Aloha, page 28
As we exit the building, Jorge awaits with the door open, and the second SUV stands idly by. I lose count of the number of SUVs that pull up. I study the men, making brief eye contact with Roberto and Luis. I know them. They’re with us.
“He’s gone,” Roberto says. “They all are. We barely made it out with our lives.”
One of the other men steps forward. “Clear the way so we can get Don Antonio to the doctor. Now!” he yells.
And just like that, I hear it. Don. Our cartel isn’t massive. We move different types of contraband and have yet to face opposition until now. The stakes are higher, but I have ideas. Many of them. But first, I must survive.
Chapter 8
The aftermath of my choices leaves indelible scars. As I stand before the bathroom mirror, staring at the stranger in my reflection, I realize the boy from the pueblo, brimming with dreams of a better life and simple joys, is gone. In his stead stands a man who embraced darkness for power, success, and money.
An image of Rafa flashes through my mind, and I quash it immediately. I've become everything I feared for him and worse.
I splash cold water on my face. The shock momentarily cleanses my thoughts. My past is sealed, locked away by irrevocable decisions.
Luciana's soft footsteps approach from behind me, and she places her gentle hands on my shoulders. "Are you okay, Antonio?" Her voice laces with concern. I’ve already burdened her with too much. The terror of not knowing if our unborn child would have a father was palpable as she willed life into me, whispering, “Survive. You must survive,” when I awoke from a medically induced coma.
"I'm fine, Luciana," I assure her, though the words ring hollow.
Her eyes, wells of understanding, meet mine in the mirror. "I love you."
I nod, touched by her unwavering support. Yet I’m aware of my dangerous path. I kiss her forehead, feeling the warmth of her unblemished love.
"We must be strong, Luciana. For what's coming next," I say, my body rigid with determination, yet masking the entire truth.
Luciana is patient and wise, her silence and never prying into my work, gives me the physical and emotional space needed to cope and carry on. Her caring for me, sustains the part of me that needs loving nurture that only she can provide.
She nods and resolve flashes in her eyes. "We are strong."
My thoughts weigh heavily as we leave the bathroom, but my purpose becomes crystalline. The naïve boy is long gone, supplanted by the hardened resolve of a man who’s seen too much. I am now the founder and head of a new criminal organization. A mafioso. Antonio Cervantes. La Serpiente Dorada. The Golden Serpent.
My heart thunders in my chest as the nurses shove me aside. “What’s wrong? Please, tell me. Is my wife going to be all right?”
An experienced-looking woman pulls me out of the way. “Yes, she will be fine. But we need to move her quickly into the delivery room. It appears the baby is coming now.”
Luciana awakened me in the middle of the night, folding over in pain. Her tear-filled eyes blinked back tears as she fought to control her breathing to tell me, it was time. Thanks to her preparation, we soon drove to the hospital. Now, I find myself chasing after her and a team of medical professionals as they rush her down the hall of the private hospital. According to our plan, Roberto has the grounds covered and my men on high alert.
We arrive at the labor and delivery suite. Staff members quickly push her bed into place and hook her up to monitors. “What’s all that for? Is it necessary?” I ask, my ignorance on full display.
Luciana reaches for my hand, a soothing presence. “Calm down. Everything is going to be fine. Trust the process.”
How can she remain so calm? I force a smile. “Of course, mi amor.”
The doctor rushes in with a lighthearted demeanor that grates on my nerves. “So, I hear we have a baby on the way.”
Luciana grimaces through another contraction, and my fists clench as I glare at the doctor. I want to make him take away her pain.
“Hold it,” he instructs as a nurse counts, and I fidget impatiently, urging her to count faster.
Finally, Luciana is allowed to breathe, her wail tears at my heart. This process continues, each moment an agonizing eternity, until a cry pierces the silence.
“It’s a boy!”
Tears spring to Luciana's eyes as she welcomes him into her arms. I'm awestruck.
“Would you like to cut the cord?” The doctor asks.
I comply, for Luciana's sake, and soon I gaze at our perfect son.
A nurse attempts to take the baby away, and I block her path as my protectiveness flares. “You’re not taking my son out of my sight.”
“It’s protocol, señor. I assure you.” The nurse’s eyebrows furrow.
“Don Antonio,” the doctor interjects, using my formal title. “If you’d like to accompany her, you are welcome.”
I nod, instructing Luis to watch Luciana as I follow the nurse to the nursery. Seeing her gently cleaning and swaddling my son brings a rush of emotion. She hands him to me, and I'm filled with fearful reverence.
He’s so tiny. What if I break him?
The nurse guides my arm, and I feel a connection as his eyes open, locking onto mine. “Gabriel,” I whisper. “Your name is Gabriel.”
A profound realization washes over me: I may be many things, but I am now, first and foremost, a father and a husband. This is my family. And I will kill anyone who dares hurt them or come between us.
I hope you enjoyed Gabriel’s story. To continue reading try book 1, Silken Chains.
Pucking Married
Crystal Perkins
For Kawehi (Lauren), Rose, Cel, Laury, and all my friends who are from Maui. My heart is always thinking of you while I’m here in the Ninth Island.
