Hardy Read online

  Rose left her alone with the men and made her way back into the kitchen. She finished up dinner, and kept an eye on Baker and Millie. They were standing close together, talking, whispering.

  “They look good together, don’t they?” Hardy asked.

  She jumped back, startled and a little guilty for being caught staring. “You shouldn’t sneak up on people like that.”

  “You’re only upset that I caught you.”

  He rested a hand on her hip.

  “True.”

  They both stared at the couple. “You’re aware she’s completely clueless, right? She doesn’t have a clue that Baker’s into her.”

  “She doesn’t have to know. That’s up to Baker.”

  “The boy is more clueless than I am about women.” His hand moved to the back of her neck, stroking over her pulse.

  She closed her eyes, no longer interested in Baker or Millie.

  “What’s the matter, baby?” he asked.

  “You know what.”

  “You like it when I touch you?”

  “I’ve never stopped liking it. Every time you touch me it’s like a switch is going off, and you’re the only one in control.”

  She moaned as he moved behind her, pulling her against him.

  “I could bend you over this counter, push these tight jeans down, and fuck you so damn hard, you’d be begging me for more while Baker flirts with his woman.”

  “I want that.”

  Hardy gripped her neck, drawing her back. She stared out at the garden, and she got a small glimpse of their reflections in the mirror.

  “God, Rose, you test me and my limits.” He kissed the side of her neck, flicking his tongue over her pulse. His other hand worked down her body, going over her little bump to between her thighs. She groaned, needing the friction that only he could provide.

  Thrusting her pussy against his hand, Hardy stroked her over her jeans, and it wasn’t enough.

  “Tell me to stop,” he said.

  “No.”

  She couldn’t tell him to stop even if she wanted to, which she didn’t.

  “I need you.”

  “You’re such a greedy little woman.” He lifted his hand, and shoved it inside her jeans, going past her panties, and touching her pussy.

  “Fuck, that’s what I want. That’s what I need. Your pussy is so slick, and wet.”

  “I want you, Hardy. I want you to fuck me,” she said.

  “I told you, no fucking. Not yet. Not until I’ve shown you that I’ve changed. What I can do is lick this pretty little pussy later, suck on your clit.”

  “Yes, I want that.”

  She loved it.

  Rose loved the fact that he was making the effort to be everything she ever wanted. They were becoming closer, talking, and doing everything she’d always wanted. She didn’t want Hardy to change who he was, but just to be more open with her.

  “I love you, Rose. You’re the only woman I’ve ever loved, and I can’t lose you.”

  “Yes, I love you.”

  He kissed her neck, rubbing his fingers against her clit. She closed her eyes, blocking out Millie and Baker. In that moment, she didn’t care if they walked into the kitchen. If Baker wanted Millie to be part of his life, which also made her part of the lifestyle, Millie would have to get used to it.

  Hardy moved down, plunging her fingers within her pussy, and pressing a thumb to her clit.

  Rose cried out. Hardy covered her mouth with his hand, keeping her silent. “I don’t think you want anyone hearing you come. I love the sound, but I don’t want anyone else to know how fucking hot you sound when you explode. That’s all mine.”

  “Yes.”

  “Are you close?”

  “Yes.”

  “You going to come?”

  “Yes.”

  Each time she spoke he removed his hand to give her a chance. Rose loved it when he went all masterful on her. Hardy was always the one in charge, but every now and then he’d let her climb on top and ride him. Sandy was right about Hardy. He was a fucking animal in the sack, and she loved it.

  “Come for me, Rose,” he said.

  She cried out, and his hand muffled the sound as she came on his fingers. The pleasure exploded throughout her body. Hardy held her throughout, and when she couldn’t take anymore, he knew when to remove his fingers.

  “Do you feel better?”

  “Much better,” she said.

  Rose hadn’t even realized that she was tense or nervous.

  Hardy removed his fingers, and she groaned as he sucked on his digits. “You still taste so damn good.”

