I took the small black box from my pocket and flipped the lid open to see the classic white gold band set with a single diamond. I removed the ring gently and placed it onto my little finger as I went through the wording in my head that I'd been practising for the past six weeks. It wasn't everyday that a man proposed and I wanted to make sure I asked her correctly. I smiled to myself knowing that the setting could've been a little better than a hospital but this incident had given me the kick up the arse I needed and I wasn't too bothered about details I just wanted to make Amy my wife.
"That looks expensive."
I glanced from the ring to see Spike standing in front of me with a huge smile on his face. I'd been so preoccupied that I hadn't heard him join me in the waiting room. I smiled and took the ring from my finger to place it back into the box for safe keeping.
"Diesel's gone for a while and I'm not one to stand in the way of young love, so I'm happy for you to go and see her." I smiled and stood eager to see Amy, I knew Spike was an old romantic at heart. I stepped forward and was surprised when Spike grabbed my forearm lightly. I turned towards him and saw the emotion in his eyes, "What's up Spike?"
"She's had a rough ride, just go easy on her."
I nodded my head understanding what he'd said but I knew she'd just had an operation and would be a little fragile, I could be an insensitive prick sometimes but I just wanted to see the woman I loved. I shrugged from his hold and made my way towards the door still holding the box firmly as my heart rate increased with excitement. Pushing the door open, I took a deep breath knowing that the next couple of minutes would be life changing.
"I said I didn't want to see anyone!" Amy's cheeks were stained from crying and I immediately noticed her hold her left side as she grimaced in pain.
"Calm down Ames, it's only me." I held my hands out reassuringly and walked slowly towards her but my presence didn't seem to reassure her.
"What part of I don't want to see anyone don't you understand?" Amy spat as she tried to get comfortable on the bed. I quickened my step so that I could assist her but she quickly swatted me away. "Get your hands off me, I don't want you or any other club member near me." She stated with venom in her voice.
What the fuck had gone on for her to be so angry? I knew that she'd been hurt but we'd played out all types of scenarios before hand and she seemed well prepared for every kind of event.
"Amy, I don't know what's gone on babe but I've been waiting to see you. I've been going out of my mind being kept away from you all of this time." I perched myself on the bed much to her disgust and I could clearly see that I was upsetting her by just being here but I didn't understand why.
"Well I don't know why you bothered. Due to my operation a booty call is out of the question for a couple of weeks so I'm afraid it was a wasted journey." She stared at me coldly but continued to hold her side as if her hand being there soothed her.
"I'm a little confused here Ames, help me out babe." She simply raised her brows and stared me down. "Look, I've come here to make sure you're okay and to see if you need anything, certainly not to fall out with you." I reached out to touch her hand but she instantly moved it.
"Don't fucking touch me. Not you or anyone for that matter has the right to put their hands on me unless I say so."
"Why the fuck you acting like this Amy. You don't talk like that, you're the voice of reason." I stated knowing that most club members would confide in Amy about all manner of things because she was so understanding and easy to talk to. I couldn't understand why she was pushing me away but I was slowly getting annoyed. I'd be the first to admit that I hadn't showed her the love and attention that she deserved but I was here now ready to ask the girl to marry me.
"Don't pretend you care Blake. We both know that it was just sex between us, no feelings were ever involved, well not on my part anyway."
I could hear her words but knew she didn't mean what she was saying by the way that her eyes started to water. "You don't mean that Ames."
She moved her hands to her chest and took a deep intake of breath, "Ahhh you do care Blakey." She stated taking the piss out of my bemused expression and being lost for words by her over dramatised performance. "Well I'm sorry to say this but it was just sex for me. Yeah you're pretty good in the bedroom but apart from that I don't feel anything babe." Amy moved on the bed and I saw the grimace again on her face as her hand went immediately to her side for support, "Close the door on your way out!"
