Not all of the brotherhood will be coming; only my immediate family will be there. I can’t wait to see them. We’ve lived in each other’s pockets since the day we were born. Not seeing them daily is wearing on me.
This will be a well-earned break for Bella and me.
Bella sighs in her sleep, curling closer. I tug the duvet over her shoulders to ward off the chill in the room. Pressing a kiss to the top of her head, I smooth a hand over her hair until she settles again before closing my eyes.
Tomorrow can’t come soon enough, with the bonus of a long bike ride. There’s nothing better than that.
CHAPTER 8
BELLA
I sit on the back of Copper’s bike, watching my first love dance with his wife. Copper didn’t want to bring me because he knew how much this would hurt, but he’s a good man and an even better friend.
I needed to see them tonight. It was a burning need that wouldn’t be ignored. I needed to say goodbye and make peace with my choices. Yes, I made those choices, but they didn’t come without pain. I broke both of our hearts for the greater good.
This isn’t what I envisioned for myself. I thought Sam and I would follow in our parents’ footsteps. We knew each other foryears, and we had one perfect night. The logical conclusion was that we’d get married and have cute dark-haired babies.
But I derailed all that when I was asked to take on a dangerous job. I didn’t want that decision to touch Sam or my family. I know what everyone thought. But I loved him, even though I had to push him away.
I remind myself that it’s time to leave my past where it belongs—behind me. I thought I was ready. What I didn’t expect was how much it would hurt.
My chest is tight, and my stomach roils with emotion, but underneath it all, I’m glad I came.
I need to feel this ache. It makes me realise how much I’ve changed over the last few years. I’m no longer the woman who made decisions without truly thinking through the consequences of her actions.
Lesson learned.
I ignore the tears running down my cheek as Sam lowers Ally over his arm and kisses her like he once kissed me. I inhale a shuddering breath as he lifts her and hugs her to him.
Copper squeezes my calf, reminding me that I’m not alone.
I watch them for a little longer as our family surrounds them. I’m glad Sam chose Ally. If it had to be anyone, I’m happy it’s her.Not only is she a friend, but she also understands the MC life, and she’ll be loyal to him until the day she dies.
Peace fills me as I silently whisper my goodbyes to a dream now dead and buried. I can move on knowing that Sam is happy. Maybe it’s time I gave myself permission to reach for my happiness, too. I’ve punished myself for long enough, and freeing myself from guilt feels... wonderful.
I’ve seen enough. Tapping Copper’s shoulder to let him know I’m ready to leave, I lower my visor. He puts his sled into gear, and we slowly ride away, leaving a small piece of myself behind—a piece that’s no longer part of my life.
Sam will always be special in the way your first love is, but in my gut, I now know he wasn’t the man for me. I’ll always love him in some way, but I’m no longer in love with him.
The man I’ve been searching for is the one who understands me without my having to say a word. Who stands by me, even when he knows what I’m about to do could hurt me. Even though he hates it, he still does it. Because I asked him to.
The man who cares for me and makes me feel safe. Who shows me every day that I’m worthy.
That man is Copper Tin.
And I’ll work my arse off to show him that he’s the only man I need. He’s snuck into my heart like the wraith his MC is named for without me even realising.
Tonight isn’t just a goodbye to my past.
It’s a hello to my future.
CHAPTER 9
COPPER
Bella shudders against my back. She’s crying, and it guts me that I can’t do anything about it. I regret telling her to put her past behind her as I listen to her inhale another shaky breath. Her family surrounds the couple on the dance floor. I imagine seeing them like this—happy, free, and without a care in the world—must hurt as much as watching Sam with his new wife.
Bella grew up with them, and from what I understand, they were close. What will it be like for her when she finishes this job and returns to her old life? Then again, if things go as I hope, she won’t have to.
