Revenge

The King Brothers Series: Book Five

G. Bailey

Contents

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Description

Quote

Prologue

1. Luke

2. Luke

3. Emilia

4. Emilia

5. Luke

6. Emilia

7. Luke

8. Emilia

9. Emilia

10. Luke

11. Emilia

12. Luke

13. Emilia

14. Luke

15. Emilia

16. Luke

17. Emilia

18. Luke

19. Emilia

20. Luke

21. Emilia

22. Luke

23. Emilia

24. Emilia

25. Luke

26. Emilia

27. Emilia

28. Luke

29. Epilogue-Harley

30. Epilogue-Elliot

31. Epilogue- Sebastian

32. Epilogue- Luke

33. Epilogue- Izzy

Author Note

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About the Author

Please keep reading for a small excerpt of True Light (From the Stars series)-

Revenge Copyright © 2018 by G. Bailey

All rights reserved.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

The author acknowledges the trademark owners of various products, brands, and/or stores referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

For more information about the author and her work, visit-

www.gbaileyauthor.com

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Revenge is something I’ve been planning for five years.

Finally, it is time.

I can have the girl I’ve always loved, and the revenge I’ve always wanted.

But it’s never that simple.

Lies, secrets and death have always followed the King brothers.

Luke King can’t escape The Cage and the brutal life it gave him.

Luke was born into it...and he will never stop until he destroys it.

18+

For my mum. She is the strongest person I know.

Life isn’t always easy, or straightforward, but good things come to those who never give up.

Quote

Loving you changed my life.

It should come as no surprise that losing you has done the same.

- Chloe Frayne.

Prologue

Luke

Smoke and fire are everywhere, suffocating me as much as it burns my skin, yet the pain is refreshing. It reminds me that I am alive. There is nothing but swirling smoke above me as the burning parts of the ceiling fall, crashing near my head. The embers graze against my skin, though the pain is almost nothing compared to the rest of my body. It’s ironic to die in a place that looks like hell. I’ve lived in hell for so long, embracing the heavenly moments the last few months have given me only to die in a place like hell in the end. Life is fucked up like that.

“LUKE!” I hear my brother scream, his voice panicked, though I can’t move. I can’t call for him. Tell him to get out of here. I did what I planned, and it is all over now. Harley should not be here. All my stubborn brothers should not have followed me. I know dying here is fitting for what I have done. I can feel my jacket on fire, my skin burning and the pain paralyzing me to the spot so I can do nothing but lie here. Suddenly arms are slowly lifting me, making the pain worse as I can’t see who it is that is trying to save me.

“I just got you back. Your girl is outside, and so is the rest of your family. Don’t you fucking give up on me now, Luke,” Harley’s voice growls, making me sure it is him holding me even if I can’t reply.

“It’s o-over,” I manage to cough out.

“Yeah it is, but not for us. You are going to live, Luke. I mean it,” Harley says, his words are the last thing I hear as I look up, seeing the fire covered ceiling heading for us, a large chunk on fire falling down through the building. I don’t get time to warn Harley or do anything as it collapses on us, and everything goes black.

Luke

Five years ago…

“Luke King you have been sentenced to minimum five years jail time for carrying an illegal firearm,” the judge states, and everything else in the room fades away as I slowly repeat the coldly spoken sentence in my mind. I barely hear the sounds of my family shouting, pleading for another verdict. Nor do I feel the hands of the guards who grip my upper arms, leading me off the stand as the handcuffs dig into my wrists. There is nothing that catches my attention for a moment until I see one girl in the room. She is standing still even as the room explodes around her, even as I see the pain the verdict causes her. I know it will destroy what little is left of us. We had a future planned, a way to save her and now that is all gone. By the time I get out, there is no way Emilia will be waiting for me. Emilia watches me with pale cheeks, dark hair and a broken expression that hurts my heart to see. I’m leaving her, and there isn’t anything I do to stop this. I can’t find a way for someone to help her. I made a choice to save my brother and his child... and now I have to pay the price. “Take him down.” I hear the judge say, his words almost drowned out by brothers shouts, pleads with the judge as they’re escorted from court. I only look at them once, catching Harley’s destroyed expression. Elliot’s face is a mask of pure anger, his arms held by two guards as he is escorted out. Sebastian holding Izzy as she cries, shaking her head and his expression is similar as he looks at me.

“I will get you out! I promise!” Harley growls, pushing the guards hands off him, but two more come over and drag him further out of the door. I don’t reply, knowing shouting isn’t going to make this easier. I turn back to see where I am being escorted to. The guards lead me down a few stone steps, the metal of my handcuffs digging into my wrists with every movement. I keep my head low as I wait for the guards to unlock the gates and lead me outside, to a white police van waiting for us, the backdoors held open by other guards. The guards holding me chuck me in the van before slamming the doors shut, along with my freedom. It’s over for a long time, and I don’t know what the hell do with myself. I could freak out about prison, or not seeing my brothers or Emilia but instead, I almost feel numb to it all. I sit myself down on a bench in the van, my mind running over and over the events that led me to this moment. I barely remember how I felt as I lifted the gun and shot the man who stole my niece and was going to kill my brother. I remember the instant fear I felt when the police rushed in as I dropped the gun on the floor. I don’t think I could ever forget the look of horror that spread over Harley’s face as he held Hope close to his chest, her little cries filling the silent room. The van suddenly stops, making me slam my shoulder into the side of it and jolting me out of my thoughts. I frown as the doors are pulled open, and I should be shocked at who is standing there, but I’m not.

“Luke King, how unfortunate that we have to meet under these circumstances,” Arthur comments, climbing into the van and someone else shuts the doors behind him. Arthur sits down opposite me, crossing his leg over the other as I eye his black eye and cut lip, which throws off his perfectly crisp designer suit and styled grey hair.

“Why are you here?” I ask, knowing this visit won’t end well. It would have taken Arthur some effort to get me alone.

“Why would I not be here? I spent a good deal of time and money bribing that judge to find you guilty after the lawyer your brothers hired you nearly got you off with nothing more than community service. See the judge has some extracurricular activities he would rather not be shared with his wife,” Arthur says, the big grin never leaving his lips as I tighten my fists to the point of pain. The fucking bastard. I grit my teeth before replying, knowing I can’t give him the reaction he wants. Arthur has always been like a child, begging for any scraps of attention.

“Congratulations,” I dryly reply, noticing how we’re still not moving anywhere, and I wonder if it’s possible for me to escape. Arthur crosses his arms as he watches me closely like he can figure out everything I am thinking.

“I have an offer for you,” he says. “A very nice offer considering how much your family has disappointed me recently.”

“Get out,” I coldly reply. “I won’t make any deal with you.”

“Oh, now that is rude. You should at least hear me out,” he says, laughing ever so slightly. “Luke, you are just like your father, you realise that? I always assumed Elliot would follow him the most, considering he looks so much like him. Yet, you have more of him than I thought.”

“You’re not going to leave until I let you talk, are you?” I respond.

“No,” he replies, and I wave a hand before crossing my arms again. “Outside this van is a car, a new ID, and a life at my side. You will be at my side, fighting, killing and doing anything I ask you to do for the rest of your life.”

“You’re crazy,” I point out. Absolutely fucking crazy if he thinks I would accept an offer like that from him. My family has spent years paying back our father’s debt to this lunatic. I’d rather make a deal with the fucking devil.

“Possibly, but I think you will come around to my offer in time,” he says, standing up and smiling down at me. “If you don’t, this will never stop happening to you. Make a wise decision, Luke King. I need someone like you at my side, and you need someone like me to get you out of this mess before it kills you. Your brothers aren’t going to save you now.”

“Nothing you can do or say will ever make me change my mind. The answer is no, Arthur. Find another puppet,” I snap, and he chuckles, raising his eyebrows before walking to the door.

“Think of the next few visits of mine as nice warnings. I will start killing your family next and making you watch,” he says and pushes the doors open, walking out. Three beefy men step into the van, their faces are hidden in creepy masks and their clothes are all black. They close the door behind them as my heart pounds in my chest, knowing what is coming. The next moments are full of pain, anger, and my screams until thankfully, I black out.

Luke

“Can I come in?” I hear someone ask, though I don’t recognise the voice. I lift my head up from where I’m sitting on the floor, my back resting on the edge of the bed, my blood splattered all around the white tiles under me. This is the fifth time I’ve been visited in this hellhole by Arthur’s men, and I really hoped they would kill me this time. Things are broken, my head is fucked up to the point I can’t focus on anything, and it’s a struggle to get up.

“Do I look like I could stop you?” I sarcastically reply, staring through my one eye that isn’t swollen shut at the prisoner. He has dark skin, a shaved head with a long scar down the one cheek, and he’s wearing the same orange jumpsuits we all wear. I don’t think I’ve seen him in the two weeks I’ve been in here. Though I haven’t exactly left my room thanks to Arthur’s fucking friends. Every day they are around, watching me, teasing me. They take my food, piss in my bed, rip my clothes and then every so often group up to beat the living hell out of me. If Arthur wants to destroy me, he’s going the right way about it.

“No, mate, you don’t look like you could hurt a fly,” the guy points out.

“I’m not your mate,” I growl, before coughing and tasting blood in my mouth. The prisoner closes the door slightly, and comes over to me, crouching down to my level.

“I’m a friend, one you don't want to kick out. I want to offer you a deal,” he tells me. “The name’s John.”

“Arthur’s friend too, are you?” I ask and laugh. “The answer is still hell fucking no.”

“I’m not his friend,” John says in disgust, tilting his head to the side and lowering his voice. “I’m undercover for the police. I have been working for Arthur for five years, but no one can get close enough to do what is needed to end him. Then there is you.”

“The police put me in here. I am not making any kind of deal with them,” I reply.

“We have an offer. One that will make sure you and your family are safe. Forever,” he says, and it’s the first interesting thing I’ve heard him say. My brothers and sister have been trying to come and see me, but I’ve rejected them all. They can’t see me like this. They’ll do something stupid. Each one of them has a family, people that need them around. And then there’s me. The only woman that needs me will hate me by now, yet I can’t get her out of my head.

“What is the deal?” I ask, coughing once again.

“Accept Arthur’s offer and work with us to take him down. We need you to help us get spies into every one of Arthur’s fighting rings, drug dens, and anywhere else he takes you. It will take years, and you have to pretend you hate your family for it to work. Arthur needs to believe you are so angry that your brothers let you rot in here. That you would choose to be on his side instead,” he says. I know I could do it, and it would be far better than the life I have right now. It would be helping my family- saving them.

“Could you tell my brothers what I’m doing? They would hate me,” I ask.

“No. They can't know. No one can,” he replies. "If you did this, all charges, including the ones your brothers will face when this is all over, will disappear. You get to walk away from all of this, from a life we know you were born into."

"If I do what he wants, it will destroy me," I mutter my only fear. “I won’t be a good man.”

"Yeah, it will. I know that," he says. "But my family got out free, and that's why I’m here. I did some messed up shit, and I pay for it, but my family won’t. You get me? It comes down to one thing; will you pay the price for your family, Luke?" His question runs around in my mind until I can think of nothing else. It feels like this is the only way to escape the life my brothers and I have been born into. There isn't another answer. I pull myself up off the floor, groaning in pain from multiple bruises and broken ribs. I offer my hand out to John, and he shakes my hand.

"I want one more thing, and you have a spy. You’ll have me on your side," I say, knowing one more thing is so important.

"What is it?" he asks, looking interested.

"There’s a girl."

"Isn't there always?" he chuckles. "We’ll work it out. Welcome to your new job, Luke King. Let's hope you are as strong and smart as the rumours said you Kings are."

I smirk. "We are so much more than the rumours, but you’ll see. We will do anything for family."

Emilia

Seven years ago…

"Emilia, where are you going?" Meg asks, carefully grabbing my wrist as I walk past her dressing table. I look down at my best friend, her thick layer of makeup covering her natural beauty and her dyed blonde hair curling around her shoulders. I like her natural red colour better, but the boss doesn't. Meg is stunning with her slim body, long legs, and perfect features. I used to be intimidated by her when we first met, but she soon made me realise she was no competition. She’s my friend, and that’s that. We have each other’s back, which is something worth a lot in a place like this.

"I want to get a drink and dance, like normal dancing for once. No eyes on me," I admit, knowing my family isn’t in the cage tonight and neither is Arthur. I could pretend I'm no one and dance with the rest of the people here.

"Arthur wouldn't like it. Neither would your brothers," she warns, but she lets me go with a long sigh. "I’ll cover for you. Have fun," she says, flashing a wink at me before standing up and pulling off her long, red silk dressing gown and revealing her lacy corset, and stockings. They leave little to the imagination, much like I usually have to wear when I’m working. I walk past a mirror and look over at myself before walking by, wondering if I look normal enough. My red dress is tight, clinging to my body and showing off my tattoos on my arms. I have tattoos all over my stomach and two at the top of my thighs, which are just about hidden by the dress. My black hair is wavy, covering my shoulders as little strands hang into my face. I look confident, beautiful, and nothing like I actually am. It's just a pretty image, hiding the cracks underneath the surface. It's the innocent, could do no harm image that Arthur likes to sell to horny men to pay to watch. It’s the pretty image he will marry off one day to whoever he wants under his thumb. As much as he loves to use my brothers to protect him, and one of my brothers has already paid the cost of that job; I can't lose the others or any of my family. I shake my head, knowing there is no point to running this over and over in my mind again. I want a night off, and that's damn well what I’m going to give myself. I walk out of the changing rooms and to the back of the bar, keeping my head down. I pass through the doors to the other side of the bar and walk past everyone, only looking up once at Meg as she dances on the stage, noticing that every man in the room has his eyes on her body as she slowly removes her clothes to the sensual beat of the loud music. I walk past a table, keeping my head down in case anyone recognises me, but Meg is doing a damn good job of being a distraction tonight. I slide out of the doors and climb up the stairs, pushing the door open and stepping into the main part of the cage. The loud music blasts against my ears and the warm, sticky heat of the room grazes my skin as I step into the throng of people dancing and head to the bar. I know there was a fight tonight, one of the famous King brothers again. Every time they come here for a fight, they win, and it's busier than ever. I don't know what Arthur has on those guys, but it must be good to have them fighting all the time like they do. I've never watched a fight for more than a few seconds as it really isn't my cup of tea. I keep to the back of the cage, do my job, and that’s it. I slide past a couple who are so busy with their tongues down each other’s throats to notice me passing them before I get to the bar. The bartender finishes serving two guys who are talking quietly to one another on the other side before coming to me as I slide into a seat.

"What can I get you?" the bartender asks, leaning against the bar.

"Martini," I reply, pulling my card out of my bra and handing it to him as he grins.

"Interesting hiding place. Mind if I join you?" a deep, seductive voice asks, and I turn to look at the guy who slides into the stool next to me without waiting for my answer. Like he is expecting me to say yes, which guessing from the look of him, a lot of women don't say no to his company. His hair is dark brown, shaved at the sides and slightly messy on top, though it compliments his strong jawline and dark green eyes that watch my own. He’s wearing a blue button-down shirt, with the sleeves rolled up and showing off tattoos that cover his arms. He’s muscular, his chest pressing against the shirt and leaving little to the imagination. Even in this place, I can smell his seductive cologne; and from the cheeky grin on his lips, he knows how good he looks and smells. He is bloody stunning. I’ve never seen anyone who looks like him before, and I’m a little lost for words for a moment.

"It was a drink for one, actually," I reply, knowing I can't get messed up with a guy tonight. If my brothers found out, they would kill him and ruin his pretty face. Even one dance would be pushing it too far. One kiss would be breaking every rule and risking my family’s lives. I’ve never experienced a kiss because it breaks all the rules Arthur made clear to me when my father sold me to him. I have a role to play; I’m the innocent one until he tells me otherwise. The poor guy in front of me has no clue how dangerous it is to be talking to one of Arthur’s toys.

"Shame. I guess I’ll have to order my own drink and sit here all alone while I look at the prettiest girl in this room," he says, and I laugh as he calls the bartender over with a wave of his hand. "Her drink is on me, and I’ll have a beer."

"So, prince charming, since you're not leaving; what's your name?" I ask, regretting asking the moment the question left my lips. What the hell am I doing?

"Luke. What’s yours, sweetheart?" he asks as the bartender comes back with the drinks and my card. He doesn't ask Luke for payment, which is odd, but I don't think on it as I sip my drink and answer him. I slide my card back into my bra, seeing how Luke’s eyes trace my every movement before I answer him.

"Emilia," I finally tell him.

"That's a pretty name," he says, before taking a long sip of his beer. “Suits you.”

"So, tell me, Luke, why are you here tonight?" I ask, feeling bolder than I usually am, but there’s just something about him. "Sex, fight, or the drink? It’s got to be one of those, that’s what everyone comes to The Cage for." He smirks, leaning closer and placing his hand on the middle of my back as his lips graze my ear.

"I like a little bit of them all. What brings you here then, Emilia?" he asks, the way he speaks my name sends shivers down my arms. My repeated question sounds so much more seductive on his lips.

"Dancing. I like to dance," I admit as he places a finger on my chin, and turns my face to look at him, scanning my face to make sure I’m telling him the truth. I have a feeling Luke is good at reading people. I didn’t exactly lie, I do come here to dance, but it’s not the dancing I like to do.

"Come and dance with me then," Luke suggests, and I pause for a moment as I stare into his green eyes. They swirl playfully, promising so much more than a dance if that’s what I want. I shouldn't want more, but it's just one dance...right? No one will ever know, and there’s no price for it.

"Okay," I reply. Luke links his hand with mine, and I follow him back to the group of people dancing. He leads me through them until he finds space for us. Luke pulls me against his chest, pressing our bodies close together as we sway to the music. I keep my eyes on Luke's as he leans down, and I don't move as he ever so gently kisses me. The first moment our lips touch, it's like an electric buzz spreads all over my body and all the way down to my toes. I gasp, and he deepens the kiss, sliding his hand up my spine and to the back of my neck, pulling me further into the kiss. We kiss until my lips are tender and my body aches for more. I want more of Luke. More of everything about him, even though in the back of mind, I know I shouldn't want more.

"Want to go somewhere?" he asks, after pulling his lips from mine and his lust-filled eyes locked on mine.

"Yes," I reply, knowing I want this. Even if I can never see him again. We can have this moment and then forget about it. I'm sure he’ll forget anyway. Luke smirks before wrapping an arm around my waist and leading me out of the crowd and past the cage. We walk to the back of the club where there are private curtained rooms and walk through the thin fabric covering the entrance. The music just about covers the sounds of women's moans and men's groans as we head past the private rooms, hidden by thick, red, velvet curtains. Luke pushes one of the curtains aside, leading me into the room with a brown leather sofa pushed against the one wall. I suddenly feel a little nervous, a little worried about what I am doing. I know Meg would tell me to go for it. I'm eighteen, and I’ve never been kissed until tonight. And I sure as fuck am never going to have a chance to lose my V card any time soon. No one would know about this, and I have a feeling Luke will give me a good night. There’s just something about him.

"You can leave if you’re unsure," Luke suggests, walking over to me as I stop in front of the sofa, and turn around to face him. I reach out and slowly undo the buttons of his shirt, before pushing the sides open and running my eyes over his muscular chest and down to the v dipping into his trousers. He is gorgeous. Perfect. It makes me wonder why he wants me tonight. He could have had anyone, but I’m not going to second-guess him now.

"I'm not leaving," I whisper, and he grins before kissing me. I slide my hands up his chest and into his hair as he lifts me up, and my legs go around his waist, pushing my dress up. Luke sits down on the sofa, taking me with him before pulling his lips from my mine, and kissing down my neck as his hands roughly pull my dress down, revealing my breasts. His fingers rub my nipples, sending pleasure through me as his lips teasing graze my neck. I run my fingers down his chest, going to his trousers and undoing the belt, before the buttons.

"I want a taste first," Luke whispers to me. I gasp as he lifts me off him and lies me down on the sofa, before pulling me to the edge, keeping his eyes locked on mine as he slowly starts pulling my lacy thong down my legs. His eyes drift down my body before locking onto my core, and a small smile graces his lips. Luke doesn't waste time warming me up before his head is between my parted legs, and his tongue is diving into my core. I cry out from the intense pleasure as his tongue swirls around my clit and an orgasm crashes into me before I moan his name. Luke chuckles as he climbs up me, freeing his erection and I watch in a haze as he slides a condom on.

"You taste delicious," he admits and lies over me, lining himself up.

"Do I?" I ask, leaning up and kissing him, tasting myself and he slowly pushes his way inside me. There is a sharp pain as he breaks through my virginity and starts pounding into me, but Luke doesn't seem to notice as he loses himself in pleasure. It's not long before Luke groans loud, kissing me hard as he finishes and slides out of me. We sit next to each other, quietly catching our breath until I finally shake my head and pick up my thong off the floor as I stand up. I push my dress down and go to walk. away when. Luke catches my wrist.

"Wait, Emilia. That was your first time, wasn't it?" he asks, but I don't look back at him as I answer.