  She smiled, pressing a kiss to his neck. His cock pressed against her ass. “I can take care of that for you,” she said.

  “No, not yet, maybe later.”

  Rose was hopeful that he’d allow her to give him the same kind of release that he did her.

  “I’ll be back in a moment.”

  He let her go, and she watched him disappear into the bathroom. Walking to the stove, she checked the sauce just as Baker came into the kitchen.

  “Are you done? I don’t want to scare Millie with you and Hardy getting reacquainted,” Baker said.

  “You saw that?”

  “Yes. Don’t worry, I kept Millie occupied. I want her to stay, not run off screaming.”

  “You do know she doesn’t have a clue that you want her?”

  “I know, and it’ll give me a chance with her,” Baker said. “You’re looking a little flushed.”

  “Go away,” she said, chuckling.

  She was happy, really happy.

  When dinner was ready, she called out to the two in the garden, and Hardy appeared in the kitchen, taking a seat beside her.

  Millie thanked Baker as he helped her into her seat.

  “This looks delicious,” Millie said.

  “Thank you.”

  “Rose is a damn fine cook,” Hardy said.

  “You both look so sweet together. I’m pleased you’re getting back together.” Millie looked at Hardy then at Rose.

  He took her hand, squeezing her, and offering her comfort.

  “You both always look really sad when you’re apart. I’m surprised no one else had told you. I always thought it was sad, but I’m pleased you’re both together now, and happy.” Millie smiled at both of them.

  Rose couldn’t help but smile back.

  The rest of the meal went by with good conversation about everything. Rose steered the conversation to the latest movies. She didn’t have a clue about what Baker had planned for Millie, or how he was going to get another date out of her.

  “You’ve seen that movie?” Millie asked when Rose started talking about the latest disaster movie.

  “Yes, it was pretty awesome.”

  “Damn, I really wanted to go see that one.”

  Rose kicked Baker underneath the table, widened her eyes, and nodded toward Millie. The guy didn’t have a single brain cell, or at least that’s the way it seemed to Rose.

  “Would you like to go with me?” Baker asked.

  “What?” Millie turned to Baker.

  “I’ve not seen it, and I want to. Would you like to go out with me to see the movie?”

  Rose winced as Baker’s voice rose.

  “Erm, yes, I’d like that.”

  “Tomorrow night?”

  “Yes, if you’re free.”

  “He’s free,” Hardy said. “If he’s not, I’m going to make sure he is.”

  Later that night, Hardy and Rose watched as Baker followed Millie back to her home.

  “He’ll be back soon,” Rose said.

  “I know. I asked Lash for you to be watched.”

  “I’m not a baby.”

  “I know you’re not a baby. I don’t want anything to happen to you, and with one of the prospects watching you, I’ll know nothing bad will happen to you, or to our baby.”

  She turned in his arms, and smiled up at him.

  “I love you, Hardy.”<
br />
  “I love you, too, baby.”

  Chapter Eight

  Rose’s diary entries

  Diary entry: 10 years ago

  She’s dead, and I don’t know if to be happy or sad. I’m not being traded in, and yet, I’m sad that she’s dead. Would it be easier to know the truth if Hardy would leave me? I don’t know. I really thought if she gave birth, he’d get rid of me. Do I want him to get rid of me?

  Life has been strange lately. I’m happy. I’m sad. I trust Hardy. I don’t trust him. What’s the truth anymore? What’s real or not? I’m confused, and I’m scared. Does Hardy even love me anymore? Do I love him anymore?

  Diary Entry: 10 years ago

  I’ve decided to pretend nothing happened. Hardy hasn’t left, and I don’t see a point in pretending. Hahahahahaha, that’s a laugh. I’m pretending. I wake up, and I make breakfast, talk with my cheating husband, and pretend he’s not that. I pretend I’m not breaking apart inside. I pretend it doesn’t hurt to know that months ago his dick was inside another woman’s pussy. How would he feel if I was to fuck another man? Would he care? Would he give a shit? Would it even matter?

