I heard the rumble of motorcycle's as a group pulled up by the side of the park. I glanced at Amy and she shrugged, "He'd kill me if I didn't tell him." She stated.
"I don't want to waste their time, they'll think I'm just being silly."
"Let them be the judge of that." Amy said as she stood to greet the guys as they made their way over to the park.
Spike stalked towards me and held me close enveloping me in his arms, "Was it Liam?" he asked with urgency.
"No, apart from last week I've never seen him before but he called me Louise, he knew my name Spike."
"What do you mean last week? Where did you see him?" Spike spoke in a forceful tone which made me recoil, "This isn't the time Angel I need you to be strong. Where did you see him?"
"Outside the council office last week. My piece of paper blew in the wind and he stopped it and gave it to me. He asked me out for a drink but I declined."
Spike looked thoughtfully and I could see him analyse the information.
"I've got a photo," I said scrambling around for my phone. "It's not a very good one, hold on let me find it." I scrolled quickly through my phone and passed it to him so he could see.
He flicked through the photos that I'd taken and slowly walked over to the rest of the group. I glanced towards the kids to see Diesel pushing them on the swings. I was blown away at the extent to which this group of people had opened up to me and my children and was starting to see them as friends.
I walked over to Spike and the rest of the group as they looked at the photographs.
"Did he say anything else to you that may help us find out who he is?" The man who spoke was huge in comparison to the other guys and they were big themselves. He wore a badge that said 'Sergeant at Arms ' which I think made him important but I wasn't sure, he looked intimidating and assessed me with his piercing green eyes.
"No, he just asked me out for a drink and said that we could take the kids because he had a car parked along the high street. He went in that direction." I pointed towards the path that led to the woods. I knew it was a short cut but I had never used it as I didn't want to be in a secluded area.
The huge man nodded at a younger smartly dressed man and they went in the direction of the woods, as he walked past I noticed that his badge said 'Road Captain' which didn't mean anything to me but it must have had some significance.
"What's that look for?" Spike asked Diesel as he joined the group. I quickly glanced at the children to see that Amy had now joined them to continue pushing them on the swings.
"What if it's not a direct threat to Louise?" The remaining men looked at him confused as he stood looking around the park and its surrounding area. "We had a threat against the club on Tuesday with the brick being thrown through the window at the gym and now this, I don't know but I'm just putting it out there." He rubbed his chin contemplating what he'd just said and I saw the glances of the other men.
Spike put his arm around my waist and held me tight and for the first time in the last twenty minutes I felt my body relax.
"You're not going back to the refuge, you can either stay at Amy's or mine but you're not going back. I can't protect you there." He whispered into my ear before kissing my temple.
My phone started to ring and Spike handed it to me so that I could answer, although I could see his confusion as to who would be calling me. I looked at the number and moved out of his embrace, so that I could take the call.
"Yes it is...Hi...Oh that's fantastic, thank you they'll be over the moon...that's lovely we'll see you then...thanks again, bye." I got off the phone excited.
Spike drew his brows together and raised his head expectantly, "St James, they have a place for Tommy and Devon. They can start school on Monday."
He smiled and grabbed me again around the waist, holding me in front of him so that he could wrap his arms around me protectively. I felt embarrassed by his public display of affection but no one commented.
"We didn't see anything unusual." I turned to see that the two men had returned.
"Thanks Bear, Woods, I appreciate you taking a look." Spike said gratefully.
Bear, Woods why didn't they have normal names? How was I going to remember all of these names?
"The kids are restless should we get them home?" Amy asked as she held their hands, joining the group.
"Diesel can I have a piggy back ride?" Devon asked looking at him with an angelic look.
The guys laughed, "Well how can I possibly refuse."
He picked her up swinging her around so that she giggled and placed her on his shoulders.
Tommy looked at the floor and kicked a stone, he wasn't as brash as Devon to ask for such a thing. Spike bent down quickly, "Come on little man," Spike whispered. "Get on and we'll give them a race." Tommy's face lit up with delight as he clambered onto Spike's shoulders. Spike grabbed Tommy's hands and quickly ran past Diesel, "Ha-ha, we're winning!" Tommy giggled as his little body jiggled up and down as Spike ran up the path and out of the park.
"Not fair, come on Diesel faster." Devon kicked her heels like she was encouraging a horse to gallop and Diesel took chase.
The guys shook their heads and sniggered as they watched Diesel lose to a very excited Spike and Tommy as they high fived each other in jubilation at winning.
"It wasn't fair you started before us." Devon sulked as she climbed down from Diesel's back. "I'm riding on his back next time because he's bigger." She said pointing to Bear to the roar of laughter from everyone.
I smiled awkwardly at the group for having such a cheeky child but they seemed to take it in good spirit.
"Come on kids get in." I said opening the back door of Spike's Jeep so that they could climb in.
"Where we going?" Spike asked with a broad smile and a twinkle in his eye.
I narrowed my eyes playfully, "Can we go to Amy's?"
He placed both hands on his chest near his heart, "You're killing me!" Spike smiled and leaned forward to place a kiss on my forehead before opening the passenger door, "Get in Angel."
