Spike (Aces MC Series Book 3) (8 page)

"Did you get everything you needed babe?" Spike
asked as we entered the Jeep.
I blushed slightly at his term of endearment, he had called me babe several
times and I knew he was just being friendly but it made my heart race which was
so unexpected. I really didn't know how to deal with someone looking out for me,
especially someone who looked like Spike, Hot!
"Yes. Are you able to take us home? I mean to Amy's as the twins are a
little tired." I asked strapping them in securely and feeling a little
embarrassed at my slip up regarding calling Amy's apartment home.
"Not a problem." Spike simply stated before pulling into the early
evening traffic in the direction of Amy's apartment.
The short journey just gave me enough time to contemplate the last two days. It
had been a whirlwind of events and emotions during this time. I was so grateful
for what everyone had done for me and the children and I just hoped that I
didn't offend when I wouldn't leave the children while I went into the chemist.
I couldn't get wrapped up in the moment, I needed to remember that although friendly
these people were still strangers, although they hadn't given me any reason to
be concerned so far. 

Spike pulled up outside Amy's apartment, "Do you need
me to come up with you?" Amy asked turning around in the front seat to
face me.
"No, I'll be fine thank you." I unfastened our seatbelts and Spike
got out of the Jeep to open the rear door to gently help Devon, by lifting her
from the seat and place her onto the pavement. I shimmied across the seat and
scooped Tommy into my arms before Spike did the same by lifting him out safely.
"Thank you Spike." I said, trying to look everywhere but directly at
him.
"What for?"
I finally found the courage to look up at him as his response was so full of
question. "For helping us." I stated as I finally built up the
courage to look at him, really look at him. He was a hulk of a man, his
forearms were heavily tattooed and I saw them poking out from the round neck of
his t-shirt under his leather cut. His shaved head made him look edgy, hard even
but from what I had witnessed this couldn't be much further from the truth. I didn't
know him well but what I did know was that he was prepared to help a damsel in
distress. I wasn't his problem, he could've washed his hands of me on Tuesday
like the other two men did but he decided to make it his problem and that was
something I would never forget.
I was pulled from my thoughts as I saw him smile. Shit! He'd caught me staring.
Spike raised his hand and moved it towards my face, I flinched and quickly
stepped back out of his reach, a reaction I was used to when a hand was moving
in my direction.
"Easy Louise, calm down!" He said lowering is arm. Spike rubbed his
forehead and stepped back to give me some space with an unreadable expression.
My heart rate had increased and my grip had unknowingly tightened around
Tommy's and Devon's hand.
"Mum you're hurting me!"
I became flushed, "Oh sorry Devon." I let go of both their hands and
they stepped closer to the communal door leading into the apartments.
"Sorry Spike, I..."
"Fucking hell Louise, what did he do to you babe?" Spike moved his
arm forward again and retracted it, clearly fighting with his internal struggle
to comfort me.
I smiled but it wasn't a genuine smile. This was my brave face, the one I used
to reassure the children that I was okay but I knew immediately that Spike had
seen through me.
"Mum, I'm hungry. Can we go inside?" Tommy asked.
"Just give me a minute Tommy." I turned to Spike, "I better go
thanks again." This time I smiled a genuine smile, I waved at Amy through
the window before making my way into the apartment, leaving Spike standing on
the pavement staring at me clearly confused.

"Can we have a snack mum, I'm starving?" Tommy
asked as we walked into the living room.
"Let's get you cleaned up first and into some pyjamas."
The children were filthy from playing in the garden especially Devon from
falling into the shrubbery. I let out a chuckle as I pictured her face when
Spike retrieved her from the bush which earned me a puzzled glance from Devon.

After bathing the children we settled down on the sofa with
a bowl of pop corn. We watched Frozen and sang along to all of the songs, it
was great to hear both the children singing as they were able to be kids again.
At the end of the film Devon stretched and let out a loud yawn which prompted
us to laugh.
"Come on you two, you've had a busy day." I stood and directed the
children towards Amy's bedroom. I was still paranoid that Liam would find us
which I knew was stupid as I had cut all ties but I still had that feeling and
knew that I needed to be cautious.
Pulling back the duvet the children jumped into bed and quickly snuggling under
the covers. I kissed both of the children lightly on the head and left them to
sleep peacefully, it had been another busy day and I presumed it wouldn't take
long for sleep to take hold.
Leaving the bedroom, I closed the door slightly still leaving a gap so the
light from the hallway could shine through. As I turned I noticed a package on
the welcome mat, cautiously I walked over to the sealed padded envelope to
investigate. I kicked it lightly with my foot before bending down to pick it
up, the package was light and I knew that it had been hand delivered as there
weren't any stamps and because of the time it had been delivered. I was
intrigued to know who would be delivering a package to Amy and turned the
envelope to see that it was clearly addressed to me.

