Spike (Aces MC Series Book 3) (10 page)

"Mum, look what I've got." Devon shouted as she
ran through the door.
I pulled away and saw Spike's heated stare before I turned in time to greet
Devon as she flung herself next to me on the chair.
"I've got strawberry and Tommy and Diesel have got mint." Devon said
as she licked her ice cream.
"How old are you?" Spike asked Diesel with humour in his voice.
"You try saying no to Devon."
We all laughed at his comment, they were all getting to know just how strong
willed my little girl was.
"I'd better get back to work or Duke will have my balls." Diesel
shovelled the ice cream into his mouth in record time and waved as he left the
cafe.
"We'd better be going too if you still want to go to the park." I stood
to put on my cardigan and helped the children get into their coats, trying not
to get ice cream everywhere.
"How you getting to the park?" Spike asked as he rummaged around in
his pocket for his keys.
I looked at the twins still eating their ice creams, "We're going to walk
there, it won't take us long." I lied, knowing full well that it would
take at least thirty minutes.
"Spike can give us a lift mum, he doesn't have his bike he has his Jeep
today." Devon said bouncing around as she looked out of the window
pointing at his vehicle.
"How very observant," Spike stated as he ruffled her hair. "Come
on get in the Jeep, see you later Amy." Spike opened the door and Tommy
and Devon followed him outside like the pied piper.
"It looks like we're getting a lift then." I said aloud to myself as I
quickly grabbed my bag and rummaged around to find my money to pay for lunch.
"Louise," I turned to see Amy walk towards me. "This is for
helping me out today, thank you." She placed some money in my hand.
I shook my head, "No I can't accept that, you've done more than enough
already and I still need to pay you for our lunch."
"I won't take no for an answer."
I stood on the pavement and observed Spike secure the children into the booster
seats in the rear of the vehicle. I contemplated the fact that we would be
alone with Spike for the first time and realised that this fact didn't scare me
at all. He still hadn't posed a threat and had only looked out for us although
I knew looks could be deceiving. I was more concerned with the fact that he had
booster seats in the rear of the vehicle.
"Do you have children?" The words were out of my mouth before I
processed what I was asking and the hurt in my voice was evident. This just
showed how little I knew about him and to be honest I really didn't want an
irate wife or girlfriend turning up and accusing me of anything. What surprised
me most was the pang of jealousy I felt.
He looked surprised by my question, "No, why do you ask?"
"Why have you got two booster seats?"
"I bought them this morning," he stated simply. "After giving
you a lift the other day, I decided to purchase them. I'd never forgive myself
if I crashed and the children hurt themselves because they weren't in the
correct seats."
I smiled and looked at the children who were still busy eating their ice creams
oblivious to our conversation.
"Thank you."
Spike smiled as he put on his aviator sun glasses, and pulled into the
afternoon traffic. I tried to get comfortable and chase away the crazy
unfamiliar desire that was building inside me as I felt the pulsating between
my thighs. I discreetly pressed them together firmly to relieve some of the
pressure and could feel my heart beat accelerate.
What was wrong with me?
I hadn't ever had urges like this, not even with Liam. I continued to fidget
trying to get comfortable as I grinded my thighs together and could feel the
heat intensify as it rose through my body. I looked briefly at Spike who was
now smiling for unknown reasons but I turned my head quickly to look out of the
window so he couldn't see my mounting discomfort and shame on my face.

We pulled into the car park and Spike turned off the engine,
and quickly jumped out to open the door for the children.
"I've just gotta make some calls and then I'll be over."
"What do you mean? I don't expect you to stay with us." I stated
trying to reassure him I wasn't looking for a babysitter.
"I'm not needed at the shop so I can stay and then give you a lift home
later." Spike winked before he got back into his vehicle to make some
calls.
I assumed the matter was closed, not that I would argue with him anyway.

