Dane pulled me to him, his lips crashing to mine. I kissed him back, pouring in everything I could into it.
It would be a process. It would take time.
But I loved him.
And he was worth the risk. The truth in it all was we were both powerless to resist the pull between us.
For now, I wanted to embrace it.
Embrace him.
Embrace life.
Embrace love.
Our love.
26
Aspen
One Month Later
“How you doin’ today, Gramma?” I asked going into her room.
“Good, today’s a good day, Aspen.”
She remembered me. I sighed in relief. These days didn’t happen often. When they did, I had to hold on tight to the moments.
Cherish them, like everything in my life.
“Is that man of yours coming today too?”
I felt my cheeks flush at her mention of Dane. “No, he’s at a meeting with his brothers,” I explained.
Dane shared with me that his family was unique. He grew up in an Amish orphanage with Onyx, Paxton, and Garrett. Ellen Sue was the only adult figure in his life who ever took a deep, true, and loving interest in Dane and his “brothers”. To him, she was his mother. At first, I struggled to understand how these people who weren’t blood related were so connected and truly felt like they were a family. The more I got to know Dane, the more I realized how it all made sense.
“He loves you,” Gramma declared.
I nodded.
“Aspen, you hold onto that. I know life hasn’t been easy. What happened to your momma, it broke my heart for you, for her. She never got to know love, the easy kind. Because real love is easy, Aspen. Living is hard, but loving the right one is easy.”
Her words settled deep in my soul.
Loving Dane came naturally. Living life and overcoming our realty had been hard. We were learning to trust. He even called in some help and obtained new information on my mom. Apparently, Freeman Zook was an obsessed ex.
The papers taunted me for a while. Learning that I was the product of my mother’s date rape according to her medical records crushed me. She kept me, she loved me, and my grandparents sheltered me from that ugly truth.
While I was still struggling with my truths, I found comfort in the life Grampa and Gramma had given to me. My heart hurt for my mother and the pain she endured at Freeman Zook’s hands. I was thankful every day for the security Dane had given me that he was gone for good.
Before I could dwell more on the ugly parts of my existence or talk more with Gramma, Ellen Sue came in the room. In her hands was my pottery.
I beamed proudly.
“Hey Anne, I came to show you a special masterpiece,” Ellen Sue explained as she smiled at me.
I stood and greeted her with a hug. She pulled out the pieces and put them in front of Gramma. “Did you know Aspen made pottery?” She engaged my grandmother in the conversation like they were the closest of friends.
Gramma laughed, “oh she made me a pinch pot. I used to put my rings in it at night.”
Her eyes glazed over and I watched the memories take root and Gramma slipped away into her mind once again.
Tears built behind my eyelids.
“It’s okay, Aspen. Let it out,” Ellen Sue encouraged embracing me in a warm hug.
In her arms, I found myself letting go of my emotions. I wept for my grandmother, my losses, and the information about my father I was still trying to process.
I hated lies.
I hated deceit.
But I could understand why I was in this situation.
I was at peace.
As I let the tears fall, I found comfort with Ellen Sue, but also with where my life ended up. This was not how I imagined things ever being, but I truly was the happiest I had ever been.
“I know Dane’s rough around the edges,” Ellen Sue whispered. “I know he’s got a dark, dark side. All my boys do. But, I promise you, everything they do has a reason and you won’t meet four men with more heart, loyalty, bravery, and dedication than my boys.”
I felt her words settle inside me and I believed them.
“Find happiness with him Aspen. Trust him with your heart because there is no safer place than with Dane.”
I pulled away with a smile on my face and happiness in my heart.
“I do know that, Ellen Sue.”
And I did. There was no safer place and no better place for me than with Dane. The way we came together was unconventional, but that was love, it was something that just happened.
For once, I was happy to find myself powerless to the pull I had to him.
I was going to give this everything I had to give and take every moment as a gift.
Epilogue
Dane
Two Months Later
I strolled into the conference room with a smirk. I was late.
I was never late.
But given the choice to leave or sink inside Aspen one more time… I chose Aspen every fucking time.
This was our monthly meeting. The lighter in my pocket felt heavy in a different way. I was ready to move on from the past.
