34

S pending a few hours with the guys was like old times. Ollie was already three pints ahead, and Harry was still nursing the first one.

“So, you and Em are official now then?” Ollie asked.

“She asked me to move in with her and Liam now I’m home, but we skipped the, ‘Are we official now?’ talk. Everything just fell into place, so yeah, we’re together as it was always supposed to be.”

“I’m happy for you, man. There is no one better for you than her.” Ollie nodded before heading in the direction of the bathroom.

“So, you’re really home? No more messing around?” Harry questioned.

“I’m all in, Harry. Your sister is it for me.” I leaned in closer, making sure nobody around heard. For now, anyway. “I have my grandmother’s ring. I plan on proposing to Emily with it when the time is right.”

“Holy shit, you’re all fucking in, aren’t you?!” His mouth fell open as if he didn’t fully believe me in the beginning.

“Yes, I’m all fucking in with Emily and Liam.”

“But wait, when?!” he asked.

“Not yet. We just found our footing as a couple. I just needed you to know that I wasn’t planning on upping and leaving.”

“Good on ya, man.” Harry shook my hand, seeming genuinely happy for Em and me.

“Anyway, I have to explain myself to your parents when they’re home from their cruise. Plus, ask your dad’s permission once we’re all good again.” I smiled at the thought.

“My parents already know everything. I explained it all, as did Emily, and they understand.”

“Good to know. Thanks for that. When are they back?” I felt as though they’d been away since before I got back and was genuinely curious.

“Next week, actually. Just in time for Emily’s bakery surprise. You still want us to come by after you’ve given her it?”

“Yeah, I can’t wait to see her face.” I beamed as I finished off my beer.

“Honestly, Beck, she’s going to love it. I don’t think she’ll begin to believe you did that for her.”

“Harry, I’d do anything for her, and also Liam.” I was about to continue my sentence when I felt the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end and not in a good way.

“Do anything for them, would you?” His snide voice grated on me as he spoke.

That fucking twat Mike. How wonderful.

“Do one, Mike,” Harry demanded, his tone no longer chipper and excited.

“I see you jumped back to his side as well.” Mike scoffed.

I stood from the bar stool, turning to face the wanker that tried to ruin my life. “Listen, Mike, I’m over your fucking games. When are you going to do as I said and fuck off?”

“When Emily realises you’re a waste of time and energy.” God, this man didn’t take the hint, did he?

“You sound like a broken record. You fucked it up for yourself the second you opened that stupid arse mouth of yours.” I stepped towards him as he remained glued to his spot. “Emily is mine. She always was and always will be. Nobody, and I repeat no-fucking-body, will stand between us again, especially not a twat like you.” I paused for a second, waiting for his response as I saw his brain practically ticking and thinking of something to say. “Liam is our son. He is nothing to you, just as Em is. You don’t know them, you don’t speak to them. In fact, don’t even think about them. They’re my family. Fuck off and find your own.”

“Fuck o—” he started but then was interrupted by Harry.

“You heard him, Mike. Move the fuck on and leave my sister, nephew, and Beck alone. It’s about time you realised she was always too good for you. You never stood a chance against Beck, but you already knew that. That’s why you did what you did.” Harry stood beside me, putting on a united front which clearly pissed off Mike.

“Woah, what did I miss?” Ollie arrived, giving Mike his best side-eye. “Oh, guys, the twat is here.” He laughed as he signalled for another beer. “Do us a favour and fuck off, Mike.” He pointed to the door with his thumb and gave a smug look.

“That’s it then, is it? He’s forgiven just like that?!” Mike seethed, slamming his fist on the bar, attracting a few disapproving looks.

“There was nothing to forgive. He had no fucking clue he was having a baby with my sister, and that was because of you and your web of lies.” Harry shut him down immediately.

“He’s like fucking Spiderman with his web of lies, ain’t he?” Ollie cackled, only just managing to get his sentence out.

“Don’t insult Spiderman like that, mate.” I laughed which only tickled Ollie more.

“Ah, shit, sorry.”

“Emily will see you’re not enough for them,” Mike spat, cracking his neck to the side.

“Even so, I will spend the rest of my life trying to be worthy of them, so piss off and cry into your pillow elsewhere.” I turned my back to him as he grabbed my shoulder with anger. “Take your fucking hand off me, Mike,” I warned.

“How’s it feel to know I could have fucked Emily if she’d have let me? I bet she’s a good shag, ain’t she?”

That was it. I’d had enough of his shit. My blood was boiling hearing him speak shit about my woman. No fucker disrespected her that way. I felt the adrenaline surge through my veins as I swung my fist with precision and force, connecting squarely with Mike's jaw. The satisfying thud echoed in the room as his eyes widened in shock.T he impact knocked him off balance, sending him sprawling to the floor. My heart raced as I stood over him, my knuckles tingling from the impact.