  It doesn’t matter though, does it? No, he wouldn’t want to sit down and talk about it. No, we’re not allowed to talk or do fucking anything without that bastard’s permission.

  Fuck this, and fuck Hardy, and fuck men.

  Diary Entry: 10 years ago

  Today is a bad day. Hardy’s not around. He’s on a ride with Tiny and the guys. I’m scared. What if he finds another woman? I love and hate him. I’m sticking around the clubhouse, but every whore I see, I want to hurt. Are they laughing at me? Do they know the truth? Do they care?

  He’s texted me, which is great. What do texts really mean? It’s a case for people to get damn lazy, and I hate being lazy.

  Shit, I’m going to have to go on a diet again. I’ve gained a pound, and I don’t want him to have another reason for screwing with someone else. I wonder how he’d handle me a few pounds heavier?

  I hate my horrible life, and it’s my own fault. I shouldn’t have come to the club with my friend. I should have left, and never thought about Hardy. There are times I rub my chest, and I wonder if I’ll ever get over what happened to me. I love and hate him with equal measure, and both emotions scare me.

  Will life ever be easier?

  Diary Entry: 10 years ago

  I went to her grave today, and to that of her baby.

  I don’t know what to write.

  I’m scared.

  I can’t stop crying.

  It hurts all over again.

  Why am I even talking about this?

  I hate my life. I hate Hardy. I hate The Skulls.

  No, I don’t.

  My life would be damned easier if I did.

  I want to hate them. I want to make Hardy hurt, but when I look into his eyes, I’m sure I see him hurt.

  Am I really capable of hurting the man I love?

  I don’t know.

  Diary Entry: 5 years ago

  Angel gave birth. Tate gave birth. Everyone is giving birth, and their men are more loving than ever before. I’ve even heard that Lexie has given birth, and has taken Simon, her sister’s kid, on as her own. It hurts.

  Wounds that had been healing are being split open, tearing me apart. I’m moving on. I’m happy, and now I’m being slapped, left, right, and center by everyone around me.

  I can’t handle this.

  It scares me.

  It hurts me.

  I’m not used to feeling like this.

  I hate myself.

  I envy all of them.

  What did I do wrong?

  Diary Entry: 3 years ago

  I can’t do it. Her ghost is haunting me everywhere I go. She’s a constant reminder between Hardy and me.

  I was the one who changed, not him.

  I’m the one who is scared to put weight on. I’m scared to leave the club. I’m scared of all of the new beautiful women who are coming into the club. I saw Angel talking to Hardy with her easy smile and complete innocence, and for a split second, I wondered if she was screwing my husband.

  I’m an awful person. I hate myself, and I can’t go on.

  Each diary entry stripped Rose’s soul bare. They were the writings of a woman who was in love, filled with fear, and overcome by sadness. Hardy didn’t know how she’d been able to cope with him for all of these years. The insight it gave him was powerful, and what he was going to use to finally win her over.

  ****

  Three days later

  Rose giggled as Hardy continued to tickle her. They’d been playing cards, and she’d been teasing him about not going to the clubhouse. He only had to wait a couple more days and he’d have his woman at a prom.

  “Will you stop? I’m going to pee.”

  He kept tickling her, remembering all of the zones she couldn’t stand to have touched. When he knew she couldn’t stand it anymore, he grabbed the back of her neck, and kissed her lips hard.

  “I want to take you out on a date tonight,” he said.

  “A date?”

  He nodded.

  “At the clubhouse?”

  He shook his head.

  “I don’t understand.”

  “It’s not hard. Whizz and Lacey are moving out of the clubhouse, preparing their home for Sally’s arrival—”

  “I can’t believe they’re going to adopt a fifteen year old girl.” She sat back, leaning against the couch.

  “Tell me about it. Everything is good though. Whizz was telling me she’s had a hard life, and didn’t expect them to like her.” He shrugged. “I guess we’re going to have to wait and see how she gets stuck in with the rest of us.”

  “Lacey and Whizz are staying part of the club?” Rose asked.