Stepping inside, I instantly tossed it to Garrett who caught it easily. He sat back like a proud peacock and struck the flint. The flame danced, and he was mesmerized once again like we all were in the past.
“Fuckin’ droppin’ like flies,” Garrett said before sliding the lighter in his pocket.
“When shit’s good, brother, shit’s good,” I told him to which Onyx gave a smirk and Paxton laughed.
Not one of them argued with me.
Aspen and I were still working on things, but we were headed in the right direction. I was in love. I was committed.
My entire life had changed because of her, and I wouldn’t give it up for the world.
We reviewed the files for the next few contracts, went over the current pregnancies, and tied up business.
Onyx and Paxton left first. Garrett asked me to stay behind.
“Need a favor,” he stated.
“Anything,” I replied knowing there wasn’t anything I would deny any of them except Aspen or putting her at risk.
“I have a client. He’s asked me to hide his future bride. He wants to keep her safe he says. Anyway, I have been given a damn good chunk of change to keep her tucked away for thirty days.”
“Does she know she’s about to be kidnapped?”
“Now, Dane, what fun is that?”
“Twisted fucker, she’s gonna cut you while you sleep.”
He laughed. “If she’s any fun she will.”
That was Garrett, always chasing pain. He was a bigger dick than any of us and relished all of life’s agonies. But I guess that was what happened when a young boy had a damn good life and lost it in the blink of an eye only to be left to be some sick man’s bitch boy.
“You got keys, man. Do what you need to. I have the new place in Arizona too so if you want some heat, you got options.”
“Don’t need options, just a crash pad not associated with my name. Thanks, Dane.”
I gave a laugh. “Just don’t play with fire, man.”
He crossed his fingers. “If I’m lucky I might just get burned.”
I shrugged my shoulders as I turned to leave him. I was powerless to fight the pull to Aspen. One day, Garrett would find his love. It might burn, it might sting, but in pain he would find love… eventually.
After all, that’s how it worked for the rest of us.
* * *
The End
* * *
Preorder OverPowered HERE
Overpowered: Anti-Hero Game (Power Chain Book Four) – Oct 30 PreOrder: Here
Even puppets need masters. Especially her.
* * *
She was his.
I wanted her for mine.
She thought she was in charge.
I was a puppet master in control of everything and everyone.
She was innocent.
I was all things dark and dirty.
I am Garrett Monroe.
I’ve never been overpowered or underestimated by anyone in the underworld of my business.
She has to learn he can’t save her from me – no one can. I never let go of something I claim …
Including her.
Power Chain: Anti-Hero Game
Power Chain: Anti-Hero Game (Power Chain Prequel)
Get your copy: HERE for FREE
PowerHouse: Anti-Hero Game (Power Chain Book One) — Released Feb 20th
Get your copy: HERE
Power Player: Anti-Hero Game (Power Chain Book Two) – Released May 15
Get your copy: HERE
Powerless: Anti-Hero Game (Power Chain Book Three) – Released Aug 7
Get your copy: HERE
Overpowered: Anti-Hero Game (Power Chain Book Four) – Oct 30 PreOrder: Here
Even puppets need masters. Especially her.
* * *
She was his.
I wanted her for mine.
She thought she was in charge.
I was a puppet master in control of everything and everyone.
She was innocent.
I was all things dark and dirty.
I am Garrett Monroe.
I’ve never been overpowered or underestimated by anyone in the underworld of my business.
She has to learn he can’t save her from me – no one can. I never let go of something I claim …
Including her.
About Chelsea Camaron
About the Authors
* * *
USA Today bestselling author Chelsea Camaron is a small town Carolina girl with a big imagination. She’s a wife and mom, chasing her dreams. She writes contemporary romance, erotic suspense, and psychological thrillers. She loves to write about blue-collar men who have real problems with a fictional twist. From mechanics to bikers to oil riggers to smokejumpers, bar owners, and beyond she loves a strong hero who works hard and plays harder.
* * *
Chelsea can be found on social media at:
Website
Newsletter
Reader Group
Email: chelseacamaron@gmail.com
About Ryan Michele
Ryan Michele found her passion in bringing fictional characters to life. She loves being in an imaginative world where anything is possible, and she has a knack for special twists readers don’t see coming.
