Amy (Aces MC Series Book 3.5) (17 page)

Amy

I pressed the button for the central locking as I made my
way over to the garage. Frank said he'd take a look at my car this morning as
it was still being very temperamental.
Frank looked up from the bonnet of a Ford and smiled as he saw me walk into the
garage, "Good morning beautiful and how are you?" he asked rubbing
his hands on a cloth he took from his belt.
I liked Frank, he'd been like a father figure to myself over the years looking
out for me and some of the other children when our own fathers were
incarcerated or too shit faced or high to know what day of the week it was let
alone remember if they had a child to look after.
"Hi Frank." I opened my arms wide as I walked towards him and wrapped
them around his middle as he enveloped me in his embrace. "I'm very well
thank you and you?" I asked concerned as he looked a little tired.
"All good Amy," he stated giving me a small smile that wasn't at all
convincing. I let it drop as he obviously didn't want to talk about it, and
held up the keys to my Mini.
"I appreciate you taking another look. If it's not worth repairing let me
know Frank and I'll think about purchasing a new one, I need something reliable."
Frank nodded his head, "I'll take a look babe and let you know. Do you
want a lift somewhere?"
"Is Mitch around? I could do with seeing him before I leave."
"He's in the clubhouse, sorting out some paperwork."
"Is it okay to go and see him?"
"Of course it is."
I smiled and made my way across the yard in the direction of the clubhouse. I wanted
him to do some digging for me on James and knew that he had the power to do so.
I could've probably gone straight to Caleb but I wanted to keep him involved
like he'd asked me to and he may even have some answers to my questions. I felt
bad asking someone to dig around into James' private life but I was developing
feelings for him and wanted to know what exactly he was hiding from me.

As I entered the building I noticed how particularly quiet
it was and saw a large man sitting on one of the stools at the far end of the
club. Although sitting I could see that he was tall and his bicep muscles were
straining to release themselves from his tight polo shirt. I sniggered to
myself for noticing such a thing as I walked further into the room hearing the
sound of my heels as they made contact with the floor. I saw the man swivel
around on his stool in my peripheral vision, and quickly held my hand up,
"Sorry I didn't want to interrupt you, I'm just looking for
Mitchell." I stated continuing towards his office.

"Vixen!"
The hairs on the back of my neck stood on end from that one simple word and I
let out a long sigh as I knew exactly who was talking to me. I stopped in my
tracks and slowly turned around to marvel at Blake's presence.
"I didn't know you were visiting." I stated coldly as I wrapped my
arms around my chest trying to offer myself a layer of protection as my heart
rate quickened.
"Well I could've explained but you didn't come to see me."
"I was busy." I turned on my heels wanting to get away from him, my
body reacted in different ways when I was near him and I didn't want to rehash
any of those feelings.
"Why are you rushing off, can't we be adult about this and have a
discussion."
 His words stung and I immediately went from flight to fight as I spun around
aggressively. "Don't you fucking dare try using reverse psychology on
me."
"What do you mean?" he asked shrugging. "I just want to talk to
you and explain a few things."
"I think you're a little late with the whole apology thing Blake."
He furrowed his brows, "I've got nothing to apologise for so I won't be
doing that and why the fuck are you calling me Blake?"
I scoffed at his comment, "You have the balls to question me why I'm
running off when you did exactly the same five years ago without even saying
goodbye."
"Hold up a minute, are you really going there?" I placed my hands on
my hips and stood expectantly widening my eyes indicating that I was and I
meant what I said. "Well then a few home truths are gonna come out babe
and I don't think you'll like them."
"I don't have to listen to this shit." I turned around and heard him
move behind me.
"It's the least you can fucking do after the way you behaved."
Blake grabbed my arm and spun me around, "Get the fuck off me Blake."
"What's the matter Vixen don't you like it rough anymore. That sort of thing
used to send you wild if I remember rightly."
I pulled my hand back ready to lash out and it was caught forcefully around the
wrist. I noticed Blake's eyes widen and he let go of his grasp on me and
stepped back with an apologetic look on his face. I spun around to see Andy holding
my wrist and the abuse that was going to leave my mouth halted when I saw the
expression on his face. He was a man of little words and only said what needed
to be said but he was the Sergeant at Arms, the enforcer and if someone stepped
out of line you knew about it as Andy was the club member to deal with all
situations and he did so with an iron fist.

