Spike (Aces MC Series Book 3) (17 page)

He sounds just perfect. Is he really hot?
P.S. I'm sure he could make you really happy

My heart swelled in my chest at his last comment.

I think so...I'm yet to really find out!
P.S. I really hope he can

As much as I would love to carry on talking to you
about your perfect boyfriend, Diesel and Ink are sitting here thinking I'm a
lunatic as I'm smiling at my phone! lol Can I take you and the kids on a picnic
this Sunday?
P.S You're really hot boyfriend wants to make you happy in and out of the
bedroom!

"Why are you smiling to yourself mum?" Devon shouted
as she came down the slide.
"I'm just happy baby."
"Well maybe I can make you even happier by taking you out for that
drink?"
A chill ran down my spine as I turned to see a familiar man leaning on the
railings that enclosed the park. I must have looked at him confused.
"I'm hurt," he placed his hands over his heart mockingly at my
confusion to be able to place him. "Don't you remember me sweetness?"
he asked as I shook my head, looking around to see if there was anyone close
by. "I saved your piece of paper from blowing down the street outside the
council offices the other day."
"Oh sorry, I don't have a very good memory." I said with a small
smile to try and hide my fear.
I was now standing and although I had the metal barrier between us, I was like
a lioness standing between the man and my children.
"Mum are we going soon, I'm hungry?" Devon asked as she came to stand
beside me.
"Hello sweetheart, you're a pretty little thing just like your mother."
He smiled at Devon which unnerved me.
"Go over there and play with your brother." I stated quietly but with
enough force to let her know I wanted her to go immediately.
"So about that drink, are you free now? We can take the kids, I have a car
parked on the high street." He gestured with his thumb in the direction of
the woods where a path ran through towards the high street.
I glanced over his shoulder and saw Amy getting out of her car,
"Amy!" I shouted and waved beckoning her over as the man turned
around to glance at her.
"Sorry we're going out with my friend this afternoon." I said as he narrowed
his eyes which unnerved me.
"Well maybe another time then
Louise
." He smirked before
strolling in the direction of the woods.
My heart was racing at an accelerated state but I quickly took out my phone and
took a few photos of the man as he sauntered down the path.

"Who was that?" Amy asked entering the gate to
come into the playground.
"I don't know but I'm so glad you're here," I was physically shaking
and Amy looked concerned as she directed me towards the bench and pulled out
her phone to text someone quickly. "He called me Louise, he fucking knew
my name," I started to sob. I didn't usually swear but I couldn't control
my emotions.
"Mummy!" Tommy shouted from the top of the apparatus.
"It's fine kids, just stay up there a minute. I'm looking after
mummy." Amy said as she wrapped her arms around me to hold me tight.
I composed myself and pulled away to wipe my tears, "I saw him last week
outside the council offices, he made me feel a little uneasy then but this
time...I don't know, he scared me Amy."
We sat in silence as Amy cradled me in her arms. I needed to get it together,
it felt like I was taking two steps forward and one step back which meant I
would eventually get there but it would take a lot longer than expected to
become stronger.

I heard the rumble of motorcycle's as a group pulled up by
the side of the park. I glanced at Amy and she shrugged, "He'd kill me if
I didn't tell him." She stated.
"I don't want to waste their time, they'll think I'm just being
silly."
"Let them be the judge of that." Amy said as she stood to greet the
guys as they made their way over to the park.

Spike stalked towards me and held me close enveloping me in
his arms, "Was it Liam?" he asked with urgency.
"No, apart from last week I've never seen him before but he called me
Louise, he knew my name Spike."
"What do you mean last week? Where did you see him?" Spike spoke in a
forceful tone which made me recoil, "This isn't the time Angel I need you
to be strong. Where did you see him?"
"Outside the council office last week. My piece of paper blew in the wind
and he stopped it and gave it to me. He asked me out for a drink but I declined."
Spike looked thoughtfully and I could see him analyse the information.
"I've got a photo," I said scrambling around for my phone. "It's
not a very good one, hold on let me find it." I scrolled quickly through
my phone and passed it to him so he could see.
He flicked through the photos that I'd taken and slowly walked over to the rest
of the group. I glanced towards the kids to see Diesel pushing them on the
swings. I was blown away at the extent to which this group of people had opened
up to me and my children and was starting to see them as friends.
I walked over to Spike and the rest of the group as they looked at the
photographs.
"Did he say anything else to you that may help us find out who he
is?" The man who spoke was huge in comparison to the other guys and they
were big themselves. He wore a badge that said 'Sergeant at Arms ' which I
think made him important but I wasn't sure, he looked intimidating and assessed
me with his piercing green eyes.
"No, he just asked me out for a drink and said that we could take the kids
because he had a car parked along the high street. He went in that
direction." I pointed towards the path that led to the woods. I knew it
was a short cut but I had never used it as I didn't want to be in a secluded
area.
The huge man nodded at a younger smartly dressed man and they went in the
direction of the woods, as he walked past I noticed that his badge said 'Road Captain'
which didn't mean anything to me but it must have had some significance.