"Yes."

"It shouldn't have been in here. Not with me. I'm a fucked up mess, and I didn't know," he mutters, his eyes filled with guilt.

"Who says I’m any better than you?" I ask him, before walking to the curtain, and pulling it open a little. "Goodbye, Luke." I walk out of the room, and he doesn't stop me as I go. Even though part of me wants him to, even though I feel like Luke took a part of my soul tonight, and I don't want it back.

Emilia

Five years ago…

I watch in utter silence, pain and fear pounding through my heart as Luke is led down the steps and into a five-year imprisonment. Five years. This can't be happening. I don't know how long I stare at the place where he was last, but I don't move until a guard asks me to leave the courtroom. I push through the doors, not looking at my surroundings as I make my way outside. I stop to take deep breaths as I lean on a stone pillar, letting the cold air fill my lungs. Yet it does nothing to calm me down. In this moment, I regret meeting Luke King. I regret it all. My shaky hand goes to my stomach, flattening out as I realise something I will never regret. Even if my heart hurts and the fear I feel makes me want to throw up more than the morning sickness.

"Emilia? What’s wrong?" I hear a familiar voice ask, just before a hand lands on my shoulder and I almost jump back. I look over my shoulder before turning around, seeing long red hair and Tilly's calming smile. Tilly’s daughter is the reason Luke is gone. And I know it’s wrong to think that way. Tilly and Hope didn't ask for anything that happened to them... I just hate that Luke has paid the price. I think back to two months ago, when Luke's lips were on mine, whispering promises of our future as he told me he loved me. That night was everything. We had everything planned, and now no one can save either of us. I wish it was just us that needed saving. There’s someone else now. Someone so much more important.

"I'm pregnant. The baby is Luke's, and it's so much more complicated than even just that. If Arthur finds out I am pregnant, he’ll kill me. If my fiancé finds out, I’ll wish I was dead. I told you my job, but there is more to it. A lot more," I blurt out, before taking deeper gasps of air to try to calm myself. I don’t even look at Tilly’s reaction; I just can’t.

"Then I suggest you tell me everything and we figure it out, Emilia," Harley’s dark voice shocks me as he steps out of the shadows of the pillar and wraps an arm around Tilly's waist. Tilly looks shocked as she stares at me, but Harley... Harley looks furious.

"There is no figuring this out!" I snap. "Arthur owns me. He sold me to a man named Eric who I have to marry next week. Luke was going to take me away from all this. He was going to save me...but now, now he can't save himself, let alone me."

"Why do you owe Arthur?" Harley asks.

"It’s more than a debt. Arthur owns me. My dad gambled me, and brothers’ lives away as children. He gambled my mother away, too, and Arthur...he keeps her as a pretty pet. I haven’t seen her in years. My father remarried this year to a wealthy widow as per Arthur’s demands. I have to marry her son. Arthur wants the money they have. If I leave without my mum, my dad and my brothers, they’re all dead. Luke said he knew where Arthur is keeping my mum, and he had a plan. There was a plan so we could leave," I blurt out, taking a deep breath. “I have to marry a stranger and this baby…Eric will know it’s not his. We haven’t slept together.”

"Oh, Emilia, we’ll help you,” Tilly says, pulling me into a tight hug. “I'm so sorry."

"Luke is gone," I whisper. He was my…well, everything. One night turned into so much more than that. We fought our attraction, we fought each other, but there was always something leading us back together. As soon as I finally decide to accept it, it’s over.

"I'm so sorry. Luke is locked up because he saved my Harley and my baby, and for that, I will look after you for as long as you need it," Tilly promises, but there isn’t anything they can do.

"You have our word that we will try to help however we can. If Eric won’t pretend the baby is yours, we’ll figure out a way to keep you both safe," Harley adds in, but it doesn't feel like anything, because I remember that I won't see Luke for years, and neither will our baby.

I feel nothing but a deep pain in my chest as I realise Arthur will always have me now. There is no escape.

Luke

5 years later…

I get out of my car, slamming the door shut and looking up at the house I haven’t seen in five long years. Everything has changed, but the house still looks the same. It still holds the same feeling of bad memories mixed in with the rare good ones. The same brick walls and large windows, the same front door is daunting. I pull my suit jacket on and walk up to the door. I lift my hand, knocking on the door of my old home. I don’t think I’ve ever knocked before.

“Luke?” Maisy asks as she opens the door, shock written all over her face. Maisy doesn’t look older, and she’s still just as beautiful with long, black hair and big, blue eyes. She holds the door open as I walk in, and she stands, keeping it open and not saying a word. The last time I saw her was in the courtroom with all my family when I was sentenced to prison. Not that I spent the whole five years there; I never did. Only, the price of being out of jail early was never seeing my family. Pretending I hated them all. Pretending for five years to be someone I’m not.

“Who is it?” I hear my sister shout just before she walks out of the living room in her wedding dress. Her long, blond hair is up in a complicated bun, and her long, white dress looks beautiful on her. I’ve seen photos of them over the years, but it’s still strange to see her so grown up.

“Luke?” she whispers, dropping the flowers she was holding to the ground before running over to me and wrapping her arms around my neck. I let her hug me for a second before stepping away. “Where the hell have you been? It’s been five years since . . .” she says, her green eyes locked onto mine.

“Izzzzzyyy!” I hear a male child’s voice, and then I look up to see a small, dark-haired boy running down the stairs with a little red-haired girl next to him. They look the same age, but I don’t know who he is. I recognize the five-year-old girl as Hope, but the boy isn’t Jake, the only boy in the family. I’ve kept my eye on them all enough to know what they look like. The boy and Hope run over to Izzy, both of them dressed for the wedding. Hope has a pretty blue dress on, her long red hair flowing around her shoulders and the little boy has a tiny suit on. He seems to be inspecting me for something before crossing his arms, a stubborn look clouding his face.

“Luke . . . what the hell?” Harley asks, walking down the stairs and stopping on the last step as we stare at each other. Harley cut his hair shorter, the sides ending around his ears and even shorter in the front. All the years of being married and having Hope to look after has made him happy. I saw photos of their wedding in Spain. It was just him, Tilly, and Hope. They seemed happy, and it was hard to see those photos. It was difficult to look at any photos that John snuck in for me.

“I know I have a lot to explain, but I wouldn’t miss my sister’s wedding,” I reply with a small smile.

"A lot to explain? Is that all you have to say?" Harley growls out, stopping right in front of me. Harley used to scare me, almost, when he got mad. He was always more of a father to me than my actual father ever was.

"If my timing is right, the car will pull up outside in five minutes. We don't have time to discuss everything," I reply, crossing my arms as the room gets very awkward, very quickly. Tilly comes out of the kitchen, only pausing briefly when she sees me and then her eyes dart to the children.

"Hope, Parker, can you come into the kitchen with Isabelle and me? We need to check something important," Tilly firmly suggests, and the kids quickly run to her side. I look once more at the boy, Parker, as he looks back at me, and I wonder who he is. He looks familiar, really familiar. I watch only him until he disappears into the kitchen.

"No fights, today. I mean it. I'm just happy to have you here," Izzy warns, placing her hand on my arm. "I missed you, Luke."

"Luke fucking King," Allie's loud voice exclaims, and Izzy moves to the side as Allie walks in the room dressed in a long, light blue dress that’s the same as Maisy's. Allie couldn't look more shocked if she tried. "Elliot is going to murder you. I'm not even joking. Where the flipping hell have you been?"

"That's what I want to know," Harley says.

"But this is Izzy's wedding day, so it's about her," Maisy interjects, stepping to Harley's side and placing her hand on his arm. He looks once more at me before nodding once at Izzy in agreement.

"Promise me you won't disappear for a while. I mean it. Promise me?" Izzy asks, looking up at me with those big puppy dog eyes she has. "Or I will cancel this wedding so we can grill you on everything that has happened in the last five years right now."

"You're marrying the love of your life, Izzy, and nothing should come in the middle of that. I promise I'm sticking around for a bit," I tell her, seeing the relief instantly fill her eyes. I knew coming back would be difficult, and this is just the start. There is someone more important than my family to see, and whatever she will say will hurt a lot more.

"Good," Izzy says, just as the car beeps outside. “I’m keeping you to that promise.”

"Who is Parker?" I ask as Izzy walks out, followed by Allie. Maisy disappears into the kitchen, leaving me alone with Harley. He rubs the back of his neck, looking damn awkward at answering the question.

"You've missed a lot," Harley replies instead, and I don’t have a clue why I press him on it, but I do.

"I know. Did you adopt him?" I ask.

"No... not exactly. We’re watching Parker because his mum is hosting the wedding. She’s an event planner," Harley tells me, but I figure there is a little more to it than he is telling me. I’m sure there is a lot more to everything I’ve missed that I want to find out. I’m back here for two months, and then this is all over. The final plan is in the works, and I will finish this. I just hope my family doesn’t hate me. I hope she doesn’t hate me in the end.

"Who is her mother?" I ask, and Harley only smirks, patting my shoulder.

"It's annoying when you don't know everything, isn't it?" he asks, before walking back into the kitchen. I shake my head, telling myself to leave it alone before walking back out the door. I light a cigarette as I lean against the wall by the door, waiting until the girls come out of the house. I watch as Maisy gets into the white limo last after Izzy, Allie, Tilly, and the children. Parker doesn’t look my way this time, but Hope waved with a little giggle. I can’t wait to see Jake, even if he won’t remember me. I used to enjoy babysitting the little guy. As the door shuts, and the limo drives past my Audi, Harley comes out. He glances at the cigarette as I take one more puff and drop it to the floor, stomping it out with my foot. I don't smoke them often, only when I'm nervous, and I know I need to quit. I can see the disappointment without him saying a word. He must really not want to argue with me today as he leaves it.

"I'm coming with you. I hope you're a fucking better driver than you were five years ago," Harley says.

"You could say that," I say, feeling a false sense of comfort of being around my brother again. I quickly shut that emotion down, knowing I need to keep my cool and not fuck this up. After all, five years’ work can’t be over in one day. It’s just a wedding after all.

Emilia

"He’s back. I'm not messing around. He just turned up at the house like nothing has happened," Allie hisses, fixing Elliot's tie as I walk into the room, holding my tablet and looking around for the bride and wondering what Allie is going on about. Izzy looks frantic, pacing up and down by the window. Allie and Elliot look ridiculously stressed as they talk with each other, and I look over as the door opens. Maisy and Sebastian walk in, and Sebastian slams the door shut. What the hell happened while I was checking on the piano player? I’m sure the situation was much calmer when I called to check on Izzy half an hour ago, and they said they were just waiting for the limo. I have no clue what Allie is going on about, but surely gossip can wait until after the wedding. This is my twenty-seventh wedding, and one thing I have learnt is that weddings attract drama. My weekend job is far less stressful.

"Luke is back. Seriously?" Sebastian says, and I freeze. The tablet slides out of my hands, and the world just seems to pause as I stare at Sebastian. He can't be right. Luke is gone. He disappeared from his cell one night, and everyone just assumed he was dead. We only found out last year that he was alive because one of Harley's spies found a photo of him on the internet at some club kissing some half-naked famous woman. We all just assumed he hated his brothers for leaving him in jail and guessed we would never see him again. I always secretly hoped he'd come back to us, but after a while, I just buried my head into my daily life. To my most important task of all- being a mum. Luke is my past, and even if he is really here, he is still that. The past. No matter what.

"Emmy?" Allie gently says, picking up my tablet and holding my hand. "You alright?" she asks, knowing what this means to me. My son's father is here, and that risks everything. Every single one of the people in this room knows the truth about who Parker's father is, but Parker doesn't. My husband doesn't. Thank god Eric isn’t here today at least. That fishing trip was a good plan to send him on. The Kings aren’t the biggest fans of Eric, but Luke, he would start a war that he couldn’t finish.

"I-I'm okay," I stutter, taking the tablet as everyone stares at me. "He doesn't know about Parker, and no one is going to say anything, right?" They all mumble agreements, except Elliot who looks away.

"Why did he come back now?" Elliot asks. “He best have a good fucking excuse.”

"He said he couldn't miss my wedding," Izzy adds in.

"I think we should kidnap him at the after-party while everyone is busy. I can get the rope from my car, don't worry it's the strong kind that no one is escaping. Then we can tie him to a chair and find out where the hell he has been this entire time," Allie calmly suggests.

"I think that's illegal, Allie," Maisy points out, and everyone can't help but chuckle as Allie shrugs her shoulders. "Also, why do you have rope in your car?"

"For extra sexy activities, of course," Allie states, and Elliot just groans. Always the honest one, Allie.

"Anyways, I think cornering him and asking might get us the answers we want," Maisy suggests. “He wouldn’t have come back if he didn’t expect to answer some questions on where he has been. Why he hasn’t said a word to us.”

"No, let him come to us. I mean it. This is my wedding, and I want all my family here. I didn't think I'd ever get lucky enough to have Luke here, but here we are. I’m marrying Blake, and he needs his best men. So, go, and behave," Izzy demands, her hands on her hips as she glares at us all. Elliot and Sebastian quickly make their way out of the room, and I try to sneakily follow.

"Stay, Emilia," Maisy gently demands, and I look over my shoulder, seeing them all staring at me before I reluctantly agree and shut the door.

"I should go and get in my spot before-"

"Emilia, come on. It's us. Your friends," Izzy says, coming over to me and resting her hands on my shoulders. Though I'm a little taller than her, even in her high heels and she has to look up at me. My own heels aren't high today, not after all the running around to get this wedding just right. There are so many people here, and this is one hell of a big wedding to plan on my own. I really need to get an assistant. I keep running over every little silly thing in my mind to try and avoid any thoughts of Luke. What does he look like now? Does he still have that cheeky smile? Is his hair still ridiculously soft? Can he still make me lose my mind like no one else can with just one kiss? Does it still feel like home when I'm near him?

"I'm really okay. It's been five years, and I'm sure I'm nothing but a distant memory to him," I say after clearing my throat.

"Yeah...but-" Maisy starts, but I interrupt her.

"No buts; I'm going to get things ready. That’s my job today, and you are going to get married to the love of your life. You have waited years, passed college and bought your own home before getting married. This day is about you. I can freak the hell out tomorrow," I tell Izzy, and she comes over, pulling me into a tight hug and rubbing my back before stepping away.

"Emmy is right. You get your ass married to that hunky fella of yours and then go on that honeymoon to Hawaii. We’ll handle everything, including Luke's return and text you updates," Allie demands. “If he tries to leave, we have plan B: the rope.” I can’t help but chuckle at the idea of Allie getting out rope and trying to kidnap Luke. He was a muscular guy five years ago, and if he still looks the same, it wouldn’t be easy.

"Okay," Izzy finally agrees, a big smile lighting up her face. "I can't wait to marry him. It feels like I've waited forever."

"You guys have taken a long time. Even Elliot and I got married first," Allie says, reminding us all of that big surprise.

"In Vegas, while you were both drunk. I still can’t believe you two did that without me there," Maisy says, pouting her lips.

"Still counts as the best wedding. I never wanted the big wedding, neither did Elliot, but it was perfect for us," Allie says, which makes a lot of sense. Elliot isn't the kind of guy that likes a lot of attention from the little I know of him. The girls start talking more as my watch buzzes, reminding me I have a job to do. I quickly make my escape through the doors and into the corridor. I pause, lifting my head high and taking a deep breath. Luke King is back.

Luke

I walk into the small castle that they booked for the wedding after finding a space to park the car. The journey here was tense, to say the least. Harley clearly doesn’t know what to say to me, and I feel the same way. I’m not the kid I was five years ago, and it’s different between us now. Harley sticks close to my side as we walk through the flower-covered entrance, down the hallway, and up the steps following directions to the main part of the wedding in flowery writing on cute signs. I look around and notice that it seems like every little detail is taken care of. Whoever the wedding planner is, she sure knows what she’s doing. Everything is classy and nicely decorated in a stunning way. We walk to the wooden doors, which are open, looking into the small ceremony room. There are white chairs on each side of a pathway leading to an altar covered in white petals. Fairy lights are hung around the room, and the big window behind the archway gives off amazing views of the mountains. I spot Tristian with a woman sitting next to him as we walk down the pathway, and his eyes widen in shock before I look over at the other shocked face in the room. Blake is at the end of the aisle, next to Sebastian who is warily watching me. I keep my eyes on my brother, and he shakes his head before looking away from me. That’s not a good reaction from Seb. I know we need to talk later. Elliot is sitting with a little girl on his lap, and from her dark hair, I'm guessing it’s Isabelle, Seb's daughter that I haven’t had a chance to know. I spot Parker sitting with Jake and Tilly on the other side of chairs, but none of them look our way as Harley sits down, and I sit in between him and Elliot. I glance at Elliot, who doesn’t look like he has changed much in the last five years. He still has the same grumpy expression and messy hair.

"I know you weren't expecting me. I can sit somewhere else," I tell them. I don’t want to mess up the wedding plan. That’s not why I am here.

"You’re family, so you stay here. Got it?" Elliot growls, glaring at me before smoothing out his expression as Isabelle talks.

"Who are you?" she asks, looking so much like her mum as she tilts her head to the side to look at me.

"Your uncle Luke," I answer.

"Okay," she says, shrugging her little shoulders before looking away. I guess she doesn’t care all that much. I pull at my collar as I feel like everyone is watching me until the music starts to play, and I look over my shoulder to see who is coming in. Hope walks down the middle of the aisle, sprinkling petals as she goes before coming over and sitting on Harley's lap just as Maisy and Allie walk in. They slowly walk down the aisle before standing at the one side, and the music changes. Izzy walks in, and every single person in the room can do nothing but stare at her happiness as she walks to Blake. Blake pulls her into a long kiss until the priest clears his throat, and he lets her go. Her smile is brilliant. She’s happy, and I'm so glad I came today just to see that smile.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the joyful union of Blake Frost and Elizabeth King. Over the last year, I have had the pleasure of getting to know these two young people, and I am proud to join them together today," the priest starts off. "Now Blake, will you say your vows."

"In the name of God, I, Blake Frost, take you, Elizabeth King, to be my wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health, to love and to cherish, until we are parted by death. This is my solemn vow."

Izzy repeats the same vows, and I glance over to see Blake's mum in tears, another woman rubbing her back.

"The rings please," the priest asks, and Maisy brings over a little pillow, with two gold rings held on top. "While you exchange rings, I believe you both have personal messages to one and another." Izzy picks up her ring first and holds it over the top of Blake's finger as she speaks.

"Blake...I think I wrote and rewrote my vows to you a million times over until I realised that words could never describe my love for you. I truly believe two souls are created together, destined to meet and fall in love. There is nothing in this world that could ever destroy the bond we have. I love you, Blake. I always will." Izzy's voice cracks as she slides the ring on, and a few sighs fill the room. Blake picks up Izzy's ring and holds it on her finger in the same way before he starts to talk.

"Elizabeth, until I met you, I never understood what it meant to love someone more than you love yourself. More than you could love anyone. Then you were there, leaning against a window in the middle of a party. You didn't look lost; you looked like home despite everything going on. The moment I saw your determined, beautiful eyes, I fell. It was instant, and since then I have fallen in love with you a little more each day. I cannot wait to spend every day of the rest of my life with you, falling for you more than I thought was possible. You are my soulmate, Izzy, and god do I love you," Blake finishes off his speech, and Izzy is in tears as he slides the ring on her finger. Izzy wraps her arms around his shoulders, kissing him deeply like there isn't anyone else in the room.

"I pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride," the priest says, laughing a little as Blake and Izzy are in their own world. We all stand up, clapping and cheering as the couple finally notice we are here and laugh. They walk down the aisle, and row by row the people follow until it is our time to go out. I walk behind Elliot, following the crowd down the stairs and to the left and into a big ballroom. I walk into the middle of the room as people look around the circular white tables, searching for their names. I wasn’t invited, so there is no way my name is on any table.

“Luke?” Emilia says my name like she has just seen a ghost, and she might as well have. I turn, watching her brown eyes widen, and her red lips part. She hasn’t changed one bit in all the years that I’ve only been able to dream of her. Though seeing her again, it’s like someone has slammed a fist straight into my chest. Emilia’s long black hair is silky, draped over her shoulders and flowing down her back in almost an effortless, beautiful way. She has a stunning, tight red dress on that fits her perfectly. She seems frozen in her place, her hands crossed over her chest and the moment our eyes meet, and both of us seem lost. We just stare, almost endlessly until I hear someone scrap a chair across the floor and it snaps me out of it. Emilia is the most dangerous woman in the room right now. I need to stay as far away as possible. No matter what it feels like to be around her again.

“Emilia, still as beautiful as ever,” I say with a slight smirk, deciding that being charming is the best option to hide my real feelings. She steps back, shaking her head in shock as she isn’t as good at hiding her feelings as me. They are written all over her eyes, and every part of me itches to pull her into my arms. To say sorry for everything. The little boy, Parker, who I saw at my old home earlier, runs up to her, grabbing her hand and she looks down at him.

