Acts of Atonement: A Single Dad Age Gap Romance (Men of WRATH, Book 1)

IT’S BEEN ALMOST a week since the visit to the hospital where Aiden was diagnosed with the syndrome that essentially mimics him being catatonic. Despite my trying to lift Bella’s mood, the tone around the house has remained somber. I’ve given Bella some space and time to process the change with her father, but I’m now second-guessing if that was the right move.

I raise a mug to my lips, inhaling the robust aroma of roasted coffee beans before taking a much-needed gulp. I tossed and turned all week, not sure of how to move forward with the relationship between Bella and me. I’ve never cared this much for a woman and I don’t want to fuck it all up before it’s even started.

“Mmmmm, I smell the nectar of the gods and it’s calling my name,” Bella sing-songs as she walks into the kitchen.

“Well, if you’re looking for nectar, I’ve got some for you right here.” I smirk while pointing at my groin.

Bella laughs while smacking me in the abs. “You dirty old man. Couldn’t resist, could you?”

“I’d say anything to make you smile like that.” I raise my hand to her face, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. So fucking beautiful. The sun is barely beginning to rise, its faint glow bouncing off of Bella’s creamy pale skin and making her look like the goddess she is.

“Mission accomplished.” Bella giggles while she moves to fill her mug. “Are you ready for the birthday party today? The whole team is going to be here along with the neighbor and his twin daughters.”

“Hold up. First of all, how and when did you meet the neighbor? And second of all, why did you invite him to the twins’ party?” The hairs on the back of my neck stand up, not liking the sound of Bella talking to some stranger. Especially when we don’t even know who was behind the vandalism to her car. Which reminds me, I need to reach out to Mariana about their new lead.

“Relax, Rambo. Our back yard is right next to theirs. The boys kicked a ball over the fence and we had to knock on their door to retrieve it. Lo and behold, two little girls around the same age as the twins were the first to open the door, followed by a very flustered father. After he told them to never answer the door by themselves, we all introduced ourselves and set up a playdate for that afternoon. The kids have been besties ever since. So clearly, I couldn’t not invite them to the party. That would just be rude.”

“Okay. I’m just curious as to how this all went down without me knowing.” I look at Bella over the rim of my coffee mug and ask myself if that’s really all there is to it.

“You were out on a work deal. Something about talking to the team who took over Dad’s contract.”

“From now on, no more interacting with strangers unless absolutely necessary.” I cock a brow, expecting her to argue.

But to my surprise, Bella simply salutes while shooting me a wink. “You’ve got it, boss. Now come help me set up the decorations before the kids wake up.”

I knew there’d be a catch to her easy compliance.

Begrudgingly, I help set up the snack table while Bella sets up the selfie station.

“The twins are turning seven, not seventeen. Do they really need a selfie station?” I chuckle to myself, realizing how different things were when I was seven. We didn’t even know what a selfie was, let alone a selfie station.

“Umm, yes, Grandpa. Besides, this isn’t just for the kids. Most of the attendees are adults and we need to have activities for them as well.”

“Ha. Ha. I’m not a grandpa, but I get it. You think I’m ancient. I guess that makes you a lover of ancient things.” I walk up behind her, grabbing her by the waist and nuzzling her neck. Notes of warm amber and vanilla fill my nose, making my mouth water. I swear this woman sets off a Pavlovian response in me every time I’m near her.

Bella’s breathing becomes shallow as she pushes her ass into me. “Oh, I do love ancient things. I love them very much.”

I’m not sure if that was a play on words or if she’s really confessing her love for me, but whatever it is, it has my dick twitching against her ass, begging to come out and play. “If you don’t stop doing that, I’m going to fuck you right here and now—decorations be damned.”

Digging my fingers into her hips, I thrust against her, letting my hard cock rub against the crease of her delicious ass.

“Finally ready to make me yours, Mr. Hawthorne?” Bella’s breathy voice teases.

“Good morn—” Ashley steps one foot into the room only to swivel back around at the scene in front of her. “My bad. Didn’t know y’all were busy with that.” She waves her hand in an all-encompassing motion with her back still toward us.

“It’s okay, Ashley. You can turn around now. There’s nothing to see,” I say as I rearrange my package. “I was just helping Bella with the finishing touches for the party, but now that you’re here…” I walk toward my sister, placing both hands on her shoulders. “You can help.”

