Independence Novels & Stories

I didn't have to like the man to recognise the value of what he was offering. “Nico knows what he's doing,” Vin continued. “He'll give you the support you need, and in return, he'll expect to have a say in everything. Shipments, territory, appointments. He'll want his people in places where they can influence decisions. And when you disagree with him, he'll remind you how many men he brought to your side.” “Then I'll remind him who runs this organisation.” Vin gave me a flat look. “And that's why I'm not worried about you handling him.”

"We haven't discussed-the future. You said you wanted us to stick, but-" "But you don't know what that entails." He nodded, the clamp around his chest easing. Raven was a planner by nature, always needing to know what came next. The organizational side of her, the one that needed control in all things, had to be going batshit inside her skull. Neither of them had been in a long term relationship. She didn't know what to do, and it was obviously making her crazy.

Em insisted from the other side of the door, beating the door. She gazed at her reflection. Her eyes were a swollen mess. She turned at the washbasin and splashed water on her face quickly. She heard the door beating again. She did not want the media to see her. It would make her life hell. His absence provided her with a bit of freedom but if her face was revealed, she wouldn't be free anymore.

"About the hotel." "I respect it." His jaw was tight. "I don't like it. But I respect it." "Why don't you like it?" "Because that hotel isn't safe. The locks are basic. The security is minimal. Anyone could—" He stopped himself. "I don't like the idea of you being vulnerable." "I'm not vulnerable. I'm independent." "Those aren't the same thing, Eleanor." "Aren't they?" "No." He leaned forward. "Being independent means taking care of yourself. Being vulnerable means being exposed to danger. You can be independent and still accept help when it makes sense."

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And the day of their union with her looked so near now. At first, their overbearing attention felt like a pain in her ass 'cause you know, she is a strong, independent woman who does not need this kind of lovey dovey things in her life. But then it actually felt good to have someone in her life who took care of her. Upon seeing them in front of her eyes she smiled in exasperation and happiness but did not say anything. She felt a tug on her waistband from behind. She rolled her eyes. Through the sea of people, it was hard to get to the back where Rush and Liam were standing. But when they kept on tugging at her to go to them, she turned her head and shot them angry looks.

"I don't know how to accept help this significant without feeling like I'm losing something of my own independence in the process." "I don't think accepting help costs you independence," Ethan said gently. "I think independence is choosing what you actually need, and asking for it clearly, rather than suffering silently because pride tells you that's the only acceptable way to survive difficulty. You've survived plenty of difficulty already proving your own strength, Elena. You don't need to prove it again by refusing help that's genuinely, freely offered."