I gave him the option to build another house on the compound, but he decided he’d rather stay where we are and build upon the memories we’ve created in that house. So that’s been my mission, to create a new life for us out of these ashes. To find our own version of happiness.
For the first time in my life, I have friendships and family. A man who sees me for everything that I am and loves all my sides. He wants to see me grow—to see me flourish. He brings out the best version of me.
I couldn’t be more grateful.
In the months since Hayes and Mason dealt with my uncle, it’s been a whirlwind. I helped return the money Uncle Rick had stolen from others while shuttering businesses that were funding his trafficking operations. Mason and I sold off his remaining assets and closed everything else. And with Mason’s blessing, we donated every cent to charities that help survivors of domestic violence.
My uncle’s legacy caused pain and suffering to so many people. The least we could do was make sure something good came out of us dismantling it after his death.
There was only one thing I kept of his: the original casino that my father and uncle started. We renamed it in honor of my dad, and while I retain ownership, I have other people running it. All profits are split between me and Mason, with healthy donations to causes we care about.
In every other way, I’ve severed myself from that life. I don’t need a casino empire. I don’t need to run Vegas. I just want my family.
My daughter.
My husband.
And our new baby, who I told Hayes about yesterday.
Which is why he decided to surprise me with a last-minute weekend trip. Tempe has Charlie, and she said not to hurry home. So we’re going to enjoy some alone time, which I’m hoping also includes uninterrupted sleep.
The empty desert is peaceful this time of night. The cool spring air is a comfort as we break free from the city. Hayes promised to bring me somewhere I could see the stars, and it’s clear he’s making good on that promise.
The club has properties scattered across the desert. Some of them are used to store contraband; others are old houses that once belonged to former members. He said this one was a getaway he’d use from time to time when he needed to be alone.
My fingers grip Hayes’s stomach as he makes another turn, and he plants his hand over the back of mine. His thumb rubs back and forth, soothing me. The first time I climbed on the back of his bike, I was a ball of nerves, gripping him for dear life the entire ride. Now, it’s one of my favorite places.
The bike vibrations hum between my legs, and I’m anxious to get where we’re going.
“You feel so good on the back of my bike,” he says through the speakers in my helmet. “Are you still nervous?”
“No.” I move my hand from his stomach to his leg. “Just anxious to get there. How much longer?”
“We’re almost there,” he assures me. “Why, you feeling sick? Do I need to pull over?”
His concern makes me smile. “Not sick, just looking forward to some alone time with my husband.”
I slowly drag my hand up his leg, gripping his hard length through his jeans. His growl fills my helmet, making my belly swirl.
“Fuck, you keep touching me like that, and I’m not going to make it there. Might as well just take me out.”
I laugh. “That’s dangerous.”
“Since when have you known me to bow out of a challenge?” He grips the back of my hand, rubbing it against his cock.
We’re alone in the desert. Nothing but empty road and us. I press my body closer, grinding my hand over him again.
“Pull over,” I whisper.
Hayes swerves to the side of the road, and I laugh because clearly I didn’t have to ask twice.
He holds out his hand, helping me off the bike, then swinging his leg over.
“Do you think anyone’s going to drive by?” I glance up and down the road.
“Would you care if they did?” He peels off our helmets, pullingme close.
I bite my lower lip, shaking my head. “I don’t care who drives by right now.”