Shit! I dropped it on the floor and paced the room running
my fingers through my hair as the tears trickled down my face.
He'd found
me, what was I going to do?
Thoughts whizzed through my mind and I eventually stopped pacing, and took
a deep breath as I analysed everything. I needed to drum up the courage to open
the package and see what was inside. If Liam had found me, I needed to contact
the police immediately and get a restraining order so that I could protect the
children.
Picking up the package I cautiously walked further into the living room,
opening the envelope as I sat down on the sofa.
"What the hell?" I said aloud as I looked at the iPhone confused, not
understanding why someone had posted it through the letter box. I looked at the
envelope and dug around inside to find a hand written note.

I've taken the liberty of buying you a phone. I've
programmed Amy's and my mobile number in already. Don't get annoyed, please
accept this as a gift. Don't forget to call should you need anything. Spike

I read the note several times, taking in every word.
Why
had he done this?
I had told him that I was okay.
I held the note close to my chest as my heart rate continued in its accelerated
state.
What was wrong with me?
I'd known him for two minutes and here I
was swooning over a simple note and act of kindness. Sure, he'd been kind to me
and the children but no man would go to such trouble without expecting
something in return especially a man like Spike.
I was yet to see it but he must have issues, what man would show such interest
in a single mum, with no job or home? I had no qualifications or prospects, I
was just a sorry state that didn't deserve to love or be loved because of the
danger I had put my children in.

The phone bleeped indicating that I'd received a text.

Let me know when you've received your new phone. Spike

I held the phone in my hands as I read the message, I wanted
to text him back but was a little unsure as to what to say. I bit my lip gently
as I contemplated my response.

Thank you but you really didn't need to. When I'm back
on my feet I promise I'll pay you back.

I held the phone, hoping that he'd respond. Although I was
unsure of his motives, I wanted to speak to him, he made me feel...I couldn't
give it a name, he just made me feel.

I needed to do this more than you know! Like I said
it's a gift, I won't accept money.

Needed to do it, why did he need to do it? And what was he
implying by saying that he wouldn't accept money, what would he want in return
instead? He was sending mixed messages. On one hand he was caring, looking out
for me and the children and made me feel safe, and on the other he was over
powering and I was concerned that he wanted something in return, something that
I wouldn't be able to give him.

Well thank you, I appreciate you looking out for me
and the kids.

I wanted him to know that I was grateful but I needed to be
careful, I couldn't become dependent on anyone again.

It's really not a problem Louise. Remember if you need
anything, give me a call.

I held the phone close to my chest as I contemplated my next
move. I found that I actually liked talking to Spike, there was something about
him that intrigued me. I quickly put it down to the fact that my feelings were
in response to a man being nice to me, it had been so long and the brief
attention Spike was giving was clearly playing with my already vulnerable state
of mind.

Hound

It was great seeing the twins at my house yesterday enjoying
themselves in the garden and in the tree house, like my kids used to when they
were younger. I hadn't realised how much I'd missed having small children
around. Maggie and I had both hoped to be grandparents by now but I doubt that
was going to happen anytime soon as none of my kids had partners, well not that
I knew of.

Tyler had been taken under Duke's wing and was shaping up to
be one hell of a prospect. I would've preferred for him to have a normal job
but Tyler had his own mind and had wanted nothing else than to be involved in
the club. I admired his tenacity and how hard he'd worked to prove he was
worthy of being in the Aces.
Paige had decided to become a stripper. I was horrified when she informed me of
her plans like any father would be but again like Tyler, I had no right to moan
as I had brought them into my world by surrounding them with club business.
I couldn't ever be at the Bird Cage when Paige was performing as I wouldn't be
able to control my temper if I were to see men leer at her. I knew she wasn't
innocent by any means but I would end up brawling with any bloke I saw letch
over my baby girl. All brothers had also been warned that she was off limits
and I'd kill any mother fucker if they touched her or even looked at her in the
wrong way.

