Broken Promise (The Denton Family Legacy 1)

“Here you go, honey,” Ben said, handing her the drinks.

“Thanks.”

She walked the tray toward the table of men who were regulars. The club was packed with customers today, and they were keeping her busy.

Pam, who was giving a performance, walked off the stage, and the lights went off, plunging the room into darkness. Lou paused and stayed still so she didn’t bang into anyone.

The sound of a microphone being tapped drew her attention back to the stage.

“Forgive me for interrupting your night, but today is my girl’s birthday. I wanted to do something special, but I know today is a great day, as well as painful for her. So, I’m going to do my best.” The lights came on, and Jacob was on stage with all of his brothers beside him, and they all started to sing happy birthday to her.

Jacob climbed off the stage and weaved his way toward her.

She circled the ring on her finger, showing the world that she belonged to a man, this man. Jacob Denton, the man coming toward her.

He placed the mic on the nearest table and wrapped his arms around her. She loved it when he did that.

“Happy Birthday, baby,” he said.

“Thank you.”

“Today you should be surrounded by your family, and that is us.”

“I’m sorry I had to work.”

“I know, but you don’t have to work alone. I’d already planned this with Frank for your birthday. You and I both know you needed to work today, to help you through. I made sure Frank put you to work,” Jacob said.

This man, he knew her better than she knew herself. He took hold of her hand and walked her toward the bar. She followed Riley’s advice, and she had stopped being a bitch. Jacob was not going to leave her, and there was no one to fight. “I’ll have two whiskeys,” he said.

She went to sit down, and Jacob stopped her, placing her on his knee.

“To Riley, baby.” He lifted his drink, and together they saluted her brother. Lou had already been by Riley’s grave, and placed some flowers. She and Jacob had done that the day before.

Swallowing the burning liquid, she released a sigh, resting against him. Closing her eyes, she basked in his warmth. It had been over a year since she had lost Riley but she had gained so much.

The Dentons were her family. Jacob, the man she loved, had given her his love, his family, and his trust. Her time with him was the best in the world, and one day soon she’d be ready to start a family.

“Are you okay?” he asked, kissing her neck.

“I’m more than good. I’ve got you, and I know that Riley would have been happy.”

He rested his hand against her stomach. “I think it’s time for us to start our family, Lou.”

“You’re ready for that?”

“We’ve been together long enough. You’re the love of my life, Lou. It’s not going to disappear. It’s only going to get stronger.” He kissed her lips, and she closed her eyes. Around them, the noise picked up as another woman walked on stage, but to Lou, she was only interested in her husband, the man who owned her heart and soul.

The Denton family legacy was known to many as a rumor. They were men with vicious reputations, known for being lethal in conducting business. They were a crime family, and feared around most states, but when it came to their women, they fell hard. Staring into Jacob’s eyes, Lou saw his love, she saw his desire, and she loved every part of him.

She didn’t fall in love with him instantly. Over time she’d fallen in love with him, and that was the best part of all.

No matter what happened between them, they would survive together, and she couldn’t wait to see what the future held for them. Lou looked out toward the stage where his brothers were gathered around, hollering at the woman. She looked forward to watching each of them fall, one by one.

“Are you ready to go home, and I’ll give you a real birthday present?” Jacob asked.

Lou followed him.

Nine months later, Riley Denton came into the world, screaming.