  “Yeah. Whizz has helped the social worker dealing with the adoption. Sally is going to be in good hands, and from what I was told, she hasn’t settled well in other places.”

  “Poor girl.”

  Hardy ran his hand across her stomach. “We’re going to take care of our baby.”

  She placed her hand over his, and he saw her smile. Over the last couple of days he’d seen the fear and pain slowly slipping out of her gaze. He didn’t want her to feel anything but safe and comfortable when she was with him.

  “We’ll be good parents to our baby.”

  “That we will.” He was silent as he touched her stomach, wondering when he’d feel his son or daughter kick. “I’m sorry.”

  “What for?”

  “For not being there at all the appointments, for not insisting we try. Everything.”

  “Hardy?”

  “I’ve grown up now, Rose. I’m not a dumb fucking kid anymore. I’ll be there for you, and for our kid. You can count on me.”

  He pressed a kiss to her lips, sliding his tongue inside. She opened up, arching against him. It took all of his control not to take her there and then. He was determined to be the perfect gentleman with her, and to give her what he’d failed in the past.

  “You’re blowing my mind, Hardy.”

  “Good, ‘cause I’m not done. I’m going to blow your mind even more. How does dinner in an Italian restaurant sound?” he asked.

  “In an actual restaurant? Candles? A maître d’?”

  “Yes, I’ve booked us a table. Go and get your ass changed. There’s a gift on the bed.”

  She gave a squeal, and Hardy laughed as he watched her. Getting to his feet, he waited for Baker to enter the room.

  “Are you sure you’re ready for this?” Baker asked.

  “Let’s do it. I love my woman, Baker, and this is the shit I didn’t give her. How is my prom tux coming?”

  “It should be ready for Friday. Lacey and Whizz get Sally on Saturday.”

  “Fine. Is Millie coming to the prom?” Hardy asked.

  “I’ve asked her to go, and she thinks I’ve invited her as a friend.”

  “You’ve got to let her know you’re
wanting more, as otherwise she’s going to slip through your fingers. The last thing you need is to be put in the friend category.”

  He stripped down to his boxers, taking a deep breath. Hardy didn’t wear suits. The Skulls was his life, and he’d never worn a suit during the whole of his life.

  “Can you handle this?”

  Looking toward the mantle over the fireplace where once his wedding photo sat that was now empty, he nodded. He was more than ready. Rose changed for him, and the least he could do was give her the same kind of commitment.

  Ten minutes later he was dressed, and he ran a hand down the front of his suit jacket. “Well, how do I look?” he asked.

  “Handsome,” Rose said.

  He turned to the door and growled. She wore the black dress he’d bought for her. The fabric molded to every curve of her body, and it only heightened his arousal. He wanted to see her in the prom dress he’d bought her.

  “You’re beautiful,” he said.

  “I didn’t know you were dressing up.” She twirled a red curl around her finger, showing him how nervous she was.

  “I’m taking my woman out to dinner. I’ve got to make an effort.” He turned to Baker. “We’ll be back later.”

  “Have fun. I’m going to stick around, watch a movie.”

  “Are you inviting Millie over?” Rose asked.

  “I hadn’t thought about it.”

  “Do. She’d probably love the company.”

  “Don’t do anything on the couch. It costs a fucking fortune to clean,” Hardy said.

  Rose slapped him on the arm, rolling her eyes at him. “Ignore him.”

  “Have a good night.”

  Hardy took her hand, helping her into his car. The suit was fucking annoying, and itchy as fuck. There was nothing actually wrong with the suit. He just wasn’t used to being trapped.

  This he hoped was the first night of many.

  ****

  Rose stared across the table at her husband, and she couldn’t take her eyes off him. He filled out a tux to perfection. Several women were giving him the eye, and Rose loved it. Hardy was all hers, and no other woman would ever get the chance to claim him.

  “I like that evil glint in your eye,” he said, looking over his menu at her.

  “Just admiring the view before me.” She smiled at him looking over the choices in front of her.