“Mummy, can I have some fizzy pop just like Hope has?” Parker asks, and then he sees me, flashing me an annoyed frown. Wait, mum? I stare more at the boy as things start to click into place. I don’t know how old he is, but there is something so familiar about him. He looks like me, that’s why. He has my dark hair, my green eyes and I’m sure I have a photo in my old home of me at Parker’s age, which is very similar to how he looks. I know in my soul who the boy in front of me is, without even needing to see the answer in Emilia’s expression.

"How old are you Parker?" I ask him, leaning down slightly to his level.

"Mum?" he asks again after staring at me for a moment and then choosing to ignore me completely.

"Sure, you can, Hun. Just ask Auntie Tilly, and I’ll be over in a minute," Emilia says, though I can do nothing but stare in pure shock at the little boy as he runs to Tilly and Harley, who are watching us.

"Before you freak out and tell me I should have told you, remember that you disappeared on me. Stay away from us, Luke. I mean it," Emilia coldly says, walking away from me. I can only watch because I don’t want to push her. Everything here just got a million times more complicated, and before I’ve thought about it, I turn around and walk out of the room. I jog to the front door and through the endless cars until I find mine. I unlock the car and get inside, shutting the door. I slam my hands on the steering wheel again and again until it fucking hurts, and I finally breathe out the pain in my chest. I missed all these years with Emilia, and I could barely accept that. But missing all these years with my son? I can’t accept that. I rest my head on the steering wheel, the cold leather not helping my mind head get around the fucking idea that I have a son. Emilia had my baby, and I never knew.

Emilia

"Where do you think he went?" Tilly asks me as we watch Parker and Hope dancing with Isabelle on the dance floor. They didn't quite understand the idea of Izzy and Blake having the first dance alone, but they are so cute that no one had the heart to tell them any different. We were all in tears when Izzy asked Harley to have the first part of the dance with her, and he actually agreed. We all know Harley isn’t one to have the centre of attention, but he would do anything for his family. It’s one of the reasons I admire the Kings. Their sense of loyalty to their family. Which makes everything I’m doing so much more worse. Secrets will destroy everything when they find out. No matter who my son is, they won’t forgive me. Blake is spinning Izzy around to the music as the children giggle and dance together around them. I look over at Jake who’s on his dad's phone, playing games I presume, because he’s at that pre-teen age and all moody. I don’t think you could pay him to get up there and dance.

"I told Luke to leave; to leave me and Parker and me alone. I know I shouldn't have but it all freaked me out," I admit to Tilly. Tilly has soon become the best friend I never had, and she is the only person who knows everything. She knows what I do at the Cage. She knows what Arthur pays me to do with the Kings. Though she doesn’t judge me, and I can trust her more than I thought it was possible to trust someone. Meg is my best friend too, but she’s also a little crazy and actually enjoys her work at the Cage. She can’t understand my desire to escape it all.

"It's a bad situation, but at least he knows now. Whatever Luke has been doing for the last five years can't have been worth missing out on his son," Tilly says, placing her hand on my arm and squeezing once before letting go. “Your reaction was normal. You were in shock.”

"Parker doesn't know who Luke is, and he loves Eric. He thinks Eric is his dad, and Luke can't just come in here and ruin that," I say my worst fear out loud. I can deal with my broken heart, but not Parker’s. He’s too young to really understand this all.

"What will Eric say when you tell him Luke is back?" Tilly asks, knowing there is no good answer to all this. I look to the door like I can sense he is here, and Luke walks in, his head held high and his eyes narrowed on me. Luke’s tight suit showcases his muscular form and makes him look ridiculously attractive. Luke was hot five years ago, but this Luke? This Luke is everything. His brown hair is short, soft looking and styled perfectly. Every part of Luke that was attractive before is now more defined. He has aged well. And well is a damn understatement.

"I don't know...and that scares me," I tell her. Eric is a good man, but I’ve done nothing but lie to him from the moment we took our vows. Our wedding isn’t exactly traditional in any sense. There was one night between us where we had sex, it was a week after our wedding, and since then, Eric has never touched me. He found out about the baby about a week later, and I’m pretty sure he’s pretended ever since. I did try to talk to him about Parker and Luke once, but he soon walked out of the room. We have separate bedrooms, separate lives that only mix when Parker is around. I don’t mind our life together. We have a lovely home, money, and safety…but sometimes I want more than that. I want to be in love. I know that’s not what is best for Parker though. He loves his dad, and that’s that. Luke can’t destroy my boy’s life.

"It's going to be okay," Tilly says, squeezing my hand as she senses my rising panic. Allie and Elliot go to the dance floor after Sebastian and Maisy. I watch Elliot spin Allie around, before pulling her close and she happily laughs as he kisses her cheek. Seb and Maisy are pressed close together, completely lost to the world. It’s just them and no one else. Tristan and his new- very pregnant- wife dance together nearby, all of them looking happy and perfect. All their marriages are like that, and it's hard to be around it sometimes.

"Want to dance?" Harley asks Tilly, who looks at me to check I'm okay and I give her a little nod before she slides her hand into Harleys and walks off with him. I slide my phone out of my bag, seeing no messages. I want to text Meg and tell her what happened, but I remember I promised to call her after the wedding tonight anyways. It might be better to explain all this on the phone. I’m surprised there isn’t even one text from my brothers, which is unusual because they’re working at the Cage tonight and usually get bored. Though I might have a bad signal in this old castle. I look up when I sense someone standing next to me, and see Luke looking down at me. His expression is odd. Luke used to be easy to read, to sense his emotions and now he is like a closed book.

"If I remember right, you always loved to dance. Will you do me the honour?" Luke politely asks, and I put my phone down, turning to my side to see him waiting for my answer. I should say no and walk out of here. That’s what the good little wife of the local Mayor would do, but I just can’t.

"You're not going to leave if I say no, are you?" I ask, wanting him to give me a reason.

"No," he smoothly replies. I bite down on my lower lip, a nervous habit, before getting up and letting Luke take my hand. The simple touch of his hand sends shivers through me as I question my mental state. I should not be dancing with Luke King. Luke sweeps me into his arms as a slow song starts playing, and I place my hands on his shoulders as we sway to the song.

"Did you marry him?" Luke asks. “I kept a close eye on my family, but I couldn’t bear to hear anything about you. I don’t know why I’m asking, you’re clearly still Arthur’s pet, so I know the answer.”

"Then why ask? You can see my wedding ring, Luke," I reply, trying not to get annoyed at his question. I hate being called Arthur’s pet, but he’s right, I am one. Once you’re sold to the Cage, you don’t escape unless you’re dead. I’ve always had my suspicions of who Luke has been with all this time, but I hope I’m not right. It would destroy his family to find out that.

"Does he know the kid isn't his?" Luke asks, pressing me closer against his body as he controls the dance. I can’t help but feel how toned and hard he is next to me.

"I don’t know. We never discussed it, and if he knows, he pretends otherwise," I explain to Luke, who places his head next to mine, his lips inches from my ear as he drops his tone. In these moments, it’s like we are back in the Cage, dancing together for the first time. We were innocent back then, not messed up like we are now.

"You need to have that conversation with your husband, where is he?" he asks, and I grit my teeth to control my anger before I reply to him.

"Luke, you can't just come back into my life and tell me what to do!” I harshly whisper, trying to keep a smile on my lips as every time we move around, I see someone watching us. Especially the Kings. “It doesn't work like that, and he isn't here."

"Why isn't he here?" Luke asks before spinning me around and pulling me back to him like a damn magnet. I wish he wasn’t such a good, sexy dancer. It would make this moment so much easier to walk away from. I stare into his eyes, hating and loving the feelings Luke can give me in only a few moments.

"Eric doesn’t like weddings or your brothers. He puts up with my friendship with them, but he wouldn't come to something like this with me and Parker," I explain to Luke, choosing to pull my eyes away from his before I do something stupid.

"Tsk, he’s a fool. If you were my wife, dressed as fucking sexy as you are right now, there is no way I wouldn’t be at your side until I could take you home and rip off that dress to show you just how sexy you are," he tells me. God dammit, I forgot what effect Luke could have on me.

"Luke...you can't talk to me like that. I'm married. Things have changed while you’ve been gone," I point out.

"I didn't have a choice. You know that, right? I never left you," he tells me, the swaying of our bodies to the music is the only thing I allow myself to feel. I can’t let the pain in that his words cause me.

"But you did leave me when I needed you the most," I whisper.

"No, I didn’t leave by choice. I promise you that. Baby or not, if I could have stayed, I would have," he firmly whispers back.

"You're not leaving, are you?" I ask, pulling my head back, so he looks me in the eyes as he speaks.

"No, so you best get used to me speaking to you like this. I'm not a liar, and you are beautiful. I've waited years to see you again, and I'm not going anywhere," he tells me. “I can tell you feel the same, Emilia.”

"Parker will be heartbroken if I tell him about you. He loves Eric. Eric brought him up, and he’s a good dad," I explain to him, needing to change the subject a little.

"I'm not here to hurt him...but I do want to get to know my son," he tells me. “If you’ll let me, that is.”

"Eric...he won't take this well," I reply. "Neither will Arthur, but if you promise you aren’t leaving, Parker needs to know."

"Arthur knows I'm here. He knows everything, so don't worry about him," he says, confirming a lot of my fears of where Luke has been. There is only one person powerful enough to make someone disappear. To make every private investigator come back and tell the Kings they couldn’t find Luke.

"What do you mean?" I question him, but the song ends, and Luke ever so gently kisses my cheek before letting me go. The kiss feels like a reality check. He really is back.

"You'll see on the weekend, Emilia. It was good to see you again. Do me a favour and let my brothers know I’ll come to see them tomorrow morning, won't you?" Luke walks off with a little smirk as he disappears into the dancers. I don't have a bloody clue when my life got turned upside down, but Luke King is sure ready to destroy it.

Emilia

"Mummy, I'm tired," Parker yawns into my ear as I carry him through the front door and kick it shut with my foot. My heels click against the white tiles as I try to quietly walk to the stairs. The wedding itself was beautiful, and I know Izzy was happy when she got into the car with Blake at the end of the night. They’re staying in a stunning place in London tonight and leaving for their honeymoon in the morning. After Luke left, everyone burst into whispers and asked a million questions about Luke that none of us could answer. Even thinking about Luke makes my heart pound in my chest.

"I know, baby boy. You danced all night, I'm not surprised you are tired," I finally say, hearing Parker's light snores into my ear as I climb up the staircase as a reply. I’m kind of relieved he’s sleeping because I need a few moments alone to process tonight. Keeping a strong face up for Izzy and Parker all night wasn’t easy. Tilly’s constant questioning of if I was alright wasn’t easy either. I take a left at the top of the staircase and use my shoulder to nudge Parker's door open. I step over a fire truck to get to his bed and place him down, feeling the strain on my back as I do. When did my baby get so damn heavy? I tuck Parker into his bed as he cuddles his Paw Patrol dog in his sleep. I quietly walk out of the room, leaving the door cracked open before heading to my bedroom for a moment of silence. I switch the bedside light on after I come into the room and sit on the bed, pulling off my shoes. I lie back on my bed, reaching around for my bag and pulling out my phone before holding it above my face, searching for Meg's number before calling her.

"Hey sugar pumpkin," Meg answers, the sound of low music and male laughter flows to me from the background. I smile at her nickname for me because she is always coming up with new affectionate nicknames depending on the day of the week.

"Meg, Luke is back," I blurt out, hating how saying his name affects me. I’ve spent years in a dead end marriage learning how to control my anger and put on a neutral expression all the time. Luke is back one day, and my voice shakes when I say his name. He can’t just walk back into my life like he didn’t leave me all that time ago. I hear Meg scuffling around in the background before a door shuts and there is silence.

"Fucking hell, that is not what I expected you to say," she finally says, letting out a long sigh. “You alright? I know how you felt for that idiot.”

"He just turned up at the wedding, looking like sex on a stick and guessing who Parker is to him straight away. I haven’t had time to process if I am okay or not. I don’t think I am. I’m freaking the hell out," I say, before rolling over on the bed and looking at the empty bedroom I live in. The walls are as white as the white carpet which I can’t stand. The whole house is impersonal, and my bed is pretty much the only thing I do love in this house. It’s old, made of wood with a huge headboard that someone has personally etched and painted birds flying around on it. I gave birth to Parker in this bed, in this very room, and it will always mean something to me because of that. I met the love of my life in here, my handsome little boy.

"You always knew there was a chance he would come back, pumpkin," Meg says, and I know that deep down, but it’s not like the reality. I pictured Luke coming back a million times in my head, but none of them played out the way it did tonight. "And your boy is the spitting image of Luke, from the photos you've shown me anyways, so of course he guessed."

"I have to tell Eric...and then Parker," I groan. “Neither of them will take it well. Parker has Eric’s stubborn and disliking change attitude, even though they aren’t related.”

"Want me to come over?" she asks, and I know she would drop her work in a moment if I said yes. She would be there to tell Eric with me if that’s what I wanted. I know this is my own mess though, and only I can pick up after myself. I’ve spent years living comfortably, letting Eric play dad and never picking on the difficult parts we need to discuss. Taking the easy way out was exactly that - easy.

"No, Eric will be home soon, and I have to do this myself," I say. Eric sent me a text on the way home letting me know he’s driving back but he’d be a while.

"Is he still staying out late at his 'golf club meetings'?" she sarcastically asks.

"Yeah, he’s still fucking his assistant if that is what you mean. I’m sure he’s dropping her off at home as we speak," I say, laughing at the poor excuses my dear husband has come up with over the years. I know I should care more about who my husband is sleeping with, but I don't. It’s been one woman after another since our honeymoon when he slept with half the resort. I figured out exactly who my new husband was on that trip, and since then, we both figured out we don’t even get along as friends. Eric is into politics, watches countless tv shows on wood cutting, and hates ice cream. I prefer to eat ice cream in my pyjamas as I watch Love Island and ignore the politics of the world.

"Oh, well hopefully she does a good job, and he comes back in a happy mood before you crush his world with this news," she replies. I suppose he might be a good mood; he usually is after his late nights. Not that we talk much, not unless he has a function or dinner with someone important and he’s letting me know I need to attend with him. Sitting there and looking pretty with my mouth shut is the only thing Eric cares that I do.

"Urgh, I don't even know how to bring this up with him," I say.

"I don't think he will even care as long as it doesn't ruin his reputation. You know Mayor Eric Briwood cares a ridiculous amount about his public appearance," Meg replies, and she has a point. As long as the public doesn’t find out about Luke and Parker, Eric might be alright with this all. Then I think back to little moments I see him and Parker together. He has always been a good dad. I might not like Eric, but I can’t deny that.

"Eric cares- no loves- Parker. I know he does," I tell her.

"Then he will want what is right for Parker," she simply replies. "Which is having contact with his biological father."

"You're right, as usual," I grumble.

"I have to go, Arthur is back and causing a storm as usual when he visits. Apparently, he’s calling a meeting at midnight on Saturday and everyone is passing the word around," she says, reminding me of my weekend work I’d rather forget that I have to do.

"Just before my shift, brilliant. What do you think it’s about?" I ask. I’m hoping he says something quick and then vanishes for months like he usually does. I try not to think of the big coincidence that he and Luke are back at the same time.

"Don't know, don't particularly care. I have to go, but you got this," she informs me, leaving no room for doubt.

"Have fun," I say before we both say goodbye and I put the phone down. I climb off the bed and get out of my dress before putting on some red, silky pyjamas and a dressing gown. I slide my slippers on as I hear the front door open and I know I have to do this now. I still worry though. Eric isn’t a bad guy, but he does have a temper when things don’t go exactly his way. After walking across the room, I pull the door open and walk to the stairs. I slowly walk down them, hearing the sounds of the fridge opening and walking into the kitchen to find Eric. Eric's head is buried in the fridge until he pulls out a beer and turns around to see me.

"How was the wedding?" he asks, and I run my eyes over my husband before I've really thought about it. Eric isn't a bad looking man, but there was just something missing between us from the moment we met. And the fact he is a womanising asshole doesn’t help. Eric has short black hair, deeply tanned skin from his many holidays he likes to take with his old love interests that I can't remember the names of at all. Eric always wears expensive suits, designer watches and shoes. He is the mayor, after all. I married him when Arthur figured out he’d become the new mayor and he needed to make sure he had complete control over Eric. Eric lets Arthur do what he wants because of me. Well not just me. My father married his mother as a bonus insurance policy for Arthur. We are all puppets trapped in Arthur’s sick games of control. There is no question of who really controls our town.

"Interesting. Can we go and sit in the lounge? We need to talk," I say as he undoes the lid on the bottle with a bottle opener and puts it back in the drawer. This kitchen is designed to his liking, wooden cupboards, all shiny new appliances, and everything has a show house feel to it. The only rooms I got control over designing were Parker's and my bedrooms, everything else had to be done by him and his crazy ass mother. I still ended up with white walls and white carpets though. Thank god the cleaner knows what she is doing.

"If it's about my assistant..." he starts, looking guilty which I've never really understood. We don't have a relationship, it's all on paper, and there is no point him being loyal to the paper between us.

"It's not, can we just go and sit down?" I ask him, and he shrugs with a confused expressed.

"Sure," he replies, following me out of the kitchen and into the living room that we rarely use, because it has the expensive white sofas, and there’s no way I'm letting Parker in here. He’d draw all over the sofas. We use the sitting room in the back of the house, which is cosier and full of Parker's toys. I sit down on one of the sofas and wave an awkward hand towards the other for Eric to sit in. He looks at me expectantly while I figure out the nicest way I can say this.

"Luke King is back," I say, and he reacts in the way I expected him too. There is pure shock in his expression first, which soon turns quickly into anger. Then he runs his eyes over me, and I’m not sure what he’s looking for.

"And why should I care about that?" he replies.

"We never talked about it, and I am thankful that we didn't. I wasn't ready to be a mum on my own," I start, and I see his hand tighten so much on the bottle that his knuckles turn white. “I will always be thankful for you being there, but I was pregnant before we married. We never had sex before marriage, and there was that one time, but I was five months gone then.”

"Parker is my son," Eric spits out.

"But he isn't. We both know that," I reply, needing to get the point across.

"Enough!" He shouts, throwing his beer across the room and I flinch as it smashes against the wall. "I forbid you from seeing Luke fucking King. Do you understand me?" I stand up, crossing my arms as I face my husband down. I’m not backing down on this, not when this is about Parker and what is right for him.

"I married you, I kept your secrets, and you kept mine. Parker loves you, and nothing will ever change that, but don't you think Parker deserves to know his biological father?" I ask, waiting in silence as Eric looks at me.

"Do you still love him?" he asks. "Is that why we never worked out?"

"We didn't work out because we didn't love each other, not because of Luke,” I say, but it’s a little bit of a lie. I never gave him a real chance because of Luke, but he never fought for us either. He stuck his cock in the nearest thing instead. “Arthur controls us both, and here we are, living out this nightmare. I am your friend, and you are my son's dad no matter what. I don't want to hurt you, that isn't what this is about.”

"It's about Parker," he replies, rubbing his face and looking at me for a long moment.

"Yes.”

"I will never stop being his dad, and nothing can ever be found out publicly. It would ruin me," he finally says, and I feel like a massive weight has been lifted off my shoulders.

"I get that, and I don’t want anything public either. I know you love your job," I say. “This really isn’t to hurt you. I didn’t know Luke was coming back.”

"As for Luke, I will find him and have a chat in the future. You will have to tell Parker," he says, looking tired.

"Thank you for being so...reasonable," I gently say, walking to the door but he stops me.

"If you fuck Luke while you are my wife, then I won't be so reasonable. You are mine, Emilia, don't forget it," he warns, the nice guy facade fading away as I pull the door open and walk out. There’s the asshole husband I know all too well. People like me don't get happy endings, but I am damn sure my son will have one.

Luke

The moment my hands goes to knock the front door of my brothers’ home, it’s pulled open, and Elliot frowns at me as he lets go of the door to cross his arms. It’s strange to be close to my brothers again, and not just having new photos John used to sneak in for me. There hasn’t been any photos or news of my family for the last two years since John had to stay in the New York fighting ring. I do hope to see my old friend again when this is all over. We are so close, and I keep trying to remind myself of that as Elliot stares at me like I’m a window salesman instead of his brother.

"You might have been gone a while, but you don't fucking knock on this door. This was your home," he growls out, which I didn’t quite expect before turning around and walking into the kitchen.

"Good morning to you too brother," I sarcastically state, stepping into the house and shutting the door behind me.

"In here!" I hear Sebastian shout and I walk through the kitchen and into the dining room, where all my brothers are waiting for me. Sebastian looks tense, awkwardly so, and Elliot doesn’t seem in a much better mood. Nothing I’m going to say is going to improve the situation. I can’t tell them anything because I know Arthur is following my every move while I’m here. I wouldn’t be surprised if there were microphones fitted in this house. He is a paranoid fucker, which has made my job that much harder over the years. Harley draws my attention to him as he seems lost in thought, no doubt trying to figure things out. If he knew Arthur let me come back here as a gift for my killing rate in Russia the last few months, he wouldn’t be happy. Seeing my brothers is a gift from my boss, a permanent one. I’ve all but managed to convince Arthur that I’m only seeing my brothers again to ruin them for leaving me in prison. I don’t actually feel that way, but it’s one of the million lies I’ve told to survive.

