Forgiving Nancy (Last Hangman MC Series Book 5) (2 page)

“Nancy, if you don’t hurry up we’re going to be late! We cannot be late!” my mother shouts at me from downstairs as I put the final touches to my makeup.

“I thought it was okay to be fashionably late?” I yell back.

“Do not talk back at me, young lady!”

“I can never win,” I mutter under my breath and walk to my bed to grab my clutch bag. I send a quick text to Bennett before leaving my room.

Me: 10 days can’t come quickly enough.

Bennett: I know my Gorgeous Girl. Hope you stay safe and sane tonight.

Me: Safe, yes. I’m under constant watch. Sane? Never with my parents and their country club friends.

Bennett: Sane is boring anyway. Try to enjoy yourself, it’s not long now.

Me: I know. Hope you’re staying safe with whatever it is that you’re doing.

Bennett: I’m always staying safe, don’t worry. I love you my Gorgeous Girl.

Me: I love you too. I have to go, she’s yelling again.

I drop my phone into my bag and make my way downstairs carefully so I don’t ruin my god awful dress that I was forced to wear. I hate wearing dresses. I’m more of a t-shirt and jeans kind of girl but here I am, wearing a horrible evening gown, to a ridiculous party, just to please my parents.

“Well, it’s about time. In the car. We’re late enough.” My mother glares at me as I walk past her. I clamber into the back of the car as best I can in this absurd dress and keep quiet. The less interaction I have with them at the moment, the better. They’ve been threatening me with the Convent on a daily basis if I even think about speaking or looking at Bennett, so not talking is the best option.

Before I even manage to undo my seatbelt, my parents are out of the car and already talking to their ‘friends’. Why make me come if they’re just going to leave me on my own whilst they talk to the so-called friends they spend half their time bitching about. I swear they only spend time with each other because they have a lot of money and want to show off.

I.

Hate.

This life.

I might have been brought up within a rich family but money doesn’t interest me at all. It doesn’t make people happy, it most certainly has never had that effect on me and it seems that the more money you have, the less happy you are. At least that’s the impression I get from over half the people at this party. It’s quite sad if you think about it; all these people are loaded and the pleasure all that money brings them only occurs when they flaunt it to others.

I’m not sure why my mother decided that I
just had
to come tonight; there’s no one around my age and I can’t even drink for another three years.
This is going to be one long night.

After about two hours of listening about Darling Chestnut the pedigree French Bulldog and his antics which are quite frankly disgusting, I manage to sneak a couple of drinks from the bar. It’s not like anyone is really going to notice or care anyway. I do however feel slightly inebriated after drinking them in quick succession and I’m pretty sure I’m going to combust because it’s so damn hot in this room. I try to let my parents know that I’m heading outside to get some air, but they shush me and tell me that it’s rude to interrupt a conversation. Typical.

I make my way outside of the building and the fresh air hits me like a bag of bricks, making me feel a lot drunker than I was before. There are a couple of steps that lead to the huge building where the party is and it’s going to be a challenge to get down them without breaking my neck. I have to move quite quickly because the noise and anything to do with the party is irritating me past the point of no return and if I don’t move away I might do something I’ll end up regretting. You know that feeling you get when you’re upset and mad at someone or something and the littlest thing drives you crazy and makes you want to break something? That’s where I’m at right now. I just want to destroy something or yell at my parents in front of their asshole friends to show them that I matter. Full of rage, I grab my phone and message Bennett.

Me: Hey babe if you’re close to the Orchards, please come pick me up. I’ve had enough.

Bennett: Are you okay my Gorgeous Girl?

Me: I’m running away with you.

I wait for an answer, but my phone sits silently and obsoletely in my hand. I sigh and sit on one of the benches that line the long porch at the front of the building, not feeling sober enough to walk down the stairs just yet. My phone rings in my hand and I answer the call instantly.

“Hey babe.” I smile, greeting Bennett.

“What’s wrong, Gorgeous Girl?” he asks sounding worried.

“I want leave. With you. Now.” I make sure I enunciate every word so he knows I mean it and also so I don’t sound too drunk.

“You’re drunk, Nancy Elizabeth Larkins.” He chuckles.

“Don’t full name me and yes, I am.” I giggle.

“What happened?”

I sigh before explaining. “My parents are driving me up the walls as normal, but they’ve brought me to one of their
‘
parties’. There’s nothing to do and no one for me to talk to. I tried to tell them that I was going out for some air and they shushed me! Didn’t even bother listening to me or try and see if there was anything wrong. They didn’t even listen to what I had to say.”

