Breaking Beauty: A Second Chance Romance Read online

  Snake nods and I know he understands. Every single member of the Twisted Reaper MC is there for a reason and most of them bad. Ex-Navy Seals and military, all running from their past. Now paid government assassins doing the establishment’s dirty work underneath the radar. Feared and respected in equal measures, they carry out their duties in a blaze of machine gunfire and hard expressions. Nobody messes with the Reapers and they have taught me well.

  Turning to Snake, I say in a stronger voice. “You know, I’m glad to see you, honey. You’ve reminded me of who Angel is. For a moment back there, I lost her but when I attend that meeting on Monday, I will walk in there with her firmly in charge. I know what to expect and will hear the will and then make my decision.”

  Standing, Snake laughs softly. “Then I can see I am no longer needed. Stay strong, darlin’ and call if you need us.”

  He heads to the door and I call out, “Tell Bonnie and the rest of them I miss them.”

  “You can tell them yourself when you come to visit.”

  “Just visit?”

  He winks. “It will be interesting to find out.”

  His laughter follows him through the door and I grin. Yes, they know me so well and even I know I’ve made my mind up already. Even if I do decide to stay, they will always be my family and yes, I will most definitely go back. However, it won’t be as a resident, it will be as a visitor because I can’t hide forever. I need to stand up and make something of my life wherever that ends up to be.

  8

  Sebastian

  Five long years, two months, twenty-three days and six hours since she left and seeing her again proved it’s still there. I knew she would come back for her father’s funeral. I was counting on it because if I didn’t know already, Angelica took my heart with her that day and still owns it now.

  As I reach the highway, I feel a pain so sharp it physically hurts - she’s moved on.

  That man is proof of that and her ice-cold attitude. I feel sick thinking of her with that… I don’t even know what he is because all I saw was a shed load of trouble that looks to belong in an MC club. Just thinking of her in that world makes me want to hurl. Not her. She doesn’t belong there. Angelica is and always was a princess. Beautiful long blonde hair, stunning blue eyes the color of crystal waters, a creamy pale complexion like pure porcelain and an innocence that made everyone who crossed her path fall in love with her, me included. Especially me because growing up alongside her made me fall in love with her more and more every day. Until that day. The day I was given no other choice—marry her sister or face the consequences.

  Leaving her back there was a choice that wasn’t mine to make. It tore me up to drive away and just thinking of her now with that beast is too much. Then the anger takes over and self-preservation kicks in. She ran, and she didn’t even bother to hear why. I thought we were better than that. I thought she would understand but she never gave me that option. Well, now she’s moved on and so must I. Harvey Johnson is dead and I wish it had come sooner. Just thinking about that man leaves a bitter taste in my mouth and encases my heart in ice. He ruined men for fun and we were no exception. It’s why I did what I had to do and now it’s time to get my revenge.

  I hoped I’d see Angelica today and now I wish she had never returned because far from saving me; she has signed my life sentence. I had hoped that love would conquer all, how naïve I was. Angelica never loved me; it was just childhood infatuation. Now she has proved that we never meant anything at all and I suppose, if anything, it will make this easier.

  Rather than drive back to the funeral, I head home instead. I can’t face that family tonight; I need to distract myself from what I just saw. Turning the car in the opposite direction, I head to a place I can be the monster I became. Blacks.

  As I park the car, I try to ignore the pain that Angelica’s return has brought. I’ve thought of this meeting every day since she left and never imagined it like this. She was so cold, so cool and so sexy it made my head spin. When I saw her enter the church, it took all my self-control not to jump up and drag her next to me where she belongs. Instead, I had to sit through the service, honoring a man we both despised while thinking of her sat a few feet away.

  The past five years have counted because during them I paved the way for our future, or so I thought. When I saw what her future looked like, it brought with it a crashing realization that during that time I had lost her.

  Pushing away the thought of what that now means for my own life, I push the door open to the only place I can fully relax and feel the calm settle over me as I breathe in the familiar scent of oblivion.

  Nodding coolly at the receptionist, I sign in and she smiles. “Good afternoon, sir.”

  “Nodding, I move past and don’t even care that I’m being rude. I have no time for polite chit chat. I never did, and that’s why this place has become so important to me. It requires none.

  As soon as I walk into the bar, I see it’s quiet. Maybe it’s because it’s earlier than normal but there are only a few couples milling around and I feel irritated. Heading toward the bar, I nod at the bartender. “Double scotch on the rocks.”

  He nods and sets about fixing me the drink that I hope will dull the pain inside, along with the girl sitting on the barstool looking at me hopefully. As I look at her, she lowers her eyes and I feel my heart settle a little. Yes, she’ll do.

  Moving across to her, I say forcefully, “Name?”

  “Kitten, master.”