Chapter 1
Lauren
Why am I here again, waiting around in an ice rink in Henderson, Nevada, when I could be comfortable in the finally warm weather at home? Oh yeah, I have to convince billionaire Luke Griffin that my family’s company should be a sponsor for his new AHL team. The one that’s located back in my hometown, Williston, North Dakota. Since their season is over, Luke’s here to watch the Stanley Cup Final in neighboring Las Vegas. Vegas is the city where Luke has lived for the past decade or so, but now that he’s bought the first NHL and AHL teams in North Dakota, he’s been splitting his time between the two places.
As for the man himself, he’s ignored emails and calls from my dad, brother, and older sister. For some reason, they think I can change his mind. Not in a sexual way—my family wouldn’t ask that of me, I wouldn’t do it, and well, he’s also happily married and like ten years older than me, so just no. They think I can convince him because I’m a teacher, and so is he.
Honestly, though, I think that’s all we have in common. My family has millions, not billions. I just graduated from college, and he’s been teaching for many years. He’s married, I’m not. Oh, and from what I’ve seen from afar, he’s outgoing and friendly. Me? I’m shy and reserved unless I’m talking to kids.
Yet, here I am, doing my family’s bidding because despite in their disappointment in me not wanting to join in the commercial farming business, or maybe because of it, I still want to please them.
“Mr. Griffin,” I call out as I see him walking my way.
He stops in front of me, and smiles. “Hello.”
“Hi. I’m Lauren Sandberg, and I was hoping to have a few minutes of your time.”
“Sandberg?” he asks with a frown. “From Williston?”
“Yes.”
I see his expression shutter, and know I’m losing my chance.
“Please, sir.”
And, his smile is back. “Sir? My students only call me that when they are in trouble.”
“Mine only call me ma’am when they are in trouble, too.”
“You’re a teacher?” he asks, and I nod. “Okay, you’ve got five minutes.”
Axel
I’m not supposed to be here. Not in Las Vegas, but in the AHL. I was a top player in Sweden, playing in the SHL. I was signed by the Grand Forks Bobcats, not the Williston Bison, but here I am. Or will be. The AHL season is over, and I’m here on a “team bonding” trip to Sin City to watch the Golden Knights try for the Stanley Cup. Our team owner is a fan since he lives here half the time, but he swears to the media our teams are now his priority.
Regardless, we’re here, and honestly, there’s been no sinning on my part. I had one drink last night at a club, and that was enough. I know my limits, and they are as hard as the ice I skate on.
“Jonnsy, lighten up and have fun,” my new teammate Kit tells me, skating past me.
Fun? I haven’t had fun on a sheet of ice in years, and I’m not about to start on a borrowed rink that I’ll soon be back on as an opponent. Fun would be skating with my nieces and nephew back in Stockholm. No, this is just torture masquerading as a fun and friendly free skate.
Still, I paste a smile on my face as I catch up to him and fake it. “What are the plans for tonight?”
“Drinking, women, table games, women. Maybe not in that order,” he tells me with a shrug and a smirk. “You in?”
“Yeah, I’m in,” I tell him, knowing I’m stuck with him right now, and I have to fake being happy about it. Hell, everything in my life is pretty much fake right now.
“Alright. Let’s gear up and scrimmage,” he yells, garnering cheers from our teammates.
I’m cheering on the inside, too. It’s going to be a lot more fun to show these idiots what I’ve got than just skate laps on this rink. Game on.
Chapter 2
Lauren
Well, I didn’t get a yes from Luke Griffin, but I didn’t get a no, either. He expressed his worry that my family is too conservative to be a sponsor. His plans are for both his teams to be inclusive and really embrace the “Hockey Is For Everyone” philosophy. Historically, other members of my family have voted red, but I assured him not for the last two elections. We’re hard workers, and my father is definitely conservative, but social justice is important to all of us.
“You’ve given me a lot to think about, Lauren. I’ll be in touch,” he tells me at my car, which he insisted on walking me to as the sun went down while we were talking.
“Thank you for your time and consideration.”
“Please don’t be this formal when you’re hanging out with me and Liv. I should be the one thanking you for all the info on Williston, and letting me take more than five minutes of your time.”
“I’ll try,” I promise.
I blow out a breath before calling my dad on Bluetooth while I pull out of the parking lot.
“I hope you have good news,” he says, because of course he has to get right to his point.
“Hello to you too, Dad.”
“Dammit, Lauren, stop being so sensitive, and tell me you got me that sponsorship spot.”
“He’s going to think about it.”
“I shouldn’t have sent you there.”
“No, Dad, you shouldn’t have,” I tell him, trying and failing to keep the hurt out of my voice.
“When will you be home?”
Never. That’s what I want to say, but despite his disappointment in me, I love my town and yes, I love him too.
“I’m not sure. I think I’m going to take a vacation while I have the time.”
“Selfish.”
He mutters it, but I still hear it. “Goodbye, Dad.”