"Sit down, and start explaining," Harley says, leaning back on his chair and crossing his arms.

"No," I reply. I’m not here to be bossed around or to explain anything, no matter how much I want to. I want my brothers’ fucking help with the scariest thing I’m ever going to do in my entire life, but I know I can’t ask for it.

"What the fuck do you mean by no?" Elliot asks, looking like he wants to kill me. I don’t blame him one bit. I’m acting like a cocky asshole and pretending like their feelings aren’t important when they sure as fuck are.

"I'm back, isn't that enough?" I reply.

"Enough?" Sebastian growls, slamming his fists on the table as he stands up. "Was it enough that you've worried us all fucking sick for years? First, we thought you were dead, and it destroyed us. You’re our little brother, and we love you, and you just left like we are nothing to you. Could you have not just sent one message to us? Just one message to let us know you were okay?" His words almost make me want to feel guilty but the memories of everything I have done the last few years to keep them safe crosses over my mind. I know I don't care that I worried them. I've kept them safe...they just don't know it and they can't for a long time.

"I couldn't. I can't tell you where I have been and why I am back. I’ll leave if you can't deal with that,” I say. “I know it doesn’t make any fucking sense, but it is how it’s got to be.”

"You're not the same Luke I remember. You've grown up a hell of a lot," Elliot points out. “Whatever you’ve been doing has aged you.”

"I have grown up. Time does that," I reply to Harley, who rubs his face and glances around the room at our other brothers.

"Are you in trouble?" he asks. “Tell us, and we will fix it.”

"No," I reply, but it’s a lie, and nothing Harley could do would be able to fix it. My whole world has been in trouble for as long as I can remember but I know this time, it’s worth it. They have their families, and a lovely future ahead of them, and when this is all over, I’ll be able to explain to them where I’ve been all this time. I hate lying to them even more than what’s necessary, but there’s no way Arthur isn't watching and listening to my every move at the moment. Being back here is his final test to see if I’m as loyal as he needs me to be. The Cage is the final part of my journey over the years, and it's all going to end in fire and pain. It just won't be the ending Arthur expects to happen.

"You're lying, but I'm going to drop it. I want you to stay and be with your family," Harley says, not looking impressed about his conclusion as he gets up off his chair and comes to me. He gives me a manly hug, patting my back before stepping back.

"I want the truth, but I won't push you away to get it. I will figure it out on my own," Elliot announces, crossing his arms and I take that as a hug in Elliot's own way.

"Thanks, bro," I say, looking at Seb. "What about you?"

"Jake misses you. I miss you, even if you are a big fucking idiot for whatever trouble you have no doubt gotten yourself in. As long as you don't disappear, we can work past it," he replies. “I want my brother back.”

"I'm back. For good," I reply, meaning every word.

"Where are you staying?" Harley asks, crossing his arms.

"The Marylin hotel in town," I reply, with a little chuckle as I think of the place. “It’s a cute place, though the old lady that runs it is a little too touchy-feely for my liking. I have to sneak in before she sees me.”

"Right, I’ll make up your bed, and you should go and get your stuff. No brother of mine is living in a hotel with a creepy old lady," Harley says, and I don’t think I have a choice in the matter by the look on his face. I guess this place is a million times better than the hotel, and Arthur will like me living here, getting close to my family like he has planned.

"You sure?" I ask.

"This is your home, so I'm sure," Harley replies. “You don’t ever have to ask to stay here. It doesn’t work like that for us.” I nod at him, knowing he is right.

"One more question," I say before he can walk away.

"What about?" he asks.

"Emilia and Parker," I say, and they all smirk. It’s annoying when your brothers know a hell of a lot more about your girl and kid than you do.

"Emilia told Tilly, who told everyone that you figured it out at the wedding. Parker is a good kid, and you’re a lucky bastard who never should have left them," Seb states, pressing me but I don’t rise to it. He’s mad at me still and considering he doesn’t know or understand; I don’t blame him. It’s not his forgiveness I want. "What is the question?"

"I want to be his dad, but I'm clueless how to do that. You guys have kids, so how do you be a dad?" I ask.

"Ah, you want to know the one fail-safe trick that is the most important thing to any kid?" Harley asks, and I nod. "Being there for them. Always. That's all kids want." Harley pats my shoulder before walking out the room, followed by Elliot, but Seb stays put.

"This is awkward, isn't it?" I ask after a long moment of us just standing here.

"Yeah, it is," he says, laughing and rubbing the back of his neck. "How about we get a drink in the basement and catch up? Unless you have somewhere to be that is?"

"A drink and a catch up sound perfect to me," I say, knowing I want to learn about everything I've missed, and spend time with my brothers. I want to learn everything that photos do little to tell me. "And maybe you could do me a favour while we chat?"

"What favour?" Seb asks, looking over his shoulder as I follow him. “You are a cheeky bastard asking for one just after you’ve turned up. I thought Elliot was the asshole of the family, but you sure are giving him a fight for his title.”

"I know I have a lot to make up for and I’m being an ass. I just need someone's number. I'm pretty sure you can guess who." Seb doesn't agree, but he does laugh and pat my shoulder, still having a hostile look in his eyes. I suspect he doesn’t want to get close to me again while he isn’t sure if I’m going to walk away again. I'm glad to be back around my family, even if I have to keep lying to them for now. One day I’ll be able to tell them everything, and I have to hope they don't hate me for the choices I've made.

Emilia

"Hey, you alright?" Meg asks as I finish plastering my lips with the red lipstick and look up at her. She has a long black coat on, covering her lack of clothing underneath I assume, and her rosy cheeks make me think she just finished a private dance. I don't do private dances, just the public ones because Arthur makes me. It's his way of keeping his pet under control and making sure I don't step out of line. Meg lives and thrives off The Cage and this lifestyle, it is just who she is now. I know she doesn’t have much of a life outside this place, and this is her world.

"Yep, just wondering what this meeting is about," I say, knowing I've been dreading coming into The Cage for work this weekend. Luke has been texting me all week, but I haven’t been able to answer any of his messages yet. I keep trying to tell Parker, but the words just don't leave my lips at all. I'm such a coward. Eric hasn't spoken to me since Sunday night after the wedding, and I don't even blame him at this point. He’s pretending like nothing has changed and I wish I could do the same. I think dancing tonight might actually take my mind off everything and be a good distraction.

"Same. I don't think we've ever had a meeting down here," she says, offering me a black coat similar to hers to hide the lacy corset and stockings I'm wearing. I pull the coat on and do the buttons before following Meg out of the changing room and behind the bar. Meg pours us a glass of wine, and we look at the stage where people are sitting at tables gathered around, waiting for Arthur to come out. Arthur walks out onto the stage a few moments later, dressed in a grey suit that matches his grey hair. He still has that stuck up, better than anyone else expression he always carries as he walks across the stage and stops in the middle. He looks to the side, and I follow his line of sight, nearly dropping my wine glass as Luke walks out onto the stage and stops at Arthur’s side. Luke is dressed pretty casually compared to Arthur, but it's clear they’re comfortable together from how close Luke stands to Arthur. I don't need to see the guilt in his eyes as he meets my gaze and I figure everything out. Arthur got Luke out of prison, and that's where Luke has been all this time- at his side. Doing what though?

"It's good to be home," Arthur starts off and some of the idiots in the crowd cheer like he is some sort of god, whereas my heart feels like it's stuck in my chest. "I wanted to introduce Luke King to those that do not know him. Luke is going to be running The Cage at my side for the next month before he takes it over. I have some work overseas that needs my attention for the next few years. Luke has been at my side, trained well and knows exactly what is needed to run The Cage."

"Shit," Meg whispers, glancing at me with wide eyes, but I can't look away from Luke.

"Next Friday, I'm fighting in The Cage against the undefeated champion," Luke states, and the crowd cheers as my dipshit brother climbs onto one of the tables, beating his hands against his chest.

"You won't beat me, little boy!" Dale shouts.

"We will see, won't we?" Luke replies. Such a classy response compared to words that leave my brothers lips as a response. I shake my head at him, wishing that Luke could knock him out now rather than later. My older brother, Dase, pulls him off the table and walks him out of the room as Arthur laughs with Luke. Luke's laugh seems somewhat fake, even if it is confusing to hear. We stay and listen until Arthur says we can leave and I quickly down my wine before going back into the changing rooms with Meg following.

"So that's where your baby daddy has been all this time? Right up Arthur's ass by the looks of it,” Meg growls out.

"Seems like it," I say, feeling more confused than angry as I rest against the dressing table and tightly holding the edge with my hands as I stare at the floor, trying to collect my thoughts. Luke and his brothers hate Arthur; everyone knows that. Arthur used them like fighting dogs after their father tried to kill him years ago. They had to work a certain amount of fights before they would be free. It worked, at least for three of the brothers it seems. Luke is still trapped. The door opens again, and Luke walks in, only to be stopped by Meg.

"What do you want?" Meg growls out like my own personal guard dog. Which in a way she kind of is, and I'm the same with her. It’s what friends do.

"I want to speak to Emilia," he smoothly replies, not fazed by her at all.

"Emmy? Want me to kick him in the balls or let him in?" Meg gently asks me.

"Might as well let him in. It's clear he’s staying," I reply.

"Hurt her and I will hurt you, got it?" Meg warns, knocking her shoulder into Luke’s as she walks around him and goes out of the room, leaving us in silence, only hearing the music from the other room.

"So that's where you've been," I say. "At his side."

"For a reason," Luke says, walking right up to me and not stopping until his legs press into mine and I have to arch my neck to look up at him. "Why have you been ignoring my texts?"

"I was pretending this all wasn't happening for a tiny bit longer," I admit to him. I should walk out of here, and ignore him, not open up about how I feel like Luke always makes me do. I feel like I couldn’t hide anything from Luke if I tried.

"Did you tell your husband?" Luke asks as he picks up a strand of my black hair, playing with it as he stares at me. He shouldn't be this close, yet I'm not pushing him away.

"Yes.”

"What did he say?" Luke asks, leaning further into me.

"That you could see me and Parker. That we could tell him the truth," I say. "But he had one condition."

"Oh?" Luke mutters, sounding like he couldn’t care less about Eric’s condition.

"It doesn't matter, because it won’t happen anyway," I reply.

"What wouldn't happen, Emilia?" he asks, suddenly interested.

"Me and you,” I reply, a gasp leaving my lips as Luke’s hand slides up my thigh, pausing near my hip.

"See, that is a problem," he slowly replies.

"Why?" I ask, knowing I really shouldn’t be asking.

"Because you are mine," he says, and I shake my head, trying to step away when he places his hands over mine on the table and pushes me into it. Luke leans down, his lips inches from mine, so I have to breathe in the minty smell of his breath, how it mixes in with his aftershave. Overall, he smells like sin.

"I'm married and not yours," I reply, though my voice comes out in a breathy gasp.

"You don't love him though. I've done my research, and I know what your marriage really is. Arthur does like to talk," Luke replies. “I’d leave you alone if you were happy. I swear I would, but you’re not happy.”

"You and Arthur know nothing," I reply.

"Even if we knew nothing, I know you want me to kiss you right now. You’re wishing I would because then it would stop you feeling guilty for kissing me first," he says.

"I'm not thinking that," I protest.

"Yeah, you are," Luke says, and then he kisses me. This kiss is brutal, powerful and full of years of longing that we have both bottled away. I gasp into his mouth as he deepens the kiss, his hands sliding to my waist and tightly squeezing my hips as he leans into me. Luke suddenly pulls away, holding me close as I come back down from the fantastic kiss. I forgot what it was like to kiss Luke King. It was seductive, dangerous and you never want it to stop. I never want to forget again.

"One thing I know, sweetheart, is how to fight for what is mine," he pauses, moving his lips close to my ear, and lowering his voice.

"You are mine, Emilia."

Luke breaks away from me and walks out of the room, leaving me a breathless mess, holding onto the table for dear life. I don't know how long I spend staring at the wall in the room, trying to catch my breath back and erase the feel of Luke's lips against my own. My phone buzzes on the dressing table, snapping me out of the daze enough to pick it up and read the text.

Luke- Tomorrow, at Harley's with Parker. Come anytime, but we will be telling him the truth. We have a lot to discuss. X

Me- We’ll be there. X

I slide into the seat and place my face in my hands, knowing I will have to tell Parker everything tomorrow. At least with Luke there, we can tell him together. I just hope Parker can accept the truth.

Luke

It didn’t matter if she wore a mask as she danced. It didn’t matter if every man in the room was focused on her body, wishing they knew what it was like to touch her soft skin. To feel her long, silky black hair between their fingers. To see her red lips part as she moaned their name.

They would never find out what that was like. Just like I would always remember every little inch of Emilia.

The mask couldn’t hide her from me. Emilia was mine the moment I kissed her all those years ago. I should have never let her go back then.

Maybe things would be different now if I wasn’t such an idiot as a kid.

I focused on her eyes, hidden behind the mask as she stared back at me, never pausing as she sways her hips. I see the moment she dances for me, pretending I’m the only man in this room.

Emilia is mine, and she knows it.

“Luke, come here, my son,” Arthur demands from behind me, reminding me why I’m even in The Cage to begin with. I briefly tighten my hand on my glass before downing the rest and turning around. Arthur’s gaze drifts from me to Emilia, before smirking. “She puts on quite the show, doesn’t she?”

“Yes, she’s something else,” I reply, keeping my expression blank like I’ve spent years doing. Working at his side has taught me how to perfect a blank expression no matter what is happening in front of you.

“I own her, just like you. Don’t forget it,” he warns, sitting back and stretching his arms across the seats. “Now sit down, we have a lot to discuss.”

I slide into the seat next to him, keeping my eyes on Emilia the whole time. I hate that she works here and that her husband not only allows it but comes to watch sometimes. That is no way to treat your wife. Sebastian told me their marriage is nothing more than paper and that they keep face because Eric is the mayor.

"You remember Emilia, don't you?" Arthur asks, and I give him a nod. "Good. Her husband is very important to us. We could not carry on our work without his cooperation. I expect you to find another woman to fuck and not mess up that marriage."

"Understood," I reply. I'm not stupid enough to explain to Arthur that nothing in the world would keep me away from Emilia after that kiss in the changing room. She tastes and feels like mine. There is nothing like Emilia in this entire world, and I will fight for her. I'm so close to finishing this job and everything I've worked for the last five years. I want a future after this is all over, and no one other than Emilia could ever understand it.

"Good. Emilia also keeps a close eye on your brothers for me. She is my little, well-paid spy. I don't know how she does it, but they invite her to everything. I find out everything. I trust she will keep her mouth shut about you being here," he says, watching my Emilia dance as I realise he doesn’t know about Parker. I hate that Emilia has been spying on my family, but I hope she has been screening everything she’s told Arthur.

"I’ll make sure she does," I say, trying to keep the disgust out of my voice. What the hell has Emilia gotten herself into? My brother wouldn't take it well if they found out she has been feeding Arthur details about their lives. I can't say I'm any better. This is all so fucked up.

"Just what I want to hear. You are good at that, aren't you?" Arthur says, grinning at me before watching Emilia with clear interest. "As my good little toy, you can chase her if you want. Just make sure no one sees you, especially not her husband or her mother-in-law."

"Got it," I reply.

"Also, I need you to kill the champion in the cage next week,” he says.

"Consider it done," I automatically reply, even though I know I can't do that. I can't kill Emilia's brother, she would never forgive me...but if I don't, Arthur won't trust me like I need him to do.

"After the fight, I want to show you the vaults. I know you've wanted to see them," Arthur says. Finally, just what I wanted him to tell me. I’m smart enough to know the reason he told me this after demanding I kill Emilia’s brother. If I don’t kill him, then there is no way he’ll show me the vault.

"I'm interested to see if they’re different from the many others you have. I liked the weapons stored in Germany's Cage vault," I finally say, controlling my panic and worry.

"Between you and me, these vaults are the biggest storage I have. They are interesting, very interesting. I want you to look after them when I leave," he tells me like it's a secret. For the last three years, the cops have been telling me the same thing: this is the place they want the passwords to. This is the place that will destroy Arthur forever, and even if it doesn't, my work will make sure he’s gone for good either way.

"I can't wait to see them," I reply, lifting my empty glass at a waitress who passes by us and she nods, running off to get me a drink.

"In the meantime, have some fun in your hometown," Arthur says, patting my shoulder before sliding out his seat and walking off into the crowd. I will have fun in my old town, but not in the way Arthur thinks. I will have fun destroying every bit of The Cage until it can’t ruin anyone else's life ever again.

Emilia

"You really should have your hair touched up. Or at least have some highlights added. The harsh black colour washes you out your already pale skin," my darling, asshole mother-in-law suggests. I think this is the twenty-something insults she has come out with since she came over this morning. I look her over, wishing I could be honest and say that I don’t think the fake nose she had recorrected recently looks good on her pulled back, injected face. Her fake tan is too orange, and her blonde hair is too bright. But I’m not a total asshole, so I keep those things to myself as I keep ushering her to the door, wishing she would just leave. I don't know if she means well, or if she just can't help the words that escape her mouth. Parker loves her, and she is good with him, that’s what I make myself remember every time she is here.

"Well, as usual, it was lovely to see you," I say, lying my ass off. Parker shouts my name from the kitchen where I left him eating his dinner that I cooked while he played toys with his grandma. "Right, well I have to go and check him."

"Oh, okay," she says, actually moving quickly to the door now, which is a relief. Thank you, Parker. After I wave goodbye to her, I go into the kitchen where Parker is struggling to get ketchup out of the bottle.

"Here," I say, taking the bottle off him and undoing the lid. I pull the plastic cap off before putting the lid back on and handing it back to him.

"Thanks, mum," he says, pouring a load of ketchup all over his chips and chicken nuggets. And the salad. This kid has ketchup on everything. The doorbell rings again, and I frown, wondering who it could be considering Eric is pretending he has work on a Sunday to escape his mum and me. I go to the front door, pulling it open to see Tilly, Maisy, and Allie.

"Hey guys, I wasn't expecting you all over," I say, running my eyes over their causal appearances and the iPad Tilly has in her hands.

"We came to talk to you and left the kids with their dads," Maisy explains.

"It's called an intervention. I got the idea from this old tv show," Allie fills me in on the real reason they are all here.

"I know what an intervention is," I say, stepping aside. "I'm just curious what it is about."

"Luke," Allie says, winking at me and I let out a little groan as I shut the door behind them all.

"What about Luke?" I ask, almost not wanting to hear the answer.

"Wait, we have to skype Izzy before we have this conversation," Tilly says, walking into the lounge with Allie and Maisy following. I glance in on Parker, seeing him slowly eat as he watches videos of some kid opening toys on his iPad. Parker could watch those videos all day, and I know he’ll come to find me if he needs me. I walk into the lounge and sit on the sofa next to Allie as Tilly rings Izzy on iPad that she’s holding on her lap so we can all see. A few moments later Izzy's face pops into the picture, a pretty beach right behind her, and she already has a tan and a nice glow about her. Lucky girl. Her blonde hair is down, and it almost looks white now as it moves slightly in the warm breeze. I spot Blake in the ocean in the background, looking like he’s having surfing lessons with an instructor.

"Holy crap you look hot!" Allie shouts, and Izzy laughs as does everyone one else. “Lucky Blake!”

"How is your honeymoon?" I ask her.

"Perfect. So damn perfect," Izzy sighs. "But I'm not here to talk about me. Tell us about Luke and you."

"There is no Luke and me," I quickly counter.

"Liar, liar, pants on fire," Allie mutters and elbows me in the side. I look towards the closed door just to double check Parker can’t hear before telling them the kind of truth.

"We kissed yesterday, and he made it clear he isn't going to give up on me. Luke knows I'm not exactly in a happy marriage," I explain to them, and Allie does a little cheer. Maisy, Tilly, and Izzy grin like they already knew. If they knew we kissed at The Cage, they might not be so thrilled.

"Happy? You hate your husband who sleeps with the entire town. Literally," Maisy gently says, showing her dislike for Eric in the tone of her voice. They all hate him and think he is horrible to treat me the way he does. I don't see it in that way, because we don't really have a relationship so I can't expect him to be loyal to anything.

"Maisy has a point. You aren't happy, and there was always something between you and Luke. You clearly had sex at some point to have Parker," Allie says. “Which you’ve never told us, even on our drinking nights! What kind friend are you to let us miss out on this story!”

"You’re so overdramatic,” I tease, and she winks at me. “It was two times. One when I was younger and stupid. My brothers nearly killed Luke for that night.”