She writes MC, Contemporary, Erotic, Paranormal, New Adult, Inspirational, and other romance-based genres. Whether it’s bikers, wolf-shifters, mafia, etc., Ryan spends her time making sure her heroes are strong and her heroines match them at every turn.
When she isn’t writing, Ryan is a mom and wife living in rural Illinois and reading by her pond in the warm sun.
* * *
Come find me:
Website
Newsletter
Sinners Reader Group
Email: ryanmicheleauthor@gmail.com
Other Books by Chelsea Camaron
Love and Repair Series:
Crash and Burn
Restore My Heart
Salvaged
Full Throttle
Beyond Repair
Stalled
Box Set Available
* * *
Hellions Ride Series:
One Ride
Forever Ride
Merciless Ride
Eternal Ride
Innocent Ride
Simple Ride
Heated Ride
Ride with Me (Hellions MC and Ravage MC Duel with Ryan Michele)
Originals Ride
Final Ride
Take a ride with the Hellions MC FREE here!
* * *
Hellions Ride On Series:
Hellions Ride On
Born to It
Bastard in It
Bleed for It
Bold from It
Broken by It
Brazen being It
Better because of It
* * *
Roughneck Series:
Maverick
Heath
Lance
Wendol
Reese
* * *
Devil’s Due MC Series:
Serving My Soldier
Crossover
In The Red
Below The Line
Close The Tab
Day Of Reckoning
Paid In Full
Bottom Line
* * *
Almanza Crime Family Duet
Cartel Bitch
Cartel Queen
* * *
Thriller Series:
Stay
Seeking Solace: Angelina’s Restoration
Claiming Retribution: Fallyn’s Revenge
* * *
Stand Alone Reads:
Romance – Moments In Time Anthology
Mother Trucker
Panty Snatcher
Beer Goggles Anthology
Santa, Bring Me a Biker!
* * *
The following series are co-written
* * *
The Fire Inside Series:
(co-written by Theresa Marguerite Hewitt)
Kale
* * *
Regulators MC Series:
(co-written by Jessie Lane)
Ice
Hammer
Coal
* * *
Summer of Sin Series:
(co-written with Ripp Baker, Daryl Banner, Angelica Chase, MJ Fields, MX King)
Original Sin
* * *
Caldwell Brothers Series:
(co-written by USA Today Bestselling Author MJ Fields)
Hendrix
Morrison
Jagger
* * *
Stand Alone Romance:
(co-written with USA Today Bestselling Author MJ Fields)
Visibly Broken
Use Me
* * *
Ruthless Rebels MC Series:
(co-written with Ryan Michele)
Shamed
Scarred
Schooled
Box Set Available
* * *
Power Chain Series:
(co-written with Ryan Michele)
Power Chain FREE ebook
PowerHouse
Power Player
Powerless
Other Books by Ryan Michele
Ravage MC Series
Ravage Me
Seduce Me:
Consume Me
Inflame Me
Captivate Me
Ravage MC Novella Collection
Ravage MC Box Set
* * *
Ravage MC Bound Series
Bound by Family
Bound by Desire
Bound by Vengeance
Bound by Affliction
Bound by Destiny
Bound by Wreckage
* * *
Ravage MC Rebellion Series
Connected In Pain
* * *
Power Chain: Anti-Hero Game
Power Chain
PowerHouse
Power Player
PowerLess
Overpowered
* * *
Vipers Creed MC
Crossover
Challenged
Conquering
* * *
Ruthless Rebels MC
Shamed
Scorned
Scarred
Schooled
Ruthless Rebels Box Set
* * *
Raber Wolf Pack Series
Raber Wolf Pack Book 1
Raber Wolf Pack Book 2
Raber Wolf Pack Book 3
Raber Wolf Pack Series Box Set
* * *
Standalone Romances
Full Length Novels
Needing to Fall
Safe
Wanting You
Blood & Loyalties: A Mafia Romance
* * *
Novellas
Stood Up (Billionaire Up Romance)
* * *
Short Stories
Hate to Love
Branded
* * *
www.authorryanmichele.com/books