. It really is like old times and he has fitted back into our lives as easily as he did for all those months we stayed with him in Santa Monica.
Also, the week was filled with endless concern from my family, Ruby, Seb, Danny, and the boys. The endless phone calls and text messages from Sam remind me that I’m never far from his thoughts. I understand why he drove straight for that car. Sam is a fighter, but I don’t know if I can ever truly forgive him for putting both our lives in danger through sheer recklessness and stupidity. The messages of apology came thick and fast, but faded out by day three, after I told him in no uncertain terms that I needed some time to think.
After a busy few days back at work, Friday has rolled around, and tonight is Ruby and Jax’s engagement party. It is being held at Neon Nights, a regular haunt for the boys from the band and where a lot of their after-show parties are held. Ruby is staying at my place and it feels just like it did when we lived together. We are getting ready side by side in the mirror in my bedroom. The dulcet tones of Adam Levine singing about Lost Stars, is playing softly in the background as I’m applying my mascara and Ruby is putting the finishing touches to her ice blonde wig.
“Sam’s been walking around like a bear with a sore arse all week, when are you going to stop fucking about and forgive him, babe?” Ruby says nonchalantly, and I cock my eyebrow.
“Really, Rubes? He almost got us both killed, and you’re asking when I’m going to forgive him?”
She sighs.
“I have my happy ending, you deserve yours too, and Sam is clearly still in love with you.”
I roll my eyes. Ruby is the eternal romantic. I have a feeling tonight is going to be eventful.
Ruby has a penchant for everything dramatic, and somehow, she managed to talk Jax into making their engagement party themed. The theme is fairy tales and superheroes. Ruby is dressed as Elsa from Frozen, with an ice blonde wig in a fishtail plait and Jax is dressed as Thor. I’m dressed as a sexy Red Riding Hood, complete with a black and red corset, a full black and red net skirt, and black stockings with red bows at the top, black Christian Louboutin heels, a red cape, and hood. My hair is styled into a neat bob, I’m wearing my usual natural makeup, with heavy eye makeup, and striking red lipstick.
It doesn’t take us long to get to the exclusive venue, Neon Nights, which in the heart of the West End, near to Leicester Square. Jax, Ruby, and I arrive in a black limo. As we step out, we are immediately blinded by flashbulbs from the waiting paparazzi. Jax and Ruby walk hand in hand down the waiting red carpet, and I follow close behind them, my heart beating a frantic tattoo at the surreal feeling of being photographed.
It never gets easier, no matter how many times it happens.
We get to the clubs’ entrance and a doorman, who I don’t recognise, lets us through the velvet red rope with a curt nod. Everyone erupts into a round of applause as Ruby and Jax enter the room. He slings his arm around her protectively and kisses her gently on the forehead. She looks at him as though it’s just him and her in the room; they look so in love. As I watch them interacting with each other, they are swept up in greetings from the crowd.
The club is filled with familiar faces. I see Brody, who is dressed as Superman, and Lucas is dressed as Captain America, complete with his signature shield. There is Cole, who is dressed as Batman, his fiancée Amy is dressed as Cat Woman, and their little girl Addison is dressed as Cinderella. The rest of the people in attendance are all dressed as various superheroes and characters from fairy tales. My mum and dad were invited too, but my dad is in Milan on a high-profile aftershave ad campaign, so my mum offered to babysit Freddie to give me a break, which I am extremely grateful for.
The club is exactly as I remember it, the walls decorated with opulent black and aubergine wall-coverings. The main area of the club is open, with purple plush sofas all around the edges and the tables are black granite and chrome. The fully stocked black granite bar takes up the whole back of the venue. A waiter wearing a tuxedo is instantly at our sides, handing us flutes of champagne. I take one and that’s when I see him. Sam. He is dressed in a deep purple shirt, open at the collar, the sleeve of his shirt is rolled up to reveal his large bulging muscles and his heavily corded and tattooed arm. He has his other arm in a black sling. He is rocking a pair of black trousers, that make his arse look delicious, black Doc Martens, a black trilby hat and he finishes his Gambit from X Men outfit off with a black pinstripe waistcoat. He takes off his hat to reveal his hair, which is now cut short, but still long enough for him to spike and run his hands easily through. He looks exactly the way he did when we first met.