"What's that look for?" Spike asked Diesel as he
joined the group. I quickly glanced at the children to see that Amy had now
joined them to continue pushing them on the swings.
"What if it's not a direct threat to Louise?" The remaining men
looked at him confused as he stood looking around the park and its surrounding
area. "We had a threat against the club on Tuesday with the brick being
thrown through the window at the gym and now this, I don't know but I'm just
putting it out there." He rubbed his chin contemplating what he'd just
said and I saw the glances of the other men.
Spike put his arm around my waist and held me tight and for the first time in
the last twenty minutes I felt my body relax.
"You're not going back to the refuge, you can either stay at Amy's or mine
but you're not going back. I can't protect you there." He whispered into
my ear before kissing my temple.
My phone started to ring and Spike handed it to me so that I could answer,
although I could see his confusion as to who would be calling me. I looked at
the number and moved out of his embrace, so that I could take the call.
"Yes it is...Hi...Oh that's fantastic, thank you they'll be over the
moon...that's lovely we'll see you then...thanks again, bye." I got off
the phone excited.
Spike drew his brows together and raised his head expectantly, "St James,
they have a place for Tommy and Devon. They can start school on Monday."
He smiled and grabbed me again around the waist, holding me in front of him so
that he could wrap his arms around me protectively. I felt embarrassed by his
public display of affection but no one commented.

"We didn't see anything unusual." I turned to see
that the two men had returned.   
"Thanks Bear, Woods, I appreciate you taking a look." Spike said
gratefully.
Bear, Woods why didn't they have normal names? How was I going to remember
all of these names?
"The kids are restless should we get them home?" Amy asked as she
held their hands, joining the group.
"Diesel can I have a piggy back ride?" Devon asked looking at him
with an angelic look.
The guys laughed, "Well how can I possibly refuse."
He picked her up swinging her around so that she giggled and placed her on his
shoulders.
Tommy looked at the floor and kicked a stone, he wasn't as brash as Devon to
ask for such a thing. Spike bent down quickly, "Come on little man,"
Spike whispered. "Get on and we'll give them a race." Tommy's face
lit up with delight as he clambered onto Spike's shoulders. Spike grabbed
Tommy's hands and quickly ran past Diesel, "Ha-ha, we're winning!"
Tommy giggled as his little body jiggled up and down as Spike ran up the path
and out of the park.
"Not fair, come on Diesel faster." Devon kicked her heels like she
was encouraging a horse to gallop and Diesel took chase.
The guys shook their heads and sniggered as they watched Diesel lose to a very
excited Spike and Tommy as they high fived each other in jubilation at winning.
"It wasn't fair you started before us." Devon sulked as she climbed
down from Diesel's back. "I'm riding on his back next time because he's
bigger." She said pointing to Bear to the roar of laughter from everyone.
I smiled awkwardly at the group for having such a cheeky child but they seemed
to take it in good spirit.
"Come on kids get in." I said opening the back door of Spike's Jeep
so that they could climb in.
"Where we going?" Spike asked with a broad smile and a twinkle in his
eye.
I narrowed my eyes playfully, "Can we go to Amy's?"
He placed both hands on his chest near his heart, "You're killing me!"
Spike smiled and leaned forward to place a kiss on my forehead before opening
the passenger door, "Get in Angel."
I looked at him still confused by his address and noted that he was referring
to me as Angel more recently. I'd have to speak to Amy regarding this as I
wasn't sure about him giving me a nick name.

