Page 18 of Hawk

I lift up on my toes and give him a kiss on the lips. “It was the perfect gift.”

“So I have to talk to you about something,” Hawk says, and his tone makes me stiffen.

I pull out of his arms and turn to look at him. “It’s about Uncle Jamie, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, darlin it is. He’s going to make his move today, and he’s going to do it at the clubhouse. We want him on our territory, where we can control the situation. He’s already been seen in the area and it won’t be long before he shows up and tries to make his play. It won’t work, and we will be ready for him. I won’t lethim touch you, and we will end this today. I’m sorry that this is happening on your birthday.”

With each word Hawk says, my heart beats faster. I knew it was going to happen, but now that it’s here, it’s so real. I look around at everyone who has become my family, see their smiling faces, the men with their pregnant women. The kids, Bailey and Nic, are in the corner playing on their gaming system and finally towards my cousins Declan and Nolan, and a resolve settles over me knowing I’m doing this not just for me but for my family. To not only keep me safe but them as well.

I turn to look back at Hawk to see him watching me. I don’t know if he’s waiting for me to fall apart or run out of here screaming. So I blow out a breath and square my shoulders back. “How is it happening?”

If Hawk is shocked by my words, he doesn’t show it. “We left the gate open, and the prospects stationed around the property will alert us when he arrives. We know he’s now working alone as he owes people too much money for them to want anything to do with him.”

“Okay, I guess there isn’t anything to do but wait for him to show up.”

Hawk pulls me to his chest, and I breathe in his scent to calm my racing nerves. “I love you, darlin and I promise we will end this today, then we can live our lives together without looking over our shoulders.”

“I love you too, Daniel. Despite knowing my uncle is going to be making an appearance, this is still the best birthday I've ever had.”

He bends his head and kisses me slowly. We savor the moment, not caring that we were in the middle of the clubhouse filled with our family. He pulls back and smiles at me as we stay like this for a moment. He looks up at something behind me andnods his head. I turn around to see Declan and Nolan walking our way, which makes me smile.

“I will give you guys a moment to talk.” Hawk kisses me one last time and walks away just as they both reach me.

“Happy birthday, Avianna,” Nolan says and hands me a giant gift basket filled with lots of goodies. Makeup, spa things, lots of chocolate, anything a girl could need is in here. He helps me place it on the table; it’s that big. I give him a giant hug, taking him by surprise.

“Thank you so much.” He steps back, and that’s when Declan steps forward.

“Happy birthday, Avianna.” He hands me a small box that’s perfectly wrapped. I look at him and smile as I open the paper. Inside the box is a smaller ring box that’s velvet green. I open it and gasp as a beautiful gold Claddagh ring with an emerald heart in the center.

“Oh, Declan, this is beautiful.”

“It was your mom’s. She left it behind ‌in Ireland. She would want you to have it. It’s a family tradition that every girl got one when she was born and it was to be passed to their daughter if they had one. She may not have gotten the chance, but it’s now my honor to do it for her.” I watch as Declan takes it out of the box and places it on my right hand with the heart pointing towards me.

I throw my arms around the mob boss and sob into his shoulder, so thankful for the both of them for giving me a piece of myself back. “Thank you so much, Declan, this means so much to me.”

He pats my back and pulls back. “Mo mhuintir go deo, remember that. Once they catch your uncle, we will head back to Boston. But I want you to know, whatever you need you call me and I will make it happen. We are family, and I want to stay in touch as much as possible.”

“I would like that.” I wipe the tears that have fallen and admire the ring on my finger. This is turning into the best day of my life.

Declan and Nolan walk away, giving me a moment to myself as I look around at my family. I finally feel complete in a way I never knew was possible for me. Hawk walks over and wraps his arms around me. “Are you okay, darlin?”

“I’m more than okay. I don’t think I can thank you enough for making me feel loved and special today. You are truly an amazing man, Daniel, and I’m one lucky girl.”

“It’s me who’s the lucky one here. But I have ways you can make it up to me later.” He wiggles his eyebrows up and down, looking absolutely ridiculous, making me burst out laughing, having not expected that from him.

Lifting up, I give him a kiss. “I can’t wait.” I wink at him, which makes him growl and grabs my ass. Just then his phone pings with a text. When he reads it, his body stiffens and gets a hard look in his eyes.

My body shivers, and I know it’s time. “He’s here, isn’t he?” My voice quivers as I try to keep the panic at bay. I’m no longer that person he can push around, but old habits are hard to break when you're about to face your fears.

Hawk is vibrating with so much anger, but I know it’s not directed at me. “Yeah, he is.” He looks over at the guys who also received a text.

I watch as Blade says something to Hailey, and that’s when everyone sings happy birthday, wheeling the massive cake over with all the candles lit up. “Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday, dear Avianna, happy birthday to you!”

Everyone claps and cheers as I plaster a smile on my face. I close my eyes and make a wish that everything is going to be okay and that no one gets hurt. I blow out the candles, and that’s when the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. The clappingdies down until only one person is left, making me turn around and come face to face with my uncle Jamie.

He’s still clapping with a smile on his face. I never noticed before, but his eyes are devoid of any emotion. The uncle who I thought loved me as a child is no more. In front of me is a man I don’t even recognize. “Aww, isn’t this sweet? I think it’s time we had a talk, my dear niece, don’t you? You have something that belongs to me, and I’m here to collect.”

I gasp when he pulls out a gun and points it directly at me. Yeah, this isn’t good at all.