The other two were more level headed, they were sick of the
club and wanted to break free. As soon as Jayden turned eighteen he enlisted
and was currently posted in Cyprus. We spoke as often as possible but he was
very much his own person and preferred his own company to that of others which
was something that I respected.  And then there was Chloe, the apple of my eye.
She had just completed a hair and beauty course at college and was now looking
for a permanent position at a local salon. I was so proud of her and the
decision she'd made to pursue a respectable career, in fact I was very blessed
with the family I had and enjoyed the fact that they were all so different.

I let out a loud yawn as I parked my motorcycle in the yard.
I was tired this morning, it was my turn to open the garage and it was fucking freezing.
I took off my helmet and walked towards the garage trying to get my keys out of
my jean pocket, the bundle was fucking huge and I was struggling. I finally got
them free but dropped them on the floor. "For fucks sake," I shouted
as I bent down to retrieve them. As I steadily stood, I noticed that the garage
door was ajar. I knew none of the guys would be here this early and I quickly pulled
my .45mm from my waistband and proceeded with caution as I pushed open the
steel door. I quickly found the light switch with my right hand as I held out my
glock ready to shoot if required to do so.
I stealthily made my way around the equipment and the two cars parked inside the
garage but I couldn't see anyone or that anything had been removed. I continued
through the building making my way into Diesel's office, when I noticed
something out of place. The fridge door had been left open and there were an
array of wrappers and empty cans left on the floor. Walking over to them, I continued
to gaze around the office making sure no one surprised me by jumping out. I
kicked the rubbish around using the edge of my boot looking for any clues but nothing
sprang to my mind which left me confused.
Why had someone helped themselves to
the contents of our fridge?

I decided to give Diesel a call to ask if he had opted for a
late night snack, and eagerly took my phone from my pocket waiting for Diesel
to answer.
"This better be fucking good Hound, do you know what time it is man?"
Diesel asked sleepily.
He made me chuckle, "Did you come to the garage after we locked up
yesterday?"
"Is that what you've woken me for?" he asked clearly agitated.
"I think we've had a break in at the garage."
"What do you mean think, we either have or we haven't?" I could hear
that he was slowly getting annoyed by my vague response but I wasn't sure
myself.
"Well it's strange Diesel. No alarm went off, the door was left open and
the only thing I can see that's gone missing is food and drink from the
fridge."
"Are you having a fucking laugh with me Hound? Food from the fucking
fridge?" he shouted down the phone. I lifted my mobile away from my ear
slightly as he continued to rant and when it had quietened I responded,
"You need to get down here."
"I'm already on my way!" he stated before hanging up.
I wanted Diesel to see the mess in its entirety so I didn't bother clearing it
up. Walking around the garage I looked for clues but I was more confused now as
I couldn't find a motive. In order for someone to get into the garage they
would've needed a key and an alarm fob. The only people to have these were
Diesel, Duke, Bear and myself. I had my keys but I needed to speak to the other
three before we all jumped to conclusions. I decided to text Duke, rather than
call him to stop the bombardment that was sure to come.

Think we've had a break in at the garage. Can you come
over?

There was no immediate response and I assumed he was still
asleep but I wasn't going to harass him. I heard the familiar rumble as Diesel
pulled into the yard on his motorcycle and placed my phone in my back pocket.
He pushed open the door quickly and stomped into the garage, "So what's
gone on Hound?"
"Like I said, I think we've had a break in but I'm struggling to think of
anything that may have been taken." I walked into his office indicating
for him to follow and pointed at the mess on the floor, "Did you have a
midnight snack last night?" I asked humorously.
Diesel raised his eyebrows clearly not amused by my comment, "Nothing to
do with me, I left ten minutes after you last night and I definitely locked the
fucking door."
"What's happened?" Duke asked as he walked into the office rubbing
his eyes, wearing nothing but a pair of shorts.
Diesel and I both moved out of the way so he could see the mess on the floor.
"I don't understand, did someone really break in to eat a few chocolate
bars from the fridge?" Duke asked clearly bemused as he ran his fingers
through his short hair.
I didn't have the answers but it was looking that way, I simply nodded and went
about tidying the litter.
"Where are your keys?" I asked as I picked up the last of the rubbish
and tossed it into the plastic waste bin in the corner of the room.
"Bear's just text me to say he has his."
"I have mine here," Diesel jingled the bunch around in his hand.
We both looked towards Duke, to see his confused expression as he was clearly
trying to recall where he left them.
"Fucking hell Duke, you couldn't have just lost them," Diesel said
clearly annoyed. "You live in the fucking club house so you only walked
across the yard last night, they have to be somewhere."
Duke pulled an uneasy face, "Get hold of Locke and tell him to sort this
out, I'm going for a shower." He stormed off through the garage and out
into the yard annoyed at his fuck up.

