"Is that what you think Louise? You're not an inconvenience for either myself or Connor."
I let out a sigh, "Spike said something strange, he said that he needed to buy me a phone more than I knew. What does he mean by that Amy?"
"He just wants to keep you safe Louise, it's a man thing. See it from his perspective, you turn up black and blue and in need of some help. You're a young single mum, with nowhere to live. What kind of man would he be if he set you on your merry way without helping you? He wouldn't be able to live with himself." Amy smiled before walking back around the counter to serve the lunch time rush.
I nodded now understanding what she was trying to say. The problem was though, I wanted him to care. I wanted a man to protect me instead of hurting me, I'd endured years of abuse but all I ever wanted was happiness for myself and my children. Spike sparked something inside me which was outrageous after all I had been through and I was still baring the bruises from my most recent attack. I couldn't think like this, my heart was vulnerable and I needed to be strong. I couldn't let my guard down for a minute because I couldn't become a victim again.
I took the paper from my handbag and placed the new colouring pencils onto the table before I gave Amy our food order. I didn't have much money left but I wanted to take the children out as a treat and away from the confines of the apartment, and we were going to the park this afternoon so that the children could burn off some of their mounting energy.
"Sorry Louise, I'm falling behind with the orders. It's going to be at least another fifteen minutes or so." Amy stated as she rushed past with a customer's food.
When she passed again I stopped her quickly, "Let me help you, it's the least I can do. The kids are fine sitting here colouring, so I can waitress for you until the rush passes."
She didn't need to contemplate, Amy put two plates in my hands and pointed to the two men sitting at the table near the window.
I quickly walked over to them and placed the plates on the table. They thanked me and as I turned I saw Spike and Diesel walk past the window and enter the cafe.
"Hi Ames, can we have our usual please." Diesel asked as he walked further into the cafe. He glanced at Spike silently asking where to sit as Spike nodded towards the children at the far end of the cafe.
"Spike!" Devon slid off her chair and ran as fast as her little legs would take her towards him.
Spike crouched down to her level and took the full impact as she ran into his chest. He closed his arms and hugged her tightly before letting her go. "Come and sit with us," Devon said excitedly as she grabbed the bottom of his cut and led him towards the table. I saw Diesel and Spike exchange a look before they sat and I noticed Spike glance around the cafe seeking me out. His eyes met mine and as he smiled I became weak at the knees knowing full well that this man had affected me, even if I didn't want him to. I smiled back and turned quickly as my skin heated. Amy smiled at the exchange of glances and passed me their drinks, I took a deep breath before walking over to their table trying to compose myself.
"Thanks Louise. Are you working here now?" Diesel asked as he took a sip of his drink.
"No, Amy was snowed under so I offered to help. It's the least I can do as she's been so helpful."
Diesel nodded and continued to sip his drink.
"What you drawing Tommy?" Spike asked as he moved his chair closer to where Tommy was sitting.
"Tattoos," he said moving his arm over his drawing to hide them.
"Can I take a look, I may be able to get some good ideas for my shop?"
Tommy looked up at Spike with wide eyes intrigued by his question, "Really?" he asked excitedly.
Spike nodded his head and Tommy slowly passed some of his drawings towards Spike and Diesel.
"Wow Tommy, these are great."
I watched the interaction between them and my heart swelled at the excitement on Tommy's face from the attention he was getting.
"Do you like mine? Mine are good too!"
I knew it wouldn't take Devon long to try and get involved in the conversation.
Diesel kindly took over, "They look great Devon, I really like the dog." He said pointing to one of her drawings.
"Where? I haven't drawn a dog." She asked looking at the drawing he was pointing to, "It's a unicorn not a dog." Devon crossed her arms and immediately pouted.
Spike and Tommy laughed at her comment and I left them to continue serving knowing that they were in capable hands while I continued to help Amy.
An hour later Amy and I joined the twins and the guys who had now decided to take an extended lunch.
"Thanks for helping me out this afternoon Louise."
"The pleasure was all mine. I know it sounds crazy but I've never had a job before because I'm not very good at anything but it was nice to feel useful for a change." I smiled at the group but they weren't smiling back, I observed an array of emotions on their faces as they assessed what I'd just said. I wanted to continue the conversation and try and explain what I meant further as it had fallen eerily quiet, "What I was trying to say is that I gave birth to the twins at sixteen and looking after them and a husband...well it turns out I wasn't very good at that either." I trailed off and twisted my hands together.
"Come on kids, let's go and see what ice cream I have. Ethan, can you give me a hand?" The twins excitedly followed Amy and Diesel to the back room.
Spike placed his warm hand over mine to stop me from fidgeting and a single tear fell on his skin as I hung my head in shame.
"Louise look at me," Spike turned his body so that he was facing me fully and gently put his hand under my chin to direct my face towards his before he wiped another tear from my cheek with his thumb. "Don't you dare shed a tear thinking about that piece of shit. I don't know to what extent he hurt you, I can only presume but I hope that one day you'll be able to tell me. No matter what you think you did to provoke him, remember that no one and I mean no one, ever has the right to lay a finger on you babe." Spike wiped another tear that had trickled down my cheek and I leaned into his hand as he caressed my bruised face.