"I remember," Izzy says, realization appearing over her eyes. “Maisy was pregnant, and Luke got beaten up outside The Cage. He was in a bad state for a bit.” I remember the night in vivid detail. My oldest brother made his friend hold me as they beat Luke up until his brothers got there and stopped it. I hated Darren for doing that, but he died two weeks later on a job for Arthur. It’s hard to hate the dead, and I knew there was no point to it. I’ve never been extremely close to my brothers as we all grew up apart. We all have different mums. I wish I could speak to my mum about all this, but I haven’t seen or heard from her in five years. If I’m honest with myself, I think she’s dead, and I haven’t had time to process that. I don’t speak to my father anymore, not unless he comes with my mother-in-law to a family party and we exchange words for a moment before I walk away. I can’t forgive him for selling me and my brothers to The Cage. I don’t want him around Parker; he’s a bad influence.

"The second time was after a meal at Harley's. Luke promised he wouldn't leave me. Then he did," I eventually say, and I can see they have all picked up on my sadness with the looks on their faces. I wish I could tell them why thinking of the past makes me this way, but they wouldn’t understand. Tilly knows I work there, but that’s it.

"But Luke is back," Izzy says. “And he looks at you…well, like you’ve never been apart.”

"Yeah, I guess he is back," I mutter, not really understanding why he looks at me differently.

"Then I think you should both try to make a relationship somehow," Maisy says. "It would be good for you. You've been sad and lonely for years, trying to pretend everything is fine for Parker, but it's not enough. You know it is not enough."

"You deserve love, babe," Allie says, wrapping her arm around my shoulder. "You're a good person." I hate that none of the people in this room actually know the truth and I'm not a good person at all. I spy on them for Allie's dad. I send him photos, information, and anything else he asks for. I strip dance every weekend, teasing men with my body and losing a little bit of my soul each and every time.

"I don't deserve him," I say, pushing up off the sofa and walking to the door. "I never did." None of them says anything as I walk out, heading straight for my son because he is the only good thing in my life. He always was.

Luke

"You look, well, smartly dressed for a playdate," Harley points out as I come down the stairs and look down at my suit. Yeah, it might be a bit too much.

"Parker and Emilia are coming over, and we’re going to tell him everything. It's not a normal playdate, and I have no clue what to wear," I admit. Harley rubs his chin, before putting a hand on my shoulder.

"Parker won't care what you are wearing, but it might impress Emilia," he says, grinning.

"Emilia is married," I reply, leaving out the off-limits rule. Whatever happens between us has to stay quiet, and I won't push her to come to me. I know she isn't happy, and I've spent five years waiting to come home, to claim what is mine. And Emilia is damn well mine. I fucking hate that any other guy thinks he has some kind of claim on her.

"Not happily," Harley replies, moving his hand. "She doesn't look at her husband like the way she looks at you." That’s a small relief, I suppose.

“Before you went away, we found our mum. We all go and see her every Friday for a few hours. She would love to see you,” he says, bringing up a subject I didn’t really want to talk about.

“I don’t know,” I mutter, rubbing the back of my head.

“Dad messed up her head and hurt her. Mum isn’t all there, but she remembers bits. Several times she has asked about her baby Luke. Trust me; you’re angry at a memory of a woman that you think abandoned us. She didn’t leave by choice. Come and see her, Luke,” he asks me. I want to see her; I’m just scared all those feelings of hate for the mum that left me as a baby will come back. Harley says she didn’t leave by choice, but in some dark, twisted way, I know she shouldn’t have had me. Having more children with that lunatic was a bad thing to do.

“I will,” I say, knowing it’s going to be hard to see her at all.

"Daddy!" Hope shouts from the kitchen and Harley nods his head for me to follow him as he walks into the kitchen to where hope is sitting on the countertop, a chocolate bar in her hand and a cheeky grin on her lips.

"Did Mummy say you could have that?" Harley asks and Hope shrugs her shoulders, holding onto the chocolate bar for dear life.

"Mummy said no chocolate before lunch, but I wanted it," she cheekily replies, putting these puppy dog eyes on that anyone would have trouble saying no to.

"Right then Miss Hope, that means you can't have it," Harley says, putting his hand out for the chocolate bar when he gets to her, and she reluctantly places it in his open hand, rolling her eyes as she does.

"Daddy!" Hope giggles as Harley picks her up off the counter, ticking her as he does and carrying her past me as he hangs her upside down.

"Good luck. Parker loves the treehouse. Just a hint," Harley tells me before leaving the room with Hope giggling the whole time. I pace around the kitchen, aimlessly cleaning the sides and placing dirty dishes and glasses in the dishwasher until I hear a car pulling up. I rest my hands on the counter for a moment, knowing this day is beyond important. I never wanted to be a father, not with how my own father brought us up. The games, the torture and the intense amount of pain he gave us like gifts was no way to live. Then I saw how Sebastian was with Jake, and how a father should be around their children. I don't know how to be a father, or if Parker will even accept me as his after all this time, but I have to try. I can't give up on him, and I don't want to. I walk to the door and pull it open, stepping out onto the doorstep as Emilia climbs out of the bright yellow mini she is driving. Interesting choice of car. She smiles at me, almost nervously but I can see the panic in her eyes. She’s scared of how Parker will take this news, and I don't blame her. It's a lot for a kid his age to take in. Emilia walks around the car and opens Parker's door before leaning in and undoing his car seat, I imagine. I take the time to run my eyes over Emilia's tight, high waisted denim jeans, and a thin black top tucked into them. She has these amazing black boots on that stretch to her knees and add an inch to her height. Parker climbs out the car with Emilia's help and frowns when he sees me. He always seems to frown when he sees me.

"Why are we here, Mum?" Parker asks Emilia as she shuts the door and takes Parker's hand, leading him over to us.

"To see Luke. I explained we’re going to hang out with Luke today," she kindly tells him.

"But why?" Parker asks, flashing another frown in my direction.

"Hey Parker," I interject, crouching down to his level and offering him my hand to shake.

"Kids don't shake hands with strangers. My dad taught me that," he says, lifting his chin and I try to swallow the defensive feeling I get in my gut that my son calls someone else dad. I have to accept that in Parker's mind, his dad brought him up and I am nothing to him…yet. I hope one day he will feel like I'm his dad, but it will take time. A lot of time.

"I'm not a stranger though," I counter, and Parker clearly thinks about it for a moment before lifting his tiny hand into mine, and I gently shake it before letting go. "Uncle Harley told me you like the treehouse in the garden, but I've not been in it for years. Not since I was a little kid. Want to show it to me?"

"Okay," he warily says, walking past me and Emilia gives me a shaky smile as I step aside for her to walk in. I can't help but run my hand against hers as she passes me, the little contact making me want to be closer to her even more. Emilia has this addictive, sexy as hell personality and connection to me that I can't explain. I know it's something special, something worth fighting all the odds for. Our kiss in The Cage is branded into my head because she tastes better than I remember, and I want more. I’ll always want more. I hear Emilia suck in a deep breath as our hands touch and I know it isn't just me that is feeling this.

"I didn't bring a coat," Emilia says when we walk through the house and pauses. "I could go and ask Tilly if I could borrow one."

"Here, take my jacket," I say, sliding my jacket off my shoulders and handing it to her. She blushes as she accepts my jacket and we both get stuck in each other's gaze until we hear Parker open the back door. I turn away from Emilia, knowing I need to somehow find a way to focus on Parker and not Emilia today.

"Are you ready for this? There is no going back once we tell him," Emilia warns as Parker runs across the garden and towards the treehouse.

"I've spent five years fighting, being used and doing everything to save my future and my family's future, and Parker is my family. I am not going anywhere. I'm sure," I reply, wanting to make sure she understands.

"What did Arthur make you do all this time?" she carefully asks me.

"Meet up with me tomorrow night at Elliot's club, and I’ll tell you everything," I tell her. I need a drink and to be alone with Emilia for that story.

"I can't...Eric isn't stupid. He won't let me go out," she replies, rubbing her arms.

"Since when do you let anyone control you, Emilia?" I say, grinning at her as we get to the treehouse. I roll my sleeves up and take my tie off, chucking it on the ground and undoing some buttons on my collar. I step back once Parker has climbed to the platform like a little spider monkey, before running and jumping, catching the top part of the ladder, and pulling myself onto the platform.

"That was cool," Parker says, his eyes wide.

"So was your climbing skills, spider monkey," I reply, and Parker giggles. His laugh is so sweet; I realise this is the first time I'm hearing my son laugh. That I made him laugh. I spend a creepy amount of time just watching him until he frowns at me, and walks across the treehouse, sitting down inside the main part. Someone has kitted the treehouse out since I was last here. There are big cushions, a fabric door that Parker pushes aside and clips, and it looks like there are a lot of toys in there, too.

"I'm not good at climbing like you guys," Emilia says, and I turn around, trying not to chuckle as she climbs the last step. I reach down, offering her my hand and she lets me pull her up until our chests are pressed together, and I don't want to let go of her hand.

"Thank you," she says, and I grin.

"No problem. I can catch you on the way back down if you want," I offer.

"Depends, are you a good catch? That sure would be a good trust exercise between us," she playfully says. I love seeing her like this, relaxed and laughing with me.

"I'd always catch you, sweetheart," I say, loving the way we can flirt like nothing has changed in all these years. Like we’re still teenagers. It feels like nothing has changed when everything is so different now.

"I know," she whispers, flashing me a sad smile before walking over to Parker. I follow her into the treehouse, where Parker is playing with a truck on the one side, and Emilia goes to sit next to him.

I sit down on the other side, giving them some space because I know this will be hard.

"Parker, I want to tell you something really important," Emilia starts, looking at me once before she goes to talk, but Parker speaks first.

"I know, Daddy told me last night," Parker says. “He got me sweets, too, but I’m not meant to tell you about those.”

"What did he tell you?" Emilia slowly asks, clearly worried.

"That he isn't my real daddy and that Luke King is. Daddy is always my dad, so I don't understand," he says, so confused and it hurts me to see him like this. Every child should know who their parents are.

"I'm your biological father and Eric is your dad who brought you up. All you need to understand is that you have two men in your life that love you, and want to be there," I fill in, knowing Emilia isn’t sure what to say.

"You haven't been here. I don't know you," Parker resorts.

"I want to change that if you’ll give me a chance to," I reply. “I had to go away, but I’m here for good, and all I want is to be in your life.”

"Daddy said you are a bad man," Parker says, and I try to hide my instant anger. I’m a bad man? Eric is one to talk.

"Your daddy must have been mistaken," Emilia coughs out, looking furious for a moment before she hides her emotions and opens her arms. Parker climbs onto her lap, holding his hands in his lap and looking nervous. "Luke is one of the best men I know. He is strong, smart and really...well, nice for you to have as your father."

"I promise I'm not a bad guy. I just want to be your friend," I say, staring at Parker, seeing so much of myself in him.

"I’ll think about it," Parker says, hugging his mum and keeping his eyes firmly locked on me the entire time. Whatever Eric said to my son, he is going to explain it to me. I don't want my son in the middle of the war Eric just started.

Emilia

"Why don't you go and play in your room while I cook dinner?" I ask Parker, who still seems a little shaken after today after everything he has learnt. I'm burning with anger, knowing I'm going to kill Eric the moment Parker is out of sight. What a fucking asshole he is for telling Parker the truth without me there. It was bad enough without him having to tell Parker that Luke is a bad person. That wasn't fair, and I feel like it's made Parker distrust Luke without giving him a fair chance. Everything was tense for the rest of the day and Parker only really smiled at Luke when he gave him a drink of fizzy pop. I thought it was sweet that he remembered Parker asking for a pop at the wedding.

"What is for dinner?" he asks.

"What do you want? It’s your choice, Hun," I reply, kicking my shoes off and taking Parker’s coat off him. I put them away as he thinks about it.

"Pizza from the man at the door," Parker says with a big grin on his face.

"Pizza takeaway you mean," I say, shaking my head. Of course, he would ask for that. "It's a deal. I’ll order our usual." Parker fist bumps the air before running up the stairs and to his room. I take Luke's jacket off, pausing for a moment to stare at it before placing it on the hook. I didn’t even notice I was still wearing it when I left. After hooking the jacket up, I slide my shoes off and pull my phone out of my back pocket, quickly calling the pizza takeaway and ordering food for me and Parker. I walk through the house and get to the study, where I can hear moans through the door. I push the door open, seeing my dear husband fucking his assistant over the desk. The blonde woman is holding onto the desk, her dress pushed up to her hips as he pounds in and out of her, and luckily, I can only see his bare ass.

"We need to talk," I say, rather loudly.

"Fucking hell," Eric stutters, turning to look at me leaning against the door with my arms crossed. I try not to smile as they both rush to pull their clothes on and the pretty blonde woman doesn't meet my eyes once before she runs out of the room past me. Eric finishes doing up his trousers before giving me a slightly guilty expression.

"I didn't know you'd be home tonight," he admits.

"You told Parker!" I growl. "I don't care what you do, who you fuck in my home, but what you tell my son is important to me!"

"Luke King is no dad for a kid like him," he resorts. “I was telling Parker the truth. His father is a monster.”

"Is this just jealousy?" I ask. "He isn't just yours. Luke isn't taking him from you."

"He is going to take everything from me, but I'm not going to make it easy," Eric frustrated shouts.

"You are acting like a goddamn child!" I growl.

"Don't push me or tell me what to do, Emilia. You’re just a pretty face I bought off Arthur in exchange for letting him do whatever he wants," he replies. I walk straight up to him and slap him hard across the face, the force snapping his head to the side.

"I married you because I had no fucking choice. I detest you as much you hate me, but I will not let my son be the victim in this. Push me, and I will leave you. Fuck the consequences," I warn him, and I mean every single word.

"You wouldn't dare, you know why?" he says, roughly grabbing my chin. "I'd take your son from you and ruin everything. Arthur would help me, you know it. I know it."

"You are a bastard," I spit out.

"I won't lose my son," he says, showing me a vulnerable expression, before letting my chin go and walking past me down the corridor.

"You and Luke...keep it quiet," he pauses to say, shocking me a little bit before he walks away. I rest my head on the wall, taking in deep breaths before I can do nothing but burst into tears. I slide down the wall, wrapping my arms around my knees as I try to control the sobbing escaping my lips. I rest my head on my knees, wishing there was a way to escape this all, but I know there isn't.

Luke

Sitting quietly at the bar, I hold my hand up for a moment to call the blonde, pretty bartender over. She quickly runs over and takes my empty glass, refilling it without another word. No matter how pretty she is, she is nothing on the woman I am waiting to see. Elliot's club in town is the local hot spot during the day for business meetings and a relaxing atmosphere for a drink at night. I know that Elliot has opened three more very successful bars with Allie over the years, and they definitely have an eye for what makes a club popular. I pick up my full whiskey tumbler and take a sip before looking around the room once more, hoping to see Emilia turn up. She isn't here, and I don't know why I actually expected her to come. She is the mayor's fucking wife. Emilia can't be seen in a place like this.

"You remember my drink," Emilia shocks me by remarking, placing her hand on my arm as she slides into the stool next to me, where her martini is waiting for her.

"I remember everything about the times we were together," I reply, knowing how crazy that sounds. "You’re what I thought of when times were rough. Our every moment together, our every kiss. I keep those memories safe, like a drug to block out everything else."

"Luke...what did he make you do all these years?" she asks, her eyes vulnerable as she looks at me. This is the question I don't want to answer.

"Anything Arthur asked, I would do," I admit to her. The memories I can usually push away, pretend they didn’t happen. Nightmares? Yeah, that’s when they come back to haunt me. I don’t remember the last time I had a good night’s sleep. I chose to be the person I am, to do the things I’ve done, and I will live with the price of that.

"How many people did you kill?" she asks, and I wish I could remember.

"I lost count," I reply, and she doesn’t seem too shocked, whereas I feel more than a bit tense answering any more questions.

"How many women did you sleep with?" she asks next, sipping on her drink and pretending like the answer doesn’t matter to her.

"You don't want that answer," I reply.

"You scare me, Luke. You know that?" she says, which makes her a fool.

"You should be scared, Emilia. You should run the hell away from me because I will never stop fighting for you. I can't. Every time I did something because I had to, I thought of you. You are mine, Emilia," I firmly state.

"I won't run," she whispers, leaning closer and placing her hand over mine. "Every part of me tells me to run away, but my heart? My heart knows it's yours."

"Emilia," I warn. I want what is best for her, and I don’t think that is me.

"I did bad things, too. It's not just you that he has fucked up," she says. "I married and slept with Eric once because Arthur demanded it. I've stripped on that stage for years, losing a bit of myself each time. I just want it all to be for something. For us."

"It is," I say, linking my fingers with hers. "I promise, he will pay for everything, and we will both be free. This is not for nothing."

"Can I have a word?" A man asks, and Emilia quickly pulls her hand from mine as we turn to see her brother standing behind us. Dale looks nothing like his sister, so much that I wouldn’t think they were even related at first glance.

"Dale, right?" I say, offering him a hand to shake. Dale shakes my hand, looking between me and Emilia before letting go, and crossing his arms.

"No wonder Parker doesn't look a thing like that dickhead of a husband of yours," Dale mutters. "He is the image of you both."

"Good guess," I reply. "What do you want?"

"The fight...it’s for a reason. Isn't it?" he asks, and I run my eyes over Emilia, who is clearly worried.

"Luke won't kill you...we’ll figure it out," Emilia says before I can reply.

"Emilia, I have to finish this, and the only way to get Arthur to trust me is to do this," I tell her, reaching for her hand, but she pushes me away. “I’ve never let him down, I’ve always done what he asks, and he will instantly distrust me if I don’t kill him.”

"You are going to kill him? My brother?" she asks, looking more than betrayed and it breaks my heart that I can't change this.

"I don't want to do it, but I have no choice," I reply.

"You always have a choice!" she shouts, drawing a lot of attention towards us.

"What part of the last five years, in fact, my whole life, do you think was my choice, Emilia?" I shout right back, standing up off my chair. "I don't have a choice."

"If that’s the case, then you do it," Dale says, giving me one fixed glance before turning away.

"No!" Emilia shouts, grabbing Dale's arm and stopping him before he walks off.

"I want it all over, and I know he can do that. I'm going to spend my last week having fun," Dale tells her, nodding once at me before he walks away, leaving us. I stare at Emilia, waiting for her to say anything, to even look at me. When she finally lifts her head, I almost wish she hadn't because of the hurt in her eyes. I never wanted to hurt her.

"I will hate you if you do this," she angrily growls, pointing a finger into my chest. "Don't you dare kill my brother like he is nothing, Luke."

"Hate me then. Your brother is the key to the destruction of The Cage. He has to die, and he isn’t nothing. Don’t you think I know that?" I say, and she doesn't say another word before she walks away. I almost want her to shout at me because it's sure damn easier than watching her walk away, heartbroken.

Emilia

I wasn’t a King.

My son was my only connection to the King family I had. I knew if they found out my secret, I would never be let back in their house. Luke knows my secret, and I hate that. I hate what it has done to us both. I hate what The Cage has done to us both. We stare at each other across the dinner table, neither of us willing to put the past behind us and attempt to forgive each other. I can’t forgive him for wanting to go through with the fight and eventually killing my brother. How could I?

It’s too late for any of those things. Forgiveness. Understanding. Compassion…even love.

We do nothing but destroy each other, leaving nothing but broken pieces of our souls to pick up after.

“More wine, Emilia?” Luke suddenly asks, and I hold out my glass.

“Thanks,” I mutter.

“Fucking hell this is more awkward than I thought it would be. I’d pay someone to call Elliot’s phone right now,” Seb exclaims as Luke pours wine in my glass and I put it down.

“On it!” Allie replies and Elliot just groans as his hilarious ringtone starts playing. As the Milkshake song plays, and Elliot rushes to get his phone out of his jeans, I meet Luke’s eyes.

We both can’t help but laugh. Everything has been so tense since the argument and laughing together like this seems to break some of that up for a moment.

“Allie, will you please stop setting that as my ringtone?” Elliot groans and Allie only laughs.

“Nope,” is her only response.

“Parker, how is school?” Luke asks Parker, who looks up at me and then decides to ignore Luke once again. This is not going well for them both. I know Parker can pick up on my tension with Luke and Eric is no doubt not saying nice things about Luke to him. This is all so messed up.

“It’s rude to ignore people, Hun,” I say.

“School was fine,” Parker says, rolling his eyes. “Can I go and play with Jake now? I’ve eaten all my food.”

“Sure,” I say, and he is all too quick to climb out his chair and run off into the garden with the others as they nicely play behind us. Luke pushes his chair back and walks out of the room, looking upset by Parker’s actions. I feel like a lot of this is my fault.

“Go after him then,” Allie suggests, nudging me as the others all awkwardly stare. “I’ll watch Parker.”

“Thanks,” I say, getting out of my chair and walking out of the room. I walk through the kitchen, into the hallway where the door is left slightly open. After pushing the door open, I see Luke walking to his car, looking defeated.

“Luke, wait!” I shout, and he ignores me, unlocking his car and getting inside as I jog to the other side, and pull the door open. He could have locked me out, so that’s a good sign.

