Woods (Aces MC Series Book 5) (18 page)

Lauren

My phone flashed again making it
the seventh call from Ramsey this evening. I really wasn't in the mood to talk
to him, I still needed to get my head straight on how I was going to play it
with him. He was a great guy, we'd hit it off despite the difficult
circumstances I'd found myself in and he'd been there for me numerous times
when Mark had been called away and I was alone. He'd made it clear that he
liked me and I was growing very fond of him but the waters were muddied, now
that I was pregnant. I sighed as my phone flashed again, I'd give him his dues
he was trying to get hold of me. The call ended and another message quickly
came through.

I know you're going through
a rough time at the minute but that's why I want to be here to support you

I'll never understand what
you went through on that night and yesterday but if you want someone to vent to
or simply hold you while you cry, I can be that person

I'm so sorry that you lost
the baby, I wanted to come up the hospital to see you but I wasn't allowed

 I know this is not the time
but I really care about you Lauren and I'm hoping that when you're feeling a
little better you'll allow me to take you out

I know I'm not as articulate
as you but I am hardworking and have a kind heart that's worth more than being
able to spell and use punctuation properly

The five messages came within
quick succession of each other and as I read them, I was surprised regarding
how honest and open Ramsey was being. He'd explained that he liked me and would
like to take me out on a date but that was because he thought that I'd lost the
baby, everything would change once he knew I was pregnant and rightly so. Who
would want to father a rape victim's child?

"Lauren are you awake?"
"Yeah, come in." Mark pushed on the door and smiled when he saw me.
"Am I okay to sit down?" I nodded moving my feet to give him more
room. "I've just come to see if you're okay? Chloe explained that you
walked home from the cemetery and it gave you some time to think."
I nodded my head, "Yes it did."
"And is there anything you want to tell me?"
"No, I've made my decision to keep the baby
and I'm sticking by it.
I'm going to get through this year at school and complete my A-Levels and then
I'll put University on hold."
"You've worked so hard Lauren wouldn't you prefer to stick to plan
A?"
"But that's why I've said on hold rather than never and that's the great
thing about life Mark, there can always be a plan A, B, C even a Z, the future
can rewrite itself as many times as it likes until we get there."
Mark smiled, "I have to ask these difficult questions so I know that
you've considered all angles."
"I know."
"So what will you do for money?"
"I still get my allowance and when I turn eighteen, I receive my
inheritance. I plan to invest it in property in and around Epping as this area
is desirable because of the central line into London. This will generate an
income each month and I can either get a property management company to look
after them or do it myself, I'm not sure yet." He looked at me in what
seemed to be amazement, every question he'd asked I was able to answer
sensibly.
"So when did you decide all this?"
"I've done nothing but think since yesterday and the one thing that
doesn't change is the fact that I'm keeping this baby. I appreciate that he or
she won't have a father but that's fine it will have a bloody good mother to
look after it."
"And uncle,"
I sniggered, "And uncle."
"You know that I'll do everything within my power to support you Lauren.
If this is what you want babe then Chloe and I will be here for you."
My face lit up, "So everything is cool between you two?"
"Everything is great Lauren and with another addition to the family it's
just going to make it better."
I breathed a sigh of relief, I knew with Mark's support that I'd be able to
conquer anything.
"So is there anything else you need to tell me?"
I bit the side of my lip, "Erm...I'd like to go on holiday."
"That's great babe, I'm sure Duke will be okay about me taking a few weeks
off. We can go wherever you want, have a beach holiday or go somewhere of interest
as I know you love your history." He slowly stopped waffling and noticed
my expression. "You weren't thinking of asking me was you?"
I shook my head, "I just need a break Mark from everyone and
everything."
"I don't know if I like that idea Lauren."
"Well tough, I need this and I'm going. I've spoken to school and they're
okay with it, I just need to decide where I'm going."
Mark frowned, "What are you thinking?"
"I've spoken to Ash and Ink and they've proposed two options of staying
with Ash's sister in New York or Savannah in Paris."
"But you don't know either of them."
"Exactly, I can just go and chill without being judged." I was
nervous about the prospect but also a little excited as it would be an
adventure.
Mark placed his hand on mine, "Is that how you feel?"
I let out a sigh, "I just want time to chill Mark that's all."
"Well, when will you know what you're doing?"
"I'll make a decision by tomorrow." I didn't want to let him know of
my decision yet but I was sure of my destination.
"Okay but don't just fuck off without saying good bye."
I sniggered, "I wouldn't do that."
"Who knows with you these days, you're like this independent woman all of
a sudden."
I removed my hand from under his and placed mine on top to give his hand a
squeeze, "I've always been that woman, it's just that now I'm a little
more vocal."