“You shouldn’t have done that,” he spat, blood trickling down his chin. “I’ll report you. Your career will be over.”

“You need witnesses for that, Mike.” Harry scoffed. “Did anyone here see Beck hit Mike?” he asked around to the people who drank beside us.

They all shook their heads in unison, standing by me and turning on Mike. I brought myself down to his level, making sure my voice was hushed so only he could hear. “How does it make you feel, Mike, hmm? I achieved in mere weeks what you couldn’t in years.” I had to admit that blow felt good, too good in fact, as I laughed in his face.

“You fucking—” he spat, steam practically coming from his ears as if he were some type of cartoon.

“You see, Mike, you’re done here, so I’m going to say it one more time. Fuck off back to whatever hole you crawled out of.” I was livid as I directed all the anger I had to the crumpled mess on the floor. “I don’t want to see your face here or around my family again.”

Before he could say anything else, the usual bouncers, Jax and Abe, grabbed him and began to drag him outside as he kicked and screamed.

“You saw him hit me!” he shouted, struggling against Jax's hold.

“I don’t recall that happening, fella.” Their grip tightened on him as he screamed from the pressure. “It’s time for you to go. You’re barred.”

The doors closed on the three of them as the barman handed me a free pint.

“Here’s to getting rid of bad rubbish.” Ollie laughed as he held up his glass to cheers with mine and Harry’s.

After another couple of pints, I was ready to head back home to Em. Imagining her naked in our bed was enough to make me want to bloody sprint home.

Are you awake?

Better yet, are you naked?

I might be ;)

I’m already halfway out the door x

I shoved my phone in my pocket before turning back to the boys, unable to hide my smirk.

“Boys, I’m off home. Em is waiting for me.”

“Oh, yeah, gotta make the most of that child-free night, haven’t you?” Ollie teased as Harry groaned.

“Mate, do you have to?” Harry shot a shut-the-fuck-up look to Ollie who laughed it off.

“Nah, I don’t, but it's hilarious winding you up. You’re too easy.”

“And on that note, I’m off.” I held my hand up in a wave before making my way outside, the bitter air shocking me.

I shrugged off my jacket and locked the front door before heading upstairs to see Em, the effects of the beer finally kicking in.

I walked into the bedroom, and there she was. Despite a thin duvet covering her body, I knew she was naked beneath, just as she promised. She glanced up from her book as she took me in. Every single inch. She seemed to like what she saw until her eyes landed on my hand… The one I punched Mike with. Shit.

“Beck! What happened?!” She threw off the covers, rushing over to me to check my knuckles.

I couldn’t even focus on the words that left those perfectly sculpted lips. How the hell could I? She was fully fucking naked, and I was getting hard just looking at her. She took my hand in hers, examining it until I stopped.

“Never-mind my hand. I can’t concentrate on anything other than you right now.” I lifted her just enough to lay her back on the bed as her eyes met mine, captivating me instantly.

“Beck, please?—”

I brought my lips down to hers, cutting off what she was trying to ask of me. A rush of heat surged through me as her lips moved softly, yet urgently, against mine. My hand found its way to the small of her back the second she arched herself into me, pulling her even closer. Every touch, every movement, was charged with an intensity that left me fucking breathless.

Her fingers tangled in my hair, and a soft sigh escaped her, making my cock twitch beneath my jeans. She’d given into me, no longer worrying about what happened to my hand as she began to unbutton my shirt, each one easier than the last. My lips never left hers as our tongues clashed in a passionate kiss.

“Fuck me, Beck.” She whimpered against my lips as I teased her lower lip between my teeth.

“Fuck me, Beck,” she whimpered against my lips, her voice a desperate whisper against my mouth. Her eyes smouldered with raw desire. I smirked as I pressed my lips to hers and savoured her sweet moan.

“I plan on it, but first I need to taste how sweet that pussy is,” I growled. My voice vibrated against her skin as I trailed kisses down her neck.

I took her nipple into my mouth, swirling my tongue around it as she arched her back with a soft moan. My lips decorated her body as I left a trail of fiery kisses in my wake, mapping my way down towards her pussy. Each time our lips met, a soft, involuntary gasp escaped her, catching in her throat like a soft melody. The sound was raw and intense, resonating like a whispered symphony that made my heart race.

I flicked my tongue over her clit as she gasped, her hands finding my hair instantly. I groaned against her as I ran my tongue along her wet slit. She was fucking drenched for me, and there were no damn words to describe how she tasted. I ate her pussy like she was my last meal, her moans of pleasure filling the room around us. Alternating between licks, nips, and sucks, her legs trembled at the sides of me.