“He hates me,” Luke points out as he leans back in his seat, making no effort to start the car.

“No, he doesn’t. Parker is shy, he always has been, and this is one huge change for him that pushes his boundaries. Don’t give up,” I tell him, not thinking about it as I cover his hand with mine on his lap.

“I’m never going to give up. Never,” Luke says, turning to look at me. “I love him, even if he can’t understand that right now. He is my son.”

“Time will help. We should make some plans for you to have alone time with him. Parker loves the cinema and bowling. Maybe you could take him out after school twice this week to those?” I suggest.

“Yes. Do you think he would come with me?” He asks. “I don’t want to force him to spend time with me.”

“We can ask, and I think he would come. I might have to come with you for the first few weeks, but eventually, I know he will end up loving you like everyone else,” I say.

“Everyone?” Luke asks, picking up my hand.

“W-we can’t do this…no matter how I feel,” I sputter out.

“I love you, Emilia. You know that, right?” Luke tells me and every barrier I’d forcefully put up between us just burns away as I reach over and kiss him. Luke pulls me onto his lap as we passionately kiss, his hands rubbing all over my body as I settle on top of him. I reach down, undoing his belt and desperate to reconnect with him after all this time apart. Luke pulls my dress and bra down, revealing my breasts and he runs his fingers over my nipples as I free his long, hard erection. I push my thong to the one side before lining us up, and slowly inching myself down until he fills me up.

“Fuck you are incredibly tight and wet,” Luke groans, grabbing my hips as I roll my hips, chasing the orgasm I know is close.

“I love you,” I whisper against his lips before kissing him as we both lose all control. Neither of us can do anything but move our hips, battle with our mouths as we both get close to the edge. Luke’s hand slides between my legs, finding my clit and rubbing it as fast as I roll my hips, loving the feeling of Luke’s hard cock sliding in and out of me.

“Emilia!” Luke groans against my lips as I cry out in pure pleasure, an orgasm slamming into me so hard that everything goes blurry. Luke slams me back on to his cock one more time before he explodes inside me, feeling like pure bliss. I collapse onto his chest, feeling his cock throbbing inside me as I listen to his fast beating heart.

“It’s me and you now, you got that?” Luke breathlessly tells me, lifting my head to meet his eyes. There is nothing but pure love in his eyes, nearly making me feel speechless.

“It’s me and you.”

Luke

"I wondered how long it would be before you came to see me, Eric," I state, looking over at him as he stands next to my car, his arms crossed against his chest. I unlock the boot, placing my bags in that Tilly sent me to the shops to get because Hope has a temperature. Harley was going to go and get her some Calpol, but I offered as I wanted to get some pop anyway. Hope is a sweet little girl, but I wish she would stop leaving creepy teddy bears tucked into my bed every day. The first night I collapsed into bed only to be freaked out by the teddy with glowing eyes that she left me as a gift. Though every time I ask her about them, she pretends not to know and then runs off laughing. Kids. Though Hope reminds me of Parker, and our growing relationship in the last few weeks. The places we go after school seem to really be helping, and Parker asked if we could go alone next week to the bowling alley. It will be good to give Emilia some time to herself. I know she runs around like a headless chicken looking after our son. I shut the boot and lean against it, knowing Eric wouldn't have chosen to come and see me at eleven in an empty shopping car park for no reason.

"You’re fucking my wife," he bluntly states, and I dislike him straight away. You don't talk about your wife that way, but I doubt very much that he cares for her at all. I can see it almost instantly and hear it in his voice.

"Yeah, but you aren't. What’s the problem?" I reply.

"Stay the fuck away from her," he threatens but doesn't move to attack me. He could punch me if he wants, which I have no doubt he does. I saw Emilia this morning and last night. We can't keep our hands off each other as we make up for the time we spent apart.

"That isn't going to happen. You should give her the divorce she wants," I reply. "You don't love her."

"And you do?" he remarks and laughs. “You left her pregnant and alone, and fucked off for years.”

"Of course, I fucking love her, and I am not explaining my past to someone like you. You wouldn't be here talking to me if you thought I was temporary in her life," I reply.

"I can't get divorced at the moment; it would sink my career. I won't give her up because Arthur gave her to me in exchange for letting him do whatever he wants. I make sure no one ever knows about his work," he says.

"Emilia isn't your toy," I growl out, getting annoyed with this idiot. "She isn't yours."

"But Parker is. I'm on the birth certificate. I'm his dad, and I will take him from her if she leaves me," he threatens, and for the first time, I see him as a threat.

"And I’d kill you if you tried," I say, meaning every word. I've killed for less.

"Keep you and Emilia quiet, and there won't be a problem. Got it?" he demands.

"Eric, you need to think about what the right thing is to do in this situation. You know it isn't you and Emilia staying married when she loves me. I won't stop Parker being in your life, he loves you but Emilia? She deserves to be free to make her own choice," I tell him. “I won’t let you control her. No one deserves that.”

"See you around, Luke," he says, walking off into the shadows of the car park. I watch him go, wondering if he will take any of my advice or if he will continue to be an idiot. I'm pretty sure it is going to be the latter. I get into my car, ringing Emilia's number before I start the car up.

"Hey," she grumbles as she answers the phone.

"Hey sweetheart, you alright?" I ask.

"A little tired," she says, yawning and I realise I might have woken her up. "But missing you."

"I miss you too. Eric just came to see me," I tell her, wanting to be honest and hating that he will be heading back home to sleep in the same house as her. I tighten my hand on the steering wheel, knowing it's irrational to be jealous. She doesn't love him or even like him. Their marriage is nothing but paperwork.

"What?" she asks, waking up for that.

"Nothing bad happened, we just talked," I honestly reply.

"You know I love you for not fighting him, right?" she says, sounding relieved.

"I know, sweetheart. Go back to sleep, I just wanted to hear your voice and tell you," I say.

"Okay, I will. I'm tired. See you soon, Luke," she says, yawning. I say goodbye before putting the phone down and starting my car. I hope one day I will be driving back home, to my real home with Emilia and Parker.

Emilia

"Oh god," I moan, rolling my hips as Luke grips them tightly, his head thrown back as he enjoys being inside me. I'm so close to the edge, every movement pushes Luke's cock in and out me, feeling absolutely amazing. Luke lifts his head, flipping us over on his bed and pushing deep inside me as he kisses me. Our tongues battle against each other as he thrusts in and out of me, his hands buried deep in my hair as we both lose control. There’s nothing but the sound of our skin slamming against each other, our breathy moans and groans for a long time as we are perfect at this moment. I cry out as my orgasm slams into me, and Luke finishes deep inside me only moments later.

"Emilia," he groans against my lips, slamming into one more time before collapsing at my side, pulling me to his chest.

"We should go back downstairs for the welcome back party," I breathlessly say, hearing the music downstairs. Izzy and Blake got back about two hours ago, and we all threw them a welcome home party. Luke dragged me upstairs to show me his room not long ago, but I'm pretty sure everyone knew what we were going to do.

"We should," Luke says, grinning, proud about his distraction from the party. He kisses me once more before getting up. We clean up and pull our clothes back on before walking out Luke's room into the corridor. Izzy runs past us, heading straight for the bathroom and slams the door shut behind her. Allie runs up the stairs, grabbing my arm when she sees me.

"Sorry, Luke. Girl time. Go downstairs!" she tells Luke, who just shakes his head at us as Allie opens the bathroom door and pulls me inside. Allie quickly runs to Izzy, pulling her hair back as she throws up in the toilet and I close the door behind us. I search the cupboards until I find a cup and fill it with water. I hand the water and a towel to Izzy when she calms down after flushing the toilet, sitting on the floor.

"You're totally up the duff, aren't you?" Allie asks as Izzy sips the water after wiping her face with the towel.

"Yes, I did the test last night in the airport, and I don't know how to tell Blake," she admits.

"He will be over the moon, Hun,” Allie gently tells her.

"Yeah, he will be. Blake adores you, and you both will make great parents," I say.

"We just didn't plan this. I'm on the pill, and I'm sure I took them. Although the wedding was stressful, I might have gotten confused one day," she says, muttering to herself.

"Just tell him, babe. We will be there for you," Allie says, offering Izzy a hand to lift her up.

"Okay, I will tell him. I can't keep it a secret for much longer anyway," she says, her voice shaky.

"I can't wait to see this little one. With you and Blake's good looks, she is going to be stunning," I say. I can just imagine her blonde hair, blue or green eyes.

"You think it's a girl?" Izzy asks me, her hands going to her stomach after she puts the towel and drink down.

"Call it an instinct," I say, walking to the door after Allie. Izzy looks nervous but follows us out, and down the stairs. We stay with Izzy as she walks around until we find Blake with his mum in the dining room. Blake turns and smiles at Izzy, offering her a hand.

"I'm pregnant," she blurts out the moment she takes his hands, and he coughs on the drink he just sipped. Blake's mum cries out, before bursting into tears but I can't do anything but watch how Blake falls to his knees in front of Izzy, placing his hands on her stomach over her shirt and very gently kissing it.

"I love you. Thank you," Blake tells Izzy, making us all want to cry. Izzy goes to her knees and wraps her arms around his shoulders, bursting into tears. Luke stops next to me, smiling down at me.

"Maybe that will be us one day. I'd love to see you pregnant," he says, and I slide my hand into his for only a moment, knowing we can't risk Parker seeing us together.

"I'd like that too," I whisper, knowing we have all the future in the world to fight for.

Luke

"I'm happy you finally decided to come with us," Seb says as I lock the car and look up at the nursing home, feeling more than nervous to see my mum. I've seen photos, but it's not the same as actually seeing her.

"She isn't the devil, mate," Elliot says, smiling at my obvious worry.

"Come on," Harley says, chuckling with Elliot. Seb can't hide his smirk as we walk up the steps to the doors of the nursing home. We wait for the staff to open a door for us and let us in.

"The King boys! Ah, you bought another one today, did you?" a woman says from behind a white desk, smiling widely at us all.

"Deerie, this is our youngest brother Luke," Harley introduces me, and Deerie stares, wide-eyed.

"We've heard a lot about you," she says. "I'm glad to finally meet you. Now all of you sign in here, and I’ll take you to her. She is having a very creative day today."

"A good day to bring Luke then," Elliot says, signing the sheet. We all sign it, and Deerie takes us through several doors and into a cosy bedroom. A woman I just about recognise as my mum sits on the bed, drawing with a pencil on a sketchpad. She doesn't notice us as Deerie goes back to the door.

"Give me a buzz when you want to leave," she says, pointing to the buttons and screen on the wall before leaving. I try to remember everything Harley has told me about our mum these last few weeks. How she was found on a beach with a severe head injury with no memory of her life. Then Arthur found her, kept her drugged up so even when her memories came back, she was too out of it to escape her life. Harley said she’s better these days, but the head injury means she needs a closed environment with twenty-four-hour care.

"Go and talk to her," Seb says, pushing me closer. I walk over, trying not to feel freaked out by her and what she might say, and by the emotions my mum still makes me feel. I cried so many nights as a child, begging for her to come through the door and save me from my dad. Harley looked after me the best he could, but it’s not the same as having a mum around. I remember countless times I used to sneak into a local park and just watch mothers laughing and loving their children. I wanted that more than anything. But she never came back. I sit on the bed next to her, looking down at the drawing of London's Big Ben tower clock in impressive detail.

"Hey, Mum," I say, my voice quiet and croaky when it comes out. She very slowly looks up at me, her eyes widening before she drops the pencil and sketchbook onto the floor. Elliot is quick to pick it up as she slowly lifts a shaky hand and places it on my cheek, staring so deeply at me that I can't move.

"My baby. Luke," she whispers. "My baby."

"I'm not so much a baby now, Mum," I reply.

"No," she whispers and wraps her arms around me. I'm not sure how long we hug each other in the silent room, with my brothers silently watching. I don't know when it hits me that my mum is here, and she never left me. I won't run from her anymore. The past is just that, the past, and I need to move on from it. Eventually, I pull away from the hug to talk to her and quickly realise she talks much like a child does and gets lost in her mind very quickly. When it’s time to leave, we all hug her and promise to come back soon before walking out after Deerie comes to let us out. I rest against my car, looking up at the surprisingly beautiful building.

"You alright?" Harley asks, unlocking his car but not getting in it. Elliot and Seb wait for my answer, which I don't really know how to give.

"I will be," I reply, which is the best I can do right now.

"Let's go home and get takeout. We could use a brothers night, don't you think?" Harley asks. Elliot and Seb agree just as I nod, knowing Harley is right. I could do with a night in with my family.

"I’ll come back with you every week from now on," I tell Harley as he opens the door.

"You're a good man, Luke. I'm proud of you for that choice," he says. I don't want anyone proud of me for anything.

"Don't be proud of me. You don't know anything," I say, pulling my door open and ignoring his confused expression. I rest my head back on the leather, knowing I need to be careful. Harley can't find out the truth, not yet. He would ruin everything.

Emilia

I rest back on the sofa, taking a nice relaxing moment to myself after feeding Parker dinner and forcing him into bath time before getting him to bed. I swear my lovely boy will come with any excuse not to go to sleep. Eric is nowhere to be seen again, as usual. It annoys me because he says he wants to be a dad to Parker, but he’s never around. I pull my phone out, smiling at the flirty text Luke sent me and one of those baby scans from Izzy, showing me her stunning little black and white baby. I know scans can’t be stunning, but somehow hers is.

"Can we talk?" Eric asks, nearly making me jump out my skin because I didn't hear him come in. I glance behind me as Eric walks into the room and goes to sit next to me on the sofa, never actually touching me which I'm relieved about. He looks stressed, like he has run his hands through his hair a million times and his shirt is undone, no tie to be seen.

"What about?" I ask.

"Kate is pregnant," he says, and I frown at him for a moment, wondering who she is, and then I wonder if Kate is his assistant. "And I love her. I didn't want to fall for her, but it's different than anything else I've ever felt. I really love her."

"You love her?" I question, trying not to laugh at the irony of the situation.

"I know," he says, and then he laughs to my surprise. "I've been a fucking stupid idiot recently. I was terrified of losing Parker. I really love him more than anything else in this world. These last few weeks I've tried to stay away, distance myself because I'm scared you and Luke will take him."

"Thank you for being honest with me," I say, surprised by this turn of events.

"Don't thank me. I've been shit with you," he says. "I should never have taken out my own fears on you or threatened you."

"No, you shouldn't have, but I want us to move forward from this like adults," I reply.

"Same, so I'm moving out. I’m giving you the divorce you want. The house is yours, well Parker’s, because I can't take it from him," he says, and my mouth falls open in shock. I can only stare at him as he smiles at me.

"Really?" I whisper.

"I only want Parker in my life in exchange. Can he come to mine every other weekend and once a week after school in the week he isn't over?" he asks. “And I want to see him on birthdays and at Christmas.”

"Yes. I promise," I say, offering my hand for him to shake. He gently shakes my hand, before letting go and standing up.

"I'm sorry for everything," he says.

"I'm not. You looked after me when I needed someone, and you are a good dad. Parker and your new baby are lucky to have you in their life. I'm not sorry about that," I say. “Thank you for being there for me, for loving Parker, and never making him feel like he wasn’t yours.”

"Thank you for saying that. I'm going to pack. or what it is worth, I did try to love you once; I just couldn't," he admits. I nod, knowing I tried the same. You can’t force love; it doesn’t work like that.

"Then love Kate. I was never yours to love, but she is," I say.

"Yes, she is," he says, softly smiling in a way I've never seen before. He walks out of the room as I rest back on the sofa, and just smile. I'm free from one of the chains in my life. Not only free but happy. I pull my phone out, calling Luke and waiting for him to answer.

"Hey, sweetheart," he answers after a few rings.

"Can you come over to mine in about half an hour?" I ask, knowing I want to see him, and Eric should have left by then.

"Your house? Really?" he questions.

"I'm getting divorced, and I want to celebrate," I say.

"You didn't kill him or something, right? I highly doubt Eric would have just let you have a divorce," Luke remarks, shocked.

"He had a change of heart, sort of. He got his assistant pregnant, and he’s moving out," I explain.

"Well, that changes things. God, I’m happy. I’ll be over soon," Luke says.

"Good. I want to show you how much I've missed you," I say.

"Damn don't say that. I have half an hour to wait until I can touch you," he groans, and I giggle.

"Bye, Luke," I say, putting the phone down. I aimlessly walk around the house until I hear Eric walking down the stairs and I come out of the kitchen, watching him open the door. He looks back, nodding once before leaving. I should feel sad that my husband just walked out, but I don't. Not even a little bit. He isn't the man I want, and he could never be. I go upstairs, checking on Parker, who is sound asleep, and knowing it is going to be difficult to explain all this to him in the morning. I might ask Luke to stay in the morning so we can explain it together. Who knows, it might help Parker’s reaction. I strip out of all my clothes, pulling on a silk dressing gown and tying it up as the doorbell rings. I leave my room and go down to the door, pulling it open to see Luke waiting there. Luke looks as handsome as always in a leather jacket, jeans, and big boots. I like this more casual dress sense than the suits he wears a lot. Even though he looks so handsome, there is something more about this moment as I throw myself into his arms and he catches me, kissing me. Luke walks us into the house as we kiss, making our way to the left and into the kitchen. I'm sure Luke wanted a lounge, but the kitchen will do. Luke pulls my dressing gown open after sliding me on the counter, his eyes widening at my lack of clothing.

“I love your tattoos, you know that?” he says, stroking his fingers over my tattoo on my arms and my thighs as I look at his.

“Didn’t you want to be a tattoo designer before?” I breathlessly ask.

“I did,” he mutters, making me shiver as he runs his eyes all over me.

“Maybe you still can, and then you can do some for me,” I say, his eyes widening in clear desire at my suggestion. He pulls my hips to the edge of the counter and lowers his head, his tongue diving deep between my legs. He licks, sucks, and teases my clit as I lie back on the counter, holding his hair and moaning loudly. I cry out as Luke teases me into an orgasm before pulling his head up. He frees his erection, pulling me to the edge of the counter and sliding a hand to my ass before thrusting deep in me.

"Luke, fucking hell," I moan out him, feeling so sensitive.

"God, so fucking tight and perfect. You make me want to come the moment I’m in you, you know that?" Luke whispers into my ear as he thrusts in and out of me, pounding me into another orgasm in a matter of moments. "I could fuck you forever." Luke groans, biting down on my shoulder a few thrusts later, holding my ass tightly in his hand.

"I'm glad I invited you over now," I mutter, and he laughs, lifting his head from my shoulder and meeting my gaze.

"Me too, sweetheart," he says, kissing me gently. "Now where is your bedroom because I'm not done with you yet."

Luke

"Where are you taking me then?" I ask Luke, who arranged for Parker to sleep over at Harley’s and then told me we are going out on a surprise date.

"Get in the car and you’ll see, won't you?" he says, and I laugh, doing as I am told. Luke drives us for about half an hour to a small town and parks up on a busy street.

"What is going on?" I ask, seeing bright lights and hearing loud music at the bottom of the street we are parked on. Everyone is walking towards the street past our car.

"It's the light festival. They go around England once a year, and tonight they’re here," he explains to me. Luke offers me a multicoloured mask that will just cover my eyes. "Everyone wears them. They sell them for a charity." I smile, putting my mask on as Luke places his similar one on himself. I wait for a space in the people passing the car before opening the door and getting out. Luke walks to my side as we join the people, wrapping an arm around my waist.

"Did I tell you they dance on the streets?" Luke asks just the festival comes into view. Stalls line the sides of the streets, shining bright lights all around the people dancing in the middle of them. Loud, beautiful music is blasting from a band on a stage in the middle of the stalls. A man is singing loudly as he jumps around the stage, full of energy and laughter.

"Dance with me?" Luke asks, reminding me of when we first met. I nod, trying not to get emotional. Luke walks us into the dancers and wraps his arms around my waist, as I rest my head on his shoulder.

"We never got the first date, not really. I want to correct that time and time again with you, Emilia," he whispers to me. I lift my head and place my hand on his cheek as we sway to the music.

"I never needed fancy dates to fall in love with you. I just wanted you around," I explain to him.

"I'm here now," Luke promises, turning his head and kissing my hand before I lower it. "And I love you." I lean up and kiss Luke, wrapping my arms around his shoulders. We are both lost in each for a long time, kissing, dancing, and laughing. Some moments couldn't be more perfect. Eventually, we make our way out of the dancers to look at the stalls. I walk to a stall that sells little wooden toys and pick up a hand-painted red fire engine.

"Would Parker like that?" Luke asks.

"He would. Fire engines are his favourite," I say, and Luke buys the fire engine truck, and the stall keeper places it in a bag. We walk down past more stalls, stopping to look every so often.

"Do you want to move in?" I blurt out, and Luke stops, looking down at me with a big smile.

"I mean Parker needs to know about us soon anyway and it's a big house. It might be too soon, but I'm throwing it out there. You’re already sneaking in every night anyway."