I feel his presence before I see him, the sparkle of his blazing green eyes, the dazzle of his brilliant smile, and the intensity of his eyes focused solely on me. I am instantly left breathless and reminded of the day we met. I can almost hear him rasp “Hey beautiful”. The way he looks at me is as if he wants to devour me whole. The way he holds himself, the flex of his muscles, the way he holds his bottle of beer, the crinkle of his eyes as he laughs at something someone in his group says. I know I am staring, but I can’t take my eyes off him.
“Quit staring and go talk to him, he misses you.”
My thoughts are interrupted by Sam’s sister, Willow. She stands in front of me and she looks the same as she did the last time I saw her. Her black hair still short on one side, long on the other side, and she is dressed as Wonder Woman. I smile warmly at the young woman who I became good friends with, during mine and Sam’s relationship. I’m glad she is dating Seb, they are good for each other.
“Did he tell you what happened?” I say with a hint of malice in my voice.
Willow nods and takes a sip of her drink.
“If it’s any consolation, he’s sorry. Some men are lover
s, some men are fighters, and Sam’s definitely a fighter. He would walk through hell for you, Peyton, don’t be so hard on him.”
My eyes choose that moment to lock with his, and he winks cheekily at me. I shyly look away, and Willow rolls her eyes.
“Come on, Peyton, you’re practically eye-fucking each other from across the room. I can literally feel the sexual tension between you.”
I drop my gaze and avoid looking her directly in the eye.
“He’s a mess without you,” she says softly, and I shake my head.
“He seems to be doing just fine without me, honey.”
She rolls her eyes dramatically.
“Oh please, you’re even more of a fucking fool than I first thought if you believe that crap.”
I look over to where Sam was standing, and he is gone.
“I thought my ears were burning, angel.”
His familiar is rasp so close to my ear that he startles me and causes goose bumps to break out across my skin. I look up into his eyes and shiver at his closeness. I inhale his intoxicating scent.
“I could feel your eyes on me from across the room, is it the suit? I always knew you couldn’t resist me in a suit.”
He smirks cockily. The look in his green eyes has me transfixed, and I can’t look away. Willow clears her throat and brushes my arm.
“I’ll leave you two to it,” she says smirking and winks as she walks away, leaving Sam and me alone.
My eyes roam over his muscular body, and he chuckles throatily
“I would be more than happy to stand here and let you eye fuck me all night, but we both know we’ve got unfinished business, angel.”
He takes a long sip of a glass of amber liquid, and his eyes shamelessly wander over my body.
“The unfinished business that almost got us both fucking killed?”
He winces at my icy tone but quickly recovers, cocking his pierced eyebrow.
“I thought you got off on the danger? I seem to remember you shamelessly touching yourself right before the crash.”
My face flushes with embarrassment as I recall the way he commanded me to touch myself in the passenger seat of the car.
“Hold that thought, angel, I’m sure I can arrange a repeat performance, minus psychopaths in Audi A3’s.”
He winks, and I scowl at him.
“How can you even joke about that? You’re fucking unbelievable, do you know that, Sam?”
I hiss as he throws his head back and laughs, putting his empty glass down on a nearby table.
“So, I’ve been told,” he says cockily, and I go to walk away from him.
He grabs my wrist and I feel the familiar spark of electricity as his skin makes contact with mine.
“Don’t fucking walk away from me, angel. I’m done waiting. I’ve apologised for what happened, and I’m sorry for keeping things from you, but you have to know that every single one of my actions was carried out because I’m trying to protect you and our son.”
We are interrupted by the instantly recognisable voice of Ruby’s mum. I turn around and she beams at me, throwing her arms enthusiastically around me.
“Peyton! Sweetie!” she says breathily.
Pearl Logan is the same as I remember her. She is an older, more sophisticated version of her daughter. Her waist length dark hair is twisted into an elegant chignon, her make-up is flawless, and her figure is to die for. At fifty-four, she looks like she could be a movie star; she has an understated elegance to her demeanour.
“You look fabulous, darling! Let me look at you!”
She pulls away from our embrace and holds me at arm’s length.
“You’re too thin, sweetie! Too thin, you need to start eating,” she states dramatically, and I smile softly.
“It’s been too long, Pearl, how are you?”
She nods.
“I’m good darling, how are you?”
I nod, and she turns her attention to Sam, watching our interaction intently.
“This must be the famous Sam, I’ve been dying to meet you.”
