"Where are we going?" I asked petulantly as we entered the fire exit at the back of the club.
"I'm taking you home and then we're having that chat."
"I'm twenty-two not twelve Ethan. Let's have that chat here and get it over with because you're really being a buzz kill at the moment." I saw him clench his fists and knew that I'd over stepped the mark, he'd never hit me but he may punch someone else out of frustration and I didn't want to be responsible for that. "Look, okay, okay, I'm sorry. Let's find a quiet place to sit and hash the whole thing out and settle this tonight." I smiled sweetly and took Ethan's hand to lead him up the corridor and into the main bar. It had gotten busier and where I'd previously sat was now occupied so I directed him to the tables where the club members usually congregated.
Rachel came over, "What can I get you?" she asked politely.
"I'll have a jack and Amy will have a coke." Ethan stated looking at Rachel.
"Amy will not have a coke and Amy is more than capable of ordering her own drink. Amy will have a glass of wine, make it a large one please Rachel." I smiled sarcastically at Ethan as Rachel turned on her heels and scurried away.
He raised his hand to rub his forehead, "You'll be the death of me."
I sighed, "I had a rough day at work and wanted to chill for a couple of hours. It's no biggy!"
"No biggy Ames? Are you fucking listening to yourself?"
"What I'm trying to say, is that I don't have a drink problem. I just wanted to chillax." I crossed my arms and leaned back into the chair, I was obviously going to be here a while so I may as well make myself comfortable.
"It's gotta stop Ames before you put yourself in danger. If you get drunk and the wrong man comes on to you, who knows what could happen."
"I know Ethan, can we not rehash this please or try to give me a curfew."
He sniggered and I knew I'd eased the situation with my banter. That's one of the things I loved about our relationship, we had the ability to make each other laugh and our fights never went on than more than a day.
Rachel placed our drinks onto the table, and Ethan knocked it back in one gulp. I looked at him confused as he stood, "If I don't have to take you home then there's somewhere more important I've gotta be. Either Justice or Spike will be over shortly to make sure you get home safely."
"I don't need Daryl or Connor babysitting me, I'm going to finish this drink and then I'll get a taxi home."
"Do you promise?"
"I promise!" I stated saluting him.
He sniggered again and made his way around the table to take my face between his two large hands, "Know that I love you Amy Victoria Stokes and I will always look out for you, even if you don't want me to." Ethan placed a kiss on my forehead before he stood tall and winked leaving me with my thoughts.
I didn't ask where he was going but it obviously involved the club or a girl, although he was married to Amber. I giggled to myself as I picked up my glass to take a swig of wine and let out a satisfying sigh as it slid down my throat.
"You look like you're enjoying that."
I opened my eyes to see Travis a local in the club. I nodded my head, "Yeah I am but do you want to dance?"
He looked at me a little surprised but smiled and reached for my hand. There wasn't a dance floor at the club but the isles were wide enough to have a dance although a slow song was currently playing, which suited me fine as I didn't think I could move at a fast pace. Travis stepped closer and I wrapped my arms over his shoulders to link my hands around his neck and pull his body closer. I moved my hips from side to side to the rhythm of the music and only wished that it were James that I was dancing with. James was a good looking bloke and there was most certainly some chemistry between us, I'd definitely be giving him a call later in the week but for now I just wanted to have some fun. I continued to sway and felt Travis' hands move down my lower back until they were cupping my arse. I moved my head from the crook of his neck to see his cheeky grin obviously liking what he was feeling.
Oh what the hell I thought as he moved his hands lower, I could do with some male attention. "Do you want to come back to mine?" I asked Travis and his surprise was evident as he nodded his head excitedly. "Have you got your car or do we need to call a taxi?" I grasped his hand and led him from the club staying in the shadows making sure that I wasn't seen by any club members.
He gave my hand a light squeeze, "I've got my car babe." I nodded my head satisfied by his answer as I pushed through the main entrance and into the car park. Travis now took the lead and pulled me across the gravel in the direction of his Mercedes. He let go of my hand and walked around the car and I knew that he wasn't a gentlemen by that very gesture, I let out a sigh as I opened the door myself and slithered into the cold leather seat.