"I would love to. I want to be with you and Parker," he says, leaning down and kissing me. "You have no idea how much I'd love to live with you."

"We should have a long chat with Parker about everything," I say, knowing it is best we explain it all to him soon.

"How was he about Eric moving out?" Luke asks.

"Actually, he seemed to understand. Eric took him out for ice cream this week, and he came back with big smiles, telling me he has a baby brother or sister on the way," I say, remembering how happy he was. We agreed to go to the shops to get a teddy gift for the baby when he or she is born. I'm glad Eric is involving Parker so much already, it no doubt helped him understand why his dad moved out.

"You have brought up an amazing kid," Luke says, making me feel proud.

"He’s like his dad," I say, winking at Luke. He laughs, holding me close to him as we continue walking down the street, dreaming of our future we know we are lucky to have.

Emilia

"You can't fight tonight. I'm serious," I say, catching Luke's arm in the changing room as I start to really panic about all this. We’ve been living in peace the last week, pretending like this wasn’t going to happen today, and now it’s here, and we can’t avoid it. The fight is planned, and Arthur is out there waiting. Watching.

"He has to," my brother says behind me, and Luke tensely looks down at me. I know he doesn’t want to do this, and I want to hate him. I want to drag him out of here, but I understand why, and that’s even worse.

"I don't want to do this, but it's all over if I don't. Five years of pain, misery, and destruction for nothing. Arthur will kill me, you, and everyone I care about," Luke says, sliding his hands onto my face. “I can’t risk you and Parker. My brothers, my sister. Everyone.”

"He’s my brother," I whisper.

"I know the price," my stupid brother replies. I turn my tear filled eyes on Dale, who looks over my shoulder at Luke. "I want some time with my sister. Meet you out there, Luke."

"I'm sorry," Luke whispers, letting go of me before he walks past. "I’ll try to make it quick." A sob escapes my lips as I just stare at his green eyes, knowing every part of him doesn’t want to do this. Whatever Luke is, he isn’t a cold-blooded killer.

I hear Luke walk away, the door open and shut in the distance, and I look back at my brother. The light from the tiny window in the room shines on my brother, his tanned skin and black hair so similar to my own.

"I don't want to die. I will admit that," Dale says, coming up to me and placing his hands on my shoulders. "I want you and our family to live more than me. We’ve both spent years being used by that monster. Years where I have done things I want nothing more than to forget. Luke will never forgive himself for killing me, so he’ll need you to forgive him. I need you to forgive me for this."

"I can't watch the man I love kill my brother because of this goddamn place!" I shout, whacking my fists onto his chest as I burst into uncontrollable sobs. Dale pulls me into his arms, holding me tight as we hear the door open. I know it’s time, but Dale still has to pull me off of him.

"Dase had run because he couldn’t watch, so after this, you’ll only have dad and Luke to watch your back. Be careful," Dale tells me, before letting me go and walking away.

"I love you. I wish I could change this," I cry out.

"My death has been coming for a long time. At least I will die for something; that can't be said for our brothers or most our family, sis," he tells me, his words echoing around the room before he shuts the door. The slam of the door feels like the final goodbye, and I can't process the pain as I fall to the floor. I don't know how long I sit there on the floor, remembering every good thing I can about my brother. How he would steal ice cream out of the freezer for me. How he would beat up the big boys who used to chase me around the playground and steal my lunch. How he was there for me when I went into labour and how Dale was the first person to hold Parker. I block out all the sounds of cheering, the bloodthirsty customers who love to see a fight until I have to hold my hands over my ears. The world seems to blur away for a long time, my thoughts disappearing into nothing but pain. Hands gently cover my mine on my ears, lowering them and I know that touch anywhere. This time, I don't want to look at him, and I can't.

"It's over," he whispers to me.

"I want to hate you for it," I cry.

"Then hate me," he replies.

"I can't. I fucking love you," I say, bursting into tears. Luke wraps his arms around me, sitting on the floor and holding me close as I wish for the pain to disappear. It doesn't, and I suspect it never will.

"I have to go," Luke gently tells me, reminding me why my brother's death was so important. “I have to finish this.”

"Make sure he pays for it," I demand, locking eyes with Luke and seeing the pain. Seeing the heartbreak and how scared he is to lose me.

"I will." His words are firm as I lean closer and press my lips to his for only a moment before pulling back. "Leave and let me finish this. Keep our son safe." I don't reply to him, knowing I can't process any words right now before I get up and walk out. I hold my head high, not looking once at the cage and the place that keeps destroying every part of my soul. This place will burn, and Arthur just lit the match.

Emilia

I keep banging the door to Harley's as I ring Tilly's phone again, wishing they would damn well answer the phone or door. It only took me a minute of sitting on that cold floor to realise that Luke is going to need our help. I can’t help him on my own, but his brothers can. I’m scared for him, and after losing my own brother, I can’t lose Luke. It’s not happening. Not without a fight. Tilly pulls the door open, a dressing gown wrapped around her shoulders and Harley is standing right behind her, wearing just joggers and a thin shirt.

"What the hell are you doing here at one in the morning?" Tilly asks, before seeing my eyes and asking the more important question. "What's wrong?"

"Elliot and Seb are on their way, but we don't have time for a long explanation," I hurriedly say. “Put your coat on Harley; we need to go.”

"Time for what?" Harley asks.

"Luke was with Arthur all these years,” I wait for that to sink in for a moment before I carry on speaking. “Luke needs your help now. He thinks he can do this all on his own, take down The Cage, like he’s always done.” There is nothing but fury building in Harley's eyes as I speak. "Luke is wrong."

"He spent five years with Arthur? Why the fuck would he do that?" he asks.

"The police, they used him as a spy. They needed someone close to Arthur and Arthur made Luke a deal," I say. “Luke told me that Arthur’s men were beating him, getting close to killing him in prison, so he took the police’s deal and Arthur’s deal.”

"Fuck," Harley mutters. “Why didn’t he tell us?”

"Where is Luke, Emilia?" Tilly asks.

"At The Cage,” I say, rubbing my arms from the cold and lack of coat. “H-he killed my brother tonight because Arthur is going to show him the vaults. Whatever is in the vaults, Luke is planning to finish everything tonight after he sees it."

"The vaults?" Harley asks. "What could possibly be in there?"

"I don't know!" I reply. "I just know Luke needs you. He isn't planning on walking out of there alive tonight. I saw the look in his eyes, and I know Luke better than I know myself. Luke is going to die to take down Arthur and The Cage, and that can't happen."

"He isn't dying. No way is that hellhole taking anyone else from me," Harley says, kissing the side of Tilly's head after she gives him a nod. Harley disappears for a moment, likely getting shoes on.

"I’ll tell Elliot and Seb what happened. Come back to me," Tilly nervously replies. "Both of you. Keep my husband safe." she looks at me, and I try not to cry at her affection and worry. I hate that all I can do is nod. I couldn’t keep Harley safe if I tried. I couldn’t keep Luke safe. Harley storms off to his car, with me following right behind him, knowing I can't just stay here. I need to make sure Luke survives this. Deep down, I know he is partly doing this all for me and Parker. A deeper part of me knows I can't live without Luke again. I wasn't living before; I was drowning.

"You shouldn't come," Harley suggests when he sees me following. “The Cage isn’t a good place.”

"I'm just as part of The Cage as all of you," I say. “We’re all Arthur’s pets.”

"You might need to explain that one to me, Emilia. Now," Harley snaps, but he carries on walking.

"Arthur owns me, he married me off and then bribed me to spy on you all these years," I say, my last words blurting out as Harley opens the car door. I expect to see anger, hate or at least distrust in his gaze but he still looks at me the same as he always has. Like I'm family.

"That man destroys everyone. You can't save yourself from him once he owns you. Not without a lot of pain," Harley tells me.

"Trust me; there has been enough. I can't lose Luke," I whisper as hot tears stream down my cheeks, but he hears me.

"You won't. We won't lose Luke. Not again," he says, before pulling the car door open and we both get into the car. I just hope we can get there in time.

Luke

"That was a very good fight, though a little short for my liking," Arthur comments like the asshole I know he is.

"Yeah, I could have dragged it out longer," I remark, though I never would have. I made it quick and as painless as I possibly could for him. I don’t think I will ever be able to forget tonight. Never.

"You usually do," Arthur says, patting my shoulder just like Harley does, but it's not the same. Arthur's is patronising, and a show of power, whereas Harley does it because he’s my brother and cares. It's a show of affection.

"Now, you promised me a reward," I say, keeping my words and expression playful when Arthur looks my way.

"That I did," Arthur says, nodding his head to the side. We walk down the empty corridor, and towards a door that Arthur unlocks as he talks. "Having you around reminds me of the times when it was just me and your father. Us against the world and he was a true brother to me until he lost his mind."

"I wish he hadn't had made those decisions in the end," I remark, not wanting to press on the delusional idea that Arthur thought his relationship with his father was anything like what a brother relationship should really be like. They weren't even friends, not really. Friends don't kill each other when shit goes wrong. Arthur pushes the large door open, holding it with a hand to let me in before locking it on the other side. Automatic lights turn on as Arthur walks down the steep stairs into the darkness below and I follow right behind him. At the end of the stairs is another corridor, though this one is pretty short and made of steel walls and dark wood floors. At the end of the corridor is a massive vault door, exactly what I wanted to see. Arthur presses a few buttons to unlock the vault before using his fingerprint to pass the security. When the door scans his face, I know we have a problem. I can copy his fingerprints and the passcode, but not his face. I will have to end this tonight, but I know the plan is set anyway. If I kill Arthur tonight, it’s not going to make a difference. Everything is lost for him. Arthur opens the vault door, which slides automatically to the side and lights switch on as we walk in.

“Do you like bombs? These boxes are full of them,” Arthur says, placing his hand on one of the wooden boxes. “At the back is a private jewel collection that was stolen from all over the world.”

“It’s over, Arthur,” I coldly say, and he looks back, his eyes widening in fear at the gun held in my hand, pointed right at him.

“A few weeks back with your brothers and you are doing their dirty work already?” he asks in disgust. “You’re a son to me, Luke. We can figure something out. You want Emilia? You want anything? I will give you the world, just put the gun down.”

“They don’t have a clue what is going on, and you can’t give me what I want,” I reply.

“Then why are you doing this?” he asks.

“Why?” I say, laughing. “For years, I’ve been doing your dirty work. Your toy to command as you wanted, and you called it affection. You said I was lucky when really, I was doing it to destroy you.”

“You’re making a mistake, kid,” he spits out. “A bad one that you will pay for.”

“I’m not a kid,” I say, emotionlessly chuckling. “As we speak, my spies are letting the police into every one of your business around the world, giving them the codes for the vaults and arresting everyone that helped you. It’s over.”

“You betrayed me,” he gasps, shaking his head. “You Kings are all the same! Betraying little bastards.”

“Yeah, we are, but you know what the difference between me and my father is?” I ask.

“What?” he asks as I fire the gun, shooting him in the leg. He falls to the ground, screaming in pain and I quite enjoy seeing him this way. I want to kill him so fucking badly, but it won’t do anything. I’m a better person than he has ever been, and it’s all over.

“I could pull the trigger and actually kill you,” I say as he stops screaming. “My father attempted it, but I don’t think he ever really meant to kill you. It was all a sick game like he loved to play.”

“I’m not dead,” he coughs out.

“No. The police are on their way, and you’ll wish you were. That’s enough for me,” I say, dropping the gun and walking out. I get to the vault door when I hear him laugh, a cackling laugh that makes me look back.

“I’d rather die.” The words come out from his mouth in almost slow motion as he grabs the gun he crawled to and instead of aiming it at me, he aims at the bombs. I turn and run, knowing there is no way I’ll get out of here before that bomb explodes. The gun fires as I get to the stairs and a blast from behind me sends me flying, smacking my head on something as I pass out.

* * *

Smoke and fire are everywhere, suffocating me as much as it burns my skin, yet the pain is refreshing. It reminds me that I am alive. There is nothing but swirling smoke above me as the burning parts of the ceiling fall, crashing near my head. The embers graze against my skin, though the pain is almost nothing compared to the rest of my body. It’s ironic to die in a place that looks like hell. I’ve lived in hell for so long, embracing the heavenly moments the last few months have given me, only to die in a place like hell in the end. Life is fucked up like that.

“LUKE!” I hear my brother scream, his voice panicked, though I can’t move. I can’t call for him. Tell him to get out of here. I did what I planned, and it is all over now. Harley should not be here. All my stubborn brothers should not have followed me. I know dying here is fitting for what I have done. I can feel my jacket on fire, my skin burning and the pain paralyzing me to the spot so I can do nothing but lie here. Suddenly arms are slowly lifting me, making the pain worse as I can’t see who it is that is trying to save me.

“I just got you back. Your girl is outside, and so is the rest of your family. Don’t you fucking give up on me now, Luke,” Harley voice growls, making me sure it’s him holding me even if I can’t reply.

“It’s o-over,” I manage to cough out.

“Yeah it is, but not for us. You are going to live, Luke. I mean it,” Harley says, his words are the last thing I hear as I look up, seeing the fire covered ceiling heading for us, a large chunk on fire falling down through the building. I don’t get time to warn Harley or do anything as it collapses on us, and everything goes black.

Emilia

The moment Harley runs into the building, it blows up. Literally in a matter of seconds, which almost happen in slow motion to my eyes. I fly back from the force, screaming as my back hits the car, and I hold my hands above my head. People scream, shout and cry out as the place explodes. As the dust settles, I crawl to my feet and hold back the cry as I see The Cage on fire. Dozens of people are running out of the door, collapsing onto the floor but none of them are Luke or Harley. Car alarms and the sounds of distant sirens fill my ears as I stare at the door until no more people flood out the door, and I start to panic. I cough on the heavy smoke filling the area and ignore the pain in my back as I realise I need to go in there. Meg is working tonight. Oh god.

"LUKE!" I scream, going to run to the door when Elliot stops me, grabbing my arms and picking me up off the ground when I try to fight him.

"We will go," Elliot says, pushing me back, and giving me a firm look. “Think of Parker. Both his parents can’t die and leave him alone tonight. Stay here.” Sebastian is already running into the building, a fireproof blanket covering his shoulders. I know Elliot is right, and I stop fighting. People move out of the way, making a little path straight to the entrance.

"Here," Allie throws a fireproof blanket at Elliot, who holds it above him as he runs into the fire warehouse. Allie is crying as she comes to my side, her eyes frantic as she stares at the doors.

"W-we should help them," I say, coughing as Allie holds my hand, both of us shaking in pure fear.

"There aren’t any more blankets in the car. We can't,” she says when I see Meg climbing out of the doors. I run to her with Allie following and drag her back, leaning her against the car.

“Pumpkin, you don’t look good,” Meg says before she passes out.

“Oh Meg,” I say, lying her down on the ground before standing back up and focusing on the doors again. Meg is out, so Luke and Harley must be out soon, too. They have to be.

“They will get out; what happened?" Allie says though I can hear she is scared just like me as her voice shakes.

"Luke planned this all. He’s worked for five years to take The Cage down," I tell her, keeping my eyes on the door. Wanting desperately to go in there.

"Did he plan to die in there too?" Allie asks, wiping her eyes.

"Harley is in there, too," I say, not being able to answer her question.

"Oh god," Allie says. We both stare at the entrance. I feel like I can't breathe as the fire takes the building and no one comes out. It could be half an hour or hours or minutes until figures climb out of the building, carrying people in their arms. I cry out when I see Seb carrying Luke, covered in dust, blood, and burns. I see Harley being carried out by Elliot in a similar condition as we hear sirens in the background. I run to Seb and Luke as he lays Luke on the ground. His clothes are burnt, so are his arms and his legs but I place a shaky finger on his neck, feeling his pulse.

"He’s alive," I shout at his brothers, who collapsed onto the floor, coughing out the smoke. I gently pick Luke's head up onto my legs, seeing my tears falling onto his ash-covered face.

"You can't leave me and Parker. No way." I know he can't reply to me as I stroke his face softly, knowing he will survive this. I can't lose him.

“Harley is, too, but we need to get them to a hospital,” Allie shouts, covering Harley with the blanket as Seb does the same to Luke.

"It's over," Elliot coughs out, holding Allie close to his chest. I glance up at Seb last as he holds Luke's hand as he coughs from the smoke.

"The Cage is gone, and we have everything we could need." We sit in the ash and dust as police and ambulances flood into the area, but we have smiles on lips. The Cage and Arthur are gone.

Emilia

"The family of Harley King?" a doctor shouts into the hospital waiting room, and Tilly runs over, as I get up, flinching from the pain in my chest. Everyone flooded to the hospital, leaving the children with Blake's mum who was more than happy to help out for a little bit.

"Are you okay, miss?" the doctor asks me. "Were you in the building? Have you been seen?"

"I'm not going anywhere until we know if Harley and Luke are okay," I tell him, waving a hand which hurts my chest to do. I've been hiding the pain since the shock of everything wore off, and I realised I might have gotten injured when the building exploded.

"I have news on Harley, though Luke is still in surgery," the doctor says, and Allie wraps an arm around my waist as Izzy takes my other hand in hers. Meg was lucky and got out The Cage with just bruises and nothing broken, but they are keeping her on oxygen for a bit.

"Out with it, please," Tilly says, wiping her tears away. Seb and Elliot are in the ward, being treated for minor burns, and they’ll likely be kept in for a bit. Maisy and Blake are with them, keeping them as calm as possible while we wait.

"I'm sorry for your long wait, we have had a lot of emergencies come in, as I’m sure you understand. Harley is out of surgery and recovering. A few of the burns are quite bad on his back and stomach, but we’ll know more in time. He broke his arm and shoulder, which we have plated back together. The rest of the scans show no head injuries or internal bleeding, which is a miracle," he says, and everyone lets out a sigh of relief. Thank god.

"Thank you so much. Can I see him?" Tilly asks.

"One at a time, but yes," the doctor replies.

"Wait, Luke? Luke King? Is he out?" I ask him, needing to know.

"Still in surgery, I'm afraid. I’m coming back with a nurse to have you checked over in a moment. Luke will want his girlfriend alive when he comes out of surgery, right?" he says. "We can't have people collapsing on the floor when we can help them."

"Right," I mutter. The doctor takes Tilly to see Harley before coming back for me as he promised, and Allie comes with me. They admit me as a patient and send me off for X-rays before explaining I have two broken ribs. The nurse wraps my ribs before demanding I stay in bed, and Allie becomes my guard dog who watches me.

"Can you go and ask? I need to know he is okay," I beg her. I know she wants to check in on Elliot and the others anyway.

"Promise you will keep your pretty butt in bed?" she asks.

"Yes," I say, and she squeezes my hand before getting out of her chair and sliding out of the closed curtain. I rest back, staring at the ceiling for a long time until I hear the curtain being moved and I sharply sit up, flinching in pain as I see Izzy coming in, with Allie right behind her.

"Oh, don't move!" Izzy protests, running to my side and taking my hand.

"Luke?" I ask.

"He’s out of surgery, and they have managed to save him. Luke lost a kidney and broke his leg. Oh, and broke his wrist, too, and some ribs to go along with the bad burns," Allie starts listing everything. Oh god, he’s alive. That's all I hear. Everything else can heal, but my Luke isn't gone.

"But he is alive," I say, bursting into tears. Izzy gently hugs me, and I feel Allie's hand on my shoulder, squeezing gently.

"They have him in a medically induced coma for the next few days because of swelling on his brain. They say not to worry, he’s a fighter, and he’ll wake up," Allie tells me as Izzy pulls away, sitting on the end of the bed and holding my hand.

"Thank you for telling me. Now, I need to see him," I say, knowing nothing is going to keep me in this bed.

"Not yet. No one is being let in yet, but soon," Izzy explains, and I nod, resting back.

"How long have you been spying on us then?" Allie asks after a long silence.

"Harley told you then," I mutter.

"Well, he told Tilly, who told everyone, as she does," Allie fills in.

"I moved into Blake's flat because Arthur wanted me close to you, Allie," I say. "So since then, really. It got worse after you all walked away from The Cage."

"That’s a long time," Allie says, clearly shocked.

"I know. I'm so sorry," I whisper.

"Don't be. My dad was an asshole who no doubt had some kind of control over you," she replies.

"He has my mum, but I haven't seen her in years. I think she’s dead. Then he had my brothers, but only one of them is alive now. My father sold me and my brothers to him a long time ago," I explain. I know I need to come to terms with the fact that that my mum is gone. I've always known it, deep down.

"Thanks to Luke, it is all over. I forgive you; you know that," Allie says. "Don't feel guilty or anything over what that asshole made you do."

"Me too. We all do," Izzy says, squeezing my hand. "You are family. End of."

"I-I don't know what to say,” I admit, wiping at my tears. "I thought you'd all hate me and never want to see me again."

"Don't be silly. You're a King, and we stick together. Now rest, we’re here. Everyone is safe," Izzy says. I cry for a long time, my emotions mixed between happiness, relief, and pain. It's over.