I stood from the bed and clenched my fists together to stop myself from grabbing her to try and make her see sense. I couldn't believe how cold she was being towards me or even comprehend why? However, if she truly felt that way I wasn't hanging around to be insulted. I turned on my heels and stomped towards the door, drumming as much willpower as I possibly could to not turn around and run to her side when I heard her muffled cries. I didn't know what game she was playing this evening but I didn't want to be part of it. I closed the door behind me and leaned against it keeping my eyes closed as I tried to consume my anger.
"Is everything okay Recon?" I opened my eyes slowly as Spike came into focus looking concerned. "Did she ask you to leave?" he asked concerned.
"Told me not asked!" I stated as I pushed from the door and walked up the corridor.
"You need to give her the benefit of the doubt Recon!" I heard him shout after me.
"I don't need to give her shit!" Spike meant well but I wasn't hanging around for the Spanish inquisition, my pride was hurt and I needed to go and lick my wounds.
I stomped out of the hospital doors and towards the car park as I removed a fag from its box. Placing my hands around my fag, I tried to light it, I needed something to calm down quickly. I bumped into someone accidently as I was preoccupied, "Sorry mate!" I stated as I managed to light it.
"You leaving so soon."
I looked up to see Diesel, "Yeah, I'm going back to the clubhouse." I stated bluntly before turning back towards the car park.
"Well you couldn't have wanted to see her that much then," Diesel scoffed.
I ignored his comment, I could've turned back and answered his statement but I wasn't in the mood. It would result in a fight and I'd end up being reprimanded by the club for my efforts.
I sat on my motorcycle and took another puff on my fag while I contemplated my options. She'd made me feel like a total dick and to make matters worse Spike had seen the ring and was well aware of my intentions. He wouldn't run his mouth because that wasn't Spike but all the same, I wasn't comfortable with the situation. When Amy eventually got out of hospital and was feeling better, she'd be hanging around the club again and I didn't know at this stage if I'd be able to cope seeing her around, and it would break my heart if she got with another bloke. I threw my fag on the ground and fastened my helmet securely under my chin before I rode from the car park towards the clubhouse. I needed to see Viper and let him know of my intentions before I changed my mind.
"Did you manage to see Ames?" Duke asked as I stomped into the clubhouse.
"Yeah," I said as I glanced around looking for Viper. "Where's Prez?" I asked walking further into the room.
Duke narrowed his eyes slightly and sat forward on his chair, "In his office. Why, what's up Recon?"
"I need to speak to you both." I was feeling anxious but I needed to do this now before I changed my mind. I wasn't usually an impulsive person but this situation required drastic action.
"Do you want to speak to me first to see if I can help?" Duke stood and made his way towards me. I didn't want to talk to him as I knew he would try to talk me out of it. We'd become close friends over recent years and his relationship with Amy was strong so I didn't want to put any pressure on him to chose sides as that would make things awkward.
"No, I need to speak to you together." I turned on my heels and briskly walked in the direction of Viper's office, I needed to get this off my chest quickly and hopefully they'd let me go.
I knocked on the door although it was
open and Viper looked up from his paperwork and nodded his head indicating for me to enter. I felt someone behind me and glanced over my shoulder to see that Duke had joined us, which I was grateful for and made my way over to the leather sofa positioned against the wall on the left of the room.
Viper glanced at Duke and he shrugged as if to say he didn't know what this was all about as it wasn't the norm to just request a meeting with both of them.
"Okay Recon you have our attention, now what do you want?" Viper leaned back in his chair and placed his boots on the desk looking at me intently. That's what I liked about Viper, he never beat around the bush and told you exactly what was on his mind.
"I would like to transfer to another Chapter preferably Norfolk." I stated calmly as I leaned back on the sofa getting comfortable.
"Why?"
I chuckled at Vipers direct response which earnt me an unreadable expression, "Because I want a change of scenery it's as simple as that." I noticed the glances between the two of them and the puzzled expression on Duke's face and thought I needed to explain further otherwise they may decline my request. "You've always said that you wanted an ally within each of the different Chapters, well if I go to Norfolk you'll get that with me. I can report back to you directly and keep you informed of everything that is going on behind the scenes." I looked at them hopeful that they'd see it as a good idea.