Lauren

"Thank you," I gave the
taxi driver £40. "Keep the change," he smiled as he opened the door
to walk to the boot. He opened it, lifted my case and placed it onto the pavement
for me.
I breathed in the crisp fresh air and looked around my surroundings. It had
only been two weeks so I didn't know what I was thinking may have changed
within that time but I was grateful that on first glance it hadn't.
The taxi drove off leaving me standing alone in the street and I listened to my
surroundings. It was heaven, there was no noise what so ever
in comparison to the hustle
and bustle of Paris.
I'd had an enjoyable break, Savannah was lovely but she hadn't been around much
as she was busy with her work and ever dramatic love life but this gave me the time
needed to relax and decide what I actually wanted. I hadn't taken my phone with
me much to Mark's disgust but he was allowed to call Savannah's apartment
should he need to get hold of me but he was on strict instructions to wait until
I called. I knew that this had nearly broken him over the two weeks but it was
what I needed. I was now back in the right frame of mind and ready for the next
chapter in my life. This chapter was called becoming a mummy.

I looked up as the front door
flung open and saw Mark run towards me with his arms stretched wide. I left my
bags by the roadside and jogged into his embrace allowing him to scoop me up.
"God I've fucking missed you."
I smiled at his words, "I've missed you too." He placed a kiss on my
forehead and breathed in my scent.
"I'm so glad your home, I've done nothing but worry about you since you've
been away."
I rolled my eyes, "I've been fine Mark and it's only been two weeks."
"I know you have but during that time I've done a lot of thinking
myself."
I frowned, "Care to share?"
"You just need to know that I'm here to support you, there are going to be
a lot of changes around here."
"For the better?"
"Of course." Mark glanced behind him and as I looked over his
shoulder, I saw Chloe leaning on the doorframe holding Doris. Chloe moved Doris'
paw up and down giving a little wave and I chuckled.
"Do any of these changes involve Chloe by any chance?" I raised my
brows waiting for a response.
Mark sniggered, "They may do." He grabbed the handle to my suitcase
and picked up another bag so I only had to carry my rucksack and we made our
way down the path towards the house. "So what do you want to do this
evening?"
I frowned, "Well isn't there a get together at the clubhouse this
evening?"
Now it was Marks turn to look confused, "Yeah but I thought we could grab
a takeaway and watch a film this evening." I pouted, "What's the
matter?"
"I think someone would like to go to the clubhouse this evening,"
Chloe stated smiling.
Mark glanced between the two of us unsure what had just gone on, "What is
it with you women, do you speak in silent code?"
Chloe and I giggled, "Oh it's going to be so much fun having you around
Chloe." Mark rolled his eyes as he entered the house and placed my bags in
the corner of the living room.
"Is that what you want to do this evening then?" he asked confused by
my decision.
"Yes, I'll just go and get ready." I grabbed my rucksack and ran up
the stairs, I'd been waiting for an opportunity to speak to Ramsey and this was
perfect.

"How will I do?" I walked
down the stairs in a figure hugging dress that showed off my baby bump.
Mark became overwhelmed with emotion and met me at the bottom of the stairs to
wrap me in his arms protectively. "You look gorgeous Lauren, I hope he
appreciates it."
"You mean you're okay about it?" I asked him shocked by his reaction.
"I can't wrap you up in cotton wool forever Lauren, you're a beautiful
young woman and soon to be a mum. I have to allow you to grow up at some point
and make your own choices. Of course I will be here to give my opinion and
guide you as much as I can but ultimately it's your decision."
I glanced at Chloe and she winked giving me an indication that she may have
something to do with the new upbeat attitude that Mark was showing. He was like
a new man seeing the positives of everything. I sniggered to myself, well if
that's what love did to him then long may it continue.
"Right come on ladies, it looks like I'll have my work cut out again this
evening trying to keep every other fucker away from the two special ladies in
my life." Chloe and I both rolled our eyes as we left the house.
"Well that was short lived!" I stated to Chloe's laughter.