I slowly walked the children over to the park, it was lovely
here and the brilliant sunshine only enhanced the area further. Sitting on the
bench I was able to clearly see the children chase each other as they ran
around the apparatus excitedly. Tommy portrayed the role of a dragon easily as
he pursued his sister up the wooden steps of the climbing frame as Devon
shrieked at the thought of Tommy catching her. I smiled at their interaction as
I quickly glanced over at Spike still sitting in his vehicle but talking
animatedly on his phone. I didn't know much about him apart from being a
tattooist but I assumed by being in a motorcycle club that he may be involved
in illegal activities but I didn't want to stereotype or imagine what that may
involve. I was intrigued by him though and wanted to find out more.

A gust of wind gave me goosebumps and the hairs on the back
of my neck stood up. I instantly got an uncomfortable feeling and stood
wrapping my arms around myself as I looked around the open space. There was
nothing clearly out of place as I scanned the area but I felt as if something
was wrong, it was as if I was being watched.
"Devon, Tommy, we're going." I marched over to the climbing frame to
round up the children.
"But mum we've only just got here," Devon whined as she slid down the
slide.
My chest started to hurt from the thumping my heart was making in my chest,
"Stop you're winging we need to go." I snapped. I never took that
tone with the children but I was scared for their safety.
I turned quickly and let out a high pitched scream as a hand was placed on my
back. I continued to scream as I fought with all my might trying to get away
from the arms that had now snaked around my waist and were holding me tight.
"Louise calm down," I could hear the familiar voice but I couldn't
initially place it as I tried to prise his hands away, "It's me,
Spike!" I hadn't realised but I was now crying uncontrollably as he turned
me around and held me tight in his arms. The fight had now left my body and I
let him hold me as I sobbed into his hard chest. I was still very aware of my
surroundings and possible threat but could smell the comforting aroma of his aftershave
as it invaded my senses which made me feel safe.
"Shhh, it's okay Louise," he said quietly as he held me close and
stroked the back of my head in a soothing motion. I had the strange desire to
push my body against his and let him wrap his safe, strong arms around me
forever.
Get a grip Louise!

"It's okay poppet I've got mummy, you go and play with
your brother."
I assumed he was talking to Devon at his term of endearment which encouraged me
to pull away gradually from his chest. He flashed an easy smile but his eyes
darkened and filled with heat which wasn't what I was expecting from him.
My composure was back, "I need to go Spike, we're not safe here." I
said looking around the park although I was still in his embrace.
"There is nothing to worry about Louise, you've just spooked yourself
babe. You're in a public place with me, what could possibly happen?" he
asked now holding me at arm's length.
"He's found us, I know he has." I twisted my body so that I could
free myself from his embrace and marched over to the children who were standing
on the climbing frame watching the scene play out in front of them.
"Are you okay mummy?" Tommy asked as he made his way down the
apparatus to greet me.
I smiled and took his hand as I felt Spike come up behind me.
"Come on little man, I'm gonna take you home."
I turned to see Spike walk over to Devon and lift her off the frame and placed
her with ease onto his shoulders, her two chunky legs dangling either side of
his head.
"I can see everything from up here mum." She shouted as Spike led the
way to his vehicle.
I took Tommy's small hand and followed directly behind them, trying to keep up
with Spike's huge strides. Something caught my eye on the out skirts of the
woods, I turned to see an outline which looked to be of a person in the bushes
but the sun was shining directly in front of me. I squinted to see if I could
make out what it was but another gust of wind pushed my hair into my eyes. I
quickly moved the hair that obstructed my view and looked at the place where I
thought I saw someone but no one was there.
"Is everything okay Louise?" Spike asked concerned because I had
slowed my pace.
I nodded my head. "I hope so," I said quietly to myself.