I hang up, and decide I need some fun in my life. I need at least one night to let loose and this is the exact place to do it. No one here knows me, and I can be whoever I want to be tonight. First stop needs to be the mall down the street from my hotel.
Axel
I should’ve just gone back to my hotel. The music in this club is too loud. I can only imagine what it would be like if we hadn’t all chipped in for a table. At least I can sit down, and not have to fight my way to the bar.
“Have another drink,” Simon, our goalie tells me, picking up the bottle of vodka from the ice bucket.
“Why not?” I tell him, holding out my glass.
The liquid is cool down my throat, reminding me of home, and I can barely feel the burn. The next three go down even smoother. And that’s when the trouble begins.
The DJ starts playing “Dancing Queen” and I suddenly think I know how to dance. I’m fumbling around with another glass of vodka in one hand when I bump into something, or rather, someone. And holy hell, she’s a smokeshow.
Long, dark hair that’s curly and untamed, tanned skin that doesn’t look fake, and curves for days. She’s a little on the short side, making me think about carrying her around everywhere.
“Uff da, you’re a Viking. Hello, sexy Viking,” she says, squeezing my right biceps.
“My eyes are up here, sötis.”
She steps back, her blue eyes blazing. “So tis? What did you say? Is that supposed to be cute?”
“Yes,” I answer honestly. Sötis means cutie, after all.
“Well, damn. You’ve got a Viking accent too.”
That’s the last thing she says before jumping up and climbing me like a tree. Her hands are on my shoulders, her legs are wrapped around me, and her mouth is on mine. I don’t know how this all happened, but as I set my drink on the closest surface and wrap my arms around her, I realize I really don’t care how we got here. My dick and I are more than ready to keep going.
Chapter 3
Axel
I wake up with a warm body next to me, not remembering how we got here. Cracking my eyes open, I recognize my hotel room at Circa, where Luke booked us rooms. He said we needed to experience Vegas, and not just the Strip, which isn’t really in Vegas. Whatever. It’s great to have a room to myself, and this is a nice one.
Turning, I recognize the woman lightly snoring on the bed next to me. I just really don’t know how we got here. I remember drinking and making out. There might have been some mutual hand jobs, but after that, nothing. I’ve never gotten so drunk I couldn’t remember my night. At least I woke up with boxers and a t-shirt on, so maybe we didn’t take it further.
Right now, I just know I need to take care of morning business, and then wake her up to see what she knows. Her. Because I don’t even know her fucking name.
After I do what I need to do, I walk back toward the bed. Photos on the nightstand stop me in my tracks. “What the fuck?”
“Huh? What?” the woman asks, jacknifing up into a sitting position.
Yeah, I was loud, because I needed to be. Because these pictures just sealed our fate.
“We got married,” I tell her, and watch her pull the comforter up to her chin, despite her clothes being on her body.
“We most certainly did not.”
“Pictures don’t lie,” I respond, holding one of us in chapel up for her to see. She’s got on a veil with a bouquet in her hands, and we’ve both got huge smiles on our faces.
“This can’t be happening,” she says before jumping from the bed and running to the bathroom.
I follow, and hold her hair back while she throws up, because that’s what you do for your wife. Even if you can’t remember her name.
Lauren
How is this even my life? I’m apparently married to a Viking whose name I don’t even know. He held back my hair when I puked, and I woke up clothed, but none of that makes this situation any better. Hell, the only thing I know for sure is we don’t have a prenup, which might be the worst part of all of this. I have a lot of money, and while I don’t use it, I’m not about to give it to some random dude.
“What’s your name?” we both blurt out at the same time.
Well, shit, he doesn’t know mine either. This is a cluster.
“Lauren.”
“Axel.”
Axel? Even his name sounds badass. Is it bad that I’m freaking out about being married to someone whose name I didn’t even know, but yet I still want to climb him like a tree?
“So, we’re married. I guess we can get it annulled or something?”
“Or we could get to know each other and see where it goes,” he says, looking as shocked as I feel by his words.
I’m shocked, but also intrigued. I don’t think we got much further than making out last night, and for once in my life, I don’t want to be sensible. I already wanted to avoid going back to North Dakota right away.
“We could go on a honeymoon. Hawaii has been on my mind lately.”
“Oh, Hawaii would be cool. But I don’t exactly make a ton of money,” he tells me, rubbing his hand through his longish blond hair. Hair I want to run my fingers through again.
How am I going to say this to him without either offending him, or making him think he hit the jackpot?
“I have some savings. We can use it for a honeymoon.” He starts to speak, but I hold up my hand. “I was already wanting to go, so it’s not like I’d be getting an extra room or anything. You can buy me a meal if you can afford it.”
“Oh, I can afford some meals. This is unexpected, and I’ll have to tell my boss, but yeah. Let’s go to Hawaii.”
Chapter 4
Axel
“What you’re telling me isn’t possible. They do not issue marriage licenses to people who are drunk. It’s why us locals roll our eyes at all those stories about people waking up married,” Luke tells me.
“Maybe we got it before being totally wasted? We have pics.”
I don’t know what else to tell him. I don’t want to be here in his house, explaining why I’m leaving early.