I looked at him still confused by his address and noted that he was referring to me as Angel more recently. I'd have to speak to Amy regarding this as I wasn't sure about him giving me a nick name.
The guys on their motorcycles rode in the direction of the club and we headed to Amy's apartment. She had given me a key before she went to work at the refuge and had agreed to pack up our clothes so that I didn't have to return.
Pulling up outside I quickly looked around to make sure everything was as it should be, that man had put me on edge and although I knew I would be safer with club members around me, I had this nagging feeling that Liam had now found me and the trouble was only about to begin.
"I wish I could stay with you and the kids but I've gotta get back to work, I've had too much time off lately." Spike said as he turned off the engine.
"That's fine, I'll be safe here at Amy's." I said trying to sound convincing but had an element of doubt.
"I'll get Ramsey to keep watch," Spike said as I rolled my eyes. "I won't be able to concentrate if I don't have someone with you."
I opened the passenger door and slid off the seat but turned back towards Spike, "Are you still taking us on a picnic on Sunday?"
"Picnic?" Tommy and Devon said in unison.
"Yeah if you still want to go? You're also invited to Hound's and Maggie's twenty-fifth wedding anniversary tomorrow, if you'd like to come?"
"Would they be offended if I didn't? I need to go shopping and get the kids their new uniform."
Spike nodded and took his wallet from his pocket, removing a bundle of notes. He leaned closer and placed them into my hand, "If you need any more just let me know."
"I can't accept this Spike, no please take it back I'll manage." I tried to give the money back to him but he took my hand gently and closed my fingers around the notes. Still holding my hand he turned towards me fully, "Make sure they get everything they need, there's nothing worse than being the k
id that looks the odd one out." I saw the pain in his eyes and accepted the money graciously, he'd obviously dealt with something like that in his own childhood and this wasn't the time to discuss it further. Spike leant over and I allowed him to kiss me on the cheek in front of the children but we were still met with giggles from the back seat.
"I'll see you Sunday."
"Be good for your mum kids." Spike said as he high fived them good bye.
Chapter 15
Spike
It had been a couple of days since I'd seen Angel and the twins. I had taken them to the park on Sunday for a picnic in the last of the sunshine. The twins enjoyed themselves and it was great to spend time with them away from the day to day hustle of life. Angel was becoming more comfortable around me and although we hadn't discussed 'us' the fact that she wanted to spend time with me and the way her body reacted when I was near her, made me hopeful that it was only a matter of time.
She had expressed that she didn't need any distractions as the kids were starting their new school and they had moved into their new apartment. It was a lot of upheaval for the children so I appreciated her wanting space but I was missing them. We'd spoken on the phone every evening when the kids had gone to bed, and she'd sent me some photos of the children in their new school uniforms but it just wasn't enough, I needed them in my life fully, not part time.
Maggie and Amy had arranged a little get together at the club for the twins this coming Friday to celebrate their birthdays but I was racking my brains to think of what to buy them. I didn't know anyone that had young children so I would probably have to ask Angel although I knew that she wouldn't want me to buy them anything. Come to think of it she was still upset that I had to go away Friday evening. She didn't say as much but I knew from how quiet she'd become on the phone that she didn't want me to go, I only wished that she would tell me herself rather than me playing guessing games all of the time.
I was pulled from my thoughts as my phone rang and I smiled as I realised it was my Angel.
"Hello beautiful, how you doing?" I greeted her knowing full well it would make her blush.
"I don't like to ask at such short notice but are you able to come over and speak to Tommy?" she seemed a little panicked. "I mean if you're busy don't worry..."
"What's up babe?" I asked grabbing my cut and leaving my apartment. Even if I had plans, I'd cancel them if she needed me.
"I'm not sure. Devon said that Tommy was fine coming out of school but froze when he got into the playground and...he wet himself in the playground Spike." Angel said the words as she sobbed.
"I'm on my way, I'll be with you in ten minutes." I knew what had made him wet himself before at the cafe and I had a feeling I knew what may have happened now also. I needed to get over there quickly because if I was correct, shit was about to hit the fan.
"Thanks for coming over Spike." Angel looked distraught and had red rimmed eyes indicating that she'd been sobbing for a while.
"You don't have to keep thanking me," I glanced around the living room, "Where is he?"
"He's in his room." She said pointing towards his bedroom door.
I nodded and made my way down the narrow corridor and even though the door was slightly open, I knocked to let him know I was here. "Can I come in?" I asked as I peered through the gap of the door.
He didn't answer so I pushed the door open further and saw that he was sitting on his bed with his back against the wall. He'd pulled his knees up nice and tight and was resting his head in the gap he had created so that I couldn't see his face.
"Hi little man. How you doing?" He didn't answer so I walked into the room quietly as to not scare him and sat down beside him. "You're mum said you had a bit of trouble today at school, so I thought I'd come over and see if you were okay. Do you wanna talk about it?"
Tommy didn't look up but he shook his head from side to side. "That's okay, sometimes I get sad and don't want to talk to people either. We're very similar you and I Tommy, did you know that?"