We arrived at the clubhouse with
the party in full swing, as we exited the van I was surprised that Rex made a
beeline straight for us. He looked nervous as he approached and stuck out his
hand for Mark to shake. He was a little hesitant at first but I saw the relief
on Rex's face once Mark reciprocated.
"I wanted to speak to you both together and apologise for Brooke's
actions."
Mark shook his head, "It shouldn't be you apologising though Rex should
it?"
I could see the hurt on his face, "No but I'm at a loss of what to do with
her."
"Did you know that Brooke hasn't made contact with Lauren once since she
sent a text on the night of that party?" Rex shock his head, "She
ain't no friend of Lauren's anymore and you need to find a way of keeping her
in line Rex because she'd bad news and she's going to bring more shit to your
door."
He nodded his head understanding and he looked like a broken man, she'd been
horrible to him over the years but it wasn't his fault she was just nasty.
I walked closer and placed my hand gently on his arm, "Don't beat yourself
up Rex, it's not your fault we understand that."
He gave me a small smile before nodding his head at Mark and turned to wander
off into the crowd.
"Unbelievable!"
"Stop it, we're here to enjoy ourselves this evening." Chloe linked
arms with Mark and slowly led him in the direction of the clubhouse.
I smiled and glanced around the yard at everyone enjoying themselves, I knew
that Mark had purposely kept me away from this life but it was probably what I
had needed. I had craved this family.

"Lauren?" My heart
lurched in my chest as he called my name and I slowly turned around to greet
him with the biggest smile I could muster. "Wow you look beautiful this
evening," Ramsey's eyes trailed from my face down my body until he saw my
protruding tummy.
His eyes flickered to my face and back towards my tummy before landing on my
face again.
"Do you want to close that, it's a little unsightly?"
I stated throwing his words back at him from an
earlier conversation.
"How?...When?...What?..." I sniggered as it was the first time that I
had ever known of Ramsey to be lost for words and confused. "Come
here," he stepped closer and grabbed my hand so he could pull me into his
embrace. Ramsey wrapped his arms around me tightly and rubbed the back of my
head as he placed light kisses onto my forehead. His actions took me by
surprise but I was enjoying the interaction so I didn't stop him.
"I'm struggling to speak Lauren, I'm just feeling overwhelmed." He
pulled away and lightly placed his hand on my tummy. "Why didn't you tell
me, I feel like I've missed out on so much?" Ramsey looked at me confused
and I too now felt overwhelmed by his words.
"What are you saying Ramsey?" I asked wanting him to clarify exactly
what he was implying.
"Lauren I like you, really like you and I think there could be something
wonderful between us." He grabbed my hand and interlinked our fingers.
"When I found out that you had miscarried I was hurting for you babe and I
questioned whether that made a difference about how I felt about you and the
answer was no. It didn't matter to me if you were pregnant or not, you were
still you regardless but seeing you like this tonight knowing that you're
carrying a little person inside you after all that you've been through babe
just makes me want you more. Now I've told you several times through phone and
text that I want to be with you, I can't do anymore than that babe as the
decision is yours. But I would very much like to see if we could make a go of
it and see what happens but if you're not ready for a relationship and would
like me to step back and give you some space until you're ready then I'm cool
with that also, you've just gotta let me know what you want."
I came here with a plan this evening of what I was going to say and Ramsey had
just blown that out of the water with his declaration, it was my turn to be
speechless which was unheard of.
"Am I taking your silence as a good thing or bad thing?" Ramsey frowned
as he tried to make light of the situation.
"A good thing," I wrapped my arms around his neck and pushed myself
as close as my body would allow to take his mouth. This is where I wanted to
be, wrapped in his arms. Ramsey took my mouth softly to start with but our
absence had only increased our desire for each other.

"Well I can see that Ramsey
and Lauren don't need to watch any porn but just so the rest of you are aware,
I have some home movies playing in the back room featuring two local guys who
love some sex toys if you're interested."
I heard a noise and turned to see that Mark had spat his drink out onto the
ground, "You haven't?" he asked glaring at Recon.
He sniggered, "What's the problem Woods, it's hot?"
"Turn the fucking video off!" Mark was now walking towards him.
"No!" Recon continued to laugh at Mark as he marched towards the
clubhouse but Recon ran after him still ribbing him about the videos.
" What was all that about?" I asked Ramsey.
"Nothing to worry your pretty little head about, now where were we?" Ramsey
placed his hands on either side of my head and tilted it towards his so he
could take my mouth again and at this point, I forgot about everything else
around me.