Chapter 42
CHAPTER
FORTY-TWO
SLOAN
“Stop fidgetin’,” he ordered, sitting next to me on his private plane.
“I can’t help it. I’m nervous.”
So much had happened in the last few weeks of our lives. Completely going off the grid after everything that happened which we really hadn’t discussed. All three of them agreed they took care of everything, and I learned of the fallout on the news like the rest of the world.
Except the story that was told was a much different narrative than the truth itself. Luke turned in all the evidence I collected over the years. To the world, he was a hero.
But to me, he was mine.
I was still afraid of what his enemies might do in retaliation for technically being a traitor. However, he didn’t betray anyone other than my father, and it wasn’t like he was loved by many. Mostly, he was feared by all. My brothers had nothing to do with it other than staging the scene of the crime and making it look like it was just a Mafia war.
After they found my mom’s and several other skeletons buried on the property, it didn’t take much convincing otherwise. I didn’t ask questions; all I knew was that it was over.
And the rest was history…
I’d been staying at Luke’s place in Miami, sleeping in his arms every night. We spent a lot of time together, but he’d yet to touch me again. I’d initiate it, and he kept turning me down, telling me all he wanted was to hold me.
It was frustrating and confusing and… overwhelming all at once.
We didn’t talk about the future or where our relationship was going, if we even had one. It was kind of like we were close friends who actually just slept together.
“Hey,” he pointed out. “What are you thinkin’ about over there?”
“Well, for starters, how did you convince me to go home with you again? Oak Island, North Carolina. Can’t say I’ve ever been there.”
He smiled. “You’re gonna love it.”
“And they know I’m coming, right?”
He nodded. “They know.”
Taking the opportunity, I questioned, “What do they know exactly?”
He smiled again. “They know you’re important to me.”
I smirked. “Do they know who I am? Considering my father’s name is splashed all over the news.”
“I don’t lie to my family, Sloan.”
“They don’t know the life you lead.”
“They never asked.”
“Why is that?”
“’Cause I’m a grown-ass man.”
“No.” I shook my head. “There’s more to it than that.”
He changed the subject. “Have I told you how beautiful you look today?”
I playfully blushed. “Once or twice.”
I never met someone’s parents before, and I didn’t know how to dress for the occasion. Instead of dwelling on it too much, I wore a blue babydoll dress with a flower print with wedge sandals and left my hair down.
The shiner on my face was healing, but I tried to cover it up as best as I could. Wearing my hair down made it easier to cover my cheek. Now that we officially left the security of his home, I was beginning to flip the hell out.
I wanted his family to like me, and I kept thinking about how he was a Jameson, so my identity wasn’t abnormal for them. Other than a few brief phone calls I’d seen him on, Luke spent most of his time with me, which required little to no thought.
I think we were exhausted, and it was enough to be in each other’s company. We basically didn’t leave his bedroom. We were Netflix and chilling without the sex.
Coming to the realization I couldn’t hide anymore, I decided to go home with him. Better meet them now rather than later.
After all, Luke brought me back to life…
The ride to his father’s motorcycle clubhouse wasn’t far from Creed’s home, where we left our stuff. His house was right on the water, and I loved it so much. It reminded me of the estate we used to stay in during the summers, my safe place along with music.
His place was decorated nicely with a woman’s touch which I imagine was his mom and sister since he said they helped him with the design. He even had a throw blanket on his bed and couches. The four-bedroom, three-bath property was stunning.
“How many homes do you own?” I asked, leaning against the railing on his bedroom balcony.
I’d now be living on here just to watch the waves crash against the water. We’d be sleeping with the door open tonight. I used to lay my head in my mom’s lap, and she’d play with my hair while we stared up at the stars. It was some of my favorite memories with her. She used to love the ocean, saying it had healing power.
The irony that Luke brought me here wasn’t lost on me.
“This is my only home, darlin’. The rest are investments.”
“Even your place in Miami?”