Louise

"Thanks for giving me a lift I really appreciate all of
your help this week." Spike lifted my bags from the boot and placed them
on the ground. I still didn't have much, just the clothes that had been donated
and bought for me by the club but Amy had given me some holdalls so that I
wasn't transporting my clothes in black bags.
"You are more than welcome," Amy pulled me into her embrace and held
me tightly. "If you need anything, I'm only a phone call away. If you lose
my number the refuge has it on file but I'll be in later on in the week."
I pulled away and smiled at her caring words, I don't know what I would've done
without her over the past week.
I turned to see that Spike had now crouched to hug the children.
"Will we see you again Spike?" Devon asked hugging him tightly with a
sad face.
He looked at me briefly before turning his attention back to Devon, "I
hope so poppet, I'd like to take the three of you out somewhere next week."
Devon's face quickly turned from misery to joy as she hugged him again.
Breaking from his embrace she ran towards me, "Can we mum? Can we go out
with Spike?"
I let out a sigh and noticed that Spike was looking at me expectantly. He was
out of line saying something in front of Devon without asking me first because
I couldn't possibly now say no, but did I want to say no? My body had been
reacting strangely towards him, like he had a magnetic pull but I needed to
keep my distance and continue to rebuff his subtle advances.
"We'll see Devon, we have a busy week coming up and we need to look at new
schools." I briefly looked at Spike raising my eyebrows slightly
indicating that this conversation was over for the time being and I dared him
to intervene. I don't know where my sudden confidence had come from but I felt
that I needed to try and be strong especially where he was concerned.
"Well what about the week after? We won't be busy then." Devon
crossed her arms across her chest, the little madam was trying to show me up.
Spike smirked at her stance before composing himself, "Let the adults sort
it out Devon. Don't worry, I'll speak to your mum next week." He stood and
handed me the last of my bags and I saw a twinkle in his eye. As I took the bag
from him, his thumb brushed mine sending shockwaves through my body. He didn't
take his eyes from mine during the exchange and he knew full well that he'd
affected me.
Amy cleared her throat, "Well, let's be getting you to the hotel kids."
Amy shooed the children across the road as they waved at Spike but he was
oblivious, he was looking at me as if it were the first time he had laid eyes
on me.
"Sorry I should've asked you first before mentioning it in front of the
kids but I would like to take you all out once you've settled." He put his
hands into his pockets taking a casual stance waiting for me to reply.
My brain was hurting trying to process everything but I really wanted to see
him again. Here I was standing in my oversized clothes, hair pulled back in a
simple ponytail with bruises still on my face for the world to see, and he was
asking to take me out. "I'd really like that Spike, thank you."
He nodded his head slightly and I saw a small smile cross his face, "I'll
call you in the week."
"Mum are you ready yet?"
We both turned towards Devon across the street. "Please excuse my daughter's
dulcet tones," I said sarcastically. "She hasn't had a voice for so
long but is truly making up for lost time!" I turned towards Spike and my smile
dropped at the sight of his expression.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you," Spikes eyes bored into my
soul which was unnerving.
"But you...Spike I," I didn't know what to say, he had totally
confused me with his comment and I tried desperately to get the correct words
out. "I'm not yours to protect Spike."
"Yet, you're not mine yet!"
"Mum I need the toilet!" Tommy shouted across the street.
I looked between Spike and Tommy pulled between the two. I was confused by
Spike's comment and a little overwhelmed by everything.
"Give me a call if you need anything." He nodded his head before
turning to casually get into his vehicle.
I picked up my bags and strolled across the road in a daze. "Is everything
okay Louise?" Amy asked with concern on her face.
"Yeah fine, I just have a lot going on with all this." I gestured
towards the children and the building in front of us, letting out a sigh.
"I can come in with you, if you want?"
I shook my head, "I'll be fine, I need to do this Amy. I hope you understand?"
"I certainly do. Remember to give me a call if you should need me."
I kissed Amy lightly on the cheek before I directed the children towards the
door. The lady that had greeted me on my first visit had watched the whole
scene from the window and looked at me with raised eyebrows as she let us into
the foyer.
"Is everything okay Louise?" Nancy asked looking at my obvious
confused state as I didn't know if I was coming or going.
I nodded as I looked down at two very excited children.
She seemed reassured, "Please follow me to your new room."
We walked up three flights of stairs that opened up onto a narrow corridor
lined with wooden doors with gold metal numbers on them. I followed Nancy until
she stopped outside room number seventeen and swiftly opened the door using a
key from her big bunch that were attached to her trousers. The children ran
into the room and their excitement was quickly dampened as they both looked
around the sparse room which contained one single bed and a set of bunk beds
that were pushed tightly up against the far wall. The room was decorated in
natural tones of creams and light browns which made it pleasant.
"Here is your key," Nancy said handing me a bronzed key attached to a
wooden key ring. "The communal kitchen is down the far end of the corridor
and you're fortunate to have the bathroom directly across the corridor. I'll
leave you to unpack but if you need anything I'll be in reception until 7.00pm,
then Brenda will be there for the night shift." Nancy smiled as she left
the room, slowly pulling the door closed behind her.