“They’ve always been like that though. Are you sure this is what you want right now? It’s only ten days until we can legally leave, but I can be there in ten minutes if you’re sure this is what you want.”

“I know they’ve always been like this but I can’t take it anymore.” I groan, completely understanding that I’m being slightly drunk and overdramatic at the moment.

“It’s up to you Gorgeous Girl. I’m always there for you if you need me. Always.”

“And that is why I love you.” I sigh happily.

“Just for that?” he asks and sounds slightly wounded.

“No, not just for that, because you’re sweet, caring, loving, an amazing kisser and lover. You’re just perfect really, when you’re not being cocky.”

“You love my cock…iness.” He laughs.

“You’re crazy. I miss you.” I pout, even though he can’t see me.

“I miss you too. We’ll be happy soon, I promise.”

“I know we will, because we’ll be together.” I smile.

“You got that right. Do you still want me to come pick you up or are you gonna be okay for a few more days? You know you just gotta say the word and I’ll be there.”

“I know,” I sigh, “I’ll be okay I think. I guess sneaking those glasses of champagne wasn’t such a good idea.” I giggle.

“My little rebel.” He teases.

“It’s the only thing I could grab. I’m the only one here who’s not old enough to drink.” I groan.

“You sure you don’t want me to come pick you up? I don’t like the thought of you on your own and much less getting drunk.” I can hear the worry in his voice.

“I’m still thinking about it…”

“Don’t. You know I’ll be there before you can click your fingers if you keep this up. I can’t tell you how much I want you with me.”

“I want to be with you too.” I sigh.

“Nine days.” I can hear the smile in his voice which helps keep my spirits up.

“Nine?”

“It’s just turned midnight.”

“Nine days,” I say with relief.

“Are you going to be okay?”

“Yeah, I’ll be fine. I’m going to take a walk around the pond and go back in. That’s if I don’t break my neck with these damn heels.”

“Don’t break that beautiful neck before I get to see you wearing those heels. Are they fuck me heels?” I smile to myself as I picture him grinning.

“Bless your perverted heart, Bennett Sawyer.” I giggle.

“You can’t blame me for wanting you. I’m going to stop this conversation right here or I’ll be grabbing my coat and stealing you away so I can have my wicked way with you.” He groans which only makes me want him even more.

“Nine days and I’m all yours.” I smile to myself.

“Nine days my Gorgeous Girl.”

“I can’t wait to be in your arms.”

“I can’t wait to hold you in my arms. Stay safe, Nance. I love you.”

“You too, Bennett. I love you.” We both hang up and I sigh to myself. I’m desperate for him to come and get me now but then I would be putting him in a terrible and criminal position. Why couldn’t I have been born just a couple of weeks earlier? But I can wait these nine days. I still have my exams which will keep me busy put much all day every day. I can do this.

I drop my phone back in my bag and stand up, I’m slightly wobbly but am up on two feet so, go me! I take a quick walk to the pond that’s only a couple of meters away from the Orchards. I sit on a bench by it, watching the moon reflect on the water. I wish Bennett would come and take me away, but I have to be patient, which isn’t my strong point. I don’t know how long I stay here, but it’s starting to get too chilly and I finally sobered up.

I walk to the steps that lead into the hall and hold onto the railing so I don’t fall on my ass. I’m alright up until I reach the last step, when one of my stupid shoes just had to lodge itself in one of the pavement cracks. The result of which is me losing said shoe and falling over down the stairs. I groan as I land, feeling every stone and piece of gravel I’ve fallen onto on my legs and ass. I check my legs to make sure nothing is broken,
that’d be just my luck,
before taking off my other shoe. I get up and bend over to retrieve the offending shoe. There’s no way I’m even trying to put them back on.

As I’m about to make my way back up the stairs, I hear the sound of tires screeching against asphalt. I’m still too drunk and upset to really care what’s going on around me so I make my way back up the steps without paying any attention to it.

I barely make it up the second step when I feel a large gloved hand cover my mouth and a strong arm wrap around my waist. My arms are pinned to my sides and my attacker’s arm stops me from moving or putting up a fight. I still try to wriggle my way out of their hold but they’re too strong. I try to scream but their hand blocks any sound from leaving my mouth. I feel myself being carried away from the steps. I’m watching my life slowly vanish before my eyes and I’m terrified.