“I spent most of my time in Miami, and it feels more like home with you in my bed.”
I peeked up at him through my lashes. “You didn’t answer my question.”
“I have a lot of properties, Sloan. They're all over the world. Would you like to see them?”
“You mean like a slumber party?”
“Somethin’ like that.”
“I could be persuaded. What do you have in mind?”
“Maybe you and me take a trip around the world for a bit?”
“I have a tour coming up.” I smiled. “You ever been to Tomorrowland?”
“Can’t say I have.”
“Are you going to be able to keep up, old man?”
He backed me into the railing, suddenly sliding his hand on my pussy. “This old man can make you come without even tryin’.”
“Ahhh…” This was the first time he touched me like this since my brother’s house. “You’re being awfully friendly…”
He rubbed my clit through my silk panties a little faster.
“Why the change of heart?”
He whispered in my ear, “’Cause you look so pretty when you come for me.”
“Mmm…”
A little firmer.
“Look at the mess you’re makin’ through your panties.”
“Yes… don’t stop…”
He did that come-hither motion with his fingers, and I had to hang on to the railing. My legs wanted to give out on me.
“If you’re a good girl for me today,” he rasped, moving his finger precisely inside me, “I’ll fill you with my cum.”
That’ll do it.
I came…
Long.
Hard.
Dripping down his hand.
With a smug grin on his handsome face, he taunted, “Do you see how easy that was?”
With that, he backed away and slid his fingers into his mouth before he coaxed, “Hmm… you taste so good for me.”
The mouth on this man.
An hour later, we arrived at a massive lot, probably three or four acres of land, with a huge building in the middle. Cars were parked everywhere on the property. At least a hundred people easily scattered all over the place. By the time he parked his car, I was a nervous wreck.
“You need to relax.”
I pulled down the visor mirror. “Are you sure I look okay?” I touched my bruise. “I couldn’t cover it more than this.”
“Darlin’, look at me.”
I sat back against the seat, turning to face him.
He caressed my cheek with the back of his fingers. “They’re gonna love you as much as I do.”
That was another thing he was doing, saying how much he loved me without actually saying it.
If that made any sense.
LUKE
I grabbed her hand, leading her inside without bothering to knock on the door.
“Ma!” I yelled out, shutting the door behind me.
I heard a loud gasp coming from the kitchen, and moments later, she was hurrying toward me.
“Luke!” she exclaimed, throwing her arms around my neck. “I’m so happy you’re here!”
My mom wasn’t too happy with me when she learned from the news that I’d been shot, but she hadn’t reprimanded me about it yet. I knew that would eventually come. My old man was more laid back and less dramatic about it than my mother, but again, I was aware that was coming soon.
I welcomed it since I had a lot to say to them too.
“You need to eat.” She pulled away from me. “Look at you, have you been eating?”
“Ma.” I got her attention. “This is Sloan.”
My mom spun to face her. “Oh, it’s so nice to finally meet you,” she welcomed, pulling her into a tight hug.
“It’s nice to meet you too. I feel like I already know you with everything Luke has told me.”
Mom backed away, grinning. “All good things, I hope.” She playfully slapped my chest. “Everyone is out back.”
Sloan’s eyebrows pinched together. “Everyone?”
“Yeah, it’s a Sunday ritual around here. The whole family comes over for a barbecue.” Ma grabbed her hand. “Let me introduce you to everyone.”
Sloan glanced over her shoulder as my mom dragged her out back, mouthing, “Oh shit.”
I waved her off, not worried in the least that they wouldn’t fall in love with her on the spot. Plus, the fact that she was the first woman I ever brought home to meet them would already excel the bar of how I felt about her to them.
I found my father in his office, conscious he’d be in there.
I knocked on the door.
“Yeah?” he called out, and I opened the door.
As soon as he saw me, he leaned into his leather chair, and without discourse, he announced…“You have a lot of explainin’ to do.”