Page 28 of Drifter (Redemption Riders #2)

Starting Fresh

Sasha

“ T he body of Dr. Edgar Sutton was found this morning under the bridge at Harbor City. The police have confirmed that this was an isolated incident and Sutton was targeted. All signs point to organized crime being behind the hit,” the news anchor says.

Drifter turns down the sound before the announcer continues.

It’s not because he doesn’t want me to hear it, but because we’ve heard it blaring on all the stations since the news broke about my father and his involvement with the mob.

“That’s enough, baby. We’re moving forward,” Drifter says, and he sits down next to me.

“I can’t believe Dr. Sutton is dead.” I turn slightly to face him. “I’m not sure I like what I’m feeling.”

“What are you feeling?”

“Relieved. A man is dead, and instead of sadness, I’m relieved. I’m a horrible person.”

Drifter places his hands on either side of my head, peering into my eyes.

“The man terrorized you for years. He tried to rape you and manipulated your father into putting you in awkward situations for years to get another shot at finishing what he started. He deserved what he got.” His voice gets softer.

“Baby, your heart is gold. You are full of love and forgiveness. I don’t want that to change, but if you dig down deep inside yourself, you’ll see that Sutton was the master of his fate with all the shit he did. ”

“I know you’re right. Poor Elaine. She’s such a sweet woman. She must have been utterly shocked by it all. I never understood why she married Dr. Sutton.”

“Let things settle, then maybe we can go for a visit. She’ll need a friend, and it seems that she really likes you.”

“Mom is a wreck too. Her world is crumbling around her.”

“You and Simon have a plan. Stick to it. Your mother’s an alcoholic, and she needs help. Don’t give in. It’ll be tough love, but in the end, she’ll get better, and she’ll see life through clear eyes. Trust your gut, sunshine.”

“It’s Simon I’m worried about the most. He’s lost a lot of investors.

Who’s going to trust the son of a man who is a criminal?

” I got a call from the people who hired me for my latest project, and I explained my relationship with my father was strained at best and nonexistent from this point on.

My work ethic and past employers are my saving grace, and they decided to let me continue with the project.

“Simon’s whole future has been this company.

” I sigh, running a hand through my hair.

“He’s still in my office, fielding calls.

He can’t even go back to work and speak with staff to let them know what the next steps are going to be. ”

“Babe, he’s losing investors, but he’s gaining too.

The clubs that didn’t get a chance to get in on this venture are chomping at the bit and will replace the ones he’s losing.

People need jobs, the staff will stick it out a few more days, and things will settle.

The Pride has a kickass lawyer, and she’s agreed to help Simon out pro bono for a while.

Your brother’s got it under control, and now he’s a man who gets to forge his own future.

Give him space and let him do his thing,” Drifter replies.

He makes complete sense, and he’s so calm about everything. “I want everyone to be happy,” I say quietly. “Especially you.”

Drifter pulls me onto his lap. “Baby, I’m happy. Look at me.” He pauses, and a fantastic smile comes across his face. “I have you and my family. That’s all I need. I live a simple life. I work on cars, ride my Harley, and when I come home, the most beautiful woman in the world is waiting for me.”

“You’re the most amazing man I’ve ever met. I love you.” I kiss him soundly on the mouth. Drifter returns my kiss, taking over. His tongue duels with mine, making our kiss long, sweet, and passionate.

“Sunshine, your brother’s in the other room, but when he’s gone. I’m going to show you just how much I love you right back,” he says with a teasing grin. “Today has been chaos, but tomorrow we’re starting fresh, with only the people we love in our lives.”

We sit together for a while longer. Eventually, we get up and check on Simon, getting him settled in the spare room for the night. I fall asleep in Drifter’s arms, but not until he shows me how much he loves me.