How ironic is it that I was fighting to be free from my life but now that it is happening, albeit in a way I didn’t plan or want, I desperately want to get back to it.

I feel myself flying through the air until I land with a loud thud in the back of a van. I quickly right myself and look at the man who grabbed me. I can’t make any of features thanks to the bright lights of the party lighting him from behind and his sunglasses that cover his eyes but he looks tall and ominous. I have no idea who he is, but it didn’t seem to be just a random pick of their victim. He slams the sliding door of the van closed, shutting me off from the only life I knew and didn’t want anymore.

While I panic about what to do and how to get out of this situation a large pair of hands grab hold of my arms, pulls them behind me and ties my wrists together. I try to scream before the van starts but the guy who grabbed me slips into the front passenger seat and turns around to look at me.

“I dare you to scream. You won’t like what we do to screamers.” He leers. I hear the van start and with every second that passes, pieces of my heart break off and disappear. “Blindfold and gag her.” My kidnapper orders from the front seat and whoever is sat back here with me immediately complies as my eyes are covered and something is shoved into my mouth. Now I can’t see, move or talk. I’m totally at their mercy. There is no sound other than the sound of the engine and the quietness allows me a minute to reflect on what’s happening. I’m certain that I have never met these men before and have no idea what they want from me. Is this a cruel prank orchestrated by my parents to teach me a lesson for disobeying them? Would they go this far to prove a point? I actually think they would.

I lose all notions of time and space as we drive. I spend my time trying to figure out why this was happening to me but I couldn’t prepare myself for what was about to come…

CHAPTER 1

Bennett

Growing up in an MC wasn’t easy. It’s a life that’s filled with drama, trauma, betrayal and death. It’s also definitely shaped me into the man I am today: the pig headed, foul mouthed, obnoxious son of a bitch that refuses to apologize for his behavior. However, the lifestyle does have its advantages; you get a huge ass family, more friends than you can count and there is always someone there when you need them.

I’ve had my share of drama that still haunts me to this day, but normally I’m a happy go lucky kind of guy. I don’t let things bother me that easily and I have my friends and their lovely significant others to keep me grounded. Plus, my life has been a breeze compared to some of the other members though but those stories are for another time and place.

For the first few years of my life, I grew up here in New Orleans within the Last Hangman and it was the best childhood any kid could wish for. I always had someone to play with, especially Viv. We spent out time together, even if she was torturing me with her tea parties.

I was crushed when my family decided to move away. It meant that not only would I lose my home, but my friends and family as well. Not that I was a shy kid, but it’s always hard to make new friends when you’re from out of town, add to that the fact that my parents were in an MC, it’s nigh on impossible.

Our first move was because my parents transferred to a chapter of the Last Hangman and then we moved again from chapter to chapter. I was too young to understand or even remember what made them want to pack it all in and move miles away from everything we knew. The only silver lining was that my parents became happier with each day that passed after leaving New Orleans.

Here’s a little recap of what we’ve been through these past couple of years.

Let’s take Ayden for starters. A fucking psycho decided to take revenge on her. He kidnapped and raped her, scarring her so much that she flew halfway across the country to escape. Eventually, she came back and got together with Ant, but not without that same psycho returning once again for Ayden.

Charline caught the eye of a member of a rival MC killing someone when she was in College. He came back to haunt and hunt her, threatening her and her loved ones. It nearly cost her life and Aleck’s. Aleck was touch and go for a while, but the stubborn bastard pulled trough.

Then there’s Viv. I think she’s had it the toughest out of all of the spouses. Her parents were murdered, meaning that she had to live with her uncle, a member of yet another MC who wanted to marry her off to the worst club around to create an alliance. But her uncle’s plan backfired terribly and Viv’s twin sister, Annie, was killed in the process. Or so everyone thought. Viv travelled all over the country to escape those fuckers before finally returning home to New Orleans. Gabe and Viv finally ended up together after years of repressing their feelings. Jared had to come back in Viv’s life one way or another, and Annie came back from the dead only to be killed by Viv a few minutes later.

And it turns out Gabe’s little sister, sweet, innocent Nicole, isn’t so sweet and innocent. She’s as bad as the rest of us. Maybe even worse for fucking Jase, an ex-fake cop and member of the Russian mafia. Those two getting together was something none of us ever expected but it was hilarious for us, not for Gabe though. Imagine big badass Gabe realizing that his baby sister has been screwing someone who was, at the time, our enemy. Seeing his face when she admitted everything was fucking epic shit that I would never forget.