The children stood still as they looked around the room,
"Is this where we're having our holiday mum?" Tommy asked as he went
to sit on the bottom bunk.
I nodded my head and could feel my eyes well up. I tried to fight back the
tears, I hated letting the children see me upset but I couldn't hold them in
any longer. Sitting down on the single bed, I brought my hands to my face and
sobbed like I had never sobbed before. The sound echoed around the tiny room as
I howled until I had nothing left to give.
I felt the children sit either side of me, and realised that I needed to get it
together quickly otherwise I would frighten them.
"It's okay mummy, I promise to look after you." Tommy wrapped his little
arm as far as it would go around my back to cuddle me offering reassurance. The
kids were just amazing, after all that they had been through they were now offering
me comfort, it should've been the other way around.
I let out a loud yawn and covered my mouth quickly, "Sorry kids I'm
exhausted. Why don't we make the beds up and lay down for a while before we go
and explore?"
The children nodded and jumped up quickly to help me remove the bags and put
the clean bedding onto all of the mattresses and duvets.
I removed my shoes and snuggled under the covers with the children either side
which was a squeeze on the single bed. As we lay there warm and safe, I thought
of what they'd been through in their short lives but how blessed I was to have
two amazing children. My eye lids became heavy and I found myself quickly
drifting off to sleep.

"Tommy you need to be quiet, you'll wake mum."
I could hear talking further in the distance as I was roused from my sleep and
slowly opened my eyes a little disoriented. Tommy and Devon were placing our
clothes into the chest of drawers that was positioned under the window.
"No that's mums drawer, you need to put it in yours Tommy." Devon let
out a sigh clearly exasperated by Tommy's inability to follow simple
instructions.
"Sorry kids, I must have fallen into a deep sleep." I pushed myself
up slightly so that I was leaning on my right arm to observe the children further,
"You're doing a lovely job."
Tommy smiled at me as Devon snatched a pair of Tommy's pyjamas from his hand.
"Devon be nice to your brother." I said sternly as she could be very
over powering.
"I am mum, he just doesn't listen." Devon huffed as she put the
pyjamas into the correct drawer.
I lifted the quilt and winked at Tommy as he quickly scrambled onto the bed and
into my embrace for a cuddle. Tommy had always been a mummy's boy whereas Devon
was more independent and everything was on her terms.
"What do you think of the hotel?" I asked intrigued as to what they
both thought of the whole situation.
"The room's small and there's no television." Tommy stated looking at
me as he wrinkled his face.
Devon closed the drawer looking pleased at what she had accomplished,
"It's not as nice as Amy's."
I gave a wry smile, "I know but it's not forever. It's just until the nice
man at the council gives us somewhere else to stay."
"Does that mean we're not going back home to daddy?" Devon asked now
standing looking at me with confusion.
"That's right, this is going to be our new home from now on." I said
waiting for the gazillion questions that were sure to start flowing out of
Devon's mouth.
"Good!"
"What did you say Tommy?" I asked although I was sure I heard him
correctly.
"Good. I'm happy we don't have to go back."