The guys on their motorcycles rode in the direction of the
club and we headed to Amy's apartment. She had given me a key before she went
to work at the refuge and had agreed to pack up our clothes so that I didn't
have to return.
Pulling up outside I quickly looked around to make sure everything was as it
should be, that man had put me on edge and although I knew I would be safer
with club members around me, I had this nagging feeling that Liam had now found
me and the trouble was only about to begin.
"I wish I could stay with you and the kids but I've gotta get back to
work, I've had too much time off lately." Spike said as he turned off the
engine.
"That's fine, I'll be safe here at Amy's." I said trying to sound
convincing but had an element of doubt.
"I'll get Ramsey to keep watch," Spike said as I rolled my eyes.
"I won't be able to concentrate if I don't have someone with you."
I opened the passenger door and slid off the seat but turned back towards
Spike, "Are you still taking us on a picnic on Sunday?"
"Picnic?" Tommy and Devon said in unison.
"Yeah if you still want to go? You're also invited to Hound's and Maggie's
twenty-fifth wedding anniversary tomorrow, if you'd like to come?"
"Would they be offended if I didn't? I need to go shopping and get the
kids their new uniform."
Spike nodded and took his wallet from his pocket, removing a bundle of notes.
He leaned closer and placed them into my hand, "If you need any more just
let me know."
"I can't accept this Spike, no please take it back I'll manage." I
tried to give the money back to him but he took my hand gently and closed my
fingers around the notes. Still holding my hand he turned towards me fully,
"Make sure they get everything they need, there's nothing worse than being
the kid that looks the odd one out." I saw the pain in his eyes and
accepted the money graciously, he'd obviously dealt with something like that in
his own childhood and this wasn't the time to discuss it further. Spike leant
over and I allowed him to kiss me on the cheek in front of the children but we
were still met with giggles from the back seat.
"I'll see you Sunday."
"Be good for your mum kids." Spike said as he high fived them good
bye.

Spike

It had been a couple of days since I'd seen Angel and the twins.
I had taken them to the park on Sunday for a picnic in the last of the
sunshine. The twins enjoyed themselves and it was great to spend time with them
away from the day to day hustle of life. Angel was becoming more comfortable
around me and although we hadn't discussed 'us' the fact that she wanted to
spend time with me and the way her body reacted when I was near her, made me
hopeful that it was only a matter of time.
She had expressed that she didn't need any distractions as the kids were
starting their new school and they had moved into their new apartment. It was a
lot of upheaval for the children so I appreciated her wanting space but I was
missing them. We'd spoken on the phone every evening when the kids had gone to
bed, and she'd sent me some photos of the children in their new school uniforms
but it just wasn't enough, I needed them in my life fully, not part time.
Maggie and Amy had arranged a little get together at the club for the twins
this coming Friday to celebrate their birthdays but I was racking my brains to
think of what to buy them. I didn't know anyone that had young children so I would
probably have to ask Angel although I knew that she wouldn't want me to buy
them anything. Come to think of it she was still upset that I had to go away Friday
evening. She didn't say as much but I knew from how quiet she'd become on the
phone that she didn't want me to go, I only wished that she would tell me
herself rather than me playing guessing games all of the time.
I was pulled from my thoughts as my phone rang and I smiled as I realised it
was my Angel.

"Hello beautiful, how you doing?" I greeted her
knowing full well it would make her blush.
"I don't like to ask at such short notice but are you able to come over
and speak to Tommy?" she seemed a little panicked. "I mean if you're
busy don't worry..."
"What's up babe?" I asked grabbing my cut and leaving my apartment.
Even if I had plans, I'd cancel them if she needed me.
"I'm not sure. Devon said that Tommy was fine coming out of school but
froze when he got into the playground and...he wet himself in the playground
Spike." Angel said the words as she sobbed.
"I'm on my way, I'll be with you in ten minutes." I knew what had made
him wet himself before at the cafe and I had a feeling I knew what may have
happened now also. I needed to get over there quickly because if I was correct,
shit was about to hit the fan.