The MC has suffered too. We’ve lost more members to betrayals and retaliations than I care to admit. Some died heroes and some died like the low life piece of shits they were. Our compound has been blown up and rebuilt and now we’re stronger than ever. The construction has been finished for a few months now and I’m not sure if it’s good or bad but we’ve made it bigger, much bigger. The girls had a field day trying to decorate it and we had to keep reminding them that this isn’t a home, it doesn’t have to be homey. Those ladies will always crack me up. Whenever they come over, no scratch that,
every
time they come over, they try to sneak in little decorations and ornaments which was quite funny to be begin with, but now they’re just taking the piss. A while back the majority of the club went on a run for a couple of days so there was barely anyone at the compound so the girls took it upon themselves to hang girly shit up in the main hall. Ant, Aleck, Gabe and Jase weren’t too happy with them but me? I laughed so fucking hard even though the compound looked like it was straight out of one of those decorating magazines. I’m so glad I don’t have a woman thinking they are the next Martha Stewart. I’m sure taking down the girls’ hard work left the guys each having a serious case of blue balls for days because those four women were grumpy as fuck when they saw what had happened.

They made it clear they weren’t happy with their men and turned their attention on me. They started asking me at least ten times a day why I didn’t have a woman by my side yet.

And the reason is simple. I like my women the way I like my whiskey: thirty years old, naked and chilled. I don’t do repeats, I’m a one night kind of guy. Only one person has messed with my head and heart. That same person who disappeared after promising to love me and be with me forever. I won’t let anyone else do the same, especially since she still holds my heart.

I haven’t been in a relationship since Nancy. I don’t want serious, I just need a release. Not that I didn’t have the chance for more, a lot of my one-night stands wanted commitment, but I can’t do it. There has always only ever been one girl for me.
Nancy
. She’s my one and only and until I find her, I’ll never settle down.

After her last call to me, she disappeared from the face of the earth and to this day no one knows where she is. Her bag and shoes were found outside the party but there was no other trace of her and no one noticed anything suspicious. The cops told her parents that she had probably ran away but they would keep looking for her. They did also say that if Nancy really wanted to disappear then the chances of finding her would be slim to none.

I was devastated when I learned that she was gone, I can’t even verbalize how I felt. How I found out about it only added to my devastations: I was arrested by the cops. Her fucking parents actually thought I had taken her and called the cops on me! My parents tried their best to get me out but nothing worked. My only saving grace was the information about my location they got from our phone call and our text messages. After I finally got out, I was a broken man, I felt empty. I didn’t have my Gorgeous Girl. I didn’t know who had her and I had no idea where to start looking.

A call from Ant a couple of weeks later is what brought me back to life. He told me to come back to New Orleans and join the Last Hangman. Apparently they needed fresh blood and according to Ant, I was a perfect fit. As much as I didn’t want to leave Texas in case Nancy was found, I didn’t have much choice. I was drowning in my self-pity and I refused to be that guy any longer. Joining the Last Hangman was just what I needed. I immediately fell in with Ant and I remembered some of the guys from my parent’s time at the club so it was easy finding my place. Soon we were drinking, hitting on chicks and causing mayhem together in good old New Orleans pretty much the second I turned up on the doorstep. Not much has changed since those days, except that my drinking and hitting on women buddies have changed. I only have Ryan left after those poor fools fell to the temptations of stability and commitment.

I still think about Nancy, pretty much every single day. I should have gone to her the minute she asked me to pick her up. None of this would have happened if I had just done as she wanted. She would still be with me, but instead, I’ve lost her forever. I still love her, that’s never wavered for even a second and it causes Gabe and Aleck to constantly take the piss out of me but fuck them, they would be the same if they were in my shoes. I don’t know if they are doing it to really take the piss or to try and cheer me up. I have my good days, but some stuff remind me of the past and then I torture myself thinking how I could have saved her. Watching my brothers find their other halves over the years has left me a shell of myself because I realize I’ll never have that with the woman I want to share my life with.

I guess I’m pretty happy with my life at the moment. Do I wish I had someone to share it with? Sure, but no one could ever take Nancy’s place in my heart. She was the breath of fresh air in my life. I’ve loved her pretty much since the first time I saw her, and I think I’m going to love her for the rest of my life.