  I note the tight corset she wears, causing her breasts to spill over the top and take in the fact she wears nothing else but a lace thong. She is pretty enough with long red hair and bewitching green eyes. Her body is enticing and her manner a complete turn on but today even the thought of indulging in a scene with a random sub doesn’t interest me because she’s back.

  Fighting my irritation, I try again.

  Reaching down, I lift her face to look at mine and see the excitement in her eyes as she licks her lips with either nerves or suggestion. Running my thumb over her lips, I watch her breathing change as her chest falls rapidly causing her breasts to swell even more. I search for my own feelings as I feel the soft skin of a woman who, like me, wants to lose herself in the pleasures of the flesh but the desire I once felt for this kind of activity appears to have deserted me today. Thinking of what I could do to this woman doesn’t excite me as it should and if I feel anything, it’s anger at my own weakness. Almost apologetically, I pat her head and say softly, “I’m sorry, I’m not staying.”

  Her lower lip trembles and I feel like a bastard because she probably thinks it’s her and I shake my head. “Maybe next time.”

  Grabbing my drink, I toss the contents of the glass down in one and head across to a secluded booth. Great, fucking idiot, now what? I can’t go home because I’m not one to drink and drive and I could call a cab but why return to an empty apartment where the emptiness will just highlight my loneliness? I certainly won’t return to Angelica’s home because the thought of what lies in wait leaves me cold. Anastasia.

  Sighing, I settle back against the leather seat and think about the woman I’m engaged to marry. Angelica’s sister. Whenever I think of her, I feel the rage twist inside my gut and cause my temper to flare. Why was I so weak?

  I should have said no and I should have fought for the woman I was always meant to marry. Instead, I allowed myself to be corralled into doing what Harvey Johnson wanted because of the good son I was. Now that’s got me in a situation I can see no way out of because when I saw that beast waiting for my perfect Angel I wanted to hurl on the spot. I feel so responsible because it appears I drove her away to a life that no decent girl should live. My perfect Angel is a biker whore and I almost can’t breathe as I think of what that means for her.

  A man slides into the booth opposite and I look up and nod. “Logan.”

  He smiles and holds out his hand. “Sebastian, it’s been a while.”

  He slides another glass of whiskey acro
ss to me and raises his glass to mine. “To old friends.”

  We tap glasses and as the liquid hits the back of my throat, I relish the burn as it dulls the hurt inside me.

  “It’s unusual to see you here, Logan.”

  He nods. “Just checking up on my investment.”

  He looks at me with interest and I can tell he misses nothing. “What’s up?”

  Setting my glass down, I sigh heavily. “Life.”

  He leans back in his seat. “Do you wanna talk about it?”

  “Not really, I thought coming here would help but it’s just made me realize just how fucked up my life is. I can’t even get my shit together for a scene with a willing submissive.”

  “It happens.”

  “Not to me.”

  For a moment we sit in silence and then I raise my eyes to his concerned ones and say darkly, “Angelica’s home.”

  “I thought so.”

  Sighing, I caress the cool crystal of the glass and sigh. “She showed up at the funeral and I thought I was ready. I thought we would have a conversation, and an explanation was all that would be necessary.”

  “But it wasn’t?”

  “No. She’s moved on, Logan.”

  “I’m sorry man.”

  Sighing, I feel the weariness wash over me and as I stare into my future, it’s a bleak one without her in it. Leaning forward, I say huskily, “I followed her to a cabin out in the woods. When I got there, she wasn’t alone. Some fucking brute of a biker was waiting for her and made it clear I wasn’t welcome. I had no other choice but to leave her behind because one look in his eyes told me he was above the law and not afraid to protect what was so obviously his.”

  Logan looks thoughtful. “Did you see what club he was from?”

  “How the fuck do I know, I avoid those bastards like the plague? He had a monster tattoo of a snake covering him and a shaven head if he wasn’t frightening enough just from his biceps alone.”

  Logan begins to laugh and I feel the anger returning. “What’s so funny?”

  Shaking his head, Logan grins. “Sounds like you described a person I know and love.”

  “Are you fucking mad? That man was a beast.”

  “You’re right there, he is, and you did well to leave. It appears that your lady got herself the best protection there is and you’re right it is an MC club. However, not like any we have ever known and if I’m not mistaken brother, she’s run straight into the arms of the Twisted Reaper MC and far from feeling angry, you should feel relieved.”

  “Are you fucking kidding me?”

  “No, I’m deadly serious. Listen, Sebastian. I know something of your story and it’s not a happy one. When Angelica ran, I know what a shit storm it stirred up. Ask yourself why she’s remained so hidden for five years. You told me yourself her father had paid the best detectives to find her and yet they came up empty.”

  “So?”

  “She ran to a place where she would never be found. If she was, no one would ever speak of it if they knew what was good for them. No, my friend because if she’s with them, it changes everything because the fact she’s back at all tells me it’s not over yet.”

  “How do you know so much?”