"Thanks for coming over Spike." Angel looked
distraught and had red rimmed eyes indicating that she'd been sobbing for a
while.
"You don't have to keep thanking me," I glanced around the living room,
"Where is he?"
"He's in his room." She said pointing towards his bedroom door.
I nodded and made my way down the narrow corridor and even though the door was slightly
open, I knocked to let him know I was here. "Can I come in?" I asked
as I peered through the gap of the door.
He didn't answer so I pushed the door open further and saw that he was sitting
on his bed with his back against the wall. He'd pulled his knees up nice and
tight and was resting his head in the gap he had created so that I couldn't see
his face.
"Hi little man. How you doing?" He didn't answer so I walked into the
room quietly as to not scare him and sat down beside him. "You're mum said
you had a bit of trouble today at school, so I thought I'd come over and see if
you were okay. Do you wanna talk about it?"
Tommy didn't look up but he shook his head from side to side. "That's
okay, sometimes I get sad and don't want to talk to people either. We're very
similar you and I Tommy, did you know that?"
He looked up and I could see his tear stained face. I quickly got a hanky out
of my pocket and passed it to him so he could wipe his tears.
"Shall I tell you a story?" Tommy nodded his head. "I don't tell
many people this story Tommy and it's horrible in places but I think you're big
and brave enough to be able to handle it." I had piqued his interest.
"When I was your age, two naughty men broke into my house. I was so scared
that when I saw them I wet myself. Now I had never done this before and I was
really embarrassed but I just couldn't help it, it just happens sometimes
especially when you may be scared."
Tommy had now stopped wiping his eyes and turned to look at me fully. "Is
that what happened to you Tommy? Did you see something that frightened
you?" He nodded his head and I could see the tears well in his eyes again.
"No, you're not gonna cry anymore Tommy because you're a brave little boy.
I wouldn't have told you my story if I didn't think that you were brave enough
to be able to handle it." He fought back his tears and slowly controlled
his breathing.
"Did you see your dad Tommy?" He looked at me with wide eyes and
nodded his head, "I can't hear you, did you see your dad Tommy?"
"Yes!"
"Good boy, come here." I took my phone from my pocket to text Diesel
quickly to let him know before opening my arms and taking the young boy into my
embrace. I needed to be tough with Tommy, I didn't want him to be a victim for
the rest of his life. If I was going to be around for the long haul which I
hoped I was, I needed to start making him strong especially if he was going to
be brought up in my world.

I held him tightly to comfort him but I needed to keep him
talking to try and build his confidence, "What do you want for your
birthday?"
He looked at me surprised, "You know it's my birthday on Friday?"
"I know everything, remember that. So what do you want?" I could see
his eyes light up as he contemplated what he may ask for.
"I'd really like a bike because I didn't bring mine."
I nodded my head, "That's a very good choice, see that's how similar we
are because that's what I would've chosen."
"Really?"
"Yep. Now Tommy, I want you to do me a big favour," he looked at me
expectantly. "In order to do this you need to be brave and you've shown me
today just how brave you can be."
"I am brave Spike, really brave."
"Well that's good because what I want you to do is to look after your mum
and sister for me. You're the only man here so that responsibility falls to
you."
"What do I have to do?"
"Well, you have to be happy because when you're happy they're happy. You
also need to make sure they're okay. If they are ever unhappy, scared or ill
then I need you to call me to let me know."
I opened my wallet and took out one of my business cards. "This here is my
special card and it has all of my important numbers on it. Now this is so
special, that the only other person to have it is your mum."
Tommy's face lit up at the thought of having something important. "If you
need to talk to me or need me to come over for any reason, I want you to call
me. Do you think you can do that?"
"Yes Spike, I can do that."
"Well that's great. I've got some change for you here and I will take you
to a phone box and show you how to use it. Do you know how to use a mobile
phone?"
He nodded, "Yeah, I play games on mummy's mobile."
"That's good Tommy, that's really good. Right shall we go and see your mum
and try to do one of the things I've asked you to do."
"Make mum and Devon happy?" he asked.
"Yep but remember, when you're happy they're happy." He nodded his
head and wriggled off my lap.

I followed him out of the bedroom and strolled into the
living room to see Tommy jump onto his mum's lap to give her a cuddle. I
watched their interaction as I perched on the arm of the other sofa and was
satisfied that I had managed to get through to Tommy. He was a good kid, just
shy because of what he'd dealt with during his short life.