Diesel rolled his eyes as we watched Duke leave the garage.
"Fucking great, I've gotta get hold of Locke now which is easier said than
done," he rubbed his hands through his short hair clearly contemplating
the situation. "Who do you think it is Hound?"
"Kids, it's gotta be an opportunist. They must've seen the keys on the ground
and thought it would be fun to eat our food, although no one should've been in
the yard last night." Even saying the words it still didn't sit right,
something was off but I couldn't put my finger on it.
"I'll get CJ to look at the CCTV and see what we can find out. Are you
okay to look after things?" Diesel asked getting his phone from his pocket
ready to contact Locke and CJ.
"Yeah fine, I've still gotta figure out what's wrong with the
Chevrolet." I walked over to the car that had stumped the three of us over
the past couple of days.
"Fucking piece of shit, don't spend too much time on it. If it's not
sorted by tonight, I'll tell the owner to scrap it and buy a motorcycle."
He said with a wink as he walked out of the garage.

I went about my daily routine but I couldn't shift the
uneasy feeling I had. I popped the release on the bonnet of the Chevrolet when
I heard a loud bang come from Diesel's office. Quickly pulling my .45mm out of
my waistband for the second time in an hour, I made my way into the office. I'd
checked it thoroughly earlier so I knew that no one was in there but that was
clearly where the noise had come from.
I quietly moved around the room and heard another noise, a dragging sound
coming from the ceiling. Shit! I hadn't looked there earlier. I grabbed the
office chair and positioned it directly under the loft hatch and stood on the
chair carefully as a scene from Aliens sprang to mind which made me chuckle to
myself. I shook my head trying to stay focussed as I slowly lifted the loft
hatch with one hand and peered through the gap pointing my glock ready to shoot
should there be a threat. I looked around the loft space and could make out an
outline of something but couldn't be sure as to what it was because it was
dark. I leaned forward to reach for the light switch and heard a shuffling...
"What the fuck you doing up there?"
"Shit!" I stumbled off the chair and landed on my arse, lucky that
the gun in my hand didn't go off.
I turned my head towards the voice, "Fucking hell Locke, I could've
fucking shot you." I stated still laying on the floor.
"What were you doing up there?" Locke asked walking over to help me
up from the floor by grabbing my arm and yanking me hard.
I got to my feet and straightened my clothes before rubbing my now sore arse,
"I thought I heard someone or something up there."
Locke jumped on the wooden chair and pushed the loft hatch aside to let in a
stream of light making visibility a little better. Wanting to see the whole
area he leant forward and switched on the light which gave him a clearer
picture of his surroundings, "There's nothing up here apart from boxes,
Hound." He turned off the light and moved the loft hatch back into place
before jumping down from the chair, "What's gone on to make you so jumpy?"
I shook my head, "Something's not sitting right. Who would break into a
place owned by an MC and steal food?"
Locke looked thoughtfully, "Either a very stupid or desperate
person."
"Exactly and either could be extremely dangerous."
Locke nodded at my statement and followed me out of the office and into the
garage, "I'm gonna get on with this car, do you need anything before I
do?"
"Nah, I've got everything I need to change the lock but I've gotta be out
of here by ten at the latest." He stated resting his bag on the counter
and taking out his tools.
"Have you got an urgent job on today then?" I asked intrigued. We all
knew that Locke had things going on in his personal life although no one delved
too much. We all had our secrets and as long as they didn't interfere with club
business, Duke was happy for us to do whatever although he had been pissed with
Locke over the years for disappearing at the drop of a hat.
Locke was a private man and I was surprised by how chatty and open he was being
this morning as it was usually hard to extract even the simplest of
conversations from him.
"It's an urgent job but not changing locks. I've gotta be in the Midlands later
on this afternoon."
I could see that he was pissed for already saying too much and he went about
his business.
"Do you wanna talk about it?" I asked in case he wanted to share
something.
He smiled, "Thanks but it's something I just need to deal with. Years of
planning have gone into it and I may just finally get some closure."
He continued to smile which was a shock. Locke never fucking smiled and here he
was happy in his work whistling away to himself. I hope he did find closure
with whatever he was dealing with because no one should be as miserable as he
had been over the years.