Spike (Aces MC Series Book 3) (5 page)

Louise

What have I just agreed too?
I was now sitting in the
back of an incredibly hot heavily tattooed hulk of a man's 4x4, being driven to
his cousins house in which I was going to stay for a couple of nights until
they had space for me at the refuge.
Could my life get any more complicated?
I knew that there may have been a possibility that the refuge couldn't
house me when I arrived but to be honest I was going to park up somewhere and
sleep in the car with the kids, if that's what it came to as I'd do anything to
not stay at home with Liam. This wasn't an ideal solution and I would've had to
have found a remote place through fear of being caught out but it was a short
term solution and something I was prepared to do.
After my car had caught fire I was shocked by the turn of events, as these
bikers had helped to save my children and I didn't know how I would possibly
repay them. They had obviously seen my bruises and my attempts to elude them
were futile after my little outburst at the cafe but I felt trapped and
anxious, my mouth just kicked in before my brain did.
I wasn't used to mixing with large groups of people as the only daily contact I
usually had was with the children's teachers, Liam and his horrible mother.
Shit what was the time?
 My tummy did summersaults thinking that it must
be nearing the end of the school day and I knew when Liam was informed that I
had taken the children out of school, he would start the process of looking for
me.
Would he be able to find
me easily? I had purposely left my phone behind
so that we couldn't be traced. The only thing that was in my name was the car but
now that it was a write off, would it be a problem? I had so many questions that
I didn't know the answer to.
I decided that when we arrived at Amy's apartment, I'd ask if she knew the
protocols and if I would have to contact the insurance company regarding my car
or whether I could just forget about it.
I felt stupid, my life wasn't my life anymore. Liam had taken control over every
aspect from such an early age that I hadn't had to make a decision in such a
long time. He picked out my clothes, he told me how to have my hair, he even
decided what I could eat but now that I was free of him, I didn't know what to
do or even how to behave. I knew that I sounded weak but in my new life I was
going to try and be brave as I needed to be strong for the children but I was
finding it harder than I had ever imagined.
I had been bold to summon the courage to make the phone call to the refuge and
finally leave him but I now doubted myself for leaving without a solid plan. My
children's safety was the most important thing and I had to remind myself that my
decision to leave the family home warranted all of this upheaval but here I was
with no plan, very little money and feeling more vulnerable now than I ever did
with Liam.
"Are you okay Louise?" Spike asked looking at me in the rear view
mirror showing concern.
I tightly smiled as I took deep controlled breaths and nodded my head slightly.
Gently wrapping my arms around the twins, I pulled them in for another hug. It
was going to be okay, it had to be okay!

"It's not much but its home." Amy stated walking
further into the living room with her arms held wide.
Her apartment was homely and decorated in warm autumn colours, I could smell
cinnamon in the air and breathed in the scent as I followed Amy happily around
the apartment. She showed me the bathroom and the two bedrooms and suggested
that the children may want to sleep in the guest bedroom as the bed was bigger.
Her kitchen was marvellous and a chef's dream with expensive equipment and
gadgetry displayed which were clearly used to create such delights if the
muffins on the work top were anything to go by.
"Please help yourself," Amy gestured to the Tupperware containing the
treats.
I shook my head, "No thank you," but I smiled at her kind gesture.
"Can we have one?" Devon asked moving quickly into the kitchen
closely followed by Tommy.
I glanced at Amy who nodded her head, as she opened the box and directed it in
front of the children so they could select either a blueberry or chocolate
muffin.
"Go and sit still and try not to get any crumbs on the floor," I
barked after them as they skipped happily back into the living room tucking into
their treats.
"Your apartment is beautiful Amy, are you sure about this?" I asked
looking around at what she was offering.
"I'm sure, I couldn't live with myself if I didn't offer you a place to
stay." She touched my arm and squeezed it lightly in a comforting gesture.
I couldn't believe my luck in finding such a wonderful woman who was prepared
to help me and my children and acted like it really wasn't an issue.
"Please don't be offended but I will be taking my valuables out of here. I
feel that I'm a fairly good judge of character and don't think you'll rip me
off or become a squatter but I'm gonna do that to be on the safe side."
I nodded my head profusely, "No I totally understand Amy and I promise
that I'll be out of your hair by Saturday."
Amy smiled but then I saw her frown as she thought of something, "It's
none of my business and please tell me to fuck off but will you be getting a
visit from your husband?"
"What's the time?" I asked panicked.
"Just gone 3.00pm," she stated looking confused as she furrowed her
brows.
I backed up towards the kitchen work top placing my hand over my mouth,
"He'll be finding out now that I've left and taken the children." My
eyes watered, I couldn't control the tears as they flowed freely down my
cheeks.
"Come here." Amy opened her arms wide and scooped me into her embrace
as she allowed me to cry in the crook of her neck. Between sobs I noticed Spike
come into the kitchen but he was turned away as Amy shooed him with her hand.