Luke

I slowly wake up to the sounds of beeping, an air con machine humming and someone snoring in the distance. As I open my eyes, the bright light of the room makes me blink a few times as I adjust to the brightness. There are white ceilings above me, and I can now figure out the beeping is my heartbeat on some machine. I groan from the pain in my most of my body as I turn. my head to the side, seeing Emilia smiling at me.

"Luke?" she whispers before getting up slowly, holding her ribs and coming to me.

"Are you okay?" I ask her, concerned because she is pale, clearly in pain, and I want to hold her.

"Me?" she laughs. "I'm okay Luke, but you have a long recovery ahead."

"I don’t care, I was worried about you," I say, lifting my arm to touch her cheek and seeing that it is plastered up. I have to put my arm down instead when it really starts to hurt.

"Let me sit you up," she says, looking worried. "Then I’ll wake Harley up to get the doctor." Emilia helps me sit with the bed lifted, and I see my leg in the cast when she does. I use my cast-free arm to feel the pain on my head, but it’s covered with bandages.

"I feel like shit," I admit to her. I don’t know how I survived and am lying here today, but it doesn’t feel good right at this moment.

"Wait until the pain meds wear off," Emilia says, placing her hand on my cheek and leaning forward to kiss me. She only kisses me gently, but it feels like everything and more.

"How did I survive that place? I remember Arthur shooting the bomb, and not much else," I ask her.

"I pulled you to the door, and then the twins got us out," Harley says from behind Emilia. He stands up slowly, with his shoulder wrapped and his arm looks broken. There are bandages around his neck, disappearing into his hospital gown.

"Thank you," I say, knowing words can't make up for what he did.

"John came and saw me, giving us all paperwork that means we won't be held accountable for anything we did in The Cage. He explained everything in great detail over the last five days that we’ve been waiting for you to wake up," he tells me. Shit, five days? And clearly, they know everything now. I’m guessing Emilia went for my family’s help and they must have all been near The Cage when it blew up.

"Is John still here? Alive?" I ask.

"Yes, he’s waiting outside with the rest of our family," he explains to me.

"Good," I say, meaning it.

"We owe you, Luke. I don't even know how to thank you for everything," he says, his voice cracking. “I should have been the one to do what you did. All those years at his side? Pretending and lying? You are my baby brother, and it shouldn’t have been you.”

"You don't have to thank me. I don't want that," I tell him.

"Well, I am thankful. The Cage and Arthur are gone because of you. It's all over the news, everything about all his business. So many lives have been saved because of you," he tells me just what I want to hear. The plan worked.

"I was born into this life," I say. "I had to be the one to end it. To end The Cage. Now, I want to get better, get out of here and live my life with the woman I’m in love with. And our son."

"Parker," Emilia says, and I turn my head to see Parker coming in the room, holding Eric's hand.

"I thought I'd bring him in to see you both," Eric says. "I will be outside." I’m glad to see him here and bringing Parker in. It makes me think we have a future where we all will get along for Parker’s sake at least.

"What happened to you?" Parker asks me, coming up to the bed and looking at my cast.

"You know I said I was good at climbing? Turns out I'm not as good as I thought," I tell him because I don’t think he could really understand the truth. I will tell him our past one day when he is a lot older. Maybe not all of it, but enough.

"Bad luck," he says, shaking his head. "Can I draw on your cast? A friend at school had her cast drawn on."

"If you're gentle, sure," I say, laughing a little but it hurts in my chest, so I stop that.

"I'll take him to get some pens from the shop then and find the doctor on the way," Emilia says, leaning over and kissing my cheek before walking around the bed and out of the room.

"We are the lucky ones, brother," Harley says, placing his hand on my shoulder.

"Yes, we are," I say, resting back. Five years, my entire life of The Cage hold over me and my family is gone. It's time we enjoy the future.

Epilogue-Harley

10 years later…

I wrap my arms around my wife’s waist, pressing my head on top of hers as I look over at what she’s seeing. Hope is sitting with Isabelle. Both of them laughing at something on the iPad Hope’s holding. Hope is the image of her mum, her long red hair is up in a messy bun, and she has her mum’s slender figure. I’ve already had one boyfriend to scare away and no doubt others are going to turn up. Having a daughter is hard work when they are pretty.

“Seventeen. When did she turn seventeen?” Tilly mumbles.

“Two weeks ago,” I answer, and Tilly laughs, turning around in my arms and wrapping her arms around my neck. Her big blue eyes stare up at me, and I’m amazed at how she doesn’t look like she has aged an entire day since the day we met. I will always remember walking into the entrance hall, seeing this beautiful red haired beauty looking lost as she stared up at me. I was entranced from the moment we met.

“I know, it just doesn’t seem real. Hope is going to university next year. Jake is already there, and ah, it just feels like the children are all grown up,” Tilly comments.

“Empty nest something or other,” I reply, before gently leaning down and brushing my lips against hers, tasting the strawberry lip balm she has on. “When the nest is empty, I’m sure we can find lots of things to do.” I tease, loving how she blushes even after us being married for so long.

“I guess you have a point,” she replies, leaning up and deepening the kiss I started.

“Mum, Dad, that’s gross,” Hope shouts over, and I chuckle as I pull away from Tilly and look at my cheeky ass daughter.

“Well don’t look then,” I suggest, and Tilly laughs.

“I’m going to see if any of them are here yet. Trust your brothers to be late to every family party,” Tilly says. “Even your birthday, old man.” I tickle her, and she laughs, escaping my hands.

“It’s five to, that’s not late,” I say, after glancing at my watch and my lovely wife rolls her eyes at me before walking to the house. I pick up my beer and lift the barbecue, checking the burgers, sausages and chicken skewers before closing it again. I hear Spot barking, and I know one of my brothers and his family are here.

“Spot!” Hope shouts, and I seriously regret letting her name the golden retriever we bought her for her sixth birthday. Spot was a character from her favourite books at the time, and he was a damn dog. As I watch Spot run to Hope’s side, she wraps an arm around him, still laughing with Isabelle, I remember every happy memory Spot and Hope have given me and Tilly over the years. Spot completed our little family in a way. We never needed anything more than us.

Epilogue-Elliot

10 years later…

“We are going to be late,” Allie comments as she hurriedly runs to the car, holding up one of the twins’ shoes in the air like a trophy.

“Where was it?” I ask as she gets in the car and shuts the door.

“In Jace’s pillow,” Allie says, and I look back at Jace, who just grins cheekily. Life changed in the most incredible way when the twins were born three years ago. Jace and Henry both have my dark hair, their uncle Luke’s cheeky grins, and their mum’s eyes. Their personality is all Allie though. They are three-year-olds that have more sass than teenagers. Allie and I had all but given up hope that we could have children after years of trying. It just wasn’t happening for us. When Allie confided in me that she was worried she would never get pregnant, we got professional help. I’d do anything for Allie, and if I was honest with myself back then, I wanted a child. The doctors recommended IVF, and on the first go, Allie got pregnant with our two devilsome children. They are our miracles that Allie went through a lot of pain to have. The IVF was rough, but the labour was much worse. I put the car into reverse and drive out of our drive away, the one right next door to Sebastian and Maisy’s home. We bought the land next door and built our own home, so that we could be close to our family. Izzy and Blake did the same with some land next door to Harley, and Luke copied them with Emilia a few years later. It was good to have family close when the twins were born. Allie sings along with a song on the radio, and the twins garble little words here and there that they know. I’m just thankful their favourite word isn’t clock anymore. Considering they always left the “L” out of the word. Explaining to strangers why our kids were running around shouting “Love cock, cock” was not funny.

“You look lost in thought,” Allie points out as we get close to Harley’s.

“Just thinking out the past few years,” I explain to her. “I don’t think I ever tell you how much I love you. How much you’ve changed me and made me so bloody happy.”

“You’re going to make me cry,” Allie says, resting her head on my arm as I slow down and turn into the driveway.

“You are my world, Allie King,” I whisper to her, pulling the car up behind Harley’s red Land Rover. Allie turns my head with her hand, kissing me deeply for a moment before the twins start making a whole lot of noise.

“Maybe we could sneak away from the party later and see how my old room is,” I suggest.

“I’m sold,” she happily says, laughing before getting out of the car. I climb out next and open Henry’s door before getting him out of his car seat as Allie wrestles Jace’s shoe back on.

“Daddy!” Henry shouts as I lift him into my arms, pressing a kiss on the side of his head before shutting the door with my other hand. I walk around the car, holding Henry close as I hear Harley’s dog barking.

“This was my home. Now it’s your uncle Harley’s and Auntie Tilly’s, but we all lived here once. It wasn’t all fairy tales kid, but there were good times. I knew I loved your mum one day on that very doorstep. She was in her prom dress, and even though she wasn’t mine yet, she felt like everything,” I tell him, and he grins at me, sticking his thumb into his mouth a moment later. “I love you,” I say, kissing his forehead as I watch Allie chase after Jace who is running full speed towards the front door, somehow missing both shoes. “Let’s go and save your brother, huh?” Henry grumbles as Allie catches Jace, swinging him around and ticking his side as he giggles. Some moments in life are perfect.

Epilogue- Sebastian

10 years later…

"Hey son," I say, sitting down next to Maisy as she skypes Jake at the university. He looks hungover, bless him. I will remember to talk louder. Jake is a good kid that calls his mum once every week in fear she will actually turn up at his dorm room if he doesn't.

"Hey Dad," he greets me.

"Jake was telling me about his girlfriend. He wants to bring her home for the holidays," Maisy tells me. There have been countless girlfriends since his first date at fourteen. I've lost count of them over the years. He’s a heartbreaker, just like his dad once was. Now, I couldn't look at anyone other than Maisy. She is the perfect woman, she always was. I glance at my wife, whose long black hair is all curled, and she has a lovely grey sweater dress on and knee-high black boots. She is beautiful and oh so sexy. I'm counting down until Isabelle goes off to university and I can Maisy all to myself. Though I will miss our little girl.

"You serious about her?" I ask him, and he rubs his head of black hair.

"I love her. I think you guys will like her, too," he says, shocking me a little but I see the smile he has. The way his cheeks are a little red. He really likes this one.

"Anyone you love, we love son," Maisy states. "I can't wait to see you both, and she is more than welcome."

"We have to go. It's Harley's birthday party remember," I say.

"It starts at six," Maisy says.

"No, five. We’re late," I reply.

"Crap," Maisy mutters. "Sorry, babe, we have to go. I will call you next week, same time."

"Sounds good to me, Mum. Bye, Dad!" he says, and Maisy says goodbye one more time before he ends the call. We quickly grab our coats, say goodbye to the cat and get into the car before making the short drive to Harley's.

"With the way he talks about this mystery girl, we could have grandbabies sooner rather than later," Maisy says, her voice clearly full of hope, whereas the idea of being called grandpa doesn't sit well with me. No, my grandchild will call me grandad badass, which will make me feel better.

"I'm sure they’re being safe," I reply, knowing it's too soon.

"Or we could have a wedding! That would be so lovely," she says, clearly lost in daydreams.

"You haven't even met this girl and seen them together, and you are already planning a wedding," I mutter, turning into Harley's driveaway.

"Well Emilia would do the wedding for them," she says, letting out a little sigh. Poor Jake.

"I love you; you know that May?" I ask her, using my nickname I know she loves.

"I've always loved you. That hasn't changed," she replies as I park my car behind Elliot's. I scan the cars, seeing that Izzy and Blake aren't here unless they are walking over.

"I think we aren't the last ones," I tell her as I take the key out the car after stopping it. Maisy surprises me by leaning over and kissing me. I slide my hands into her hair, and she climbs onto my lap, deepening the kiss.

"Can we stay in the car for a bit?" Maisy asks, kissing me once more.

"You know I'd never say no to that," I reply and kiss her. Nothing has changed from the first kiss to the kiss today between us. Kissing Maisy feels like coming home, and I know it always will.

Epilogue- Luke

10 years later…

I wait outside the shopping centre, looking back at the car clock once again and then back to the front door as more people walk out. Emilia and I just closed the tattoo parlour before picking up Lily from Auntie Meg’s house. It was about three years after my recovery that Emilia and I decided to open a shop, and hired some professionals to teach me. Emilia runs the accounts as well as her full-time wedding planner work she loves to do.

“Maybe we should go and see where he is?” Emilia suggests and I shake my head.

“It’s his first date, we can’t interrupt sweetheart,” I reply, and she sighs, leaning back in her seat. I reach over and tuck a strand of her wavy black hair behind her ear, before cupping her cheek.

“I guess it’s a good reason as any to be late to Harley’s birthday,” she says. Emilia hates being late for anything. Part of her job as a wedding planner, I guess. Being late isn’t a good thing.

“Everyone is usually later than we are, so don’t worry,” I say, leaning over and kissing her gently. I look back into the backseat, seeing our beautiful five-year-old daughter, Lily, sleeping soundly. Her black hair is curly around her face, and she is the spitting image of her mum.

“Oh, there he is!” Emilia whispers and I turn back, seeing Parker walking out the main doors with his date. I smirk when he pulls her in for a hug before gently kissing her, and I look away at Emilia who is smiling at me.

“What?” I ask her.

“I’m lucky, that’s all. We have two amazing children, and we’re free. I never pictured our life, but this is everything,” she admits. I think back to when her divorce came through all those years ago, and I asked her to marry me the very next day. We had a big wedding a year later, surrounded by everyone we loved. Even Eric and his new family got an invite.

“I love you,” I say, leaning down and kissing her once, loving how she still reacts the same way to my touch as she did when we met. We pull apart as Lily lets out a little snore and we both chuckle. Lily is always sleeping. She tells us every day that sleep is life. I look back at the girl as she gets into her parents’ car and Parker jogs over to us. He pulls the back door open and gets inside.

“Looks like your date went well,” I say, and Parker grins.

“I have another date next Saturday,” he replies, and I lean back, high giving him before turning the car on. Parker’s phone rings as I start the car and drive to my brothers.

“Hey, Dad. Yeah, I’m coming to yours tomorrow night. Yeah, I will tell him. Okay, bye!” Parker puts the phone down. It’s always been difficult to hear him call Eric dad, but we both got used to sharing Parker over the years. I wouldn’t say me and Eric are friends as such, but we both get along.

“Dad asked if you would drop me off at his tomorrow after school because his car wouldn’t start this morning,” he asks.

“Sure, I can,” I reply, smiling back at him as he looks at his sister and rolls his eyes.

“Should we wake her up?” Parker asks.

“You know better than to wake your sister up. Are you suddenly feeling brave?” Emilia replies, and we all laugh which has the effect of waking up Lily. She groans, stretching her arms out and I look back at her to see her usual unimpressed with the world expression.

“Are we at Uncle Harley’s and Aunt Tilly’s?” she asks. “Is there food here yet?”

“Nope,” I reply.

“Then I’m going back to sleep,” she says, and we all can’t help but laugh at her. It’s a fifteen-minute drive before we get to Harley’s house and park behind Elliot’s and Sebastian’s cars. I see that Izzy and Blake aren’t here yet, so we aren’t the last ones. Awesome. Emilia picks up the bag of gifts before getting out. Parker undoes his sister’s seatbelt before escaping the car at the same time as we do as she wakes up. I wait for Emilia to get a sleepy Lily out the car before I wrap an arm around her waist and follow her up to the house. The kids run ahead, heading straight for the smell of the BBQ in the back.

“Hey, you two!” Tilly happily says, smiling at us as we come into the kitchen. “Could you help me a second, Em?”

“Of course,” Emilia says, handing me the gift and going to help Tilly with the prep of the food by the looks of it. I walk out into the garden, seeing Elliot and Seb chasing the twins around the treehouse. Harley is standing with Parker and Jake at the BBQ, showing them the food. Lily has joined Hope and Isabelle who are sitting on a blanket on the grass, watching a movie on their iPad. Maisy is sitting with Allie, talking quietly with big smiles on their faces.

This is what family is about, and I’d do everything again to get here. To have this, it’s perfect.

Epilogue- Izzy

10 years later…

"This way!" Blake instructs Finley and Melissa, and they both run back onto the path towards Harley's house. Finley is eight and Melissa is ten, but Melissa is short for her age, so they almost look like twins when they are next to each other. They both have Blake's white-blonde hair and my green eyes. Though Blake swears they’re both the image of me. Blake wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me to his side as we walk down the path.

"How was work?" Blake asks me.

"Long today," I admit to him, resting my head on his shoulder. I've bounced around in a lot of jobs over the years, but I've finally come to find a job which feels like I've always meant to be there. Social work. I enjoy helping the children and working with the families that need help.

"At least you have a week off now," Blake says, kissing my forehead.

"Yes, I'm looking forward to some time with you all since you got back from your work," I reply.

"Mum wanted to bring the kids over to make cupcakes or something tomorrow. Either way, we will have a free house," Blake whispers, brushing his lips against the top of my ear and making me shiver.

"What do you have in mind?" I ask him, and he goes to say something when Melissa shouts.

"Uncle Harley! Happy Birthday!" she shouts, running in her yellow dress into the middle of the garden we have come out into and handing Harley his present bag. He leans down and says something to her as Finley runs off to say hello to his favourite Uncle Luke. I walk up to Harley, hugging him tightly.

"Hey, Izzy," Harley says.

"Happy birthday big brother," I say, looking down at the food he is cooking on the BBQ.

"Yeah, happy birthday old man," Blake says, grinning and walking off before Harley throws something at him.

"How is your birthday so far?" I ask Harley. He turns around, and I follow his gaze, seeing all our family together.

"How could my birthday be better?" Harley asks. I agree, there really is nothing to make this day any better.

"I have a way," Tilly quietly says as she steps in front. of us, holding out a little box with a pink bow on top. "Open your present from me. Please."

"Sure," Harley says, frowning in confusion as he opens the long box and pulls out a pregnancy test. "Are you pregnant?" he asks.

"Yes. I wasn't sure, but the doctor says it’s a miracle considering we have been. Trying for years and they thought you couldn’t have a child. I don’t know how, but it’s real," Tilly says. Harley drops the box and picks Tilly up, swinging her around as tears fall down my cheeks. This is the ending we all wanted.

Author Note

Hello! Thank you for reading Revenge and the end of the King Brothers story. Writing Luke’s book and saying good bye to all these characters, that have been close to my heart for a long time, was difficult. I love the King Brothers and they will always hold a special place in my heart as Izzy was the first book I ever wrote and finished. I want to thank all my readers who have been with me since the beginning. Your support is everything to me.

Thank you to everyone that helped me write this series. A big shout out to Mads, Denise, Cora, the Cat’s Pajamas and my amazing Pack Leaders.

My lovely readers inspire me to keep writing every day with your kind reviews and amazing comments. So thank you.

G. x

Please keep reading for an excerpt from True Light…

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About the Author

G. Bailey is a USA Today bestselling author of books that are filled with everything from dragons to pirates. Plus, fantasy worlds and breath-taking adventures. Oh, and some swoon-worthy men that no girl could forget. G. Bailey is from the very rainy U.K. where she lives with her husband, two children, three cheeky dogs and one kitty who rules them all. And, of course, the characters in her head that never really leave her, even as she writes them down for the world to read!

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Please keep reading for a small excerpt of True Light (From the Stars series)-

“Watch out!” I scream, knowing my warning is too late as a car flies out the other lane, speeding head first into the front of our car. Even as I hear my dad slam on the brakes, I know that nothing will stop the car from hitting ours. Everything feels in slow motion as the car smashes into us, the air bags pop open automatically as my body pushes against the tight seatbelt. A second later, my head slams into the glass window as the car rolls, making me scream out in pain. I turn my head, seeing my father’s worried blue eyes locked on mine, just before everything turns black for what seems like only a few moments, but I know it’s much longer than that. When I open my eyes, everything is so still, so painless for only a moment, and then I scream as I feel the crippling, mind-searing pain. I scream until my voice cracks and I can’t scream anymore. I shakily lift my head off the air bag as I cough, trying to figure out where the pain is coming from and wanting to find out if my dad is okay. I look down at the branch that has come through the smashed window screen and is lodged into my stomach on the left side. My mind tries to pretend it’s not happening as I look away, while the rest of me is screaming in pain and fear.

“Help!” I try to scream, but it comes out as a dry cough. I try to blink out the blood that is dripping into my right eye, but it only stings. I turn slightly in my seat, the little movements hurting more than anything I’ve ever felt, and I see that the car is empty. My dad isn’t in the car anymore.

“Dad! Dad!” I shout out. Or at least I think I do as things start to get hazy and I can’t hear my whispered sounding voice. I can’t lose him too, not after mum…

“Hello?” I hear a distant voice shout through the haze. I look over and see a blurry figure open the driver door, sliding into the seat. I can’t make out his features, only that it is a guy.

“I got you, Freckles,” the smooth, seductive voice says, trying to comfort me. Freckles? I can’t make my mouth move to reply to him, even as something deep inside me wants me to. I feel him place his hand on my head, over my cut, and instead of pain, I only feel warmth as blue light shines in my eyes. The light is all I feel and see as everything else fades away.