He steps forward and kisses the back of Pearl’s hand.
“The very same, often imitated, never duplicated. Pleasure to meet you.”
Cocky bastard.
I swear Pearl swoons on the spot, and I shake my head in exasperation.
“I’m Pearl, Ruby’s mum.”
He flashes his dimples, and Pearl giggles like a teenager.
“Ruby’s mum, no. You don’t look old enough, I would have said you were sisters!” Sam compliments, and Pearl giggles like a teenager.
“Oh, stop it! Peyton darling, in’t he handsome?” she gushes, and I roll my eyes.
I don’t how Ray puts up with her antics sometimes.
“Oh please! Don’t encourage him, Pearl, his ego is large enough.”
Sam throws his head back and laughs.
“Darling, that boy is sex on a stick and you’ve been keeping him hidden and all to yourself. Didn’t Sophia ever teach you how to share?” Pearl jokes, and I laugh.
Pearl Logan is incorrigible and a shameless flirt.
Sam leans in close, whispering in my ear.
“There’s that jealous streak again, angel. Keep it up, you’re only making me harder,” he rasps so only I can hear him, and I feel my cheeks flame at his seductive words.
Ruby’s dad chooses that moment to join us. Ray Logan reminds me of an older, more distinguished version of Remy. His dark hair is streaked with grey, and the russet brown of his eyes is identical to Remy’s. He is visibly thinner than the last time I saw him, and he is wearing a tuxedo. I’m assuming he is dressed as James Bond.
“Peyton, sweetheart, so good to see you,” ray says in his gruff East London accent and sweeps me up in a bear hug.
“Ray, it’s good to see you too, it’s been forever! I was just telling Pearl that I’ve missed you both.”
Ray kisses me on both cheeks and narrows his eyes in Sam’s direction.
“Ray Logan,” he says curtly, and Sam takes his outstretched hand.
Ray was always like a father to me and extremely protective of me and Ruby while we were growing up. Like my mum and dad, Pearl is the strong, dominant matriarch of the family, and Ray is the quiet, protective patriarch.
“Sam Newbolt, pleased to meet you, Ray. If you would excuse me, I have some business to attend to. It was nice to meet you both.”
He nods, winks at me, and strides off to the other side of the club. Pearl fans herself with her hand.
“Is it me, or is it hot in here? That boy is mad about you, darling.”
She chuckles, and Ray rolls his eyes. I shake my head exasperated as my phone vibrates. I take it out of my handbag and swipe the screen to open the message.
Car park
5 minutes
S xx
I finish my drink and put my phone away.
“I’m sorry, Pearl, Ray, but Ruby needs me. We’ll catch up soon, I promise. We can arrange a girly day at the spa, you, me, and Ruby.”
I kiss her on the cheek and go to walk away, but I collide with a hard-muscular chest. I look up into the amused russet eyes of Remy, and he wolf whistles.
“I must say, you’re looking very hot tonight, beaut.”
He winks as I take him in. He looks gorgeous and is dressed head to toe in leather as Guy of Gisborne from Robin Hood. He is wearing leather trousers, which mould to his lean frame, as if they were made just for him. He is also wearing a long leather jacket, a leather shirt open at the collar, black leather gloves, a bow and arrow slung across his back, and calf-length boots.
“Not so bad yourself, Logan.”
We both laugh, and he kisses me softly on the forehead.
“Where were you off to in a hurry?” he asks curiously, and I shift my gaze to the floor.
“Ah, Newbolt’s clicked his fingers, so like the good little woman, you’re running to him. What happened?”
I look up at him and bite my lip.
“It’s not like th
at, Rem,” I say defensively.
He cocks his eyebrow and tips my chin up to face him.
“Then enlighten me, Peyton. He put your life in jeopardy. What’s it going to take for you to see that he’s bad news?”
I take a step back from him.
“I...I...need to go.”
Before I give him a chance to speak, I flee across the club and make my way down to the stairs to the underground car park. My heels clicking across the concrete floor is the only sound to be heard. As I turn the corner, that’s when I catch sight of Sam. He looks mouth-wateringly delicious leaning up against the wall with one hand tucked casually into his pocket. He looks up and his eyes lock with mine, they are instantly smoky with lust. I approach him cautiously, and as I inch nearer to him, he grabs my wrist, pulling me to him. I stumble into him, and he catches me easily. He spins me around and pins me to the wall.