Stain (King's Harlots MC Book 2) (38 page)

“We’re family,” Angel reiterated, motioning his hand around the table. “All of us are family. Yes, we’re having our own issues, but no matter what, we are here for each other. These women have taken us into their lives when they didn’t have to.”

“It’s not like you gave us a choice,” Jay teased, poking him in the ribs.

He grinned, kissing her forehead.

“Listen.” Jay clapped her hands together, leaning her head from side to side before zeroing her gaze in on Meeka. “I love you. We could talk in private, but I’d rather say this in front of everyone. I love all of you. Yes, I’m still hurt that you kept my sister’s return a secret from me, but I understand why you did it. And I’m glad you two have found each other.

Meeka squeezed my hand, her lips curling up into a small smile. “I’m-I’m sorry about everything.” Her gaze moved around the table. “I am. Please tell Violet that as well.”

“You can tell her yourself,” Jay placed her phone in the center of the table. “Go ahead.”

“Meeka?” a soft voice came over the speaker.

“Hi, Violet.” Meeka’s chin trembled. “I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry.” She snatched the phone off the table, turned off the speaker, and placed it to her ear. “I’m sorry. I know.” Tears rolled down her cheeks. “Thank you. Yes, I would like that. Next week? Sure. I’ll get the Harlots to come with me, and we can get drunk and watch girly movies.” Meeka laughed. “Yes. Just like old times. I love you too.” And with that, she hung up the phone. “Thank you,” she whispered, her gaze locking with Jay’s.

“You’re welcome.” Jay smiled. “I haven’t heard us being referred to as the Harlots in a long time. Thank you. I’m sorry I’ve been a bitch. There are some—” she glanced at Angel “—things we’re working through.”

Angel glanced down at her, his eyes heating with a powerful love. He kissed her softly on the mouth, leaning down to her ear.

Her smile widened, her cheeks reddening.

He grinned, kissed her again and looked my way. “I’m going to make you manager of Rod’s Construction. If you want to be, of course. I know you will need something to do to keep you occupied, and I’ll pay you just as much as the Navy would. With everything that is going on, I need a strong minded person to take over my business. I’ll miss you out on the field but we have to look out for you first.”

“I would like that. I … When I was at the hospital, I was put on meds.” Several weeks ago, I would have been ashamed to admit that. Mental health problems may have become the norm nowadays but I was a Navy SEAL. I survived more shit then most could even dream of. But admitting that I had a problem lifted a weight that had been bringing me down since I was a boy.

“Good,” Angel said. “I know I can speak for all of us when I say this. We want you to be happy. Yes, it fucking sucks you won’t be a SEAL anymore but—” Angel winked “—doesn’t mean you won’t overhear things or just happen to walk in on classified conversations.”

“Yeah, because that would never happen,” Dale said, fighting back a grin.

“Or maybe you just happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Stone shrugged. “It happens, you know.”

“And one of us could just get drunk and spill everything.” Coby clapped a hand on my nape. “We’re not perfect.”

“What?” Dale gasped, gripping his chest. “I’m not?”

I chuckled. “Thank you. All of you.”

“We love you, brother.” Coby squeezed my neck.

“And I love you,” Meeka whispered, kissing my cheek.

“I love you.” I pinched her chin, placing a soft peck on her forehead before I turned to my brothers. “All of you.”

One month later…

“I’M STILL
tired. I’m still sore. And I’m still fucking hungry,” Asher growled, coming toward me.

My body burned from just his words but I ran behind my bike, the machine shielding me from my boyfriend. My best friend. The man I loved more than I could ever say.

A wicked grin spread on his handsome face. “I’m coming for you, Meeka, and when I catch you, I’m going to fuck you on your bike. I will remind you that the only powerful thing between your thighs, is me.”

Oh, dear God.

Asher had been insatiable, not leaving me alone since the whole incident with Charles. He didn’t say, but I knew it had been because Charles touched me. Asher wanted to erase those memories and sear himself into my skin. And he had. Over and over again until I was begging him to stop and let me sleep. He rather enjoyed the fact that he fucked me into exhaustion.

When he caught me, he gripped my hair in his large hand, forcing my head back to meet his mouth. All thoughts were lost as he took over my soul. His tongue slid between my lips, his hands roamed over my body. His love poured into my being. I loved this man. Every broken inch. Every aching bone. Every dark desire.

With him, it was enough. Our love was strong. It had been for years even though it took a nightmare to bring it to light. His darkness had laid dormant, but I could still sense it at times. It would be a long while before he regained control of his thoughts. I knew he had killed his step-father and that he had help. I wasn’t sure by whom. A knowing glance passed between Coby and Asher every so often. I couldn’t be sure if Coby was the one who helped get rid of Elliott. They saved me the gory details. He knew I could handle it, but he didn’t want to relive it when he had to replay it over and over in his mind. What could he have done different? Was death the only way? Did it make him feel better? It would be a long while before he was able to answer those questions but as time wore on and our love only grew, he would be able to look back with surety. Knowing it was the only way, he wouldn’t get over it, but he would be able to deal with it. With everyone at his side, he would battle those impending thoughts.

“I love you, Hummingbird,” Asher whispered against my mouth. “With you, I am strong enough to battle the war inside of my head. And because of that, I will forever be grateful.”

Tears welled in my eyes at his sweet words, and I could only kiss him. Pouring my feelings into that small touch, I embraced the love he gave me and returned it with everything in me.

Asher Donovan was everything I needed.

It never crossed my mind that I could fall in love with my best friend, but I thanked God every day that I had. And because of that, my world became complete.

***THE END***

Be sure to add book two to your TBR list!

Grim (King’s Harlots, #2.5)

Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30351847-grim?from_search=true

J.M. Walker is an Amazon bestselling author who loves all things books, pigs and lip gloss. She is happily married to the man who inspires all of her Heroes and continues to make her weak in the knees every single day.
"Above all, be the HEROINE of your own life..." ~ Nora Ephron

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