  “Because I know the Twisted Reapers and how they operate. That man you saw isn’t interested in Angelica, not in the way you think, anyway. I happen to know he is madly in love with an amazing girl of his own and was there for only one reason.”

  “Which is?”

  “Protection. Angelica is obviously under their care and they look after their family. If he was there, it’s doubtful she’s with anyone because if she was, it wouldn’t have been him standing there. So, drink up my friend and plan your next move because your story isn’t over yet. Trust me, if I know anything, it’s that.”

  “How come you know them so well?”

  He shrugs and grins wickedly. “Because Sammie’s brother had dealings with them and I met them as a result of it. You’re best staying away until Angelica comes to you because you were wise to leave her behind. Those men are assassins and death is a job to them. If anything, you should be grateful she found them because she would have been cared for and safe and now my friend, you will have to sit back and wait for the fireworks because if I’m right, there is about to be quite the show.”

  Logan grins and I feel something return that I thought was lost. Hope.

  9

  Angel

  Snake left, and I spent the weekend trying to get my shit together. I can’t shake the image of Sebastian walking away from me—again and I’m trying not to picture him with my hated sister. Images of them together haunt my dreams and sit on my shoulder as I try to get through the day. Just the sight of him was enough to destroy me all over again and as the hours tick past, my heart hardens around the pain and wraps it in an impenetrable hatred for the people I will have to face on Monday morning.

  I don’t think I sleep a wink on Sunday night and as I dress for my meeting with my father’s attorney; I take pleasure in wearing something completely unsuitable for the occasion.

  Smoothing down my short red skirt, I climb onto the highest heels I own. The tight-fitting V-neck sweater, clings to my curves leaving nothing to the imagination. I brush my hair until it forms a blonde cloud around my face and my make-up is bold and alluring, providing a mask for me to hide behind. Yes, Angelica is now a whore and a good one at that. However, I am no ordinary whore because I receive no money for my services. I seek comfort from the men who protect me in return. The Twisted Reapers are one fucked up band of brothers who are all hiding from something. We live together and take comfort in the fact we are all the same. It’s no hardship living in such a candy store. Yes, I enjoy the physical benefits living there offers and I love every minute of it. However, none of them have been able to fill the hole inside me where Sebastian ripped my heart out and kept it the day I ran. As hard as I’ve tried, I can’t erase him from my memory and now I’ve returned to steal it back again.

  I set off in the large pickup truck that Snake left me and laugh to myself as I imagine my mom’s horror-stricken face when I rock up in this. I can’t wait to see the anger in her eyes as her daughter returns no longer dressed in respectability. I just hope she’s embarrassed because I am what she made me, her and my father and hiding behind the Reapers has given me the courage to face my past.

  I turn on the music as high as my ears will allow and sing along to my favorite tunes. Yes, Angel’s not Angelica and she has perfected the attitude that will get her though this torture.

  Making sure to send the gravel flying, I skid to a halt in the driveway and laugh to myself. I can’t wait to see the faces of my family when they see what I’ve become.

  Making sure to collect my fuck off attitude, I slam the car door and flick the lock and head toward the huge front door with confidence. When I last came here, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Now I know and can deal with it.

  Martha answers the door and looks at me in surprise as she takes in my disrespectful attire and I grin. “Good to see you, Martha; I could murder a coffee.”

  Shaking her head, she allows me to pass and I stride into the hallway. “Where are they?”

  “In the living room.”

  I sense the resignation in her voice and throw her a smile. “I’m sorry, Martha.”

  “For what?”

  “For everything you’ve put up with all these years. It can’t have been easy but you stuck it out, why is that?”

  I watch her eyes fill with tears and she brushes them away. “Because of you and your sister.”

  “But why?” I feel shocked to see the genuine love in her eyes and she whispers, “Because I couldn’t have children of my own, so I transferred that love over to you and Anastasia. You needed me and I was happy to step up.”

  Her words have delivered a knockout punch as I see the love shining in her eyes and I think back on a past where she was the constant in our lives. While mom was out playing the lady of th
e house, Martha adopted her role concerning us. She cooked our meals, played with us, tended us when we were sick and molded us into the women we became. It was Martha who read us stories and listened to our chatter. She watched with delight when we performed our shows and admired the paintings we brought proudly to show her. Martha was the one I turned to when childhood was replaced with the scary prospect of puberty. She was the one who solved our arguments and taught us how to get along. As the fog clears, I see it all and I can’t disguise the emotion her words bring. Yes, if anyone has been like a mother to me, it’s this woman standing meekly by my side and I suddenly feel an overwhelming wave of pure love for her. To her surprise, I draw her into my arms and relish the comfort she gives me. Yes, cookies and lemons will always remind me of home because that’s where she lives.

  “Angelica!”

  The sharp voice of my mother makes my heart sink and I pull back and note her disapproving stare.

  “What on earth are you wearing, go and change at once?”