"Mummy's cooking Lagsana. Are you staying for
dinner?"
"Do you mean Lasagne?" I asked humorously.
Devon looked at me confused, "That's what I said Lagsana!" She rolled
her eyes at me as she tried to climb onto the stool at the breakfast bar but
struggled, so I assisted her by picking her up and placing her onto the stool.
"So are you staying?"
I glanced at Angel as she silently nodded.
"Yeah I'm gonna stay as long as I can sit next to you poppet."
Devon smiled and patted the stool next to her indicating for me to sit down. I
picked up one of her drawings to see what she'd been up to.
"These are good Devon but why do you all look so sad?" I asked
referring to the drawing of which was clearly of Angel, Devon and Tommy looking
unhappy.
She rummaged around in the pile of drawings and pulled out another piece of
paper for me to look at. "That was at the old house," she said
pointing to the first drawing I looked at. "But this one is of us living
here and we're all happy."
There was a considerable difference between the two drawings which pleased me
as she obviously felt happier being here. "Who's this in the background
here?" I said pointing to the figure.
Devon giggled, "It's you silly, on your motorbike."
Her sentiment made me smile as she had included me in her family and I couldn't
help but feel accepted. I leaned over to place a kiss on her forehead. Devon
looked at me puzzled as Angel leaned over us to look at the drawing approvingly
but as she did her breast rubbed against my back. I glanced at her to see a
smile on her face confirming that she knew exactly what she was doing.
"I'm about to dish up, pack these away and go and wash your hands
please." Angel walked seductively into the kitchen as she continued to
smile obviously pleased with herself. She pulled on an oven glove and turned
towards me, "Are you able to lay the table?" she blushed as she asked
and I smiled as this was all very domesticated.
"Not a problem, just point me in the direction of the cutlery."
Angel pointed towards the top drawer and we both worked around each other
trying to get what we needed. We couldn't help but brush against each other in
the tight space and I could feel myself warm inside at the close proximity and
the normality of it all.

Dinner was fantastic, Angel was a great cook and I couldn't
resist second helpings. I think this was a novel experience for all of us and I
got the feeling that their father didn't sit with them to eat or if he did, the
kids had to be quiet because they didn't say much throughout meal time.
I on the other hand very rarely cooked for myself and preferred either eating
at Amy's or purchased takeaways but even that got repetitive over time so this
made a change.
The children exchanged glances throughout the meal and sniggered when I placed
my hand on top of Angel's after I'd finished my delicious food. She tried to
pull her hand away but I held it firmly and gave her a knowing look until she
relaxed. If we were going to start seeing each other which I hoped we were, the
kids would need to get used to us showing our affection towards each other.

"Snakes and ladders or Snap?" Tommy asked holding
up the board game and the set of playing cards.
I raised my eyebrows at Angel and she sniggered feeling my discomfort. I hadn't
played games in years and was just grateful the guys couldn't see me now as I
would be the brunt of more jokes.
"Erm...Snap!" I stated as I sat on the living room floor getting
comfortable.
"Yeah!" Devon said excitedly as she flopped on the floor beside me.

We played several games and I found that I was better at car
games than bowling. My competitive streak shone and I was pleased to inform Angel
that I was now the champion of snap, to a round of laughter from the children.
As we packed the cards away, Tommy let out a loud yawn indicating that he was
tired. I looked at my watch and could see that it was nearing the twins'
bedtime.
"I'm gonna make a move so that you can get the kids to bed." I saw Angel
glance at me clearly displaying a disappointed look which was promising.
Did
she want me to stay longer or even stay the night?
I knew one thing for
sure I wouldn't be touching her until she asked me to.
"I'm meeting James tonight." I stated of way of explanation. I had
arranged to meet James regarding Duke's issues which I thought were linked to
him being depressed. James had managed to get him some antidepressants but I now
had the difficult task of trying to convince Duke to take them.

I leaned over to kiss both Tommy and Devon on the forehead
before I stood and grabbed for my cut.
"Go and brush your teeth kids and I'll be in shortly to tuck you in."
Angel said as the children walked in the direction of the bathroom.
"I know you don't like me saying it but thank you for coming over. I don't
know what you said to him but it's like we've got a new Tommy." She smiled
and I could see the happiness in her eyes.
"I'm glad I could help." I turned and strolled to the front door, I
didn't want to go and if she asked me to stay I would've blown James off in a
heartbeat but for my own sanity I needed her to make the first move and offer
more.
"Remember that I'm going away Friday but I don't want you to worry, the
guys are aware and you'll have plenty of people around to look out for you and
the kids especially after this week's events."
Her eyes searched mine as if she wanted to say something but she never did, she
just smiled and nodded her head slowly. I was hoping that another night away
may make her reassess us as I was worried that she may have already put me into
that
friend's
bracket that Diesel had mentioned.
I gave her a gentle kiss on her soft cheek as she closed her eyes almost
savouring the moment. Her breathing became shallow and I couldn't help myself
from wrapping my arms around her to hold her tight. I breathed in her scent and
had to force the urge to not take Angel into her bedroom and show her what a
real fucking man could do to her body. Pulling away slightly I saw her yearning
for the same thing. I nodded my head slightly as I tried to compose my thoughts
and needs, if we were going to do this I needed her to know that this was for
keeps as she wouldn't be getting rid of me ever.
I kissed her again lightly on the cheek before pulling away and opening the
door. "I'll see you tomorrow Angel."