Eventually there were no more tears to cry but I felt
vulnerable again. I'd opened myself up to this stranger, telling her things
that could put me in serious danger.
Amy saw this vulnerability and placed her hands on my shoulders lightly,
"Does he know where you are Louise?"
I shook my head, I had no ties to Essex so that's one of the reasons I thought it
would be a good place to start a new life.
"Well then, you have nothing to worry about. The refuge will help you with
housing and possibly a job when you're ready, and they can also help enrol the
twins into a new school. This is the life you deserve Louise and I promise to
be there to support you one hundred percent of the way."
I could feel my heart swell at her kind words, "Thank you Amy. What did I
do to deserve running into you?" I said with a smile.
"Let's just call me your guardian angel," she stated between giggles
as Amy linked arms and directed me into the living room.

"So do you like this one Spike?" Devon asked as
she stood in a bright pink top and a pair of green leggings in the best model
pose she could muster.
"I'm not into fashion Devon but I don't think those colours match."
He glanced at me and winked, "I think your mum should take over now with
the critique." He looked relieved.
"Mum look at my new clothes." She screeched excitedly.
"What's all this?" I asked looking into the bags seeing an array of
different outfits.
"I hope you don't mind but I knew you lost your belongings in the fire so
I sent one of the guys shopping. I can't guarantee that they'll all be
appropriate but it's something to build on. We've also had a whip round for
you." She said holding up a black bag full of clothes.
Tears pricked my eyes again.
"Mum it's a good thing, don't cry." Devon hugged my legs and her kind
gesture was my undoing as the tears streamed down my face. I quickly delved
into my pocket to get the hanky that Spike had given to me earlier to wipe my
tears and noticed that he was still staring at me with darkened eyes, making me
feel a little uncomfortable.

"Now, I am in the position to comment on that outfit,"
Spike said as a shy Tommy walked into the living room wearing a blue shirt and
a pair of jeans. "Come here Tommy, let's sort your collar out a
little." Tommy slowly walked over to Spike and turned around to give him
free access. I watched the interaction between them and saw Spike's facial
expression change as he adjusted Tommy's collar. He didn't say anything he
simply glanced in my direction and quickly went back to the task at hand, but I
noticed Spike grind his teeth and clearly try to hold in his temper.
"Right let's have a look at you." Putting on a smile he turned Tommy
around, "You look very dapper little man." Tommy glanced at him
confused by his statement before Devon grabbed his hand for another quick
outfit change.

"Time's getting on, I'm gonna grab some things."
Amy walked into the bedroom to pack a bag.
Being left alone with Spike put me on edge, I instinctively looked down at the
floor not making eye contact with him. "I know what you're going to say
but please don't, I carry enough guilt already." I twisted my hands
together which was a nervous trait, one that had gotten me many beatings but I
couldn't help it when I was anxious.
I could see Spike in my peripheral vision as he moved from the sofa to make his
way across the living room towards me.
"How long has it been going on Louise?" He asked with such sincerity.
Should I tell him the truth? Would it matter if other people knew?
I
could possibly be selective with the information I gave him omitting surnames
and places, that way I couldn't be traced, could I?
I let out a loud sigh and didn't see his hand move until he gently placed his
fingers under my chin to lift my head so I was facing him. My heart rate
instantly accelerated but for some unknown reason I allowed him to touch me
albeit briefly.
"Talk to me," he lowered his arm and took my hand gently, and I was
surprised that I didn't recoil but I didn't feel threatened by him. Although he
spoke tough and looked even tougher, I had seen a caring side to him when we
were at the park and the way he interacted with the children piqued my
curiosity. He gently guided me over to the sofa and I noticed that he moved
further away to give me the space I needed as he waited for me to speak.

