Reckless Kings MC, Book 6
Date Published: July 25, 2025
Publisher: Changeling Press
Salvation -- Since the day Yulia came to live with me, I’ve not once cheated on her. She’s legally my wife, and that’s all that matters. Besides, my daughter, Clover, has kept me busy. Now Clover’s nearly an adult and I’ve noticed the way Yulia looks at me when she thinks I’m not paying attention. But can we have a real marriage when we’ve been nothing but friends all these years? It’s too bad my family has be to taken before I realize the answer to that question. Now I’ll do whatever it takes to get Clover and Yulia back, and I’ll send their kidnappers straight to hell.
Excerpt
Yulia
The wind whipped my hair across my face, stinging my eyes as I stood at
the edge of the school grounds. My heart pounded, each beat a reminder of the
choice before me. Memories flashed through my mind -- cruel hands, mocking
laughter, endless fear. I closed my eyes, willing the images away.
This was it. The end. My fingers trembled as I gripped the knife tighter. Just one cut and it would all be over. No more pain. No more shame. I took a shaky breath. “Prosti menya, sestra,” I whispered. Forgive me, sister.
The blade glinted in the fading sunlight. So sharp. So final. I pressed it to my wrist.
A roar split the air.
My eyes snapped open. In the distance, a motorcycle engine growled, growing louder. Closer. I hesitated, the knife hovering above my skin. Who would come here? Why now? The engine’s rumble filled my ears, drowning out the frantic beating of my heart. Despite myself, I turned toward the sound.
A flicker of… something. Not quite hope. But curiosity. A momentary distraction from the abyss. I lowered the knife, just slightly. My mind raced. Should I wait? See who it was? Or finish what I’d started?
The motorcycle drew nearer. Any moment now, it would crest the hill. I bit my lip, indecision paralyzing me. The wind continued to howl around me, urging me forward. But that sound… it called to me. Promising… what?
I didn’t know.
For just a moment, my despair lifted. And in that moment, I chose to wait.
The motorcycle crested the hill, its rider a dark silhouette against the blazing orange sky. My breath caught in my throat. He was massive, all broad shoulders and muscled limbs, his leather cut emblazoned with a patch I couldn’t quite make out.
He dismounted in one fluid motion, his boots hitting the ground with a heavy thud. My fingers tightened around the knife as he strode toward me, his pace urgent but measured. “Easy now, darlin’,” he called out, his voice a low rumble that carried on the wind. “Why don’t you put that knife down?”
I shook my head, taking a step back. “Stay away,” I warned. “I don’t know you.”
He slowed his approach, hands raised placatingly. “Name’s Hawk. I’m with the Reckless Kings. I was sent here to help. A few of my brothers are waiting nearby to make sure we don’t run into trouble.”
My mind reeled. The Reckless Kings? How did they know? Why would they care? “No one can help,” I whispered, more to myself than to him. “It’s too late.”
Hawk took another careful step forward. “It’s never too late, sweetheart. Trust me on that.”
I laughed, a bitter sound that surprised even me. “Trust? I don’t even know what that means anymore.”
His gaze met mine. “Then let me show you. Just… put the knife down. Please.”
My hand trembled. Part of me wanted to believe him, to grasp at this lifeline he was offering. But the fear, the pain of the past years, it all threatened to drown me. “I can’t,” I choked out. “You don’t understand what he did to me.”
Hawk’s expression softened. “Maybe not exactly. But I’ve seen enough pain in this world to recognize it. You’re not alone, Yulia. Not anymore.”
My name on his lips startled me. How did he know? Who sent him?
As if sensing my thoughts, he added, “Your sister’s worried sick. She asked us to find you.”
Tears welled in my eyes. “Oksana?”
Hawk nodded. “She loves you. Let us help. Let me take you somewhere safe.”
The knife slipped in my grasp, my resolve wavering… The knife clattered to the ground, and my legs gave out. I crumpled, expecting to hit the cold earth. Instead, strong arms caught me, steadying me against a broad chest.
“I’ve got you,” Hawk murmured, his voice a low rumble. “You’re safe now.”
I trembled, my body wracked with silent sobs. Years of pent-up fear and pain poured out of me as Hawk held me, his grip firm but gentle. “Can you walk?” he asked after a moment.
I nodded weakly, not trusting my voice. Hawk kept an arm around me as he guided me toward his motorcycle. The machine loomed before us, all gleaming chrome and sleek lines. “Ever ridden before?” Hawk asked, swinging his leg over the seat.
I shook my head, eyeing the bike warily. “Nyet… no.”
He extended his hand. “First time for everything. Hold on tight, okay?”
With shaking fingers, I grasped his hand and climbed on behind him. The leather of his cut was smooth under my palms as I wrapped my arms around his waist. I heard three more motorcycles and noticed the men were also from the Reckless Kings.
“Ready?” Hawk called over his shoulder.
“Da,” I whispered, tightening my grip.
The engine roared to life, vibrating through my entire body. We took off, the world blurring around us as we sped away from the school grounds. Away from my nightmares.
I pressed my face against Hawk’s back, the wind whipping my hair. Part of me still couldn’t believe this was real. That I was escaping. That someone had come for me. “Where are we going?” I shouted over the engine’s rumble.
“Somewhere safe,” Hawk called back. “Our compound. You’ll be protected there.”
Protected. The word sent a shiver through me -- of fear or hope, I wasn’t sure.
As we rode into the gathering darkness, I clung to Hawk, to this stranger who’d become my unexpected savior. My mind raced with questions, with doubts. But for now, I let the roar of the engine drown out my thoughts, focusing only on the road ahead and the promise of safety it held.
Tears stung my eyes, instantly whisked away by the biting wind. My chest ached with each ragged breath, emotions churning like a storm inside me. Gratitude and terror warred for dominance.
“You okay back there?” Hawk’s voice barely reached me over the engine’s roar.
I nodded against his back, not trusting my voice. My fingers dug into the leather of his cut, anchoring me to this surreal moment.
About the Author
Harley Wylde is an accomplished author known for her captivating MC Romances. With an unwavering commitment to sensual storytelling, Wylde immerses her readers in an exciting world of fierce men and irresistible women. Her works exude passion, danger, and gritty realism, while still managing to end on a satisfying note each time.
When not crafting her tales, Wylde spends her time brainstorming new plotlines, indulging in a hot cup of Starbucks, or delving into a good book. She has a particular affinity for supernatural horror literature and movies. Visit Wylde's website to learn more about her works and upcoming events, and don't forget to sign up for her newsletter to receive exclusive discounts and other exciting perks.
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