“Fuck, Beck.” She gasped, fisting the sheets.

“You’re so fucking sweet,” I murmured, my words sending shivers over her body. Her moans grew wilder as her body arched with every stroke of my tongue. I slid my fingers inside her, teasing her clit while my fingers worked her in a come-hither motion.

“I need you, Beck! I need you to fuck me, please.” Her voice was laced with desperation as she pleaded for me to fill her.

I happily obliged, rising to my knees as I removed my jeans, my cock springing free. I teased her entrance with the head of my cock as her eyes silently begged me. I thrusted inside of her as she clenched around me. She gasped, her nails digging into my shoulders as I began to move.

“You’re mine. Every single inch of you.” I whispered against her mouth as I pressed my lips against hers.

As I fucked her, she pulled me into her, her fingers now digging into my cheeks, and I knew what my woman wanted. I just needed her to say it.

“Harder, Beck, please.” Words escaped her in a husky whimper. “I need you to fuck me harder.”

I gave her what she craved, my thrusts becoming more urgent, more relentless as she moaned louder, barely able to catch her breath.

“Breathe with me. Feel all of me. That’s my good fucking girl.” I growled into her neck as I sucked roughly on her skin.

“Fuck, Beck, I’m close.” She panted, her body tightening around me as she neared the edge.

“Does my girl want to come?”

“Yes, please… Make me come… Please…” She was losing herself as her fingers dug into my skin more and more with each thrust.

“Come for me,” I commanded, thrusting into her with fierce intensity. “Let me feel you fall apart.”

Her scream of release was music to my ears. Her pussy clenched around my cock as her body trembled, sending me over the fucking edge. “Fuck.” I roared, my own release crashing through me. I fell blissfully into the abyss as our bodies trembled in sync.

I pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead as my heart raced in my chest. “I love you, Em.” I kissed her lips in a soft embrace.

I removed myself from her with a groan before carrying her to the shower to get ourselves cleaned up.

I tried my best to clean up my knuckles as Em watched from beside me, a half-hearted smile on her lips.

“What happened, Beck?” she asked, her voice calm and understanding.

“I punched Mike, that’s what happened.” I sighed.

“Why’d you do it?”

“Because he said shit about you, and I wasn’t going to stand there and do nothing. The prick deserved it, Em.”

“Thank you.” She took the cream from me and began circling it gently across my knuckles to reduce the bruising.

“For what?” I arched my brow, wondering exactly why she needed to thank me.

“For standing up for me against him. I don’t know what he said, but thank you.”

“Nobody speaks that way about you and gets to stand there with no repercussions.” I couldn’t take my eyes off how gentle she wrapped up my hand. “I love you, Em.”

She tucked the last bit of fabric in place, her fingers deftly smoothing out the wrapping. Her lips curved into a shy smile while the apples of her cheeks flushed a delicate shade of pink. My shirt drowned her small frame, the unbuttoned sections revealing glimpses of her collarbone.

“I love you too, Beck,” she whispered before placing a kiss on the bruise forming beneath the bandage.

“So, listen, next week I’ve got a surprise for you, okay?” I couldn’t hide my excitement, but she had no clue what I’d planned.

“A surprise?! What for?” Her eyes twinkled as her face lit up.

“Because I love you, cupcake. There is no other reason.” I lifted her into my arms and carried her back to bed.

I pulled the covers up around her before settling in beside her, the necklace I bought her years ago catching the light from the bedside lamp as she got comfortable.

“I’ll pick Liam up from Ashton’s tomorrow and take him to see my parents.” I linked my fingers with hers as she snuggled herself into the crook of my arm, her sweet, subtle perfume hitting me delicately in the face.

“I have a question, are you having your car shipped here?”

“No, I sold my car when I was back in Spain. As much as I loved that sports car, it wasn’t suitable for us three.” A quiet warmth stirred in my chest as I looked at Emily.

“Beck, you can get another sports car. We can use mine for family trips.”

“That reminds me, we need to upgrade yours too.” A grin tugged at my lips as I started planning our shopping trip in my head.

“No, we don’t need to upgrade anything.” She rolled her eyes as she let out a dramatic sigh.

“It isn’t suitable for transporting cakes around, though, is it? We both know that, so humour me and let me take you car shopping just to see if you like anything.” I pleaded with puppy dog eyes, hoping they’d work like they did when we were teens.

“Fine. I’m not promising I’ll let you upgrade anything, but I will humour you.”

“Thank you. Besides, I need to know you and our babies are safe when you’re out without me.” I winked, knowing that in a second her eyes would widen and her mouth would fall open in surprise.

“Excuse me? We have one child, not multiple.”

Bingo… Right on cue.