"I don't give a shit whose sister you are, you do not
hit another club member am I making myself clear?"
His words hurt but I knew I'd over stepped the mark. Blake shuffled forward,
"It wasn't her fault Bear, I pushed her buttons. I deserved what she was
about to give me." Andy glanced at Blake, "I'll deal with you in a
minute." He said coldly before turning his attention back to me, "Get
yourself off home."
"But I need to see Mitchell."
"Home!" He said firmly pointing towards the door. I was annoyed that
he'd belittled me in front of Blake but I was sure he wouldn't be let off so
lightly for manhandling me.

"Did you manage to see Duke?" Frank asked from
across the yard.
"No, I've been sent home by Andy like a naughty school girl." Frank
could see my frustration and sniggered as I petulantly made my way across the
yard towards him.
"I take it you ran into Recon then?"
I rolled my eyes, "Well it would've been nice to have been warned."
"Where's the fun in that?" he sniggered.
"Any chance of calling me a taxi?" I asked realising that I was now
stranded here and I didn't want to antagonise Andy any further by hanging
around.
"Why don't you take that for a ride?" Frank pointed in the direction
of my old motorcycle. I hadn't ridden since I cut some of my ties from the club
five years ago but Ethan had continued to pay for the insurance for when I was
ready to get back on it.
"I'm not sure Frank." I said pondering his words.
"Are you annoyed and frustrated?"
I looked at him questioningly, "Yes!"
"Well what better way to relieve some of that pent up frustration?" I
smiled knowing he was right, there was nothing like riding to help you forget
about your worries especially on a day like today. Frank pointed to the office,
"All of your stuff is still in the locker, go and help yourself."
I analysed what he'd just said as the excitement built inside me. I didn't have
anything to lose, "You've twisted my arm Frank." I bowled into the office
and opened my locker where I'd put my leathers and helmet, and was grateful
that I hadn't put on a considerable amount of weight over the years. I'd been
an avid passenger when I was younger, riding on the back of Ethan's and
Connor's bikes but it was Mitchell who encouraged me to learn how to ride. He'd
take me out and let me have a go of his prized possession with him straddling
behind me making sure I was safe, and eventually I plucked up the courage to
take proper lessons and then my test. The guys always spoke about the freedom
it gave you and how it was the closest thing to flying that you were ever going
to encounter but it wasn't until I'd experienced it for myself that I could
truly appreciate what they were talking about.
I removed my jacket and held it to my nose breathing in the scent that I had
missed so much over the years before I changed into my leathers. They didn't look
the coolest of things but I was a safety girl unlike the guys from the club
that were happy to ride wearing their jeans.

I walked into the garage holding my helmet, "You look
hot." I looked up to see Blake leaning against the doorframe leering at
me. I ignored his comment but remembered all too well how he liked me in
leather and the times we used to go for a ride and end up in a remote part of
the countryside and stopped to pleasure each other in a farmer's field. I
sniggered at the thought which earnt me an unreadable expression from Frank as
I walked over to my Harley.
"Has it been used recently?" I asked hoping that it would still work.
Frank nodded his head, "Duke takes it out once a fortnight for a
ride." I raised my brows surprised by what he'd just said and he simply
shrugged in return. "Here, you're gonna need these," Frank threw me
the key and I caught it excitedly in my right hand. I moved my leg to place the
key into the ignition on the side of the bike and closed my eyes feeling the
vibrations beneath me.
I heard a snigger and opened my eyes to see Blake push from the doorframe and
make his way towards me, "You always did love that throbbing between your thighs."
I placed my helmet onto my head and was surprised when Blake quickly moved to
my side to knock my hands away so that he could fasten the strap securely under
my chin. He looked at me with that hungry expression that used to send me wild
and ran the back of his hand gently down my cheek. I couldn't help but close my
eyes and leaned into his touch as my breathing became shallow. I cursed myself
knowing that I looked like a wanton woman and a shot of rage ran through me
when I opened my eyes to see his sickening smile. Blake knew what he did to me,
and he was using this moment to prove a point as he slowly removed his hand to
place it in his pocket.
I smiled back at him and wiggled my index finger in the air beckoning him
closer, his grin grew wider with excitement as he stepped forward and leaned
down so that his face was just inches away from mine.
"You've got more chance of seeing monkey's flying out your arse than
getting in my knickers, am I making myself clear?" I heard the roar of
laughter from Frank and Cade as they stood watching the show play out in front
of them. Blake continued to smile and I knew this wouldn't stop him in his
pursuit to get my attention or whatever game he was currently playing. I shut
my visor and waved to Frank before I set off from the yard, I needed this time
to clear my head and decide what I was going to do regarding Blake. I didn't
want to be around him, the two of us were a toxic combination and I was fearful
that my longing for James would be misconstrued as yeaning for Blake which
couldn't be much further from the truth.