Ethan had said that he had business to attend to so he was going to be out for a while, I could possibly have Travis in and out of the flat by the time he got back and Ethan wouldn't be any the wiser. Travis placed his hand on my knee and squeezed as his leering eyes ran over my body. I smiled and knew that I needed to get home quickly before the alcohol wore off, my heart wasn't really in it but I could always pretend that he was James.
I giggled aloud, "What's up Amy?" he asked drawing his brows together.
"Nothing, just get me home babe." I said looking out of the side window.
Travis turned the key in the ignition and I listened to the purring of the engine, I was saving for a new car and this was beautiful although manly. He pulled out of the car park and I noticed two motorcycles come roaring past us. I turned my head quickly hoping that they hadn't seen me although I couldn't work out who they were in my hazed state and only hoped that they weren't looking for me.
We drove through the high street and the traffic became heavy because of the road works up ahead. I let out a long sigh as we queued down the hill as the alcohol was slowly wearing off.
"I know I'm feeling the same babe, I can't wait to get back to yours either." Travis said thinking my sigh was because I was being impatient. I tried to stop myself from laughing but the noises snuck out my mouth although I did my best to conceal them by holding my hand against my lips. Travis looked at me questioningly but our attention was drawn to a silver Nissan zooming past at speed and driving too close to the cars before it ripped off the wing mirror of the car in front and drove off.
"Son of a bitch!" Travis said as he got out of his car to see if the occupant of the vehicle in front was okay. I saw Travis talk to the elderly man quickly before he jogged back to his car.
"Babe have you got a piece of paper or something that I can write my details on?" I rummaged around in my handbag and found a rectangular shaped card that I passed to him. "Thanks babe," he gave me a wink before he jogged back to the car in front and I saw him scribble something on the back before he passed it to the driver.
"What a fucking arsehole!" Travis said as he entered the car. "The driver in front is in his seventies and don't know what to do about getting his car fixed or anything like that. I've given him my number and I said I don't mind helping out." I was surprised that Travis was being so helpful, I didn't have him down as being a good Samaritan.
Travis pulled around the car in front and gave a wave to the elderly man as we passed him. Poor sod, must be awful to be that age and have no one to look out for you. I glanced out the window and my heart lurched when I realised that I'd given James' business card to Travis to write his details on. I inwardly groaned and placed my hand over my face from frustration as I mentally kicked myself.
"Is everything okay Amy?" Travis asked looking at me concerned.
"Yeah everything's fine, just get me home." I saw the excitement on his face and only hoped that his enthusiasm would mean he would be quick.
We arrived outside my flat fifteen minutes later, I unfastened my seatbelt and opened the door to exit the car as quickly as possible. Fumbling around in my bag I eventually found my door keys and after the second attempt got the key in the lock and
opened the door. Travis pushed his body against mine and leaned in for a kiss taking my mouth aggressively. I liked it rough, Blake had taught me all types of things during the time we were together, possibly the wrong things but Travis' aggression was through lack of control.
I broke the kiss and kicked the front door shut before I took Travis' hand to lead him up the stairs to the flat I shared with Ethan. As soon as we entered, his hands were all over my body, ripping at my clothes as we backed up into my bedroom. Because of the alcohol, I didn't care about my scar and helped Travis to strip me naked and laid with him on the bed. I reached over to my bedside cabinet to find my box of condoms, and rummaged around inside before I grabbed one and gave it to him. He leaned back on his heels as he placed the rubber on his erection when the bedroom door flew open and hit the wall.
"What the fuck?" I screamed as Mitchell and Daryl came bounding into my bedroom. Daryl grabbed Travis by the back of his neck and lifted him from the bed roughly.
Travis raised his hands indicating that he didn't want any trouble, "Okay man, I'll go."
"Too fucking right you will." Daryl said through gritted teeth as he pushed Travis in the direction of the door.