Spike

Rev was half an hour late and I was doing everything within
my power to stop Diesel from having a shit attack. This is what he did, Rev played
games but Diesel wasn't in any mood to be cocked about. I don't even know why I
agreed to come this evening, this wasn't my thing as he usually brought Bear,
Hound or Justice on business matters like this. I was more often than not kept
out of this shit because I ran one of the legit businesses like CJ and Locke but
I guess he just wanted to catch up this evening.
"How's Ink doing?" I asked trying to take his mind off things.
The brief mention of her name made him smile, "She's doing well all considering."
He pondered thoughtfully, "Are you still okay to do her tattoo on
Monday?"
"Yeah, the design she's put together is great." He nodded his head
and continued to tap the table with his fingers which was doing my fucking head
in.
We both turned to the sound of laughter as Rev, Sunny and Bishop casually
walked into the pub and over to the bar to order their drinks.
"Fucking pricks!" Diesel stated as he took a swig of his jack.
"Chill! He wants a reaction so don't fucking give him one." I made
eye contact with Rev as he looked around the pub, giving a slight nod of the
head before he made his way over.
"Sorry boys didn't mean to keep you waiting." He stated as he joined
us in the booth with a shit eating grin.
"We've only just got here ourselves, we thought we may have missed you!"
I said as a matter of fact, nudging Diesel to get him to lighten up a little.
Sunny and Bishop didn't join us, they sat at the bar watching from a far.
Although Rev was the President of the Kent charter he wasn't widely respected
and kept his goons close for back up. Duke fucking hated him and the only reason
he was still alive was the fact that we couldn't prove that he was responsible
for Viper's death and that he had contacts, contacts that we needed to get rid
of our drugs.
"How's that old lady of yours Diesel? I hear through the grapevine that
she's a beauty." Rev rubbed his chin smiling at Diesel to get a reaction.
I could see Diesel's fists clench and the tightening of his jaw as he sized up
the situation. We could take Rev and his henchmen easily but Duke would then
kill us for fucking everything up.
"She's a beauty alright, Diesel's punching well above his weight," I
said humorously trying to defuse the situation. "Anyway, I know we haven't
come here to exchange small talk." I raised my eyebrows looking at Rev
expectantly who still hadn't taken his eyes off Diesel. I'm sure that man was
looking to get his arse kicked. 
Rev glanced towards me, "Your right young Spike, here's the address where
we're meeting on Thursday." He slid the scrap of paper along the table and
I reached out to take it but he didn't immediately remove his hand. "Tell
Duke I want to speak to him. I'll visit him tomorrow evening as we have some
important things to discuss." With that he stood knocking back his drink
in one gulp, and nodded at the two guys to follow him as he casually strutted
out of the bar.
I could see Diesel physically relax, "He's such a fucking arsehole, every
time I see him I want to smash his face in."
I chuckled at Diesel's comments. We were more like best friends than cousins and
I'd do anything for him but he was lucky that I understood what an arsehole he
was over the years and knew how to handle his mood swings and constant
outbursts.
The barmaid brought us another drink, courtesy of the owner. We both raised our
glasses to toast the man before knocking them back. This treatment was becoming
more regular which was flattering but on the flip side embarrassing. The owners
of certain establishments thought that they needed to please us in order for
their businesses to be treated respectably but we didn't roll like that.

"What's happening with Louise? Is she out of Amy's
apartment yet?"
I nodded, "She moved into the refuge today."
"What's that face for?" Diesel asked looking confused.
"I wanted her where I could keep her safe. I can't do anything if she's in
that place."
Diesel sniggered, "They're professionals Spike. It's their job to look
after her and the kids, not yours mate."
"I know that but I want to, I just feel this urge to protect them." I
rubbed my forehead and turned to Diesel, "Does that sound fucked up?"
"In any other circumstances yes because you've only known her two minutes."
I let out a snigger at his sarcasm. "But because I know you and what
you've had to deal with, I'd say no. You have this urge to protect because of what
happened to Helen but you need to remember that you can't save everyone Spike.
I've said this to you a million times over the years but you can only save the people
that want to be saved. Don't let it be at the detriment of your own feelings
and happiness."
I listened to his words, taking everything in. Diesel knew me better than
anyone and his judgement was correct, I did have a tendency to try and protect
people especially women. This had caused myself and others pain over the years
because women couldn't cope with the thought of a man being nice to them and not
wanting anything in return apart from their happiness. I'd had plenty of women
turn up either at the club or my apartment thinking that we were in a
relationship purely because I'd helped them out of a sticky situation. I had become
the brunt of many jokes and piss taking from the guys but I couldn't help it,
it was in my makeup, this had shaped me into the man that I had now become.