Page 20 of Rev

She nods, her eyes searching mine. “I want that too. It will take time to heal our connection, but it’s still there, I can feel it.”

“I can feel it too,” I say, my heart aching with the knowledge that this isn’t something that can be fixed overnight. “I’m willing to do whatever it takes.”

“There’s something else I need to focus on at the moment. Shipments are going missing, and I’m beginning to suspect that someone in the organisation is involved. I need to find out who is behind it and why.” Her gaze turns to the water.

“I’ll help you,” I offer. I have to find out who’s feckin’ with our imports, and this is a way of solving the problems we’re both facing.

We sit for a while longer, the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks filling the silence between us. I look out at the horizon and see the storm clouds slowly beginning to clear, revealing a sliver of blue sky. It feels like a metaphor for our relationship, and for the glimmer of hope I’m feeling about what lies ahead.

“Hadrian,” Harley says softly. “Thank you for telling me. It means a lot.”

I look at her, my heart swelling with gratitude. “Thank you for listening. And for understanding.”

She smiles, a genuine smile that lights up her face. “We’ve both been through a lot. But I believe we can get through this.”

I nod, feeling a sense of hope for the first time in a long while. “I’m sure we can.”

As we sit there, side by side, I feel a sense of peace wash over me. The past is behind us, and while the future is uncertain, I know we’ll be facing it together. No matter what happens, Harley and I share a bond that can’t be broken. And that’s something worth fighting for.

“We need to find out who’s been stealing the imports,” I tell her, steering the conversation back towards work.

“Well, I can take you to our main warehouse. You can have a look at the delivery manifesto. Maybe that will give you the answers you need.” There’s a confidence about her that’s alluring as she speaks. “Will Hades and your mate be coming along?”

“Aye, Racer and Hades are here to help with this job. We need to report back to Belfast with our findings, and if we need any backup, more of the lads will come over.”

“I suggest we all sit down together and come up with a plan. I’m not sure if we should include any of the men from my organisation. The traitor could be someone on the inside, so I don’t know who to trust.” She pushes to her feet as she speaks, and I can’t help but take in her womanly curves.

Harley is the epitome of sinfully sexy, and I’m having to fight the urge to hold her. I’m hoping the opportunity will come in time, and I’m prepared to wait. Now we’ve talked, there’s no way I’m walking away from her again without claiming what’s mine.

I feel invigorated with a sense of purpose. And as the stars begin to twinkle above us in the night sky, I know there’s nowhere else I’d rather be right now than on this bench with Harley, overlooking the sea.

EIGHT

HARLEY

While I wait in the old, dimly lit warehouse, standing by a rusted metal pillar, I think about the men who are about to arrive. I can’t deny I’m excited to see Hadrian. He’s always had this effect on me. When I was sixteen, my feelings for him, a combination of affection, lust, and something far deeper, grew stronger as I got to know him. There was nothing I could do to stop them.

The air is thick with the scent of oil and dust as I watch the three men enter. They saunter in, taking up the space as if they own it.

Hades is first. He offers me a nod, and I immediately recognise the lad who came to my father’s home all those years ago. He may be older, but he’s still as handsome as he was back then, even though he never gave me the same butterflies that his twin brother did. His hair is shorter than Hadrian’s, but his eyes are just as dark as the night, and his angular jaw with a trimmed beard matches his twin’s. And like his brother, his tall frame moves with a predator’s grace.

Hades is closely followed by a man I haven’t met before. This must be Racer. His leather jacket creaks with every step, and a cigarette dangles from his full lips. He’s about six feet with a lean but muscled frame. His dark hair is a contrast to his pale skin, and his chiselled jaw ticks as he smokes. Dressed in leather and denim, he’s exactly how I’d expect a biker to look. With green eyes that are like endless pools, he stares at me for a moment before offering a nod.

And then there’s Hadrian, his presence commanding, even in the shadows. The moment my gaze lands on him, my heart jolts against my ribs. I feel like an awkward teenage girl who fancies the most popular lad in school.

Taking charge in my father’s absence is a heavy mantle, but I wear it with pride. I step forwards with confidence, nodding to each of the men in turn.

“Thank you for coming,” I begin, my voice steady. “We have a lot to discuss, and time isn’t on our side. Gordon is on his way here to sort out a new delivery that’s due to arrive.”

Hades leans against a stack of crates, crossing his arms over his chest. “What’s the plan, Harley?”

I take a deep breath, glancing at Hadrian before continuing. “It seems that someone is diverting our shipments before we can distribute them to our buyers. I have to assume whoever is responsible wants to take over my organisation. I don’t know who it is, but I would put money on Gordon working with them. He hates that I took over the running of the business when my father fell ill. He wanted to be the boss, but Da asked me. It means I can’t trust anyone outside this room, and it also means my father’s life may be at risk.”

Racer exhales a cloud of smoke, his expression unreadable. “So, what’s the play?”

“We need to find out who’s behind this,” I say, sweeping my gaze over all of them. “My father’s safety is the only thing that matters to me right now. I don’t know how to go about making the necessary enquiries without Gordon finding out and putting Da’s life at risk. Gordon watches me all the time.” Even when I’m with my father in his office, the arsehole finds a reason to be there too. “This involves my organisation, so before we proceed, I need to know you’ll follow my orders. We’ll come up with a plan together, but I have to be the one in charge.”

Hades’s eyes narrow, but he nods. “Aye, you’ve got my support, Harley. I’m in.”

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