“Actually, both of you can help. I’m going to shower before the kids wake up and I need to get them ready for the day.” Donning a Machiavellian grin, Bella wiggles her fingers goodbye as she walks out of the room.

“What the hell was that?!” Ashley whisper-shouts once we’re alone. “You know her father and Ren would’ve murdered you if they were the ones to have walked in on you like that.”

“Settle down, Ashley. I’m going to talk to them about it eventually. I’m just waiting for the right time.” I try to sound nonplussed about it, but the fact that I’ve decided to date one of our friend’s daughters, a teenager at that, is a little nerve-wracking, to say the least.

“Oh yeah? And how do you think it will go when you tell someone who is still recovering from a brain injury, or another specific someone who is extremely overprotective of their niece? I can’t imagine it will go well, can you?”

“I get it, Ashley. It’s a delicate situation and I promise I’ll handle it with kid gloves,” I huff out in frustration, only to realize the irony of my words after they’ve been said.

“Kid gloves.” Ashley snorts. “How fitting.”

“Quit talking and help me set up this damn table,” I grumble, wanting to avoid any further conversation about Bella and me.

The house is packed and the party is in full swing. All of my brothers are here with the exception of Aiden. It’s extremely sad that he couldn’t be here, but I know he wouldn’t want his boys to go without celebrating their birthday.

We visit the hospital on a daily basis and the twins could definitely use a distraction from their reality. With having lost their mother and now possibly their father, the twins deserve a little breather to just be kids.

My phone vibrates in my pants, alerting me to a text message. I wonder who it is since every one of importance is here at the party.

MARIANA: Sorry to miss the party, but something came up with that new lead. Let me know when you’re free to meet up again and discuss.

Excitement runs through me at the idea of finally catching the asshole who destroyed our family and terrorized my woman.

WILLIAM: Understood. I’ll get back to you as soon as I talk to the team.

“Who are you texting?” Bella asks as she comes up behind me.

“Your aunt. Said she couldn’t make it to the party.” I don’t want to tell her about the possible connection between her attack and my father’s murder until we’ve secured all of the facts.

“Funny how she decides to text you instead of me, her own flesh and blood.” Bella’s face flushes in what I think is jealousy and I can’t help but smirk.

“Is someone getting possessive?” I tease. “You know there is no one else but you, right?” I want to take her into my arms but know that now is not the right time.

“How could I possibly know that when we’ve never really discussed the parameters of our relationship,” Bella huffs out in a voice low enough for only us to hear. “Last I heard, you were labeling it a thing, and I’m not sure what a thing entails.”

Before I can respond, Ren walks up engulfing Bella in his arms. “Hey Sprout. Everything looks amazing. I can’t believe you put this together yourself.”

“She did the illustrations on all of the invites and decorations too.” I beam with pride.

Ren tousles Bella’s hair. “Awe, my Sprout is so talented.”

“Stop!” Bella squeals, batting away Ren’s hands. “Unless you want me to mess up your hair too.” Bella wiggles her way out of her uncle’s arms and begins to walk away, calling out behind her, “If you gentlemen will excuse me, I need to refill the chip bowl.”

Once Bella is out of earshot, I turn to face Ren. “Get the team together and tell them we have some things to discuss. We’ll meet in thirty minutes.”

“Got it.”

I’m about to walk toward Bella when I see the neighbor approach her from the hallway. Deciding eavesdropping is the fastest way to decipher the stranger’s intentions, I hang back and listen to their conversation.

“Thanks for inviting us. The girls are having a blast.” The man’s voice is cool and relaxed.

“Of course. It wouldn’t have been the same without the girls. Matt and Max have grown very attached to them already. I know they’ll really miss them when we have to go back home.” Bella’s tone went from happy to despondent at the mention of leaving. No doubt she wonders if it will actually happen.

“I’m sad to hear that you’re leaving. Maybe you and I can go out for dinner before then. As a thank—”

The asshole doesn’t even get the chance to finish his sentence before I’m inserting myself into their conversation.

“Dinner won’t be possible,” I answer, wrapping a possessive arm around Bella’s shoulder. “She will be busy up until the moment we leave.”

“I’m sorry, I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Jackson, the neighbor. And you are?” Jackson raises a brow as he extends his hand in greeting.

“William. Now, if you’ll excuse us. I have some things to discuss with Bella.” Not caring that I’ve just left the man’s hand hanging in the air, I turn Bella and I around and steer us into the study.