He looked up and I could see his tear stained face. I quickly got a hanky out of my pocket and passed it to him so he could wipe his tears.
"Shall I tell you a story?" Tommy nodded his head. "I don't tell many people this story Tommy and it's horrible in places but I think you're big and brave enough to be able to handle it." I had piqued his interest. "When I was your age, two naughty men broke into my house. I was so scared that when I saw them I wet myself. Now I had never done this before and I was really embarrassed but I just couldn't help it, it just happens sometimes especially when you may be scared."
Tommy had now stopped wiping his eyes and turned to look at me fully. "Is that what happened to you Tommy? Did you see something that frightened you?" He nodded his head and I could see the tears well in his eyes again. "No, you're not gonna cry anymore Tommy because you're a brave little boy. I wouldn't have told you my story if I didn't think that you were brave enough to be able to handle it." He fought back his tears and slowly controlled his breathing.
"Did you see your dad Tommy?" He looked at me with wide eyes and nodded his head, "I can't hear you, did you see your dad Tommy?"
"Yes!"
"Good boy, come here." I took my phone from my pocket to text Diesel quickly to let him know before opening my arms and taking the young boy into my embrace. I needed to be tough with Tommy, I didn't want him to be a victim for the rest of his life. If I was going to be around for the long haul which I hoped I was, I needed to start making him strong especially if he was going to be brought up in my world.
I held him tightly to comfort him but I needed to keep him talking to try and build his confidence, "What do you want for your birthday?"
He looked at me surprised, "You know it's my birthday on Friday?"
"I know everything, remember that. So what do you want?" I could see his eyes light up as he contemplated what he may ask for.
"I'd really like a bike because I didn't bring mine."
I nodded my head, "That's a very good choice, see that's how similar we are because that's what I would've chosen."
"Really?"
"Yep. Now Tommy, I want you to do me a big favour," he looked at me expectantly. "In order to do this you need to be brave and you've shown me today just how brave you can be."
"I am brave Spike, really brave."
"Well that's good because what I want you to do is to look after your mum and sister for me. You're the only man here so that responsibility falls to you."
"What do I have to do?"
"Well, you have to be happy because when you're happy they're happy. You also need to make sure they're okay. If they are ever unhappy, scared or ill then I need you to call me to let me know."
I opened my wallet and took out one of my business cards. "This here is my special card and it has all of my important numbers on it. Now this is so special, that the only other person to have it is your mum."
Tommy's face lit up at the thought of having something important. "If you need to talk to me or need me to come over for any reason, I want you to call me. Do you think you can do that?"
"Yes Spike, I can do that."
"Well that's great. I've got some change for you here and I will take you to a phone box and show you how to use it. Do you know how to use a mobile phone?"
He nodded, "Yeah, I play games on mummy's mobile."
"That's good Tommy, that's really good. Right shall we go and see your mum and try to do one of the things I've asked you to do."
"Make mum and Devon happy?" he asked.
"Yep but remember, when you're happy they're happy." He nodded his head and wriggled off my lap.
I followed him out of the bedroom and strolled into the living room to see Tommy jump onto his mum's lap to give her a cuddle. I watched their interaction as I perched on the arm of the other sofa and was satisfied that I had managed to get through to Tommy. He was a good kid, just shy because of what he'd dealt with during his short life.
"Mummy's cooking
Lagsana. Are you staying for dinner?"
"Do you mean Lasagne?" I asked humorously.
Devon looked at me confused, "That's what I said Lagsana!" She rolled her eyes at me as she tried to climb onto the stool at the breakfast bar but struggled, so I assisted her by picking her up and placing her onto the stool. "So are you staying?"
I glanced at Angel as she silently nodded.
"Yeah I'm gonna stay as long as I can sit next to you poppet."
Devon smiled and patted the stool next to her indicating for me to sit down. I picked up one of her drawings to see what she'd been up to.
"These are good Devon but why do you all look so sad?" I asked referring to the drawing of which was clearly of Angel, Devon and Tommy looking unhappy.
She rummaged around in the pile of drawings and pulled out another piece of paper for me to look at. "That was at the old house," she said pointing to the first drawing I looked at. "But this one is of us living here and we're all happy."
There was a considerable difference between the two drawings which pleased me as she obviously felt happier being here. "Who's this in the background here?" I said pointing to the figure.
Devon giggled, "It's you silly, on your motorbike."
Her sentiment made me smile as she had included me in her family and I couldn't help but feel accepted. I leaned over to place a kiss on her forehead. Devon looked at me puzzled as Angel leaned over us to look at the drawing approvingly but as she did her breast rubbed against my back. I glanced at her to see a smile on her face confirming that she knew exactly what she was doing.
"I'm about to dish up, pack these away and go and wash your hands please." Angel walked seductively into the kitchen as she continued to smile obviously pleased with herself. She pulled on an oven glove and turned towards me, "Are you able to lay the table?" she blushed as she asked and I smiled as this was all very domesticated.
"Not a problem, just point me in the direction of the cutlery."
Spike (Aces MC Series Book 3) Page 17