"He's right man, it would be an advantage although I'm finding it difficult to grasp that you just need a change of scenery." Duke started off talking to Viper but by the time he'd finished his sentence he had turned his attention to me and was assessing me closely.
I stood from the sofa, "Look believe me or not I don't really give a shit but this is an offer you should really take." I strolled towards the door taking my time hoping that Viper had taken the bait.
"Recon!" I secretly jumped for joy inside knowing that I'd got my wish. I turned to look him directly in the eye, "I'm gonna miss you man but you're right, this is an offer we can't really turn down." I nodded my head and winked at Duke as I left the room feeling a little lighter than I did when I'd walked in earlier.
"Get me a jack and coke." I asked the prospect behind the bar, I needed one for the road.
"That was quite a display in there, I know there's more to your story." Duke sat down beside me and beckoned a drink from Mark.
"I don't know what you mean." I stated as I sipped the drink that had just been placed in front of me.
Duke sniggered, "Cut the shit it's me you're talking to. I know that you went to see Ames and I know about this." He rammed his hand into my jacket pocket and pulled out the box before I had time to stop him. I let out a sigh and placed my face in my hands as I leaned on the bar. The prospect took his cue and placed the bottle of jack on the bar before walking off to leave us alone.
"Spike has a big mouth."
"And Spike was concerned about you as am I." I watched as Duke downed his drink before he poured himself another and quickly offered me the bottle. I declined and he smiled placing it onto the bar. "She's hurting at the moment a little like you but give her time and she'll calm down. I don't know what she said to you but I know she hurt your pride, so you can either suck it up and get on with it or run away like a bitch." My mouth fell open from his harsh words, he spoke his mind like his uncle but I didn't really want to hear the truth this evening.
I swirled the last of my drink in the glass before I downed it and stood from my stool, "Well I guess I'm a bitch then." I slid the glass along the bar and turned to leave the clubhouse to the sound of Duke's laughter. What did he know about love? He was a commitment phobe and ran in the opposite direction of any woman that showed him affection, and that's why I didn't hang around to explain myself as he just wouldn't understand.
I walked into the yard and felt the pinch of the cold night air as my mobile buzzed indicating I'd received a text. I quickly fastened my jacket and reached into my jean pocket to retrieve my mobile to see that Viper had messaged me regarding my move to Norfolk. Tank the President of Norfolk would welcome me warmly as I'd come so highly recommended because of my loyalty towards the club. I smiled to myself as I mounted my motorcycle but didn't pull away because Bear and Justice had just arrived and parked up beside me.
Justice dismounted his motorcycle and circled his arms around before stretching, "That feels better." He removed his helmet and ruffled his hair before tying it into a ponytail which made me snigger, he glanced at me and gave a quick wink as Bear joined him.
"What's going on?" I asked knowing that they'd possibly been on club business rather than a jolly up if they were together.
Bear glanced around the yard before leaning in close, "We caught one of the guys from the club and had to teach him a lesson." I nodded my head understanding the protocol. "But the others have gone underground," he stated frustrated.
"But we'll rat them out, they can't stay in hiding forever." Justice chipped in as he patted me on the back. "What's with the long face anyway?" he asked assessing me.
"Nothing man, just got my thinking head on," I stated as I fastened my helmet. "I've put in a transfer requested which has just been accepted by Norfolk." I turned to see both Bear's and Justice's bemused expressions as they looked between themselves then at me. I shrugged, "Need me some new pussy, that's all. Stay safe boys." I gave them a wink before leaving the yard. I didn't want to be bombarded with questions regarding the transfer or Amy for that matter. We hadn't announced that we were shagging but all club members loved a bit of gossip and I'm sure we were the topic of conversation especially after Amy being injured.
I knew that the club would seek revenge for what had happened to Amy but she'd made it clear that she didn't need me around so I knew this was best for the both of us long term although it was ripping my insides apart to walk away.