“For now, but I don’t plan on only having one child with you, Emily Ryton. Neither do I plan on calling you Ryton much longer. I think Emily Ashmore has a nice ring to it, don’t you?” I teased, draping my leg over hers.

“Mhm, goodnight, Beckett.” She giggled as she closed her eyes and that laugh was all I needed to know she felt the same way I did.

Granted, those years apart happened but with each day that passed it felt as though no time passed at all. We grew up and got older, but we still loved one another like we did before, if not more than that.

“I’d like to see you as a girl dad,” she muttered as sleep was enveloping her.

Yeah, I could imagine having another little Emily running around, being chased by her brother, both of them giggling and squealing with delight. Watching her and Emily bake cupcakes in the kitchen one minute and kicking a ball in the park with Liam and me the next.

“You’re thinking about it, aren’t you?”

“Too right, I am.” I chuckled, kissing her temple as she finally gave in and drifted off to sleep.

And after that conversation, I planned on having the sweetest dreams that included a family of four.

Liam and I walked into Emily’s bakery where we met my parents and Harry. They were overlooking everything when I couldn’t. They had the plans they knew not to stray from, too, which made it easier.

“Grandpa!” Liam shouted as he bounded over to my dad who held his arms open for him.

“There’s my boy!” He spun him around once before securing him tightly in his arms. “What do you think of your mum's bakery?”

“It’s amazing! She’s going to love it!” He beamed, sticking his tongue through the new gap from his recent loose tooth.

“Ah! Your tooth came out!” My mum exclaimed, pinching his cheeks softly.

“Yup! At Ashton’s house this morning. I’ll be putting it under my pillow tonight.” He was thrilled it had finally come out and over the money he was going to make.

“Well, I bet the tooth fairy will leave something at our house, too.” Mum whispered, only adding to Liam’s excitement.

“Everything is set for next week.” Harry appeared from around the corner. “Furniture and all that is being delivered tomorrow.”

“And the sign is going up the night before, right?” I asked, wanting to leave that until the last minute.

“Yeah, it’s in the back and ready to go.”

“Hey, uncle Harry?” Liam started.

“Yes, little man, what’s up?” he responded, eager to know what wonderful thing would come out of his mouth this time.

“Is it weird that your bestest friend is dating your sister?” His brow furrowed, clearly curious.

“It was, and it took me a hot minute to realise they were meant to be together, but now, I don’t mind. They're better when they’re together.” Harry patted my back with one swift clap.

“If I had a sister, I’d never let my friend date her. No way on earth.” He scoffed.

The four of us erupted with laughter as Liam looked confused as to why we were amused.

“I don’t think your dad would let that happen either, mate.” Harry chuckled.

“Too right, I wouldn’t. Besides, we might have another boy if we have another child so we won’t have to worry, will we?” A warmth bloomed in my chest, and I couldn’t stop the thoughts of seeing Emily pregnant this time from playing repeatedly in my mind.

“Very valid point there, son.” Dad smiled as he wandered off with Liam and Mum.

“So, do you really think Em is going to love it or will she kill me?” I turned to Harry, genuinely debating between the two.

“I think she’ll love it. She might want to kill you for spending so much bloody money. She would have done it on a budget.”

“There is no budget when it comes to her. It has to be perfect. It’s her dream, and it’s time she stopped putting it off for everyone else,” I pointed out. She always put what she wanted to do on a back burner and that stopped now.

“You’re a good guy, Beck, a really fucking solid one, and I’m thankful my sister has someone like you. Someone to show her just how precious she is.” Wow. He wouldn’t have said that weeks ago.

“Cheers, man. I’ll show her every day of my life.” I glanced around at Emily’s place, knowing that in less than a week she’d be standing where we were now. “I’ve also set up the grand opening too. The local papers will be attending, so she’ll have plenty of publicity.”

“You’re posting it all over your socials too, right?” he asked.

“Yeah, of course. I’ll shout it from the rooftops. Whatever we have to do for my girl.”

“You know, your love is quite sickening,” he teased, pretending to throw up.

“Don’t act all jealous just because you’re single and have been for years,” I joked.

“I don’t like to tie myself down. I mean, look at me.” He held out his arms for me to admire him, making it hard to keep my laughter to a minimum.

“Handsome bastard, aren’t ya?” I rolled my eyes while he burst out laughing.

“You ain’t wrong, Beck.” He winked, clicking his tongue. “Nah, but seriously, I’ve never seen my sister this happy since you left, so thank you.”

“I love her. I always have.”

“I know. Even when I warned you off her, you didn’t bloody listen anyway.” He scoffed.

“I’ve never been one for listening.” I laughed.

“No, that’s true.”

If I would have listened, I wouldn’t have had the most beautiful boy with the love of my life, so I guess there were perks to it.