I found solace riding my motorcycle, I'd forgotten just how
much I enjoyed riding it and made a note to remember to find the time to enjoy
myself and do the things that made me happy. After cruising around the local
area for some time, I realised that I needed some fuel and headed for the
nearest petrol station in Ongar.

I pulled up at the pump and swung my leg over the motorcycle
before unscrewing the petrol cap to fill up my baby. While standing at the pump
I looked across the road at the small parade of shops and felt my heart lurch
as I saw James holding the hand of a young boy who couldn't be much older than
eight. I turned my head slightly and watched them walk towards his vehicle that
I hadn't noticed earlier. James and the young boy leaned their backs against it
and shared a joke as they chatted as I heard the laughter drift towards me. I
followed James' eye line towards the door of the shop and I felt a pang of hurt
as a teenage girl walked towards them with her arms held wide so she could
embrace James.

"Are you people watching?" I spun around and
knocked the nozzle from the hole spilling petrol all over the garage forecourt.
"Maggie, you gave me a fucking fright!"
"Obviously but that means you were either preoccupied or up to no
good?"
"Well both actually. Here, take a look across the road at that black Range
Rover." I nodded my head in the direction I was talking about.
Maggie slowly looked over my shoulder, to take in the sight of James and the
two children. "Well babe there are a few ways you can deal with
this."
"And they are?"
She let out a sigh, "The Amy I know would go over there and in
conversation ask who the kids are because he wouldn't be able to lie to you as
the kids expressions would give it away."
I pondered Maggies response but quickly shook my head as I wouldn't be able to
do it, I couldn't put him in an uncomfortable position in front of what could possibly
be his children. I toyed with the idea briefly and the statement didn't sit
right but everything started to fall into place. The random phone calls, having
to go home early and never once inviting me back to his house. I groaned at the
thought and rubbed my forehead feeling a headache coming on.
What was I going
to do?

"So what are you going to do?" she asked genuinely
intrigued.
"Nothing!"
"Nothing?"
"Yep, I'm going home and I'm gonna get dressed up and go out and have a
fantastic evening."
"As simple as that?"
"Yep, and I'm not going to think about James Hudson once."
"Now I know you're lying. Like I said, the Amy I know would've gone over
there and spoken to him so that now means one of two things."
"Enlighten me!" I said dryly.
"You either dislike him so it doesn't matter what he's been hiding or you
really like him and are prepared to stick your head in the sand about the whole
situation."
"I can't do this right now Maggie." I stated walking across the
forecourt.
"The problem won't go away if you simply chose to ignore it Amy." Maggie
shouted after me. I knew she was right but I also knew the answer to my own
question. Those children had to be his and therefore he'd lied to me but then
again had he, because he technically hadn't told me and I certainly didn't ask.
I groaned at the thought, my head was spinning with questions but I wasn't in
the mood to be rational. I paid the lady at the counter for my petrol and
walked back across the forecourt to mount my motorcycle, I glanced around me
looking for signs of James and Maggie but fortunately they had both gone. I
breathed a sigh of relief and knew that I needed to get home and think about
just how far I was going to stick my head in the sand.