As soon as the door is shut behind us, I lift Bella into my arms and carry her over to the leather chesterfield sofa.

“It seems my little moon needs a reminder of who she belongs to.” Guiding Bella’s body onto her knees and hands, I run my right palm from the top of her head all the way to the curve of her ass, giving both cheeks a hard smack.

Bella’s mouth hangs open and her breath grows ragged. “Yes, please. Show me.”

I widen the space between her knees, pulling up her sundress and exposing her lace-clad pussy.

“Has anyone ever spanked you here?” I ask as I bring down my hand onto her cunt, the loud thwack bouncing off the paneled walls of the study.

Bella moans, the sound music to my ears. “No. Do it again, please.”

“My greedy little moon.” I grin to myself, loving the fact that Bella likes to play rough. “Don’t you worry your pretty little head. I’ll do it again and again.”

Needing no further invitation, I lower her thong with one hand while simultaneously running a finger up her wet slit with the other. I can feel her clenching against my touch, letting me know just how much she wants me.

“It’s very naughty of you to lead the neighbor on, little moon. It’s even naughtier to let him flirt with you in front of your man.” I rub her pussy with the palm of my hand, stroking it in a circular motion. “For that, you get ten spankings. I need you to say you’re mine after each one. Understood?”

Bella nods her head, signaling me to continue.

I stop stroking her and raise my hand before quickly slapping it back down onto her pussy. Bella gasps but remains quiet otherwise.

“Say you’re mine, Bella.”

“I’m yours.” She pants.

I give her another open-handed blow, the sound of skin slapping against skin reverberating across the room.

“Say it again.” I growl, my voice as hoarse as gravel.

“I’m yours,” Bella whimpers.

I raise my hand and deliver another loud smack, noticing how she pushes herself back onto my hand. Oh, she likes this. She likes this a lot.

“I’m yours. I’ll always be yours.”

Thwack.

“I’m yours. Nobody else’s.”

Thwack.

“I’m yours. Take me, please.”

Thwack.

“I’m yours. Please, William, please.”

Thwack.

“I’m yours. Take me. Now!”

Thwack.

“Fuck! William. Please. I need you.”

Thwack.

“I’m yours, okay? Now please just fuck me!” Bella’s pussy clenches repeatedly against my palm, letting me know she’s close.

On the last slap, I press my hand into her, finding her swollen bud with my fingers and applying firm pressure. Like a fuse reaching its end, Bella explodes, gushing her release onto my hand.

Needing to taste her, I lower my lips to her opening and lick.

“William,” she gasps. “It’s your turn.”

I’m about to settle myself in front of her when there’s a knock at the door.

“Fuck,” I mutter under my breath. I pull up Bella’s thong and lower her dress before yelling for whoever it is to come in.

I’m hit with an overwhelming sense of guilt as the door flings open and Ren walks in. “Hey, it’s been thirty minutes and…”

Ren’s eyes narrow as he takes Bella and me in. “What’s going on here? Everything okay?”

“Yeah. I was just questioning Bella about the neighbor. He seemed to be flirting with her.”

Bella’s eyes widen before shooting me a death glare.

“Hell no. That man is way too old for you, Bella.” Ren shakes his head vehemently, his words landing like a sledgehammer to my gut.

Bella gets up from the couch and walks toward the door. “Don’t worry, Uncle Ren. Old men are overrated,” Bella retorts, her eyes never leaving mine.

I narrow my eyes at her. “Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it.”

Ren’s eyes flick back and forth between Bella and me, and I know I’ve overstepped. Fuck it. It was bound to come out sooner or later.

With a huff, Bella slams the door behind her, leaving Ren and me to the awkward silence of the room. Finally gathering the balls to look my best friend in the eye, I see that he’s been staring daggers at me this entire time.

“There’s a possible bullet match between my father’s murder and the scene where Bella’s SUV was vandalized,” I say, completely ignoring Ren’s death glare. He might have an idea of what’s going on but I’m sure as fuck not going to give up any information willingly. At least not yet.

“Come again? Did you just say the murderer in your father’s case is the same person who vandalized Sprout’s car?” Ren’s look of surprise lets me know we’ve moved on from Bella and me and onto the shit bag we need to find.

“Yes. Did you tell the guys about the meeting?”

“He sure did,” Titus chirps as he walks into the room with Hudson following close behind. “Sounds like we have a killer to catch.”