"Mum, look what I've got." Devon shouted as she ran through the door.
I pulled away and saw Spike's heated stare before I turned in time to greet Devon as she flung herself next to me on the chair.
"I've got strawberry and Tommy and Diesel have got mint." Devon said as she licked her ice cream.
"How old are you?" Spike asked Diesel with humour in his voice.
"You try saying no to Devon."
We all laughed at his comment, they were all getting to know just how strong willed my little girl was.
"I'd better get back to work or Duke will have my balls." Diesel shovelled the ice cream into his mouth in record time and waved as he left the cafe.
"We'd better be going too if you still want to go to the park." I stood to put on my cardigan and helped the children get into their coats, trying not to get ice cream everywhere.
"How you getting to the park?" Spike asked as he rummaged around in his pocket for his keys.
I looked at the twins still eating their ice creams, "We're going to walk there, it won't take us long." I lied, knowing full well that it would take at least thirty minutes.
"Spike can give us a lift mum, he doesn't have his bike he has his Jeep today." Devon said bouncing around as she looked out of the window pointing at his vehicle.
"How very observant," Spike stated as he ruffled her hair. "Come on get in the Jeep, see you later Amy." Spike opened the door and Tommy and Devon followed him outside like the pied piper.
"It looks like we're getting a lift then." I said aloud to myself as I quickly grabbed my bag and rummaged around to find my money to pay for lunch.
"Louise," I turned to see Amy walk towards me. "This is for helping me out today, thank you." She placed some money in my hand.
I shook my head, "No I can't accept that, you've done more than enough already and I still need to pay you for our lunch."
"I won't
take no for an answer."
I stood on the pavement and observed Spike secure the children into the booster seats in the rear of the vehicle. I contemplated the fact that we would be alone with Spike for the first time and realised that this fact didn't scare me at all. He still hadn't posed a threat and had only looked out for us although I knew looks could be deceiving. I was more concerned with the fact that he had booster seats in the rear of the vehicle.
"Do you have children?" The words were out of my mouth before I processed what I was asking and the hurt in my voice was evident. This just showed how little I knew about him and to be honest I really didn't want an irate wife or girlfriend turning up and accusing me of anything. What surprised me most was the pang of jealousy I felt.
He looked surprised by my question, "No, why do you ask?"
"Why have you got two booster seats?"
"I bought them this morning," he stated simply. "After giving you a lift the other day, I decided to purchase them. I'd never forgive myself if I crashed and the children hurt themselves because they weren't in the correct seats."
I smiled and looked at the children who were still busy eating their ice creams oblivious to our conversation.
"Thank you."
Spike smiled as he put on his aviator sun glasses, and pulled into the afternoon traffic. I tried to get comfortable and chase away the crazy unfamiliar desire that was building inside me as I felt the pulsating between my thighs. I discreetly pressed them together firmly to relieve some of the pressure and could feel my heart beat accelerate. What was wrong with me? I hadn't ever had urges like this, not even with Liam. I continued to fidget trying to get comfortable as I grinded my thighs together and could feel the heat intensify as it rose through my body. I looked briefly at Spike who was now smiling for unknown reasons but I turned my head quickly to look out of the window so he couldn't see my mounting discomfort and shame on my face.
We pulled into the car park and Spike turned off the engine, and quickly jumped out to open the door for the children.
"I've just gotta make some calls and then I'll be over."
"What do you mean? I don't expect you to stay with us." I stated trying to reassure him I wasn't looking for a babysitter.
"I'm not needed at the shop so I can stay and then give you a lift home later." Spike winked before he got back into his vehicle to make some calls.
I assumed the matter was closed, not that I would argue with him anyway.
I slowly walked the children over to the park, it was lovely here and the brilliant sunshine only enhanced the area further. Sitting on the bench I was able to clearly see the children chase each other as they ran around the apparatus excitedly. Tommy portrayed the role of a dragon easily as he pursued his sister up the wooden steps of the climbing frame as Devon shrieked at the thought of Tommy catching her. I smiled at their interaction as I quickly glanced over at Spike still sitting in his vehicle but talking animatedly on his phone. I didn't know much about him apart from being a tattooist but I assumed by being in a motorcycle club that he may be involved in illegal activities but I didn't want to stereotype or imagine what that may involve. I was intrigued by him though and wanted to find out more.
A gust of wind gave me goosebumps and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. I instantly got an uncomfortable feeling and stood wrapping my arms around myself as I looked around the open space. There was nothing clearly out of place as I scanned the area but I felt as if something was wrong, it was as if I was being watched.
"Devon, Tommy, we're going." I marched over to the climbing frame to round up the children.
"But mum we've only just got here," Devon whined as she slid down the slide.
My chest started to hurt from the thumping my heart was making in my chest, "Stop you're winging we need to go." I snapped. I never took that tone with the children but I was scared for their safety.