Chapter 3
Amy
"I can't believe that I'm finally out of that place." I hobbled up the stairs to the flat that I shared with Ethan. This wouldn't have been an ideal solution for all siblings but it worked for us, and it gave him his own thinking space away from Amber and her crazy antics.
"Here, let me help you." Ethan said softly as he wrapped his arm around my waist.
I quickly swatted him away, "I'm not an invalid Ethan." I said sternly as I quickened my pace up the stairs, which increased the pain in my side. I let out a low rasped breath and tried to mask the fact that I was in pain but I needed to get to my room to try and block out the rest of the world as I still wasn't ready to talk to people.
"The hospital only let you home knowing that you have someone to look after you, and that someone is me. Get used to me fussing around you otherwise this is going to be a very long healing process and stop fucking calling me Ethan!" He caught up with me and wrapped his arm around my waist once more so he could take the majority of my weight and aid me up the stairs. Ethan dropped my bags on the floor and took the keys from his pocket with his spare hand before opening the door. I tried to worm myself from his hold but he held firm and dug his fingers into my side so that I couldn't get free.
"Where do you want to go, in the living room or your bedroom?" he asked sincerely.
"My bedroom please, I need my own space." I tried to keep the annoyance from my voice as I just wanted to be alone. I knew he was doing his best by me, by making sure my recovery ran smoothly but I wasn't a very good patient and knew that we'd butt heads during the next couple of weeks. Ethan aided me towards my bedroom and turned the knob to open the door. I breathed in the familiar scent and walked slowly from Ethan's hold to stand in the middle of my room. A smile spread across my face and I swept my hand over the duvet feeling a sense of warmth knowing that I was now home. I turned my back to Ethan and grabbed the hem of my t-shirt to try and lift it over my head.
"Fuck that hurts!" I moaned as I felt a tugging sensation in my stomach.
"For heaven's sake!" Diesel stomped towards me and pulled my t-shirt with ease from my body. His eyes travelled di
rectly to the huge bandage that was covering my wound and I heard him exhale as he shook his head. "You should've fucking listened to me and stayed away."
"Hindsight is a fabulous thing!" I said dryly as I opened the drawer to find my most practical of nightdresses.
"Why do you do that?" he shouted which made me jump.
"Do what?"
"Be a fucking smart arse towards me. I told you not to help the club but you ignored my advice, and now that you've gotten hurt, which I knew would fucking happen, you're blaming me." My eyes welled with tears but I wasn't giving Ethan the pleasure of seeing my pain so I turned my body away from him to place my arms into the nightdress. "It's not my fault Ames and you can hit out and call me all of the names you want babe but I'm your brother and I'll be here no matter what. It was a tragic accident and no one could've predicted what happened to you but you can't blame yourself and certainly not the club for what happened." The dam had now broken and the tears were streaming down my cheeks but I didn't turn to look at him, I continued to take my time and fasten the buttons at the front of my nightdress hoping that he would just leave.
"Is this how it's gonna be from now on?" I remained quiet and thought it best to let Ethan have his rant and then hopefully he'd get the hint that I didn't want a conversation. "You can't sustain this mood or give me the cold shoulder forever for that matter, eventually you'll have to face what's happened and you'll need me."
I saw Ethan's clenched fists from the corner of my eye, he'd never hit me but he was frustrated by my actions and I'd made him angry. He spun on his heels and the sound of the door slamming made me jump as I wasn't expecting him to react that way. I let out a loud sigh and quickly went about taking off the rest of my clothing so that I could get into bed. You'd think I would be sick of the sight of beds after my long stay in hospital but it gave me a good excuse to avoid unwanted visitors as I could pretend to be asleep.
I snuggled under the duvet and pulled the cover so that it was tightly tucked under my chin. Now that I was relaxed, I could feel the aching pain in my tummy and regretted not taking any tablets before I got comfortable.
Amy (Aces MC Series Book 3.5) Page 3