"I was fourteen when we started dating, he was
attentive at first but over time he wore me down taking away the little dignity
I had and turned me into a loner." I glanced over at him, I don't know why
but the words continued to fall from my mouth. "The birth of the twins only
intensified the beatings but I've taken as much as I can possibly handle. I've
been planning to leave for a year, trying to save what little money I had so
that we could survive but last night was the final straw."
He took a deep breath and narrowed his eyes, "Did he hurt Tommy?"
I simply nodded, I couldn't bring myself to say the words. "You must think
I'm really weak." I said quietly.
I could see that he was composing himself, "On the contrary, I think you're
brave for getting your children out when you did, there are plenty of women who
would've stayed."
What was I doing? I'd met this man earlier on this afternoon and here I was
spilling my heart out to him! If I
wasn't careful I'd end up being
someone else's doormat to be trodden on all over again.
We sat in silence and I was grateful that I had time to ponder what I'd
just revealed to Spike. I hadn't prepared myself to answer questions about my
relationship with Liam and I was still a little taken aback at how easy he had
been able to withdraw information from me about my past. I glanced in his
direction to see that he was leaning on the arm of the sofa resting his head on
his hand casually but he was again observing me like he was trying to solve a
problem in his own head.

"Right I've packed everything I need. Connor can you
give me a hand taking it down to the Jeep?"
He still hadn't taken his eyes from me as Amy spoke to him, "Yeah sure."
He blinked hard before he stood slowly and casually walked over to the bags
that Amy had left in the hallway.
"Are you gonna be okay Louise?" Amy asked sincerely.
I nodded my head looking around the apartment, "I think we're gonna by
fine, all thanks to you Amy."
"I've written my mobile number and the number for the cafe on the note pad
in the kitchen. If you have any problems what so ever please don't hesitate in
giving me a call." She hugged me lightly and walked into the hallway to collect
the last of the bags.
"Is that everything?" Spike asked hovering by the doorway.
"Yeah, see you soon Louise." Amy smiled before walking to the stairwell.
Spike leaned on the doorframe folding his arm across his broad chest, looking
at me intently.
I became nervous under his scrutiny and twisted my hands nervously, "Could
you please thank the other two guys that helped out today." He simply
smiled tightly and nodded his head, "Before you go I also wanted to ask
about the car because that's the only connection Liam has to me. If he finds
out where it caught fire, he'll know where I am."
"Already taken care of babe, don't worry about a thing."
His statement reminded me of something Liam would say. I backed up slightly
holding onto the front door for protection as Spike's facial expression altered
slightly by my change in demeanour. He went to retrieve something from his
pocket and I flinched at his sudden movement.
"Shit! I'm sorry Louise. I didn't mean to scare you, I'm just gonna give
you this."
He handed me a shiny black card and I could see that he worked as a tattooist,
which explained a few things.
"You can contact me on that number anytime, no matter how trivial you
think it may be."
I nodded my head understanding his sentiments but I wouldn't need his help after
Saturday as I probably wouldn't even see him again.
Why did that thought
sadden me?
"Where's Spike and Amy?" Devon asked as she came bounding into the
living room wearing another outfit.
"They had to go home, sweetie. Why don't we get cleaned up and watch a
film? Amy said she had the movie channel."
Devon nodded her head dramatically as she ran into the bedroom screaming
excitedly to Tommy about what we planned to do.
I walked slowly into the living room, taking in everything around me and tried
to comprehend how someone could be so trusting. Amy had uprooted herself to stay
with Spike for four days so that my children and I could have a place to stay.
It was very trusting on her part but showed that there was hope for a better
life. I continued to walk around the apartment and noticed the variety of
different clocks displayed in various positions. I felt a shudder and an
uncomfortable feeling as if the noises of the ticking were getting louder,
thirty-seven minutes, thirty-seven minutes...
I leapt around the apartment and collected the clocks like a mad women, taking
them off the walls, cabinets and windowsills and carried them into the kitchen,
placing them securely into the cupboard under the sink. I closed the door and
turned around quickly, sliding to the floor as my heart rate returned to
normal. I thought it would get easier over the years but I couldn't be much
further from the truth.
"Mum, are you ready for the films?" Devon shouted from the living
room.
I smiled to myself feeling the warm feeling inside, knowing that I wasn't
allowed to be sad for too long because I had the children to think about,
"Yeah coming!"