I turned quickly and let out a high pitched scream as a hand was placed on my back. I continued to scream as I fought with all my might trying to get away from the arms that had now snaked around my waist and were holding me tight.
"Louise calm down," I could hear the familiar voice but I couldn't initially place it as I tried to prise his hands away, "It's me, Spike!" I hadn't realised but I was now crying uncontrollably as he turned me around and held me tight in his arms. The fight had now left my body and I let him hold me as I sobbed into his hard chest. I was still very aware of my surroundings and possible threat but could smell the comforting aroma of his aftershave as it invaded my senses which made me feel safe.
"Shhh, it's okay Louise," he said quietly as he held me close and stroked the back of my head in a soothing motion. I had the strange desire to push my body against his and let him wrap his safe, strong arms around me forever. Get a grip Louise!
"It's okay poppet I've got mummy, you go and play with your brother."
I assumed he was talking to Devon at his term of endearment which encouraged me to pull away gradually from his chest. He flashed an easy smile but his eyes darkened and filled with heat which wasn't what I was expecting from him.
My composure was back, "I need to go Spike, we're not safe here." I said looking around the park although I was still in his embrace.
"There is nothing to worry about Louise, you've just spooked yourself babe. You're in a public place with me, what could possibly happen?" he asked now holding me at arm's length.
"He's found us, I know he has." I twisted my body so that I could free myself from his embrace and marched over to the children who were standing on the climbing frame watching the scene play out in front of them.
"Are you okay mummy?" Tommy asked as he made his way down the apparatus to greet me.
I smiled and took his hand as I felt Spike come up behind me.
"Come on little man, I'm gonna take you home."
I turned to see Spike walk over to Devon and lift her off the frame and placed her with ease onto his shoulders, her two chunky legs dangling either side of his head.
"I can see everything from up here mum." She shouted as Spike led the way to his vehicle.
I took Tommy's small hand and followed directly behind them, trying to keep up with Spike's huge strides. Something caught my eye on the out skirts of the woods, I turned to see an outline which looked to be of a person in the bushes but the sun was shining directly in front of me. I squinted to see if I could make out what it was but another gust of wind pushed my hair into my eyes. I quickly moved the hair that obstructed my view and looked at the place where I thought I saw someone but no one was there.
"Is everything okay Louise?" Spike asked concerned because I had slowed my pace.
I nodded my head. "I hope so," I said quietly to myself.
Chapter 7
Louise
"Thanks for giving me a lift I really appreciate all of your help this week." Spike lifted my bags from the boot and placed them on the ground. I still didn't have much, just the clothes that had been donated and bought for me by the club but Amy had given me some holdalls so that I wasn't transporting my clothes in black bags.
"You are more than welcome," Amy pulled me into her embrace and held me tightly. "If you need anything, I'm only a phone call away. If you lose my number the refuge has it on file but I'll be in later on in the week."
I pulled away and smiled at her caring words, I don't know what I would've done without her over the past week.
I turned to see that Spike had now crouched to hug the children.
"Will we see you again Spike?" Devon asked hugging him tightly with a sad face.
He looked at me briefly before turning his attention back to Devon, "I hope so poppet, I'd like to take the three of you out somewhere next week."
Devon's face quickly turned from misery to joy as she hugged him again. Breaking from his embrace she ran towards me, "Can we mum? Can we go out with Spike?"
I let out a sigh and noticed that Spike was looking at me expectantly. He was out of line
saying something in front of Devon without asking me first because I couldn't possibly now say no, but did I want to say no? My body had been reacting strangely towards him, like he had a magnetic pull but I needed to keep my distance and continue to rebuff his subtle advances.
"We'll see Devon, we have a busy week coming up and we need to look at new schools." I briefly looked at Spike raising my eyebrows slightly indicating that this conversation was over for the time being and I dared him to intervene. I don't know where my sudden confidence had come from but I felt that I needed to try and be strong especially where he was concerned.
"Well what about the week after? We won't be busy then." Devon crossed her arms across her chest, the little madam was trying to show me up.
Spike smirked at her stance before composing himself, "Let the adults sort it out Devon. Don't worry, I'll speak to your mum next week." He stood and handed me the last of my bags and I saw a twinkle in his eye. As I took the bag from him, his thumb brushed mine sending shockwaves through my body. He didn't take his eyes from mine during the exchange and he knew full well that he'd affected me.
Amy cleared her throat, "Well, let's be getting you to the hotel kids." Amy shooed the children across the road as they waved at Spike but he was oblivious, he was looking at me as if it were the first time he had laid eyes on me.
"Sorry I should've asked you first before mentioning it in front of the kids but I would like to take you all out once you've settled." He put his hands into his pockets taking a casual stance waiting for me to reply.
My brain was hurting trying to process everything but I really wanted to see him again. Here I was standing in my oversized clothes, hair pulled back in a simple ponytail with bruises still on my face for the world to see, and he was asking to take me out. "I'd really like that Spike, thank you."
He nodded his head slightly and I saw a small smile cross his face, "I'll call you in the week."
Spike (Aces MC Series Book 3) Page 9