Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 52932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 176(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52932 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 176(@300wpm)
“But how?” I ask, frustration creeping into my voice. “How do I balance both? She’s got her life in England, and I’ve got mine here.”
Monster takes another swig of his pint, his eyes thoughtful. “Maybe it’s not about balancin’ both perfectly. Maybe it’s about makin’ sacrifices and findin’ the best fit. Talk to the lads, to Sully. He had ta make the same kinda choice. It might surprise ye what they say. Talk ta Harley as well. Figure out what ye both want and see if there’s a way ta make it work.”
I nod slowly. “You’re right.”
He gives me a reassuring smile. “That’s the spirit. And remember, whatever happens, ye’ve got the club’s support. We’re family, Rev.”
I feel some of the weight lift off my shoulders, knowing I’ve still got Monster’s support.
I nod, feeling a renewed sense of determination. “Thanks, Monster. I appreciate it.”
He raises his pint in a toast. “To love, loyalty, and findin’ a way through the chaos.”
I raise my pint, clinking it against his. “To findin’ a way.”
As we drink, I can’t help but feel a bit lighter and a bit more hopeful. It’s not going to be easy, but with the support of the club and the determination to make it work with Harley, I know I can face whatever comes next.
The following days are a blur of conversations and planning. I talk to the club members, laying everything out. There is more love and support from each and every brother than I ever expected. Deep down, fear held me back from considering going back for Harley. But ultimately, they understand and support my decision.
Family is family, after all, whether by blood or by bond.
When I finally call Harley, my heart is pounding. “Hey, it’s me. We need to talk.”
“Hadrian,” she says, her voice soft but steady. “I’ve been thinking about things, too. Can you come over here? I’d rather discuss this face-to-face.”
“Absolutely,” I reply, relief flooding through me. “I’ll be back with you as soon as I can.”
As I hang up, I feel a sense of calm wash over me. It’s time to face this head-on, to find a way to make it work. For both of us. And with Monster’s advice and the club’s support, I know I can do it.
The drive and ferry crossing to England is long, but it gives me time to think and prepare for the conversation ahead.
When I finally pull up at Harley’s place, my nerves are on edge. But as soon as I see her, standing there with a hopeful smile, I know we can face anything together.
“Harley, I’ve missed you,” I tell her as I walk up and take her hands in mine. “I’ve been thinking a lot about us. About everything. I want to make this work. Whatever it takes.”
She smiles, tears glistening in her eyes. “Me too, Hadrian. We’ll find a way.”
As we stand there, holding each other, I know it’s true. We’ll make whatever sacrifices are necessary to balance our worlds. In the end, where love and loyalty exist, anything is possible.
EIGHTEEN
HARLEY
I know what I want to do, and seeing Hadrian again has confirmed my decision, but I need to talk to my father. If I walk away from the organisation, it means Da will be back in the driver’s seat, but now his health is improving, I’m sure he’ll welcome being back at work and in charge.
Da’s been kept in hospital under observation for the last few weeks. There have been times when I feared he wasn’t going to make it, but he’s finally turned a corner, and the doctor says his liver is looking healthy. Now he’s on the mend, I know it’s the right time to talk to him about my future.
The hospital room is quiet except for the rhythmic beeping of the machines monitoring my father’s recovery. Sunlight filters through the thin curtains, casting a soft glow over his bed. I sit in the chair beside him, holding his hand, and there’s a reassuring strength returning to his grip. His eyes open slowly, and he smiles when he sees me.
“Harley,” he says, his voice raspy but filled with warmth. “It’s good to see you, lassie.”
I squeeze his hand lightly. “It’s good to see you’re on the mend, Da.”
He chuckles softly, though the sound is strained. “I suppose I am, which means you’ll have to deal with me again soon. I’m still here, thanks to you.”
I nod, the weight of the past weeks heavy on my mind. “Now Gordon and James have been dealt with, the organisation is safe again. At least, for the time being.”
His eyes darken briefly at the mention of Gordon, but he nods. “You did well, Harley. I’m proud of you.”
“Thanks, Da,” I say, my voice faltering slightly. “But there’s something I need to talk to you about.”