I turned to see Travis scoot down quickly to pick his clothes from the floor before scurrying out of the room. I lay on the bed in all my glory still confused by the commotion, I didn't have anything to be ashamed of I was a single woman looking for fun and they were the ones that barged into my bedroom.
Daryl came back and lingered at the doorway, and I noticed them both look at the huge scar on my torso before Mitchell reached over to the chair in front of my dressing table to grab my dressing gown. He stepped closer, draped it over my naked body before turning to Daryl, and nodded his head. Daryl took that as his cue to leave and gave me a wink before he left the room.
"Scoot your arse over." I rolled my eyes at Mitchell's command but did as I was told. We had a great relationship and understood each other well, and I was pleased that it was Mitchell here rather than Ethan as Mitch's bollockings weren't usually as bad. He lifted his arm encouraging me to snuggle against his chest, "Come here." I smiled as I shimmed towards him to lay my head on his large chest and breathed in his scent. There was just something so comforting about being in Mitchell's presence, his embrace just felt like home. People thought it was weird but we just got each other and there was no sexual chemistry between us although I knew he was an attractive man.
"Are we going to talk about the elephant in the room?" I asked lifting my head so I could see his expression. Mitchell pursed his lips tightly and moved his hand to the back of my head to play with a strand of my hair. "I saw you and Daryl look at my scar."
Mitchell let out a sigh, "I didn't realise it was as bad as that Ames. I mean...Diesel and Spike explained but they were both a little vague to be honest."
This was the perfect opportunity to tell Mitch about what had happened to me, I hated keeping it a secret from him but it was the only way. He'd hit the fucking roof and the club would be after taking down the Dyers completely rather than just getting the three guys who attacked me and then we'd be at war. I could stop that from happening by keeping quiet, it wasn't anyone's business other than mine anyway and I knew if I told Mitch he'd go running to Blake and I really didn't want that happening.
"It's okay. I mean it's still tender but Connor said that I could tattoo around it eventually when it's healed and make me pretty again." I pursed my lips and smiled but I knew it didn't reach my eyes because the thought just made me sad.
"Just lay on me babe and let it all out. I don't have to be anywhere this evening, I'm here for you." I squeezed him awkwardly with the arm I still had draped over his waist and settled my head on his chest. The tears fell freely knowing that I had someone here with me that loved me unconditionally. Yes, he was a moody arsehole at times but he was my closest friend and he knew me inside out and upside down.
I cried until my eyes stung and I couldn't squeeze any more water out but I felt like a weight had now been lifted. Apart from my muzzy head, I felt a lot better but my mind was still working overtime thinking of what I could possibly do with my life now. My eyes became heavy as I listened to Mitchell's steady breathing, he'd obviously fallen asleep and I was enjoying the company and snuggled further into his side.
I woke with a jolt and opened my eyes to take in my surroundings. "Morning sleepy head," Mitchell whispered as he stroked the back of my head.
I smiled knowing that he was true to his word and had given up his free time to spend it with me to make sure I was okay. Not many people got to see this side of Mitch as he was too busy brooding about something club related but I was one of the lucky few.
"Good morning. What time is it?" I asked bringing my hand to my head to try and steady the dizziness.
Mitchell glanced at his watch, "Just gone 7.00am." I nodded my head slowly before resting it back on his bare chest, he must have removed his clothes in the night as he was only now wearing his boxer shorts. "I know you don't want to talk about this Ames but you've got to sort it out. There's nothing wrong with casual flings but you've got to keep yourself safe."
I knew he was right but I just wanted to feel loved if only for a short amount of time. I scoffed and didn't mean for it to be so loud but I couldn't help it, I didn't mean loved as in I was going to live happily ever after, I meant feel loved as I did now in Mitchell's embrace. I loved cuddles and the closeness it offered. "I know Mitch and I've been thinking that I need to get away for a while. Recharge the batteries and evaluate my life to decide what I really want."
"Do you want to discuss what went on with Recon?"
"Blake was only a fling, I was passing the time of day!"
"That's bullshit and you know it, you were both into each other you just wouldn't admit it to yourselves, and what's with the calling us by our Christian names? "
"I want to start distancing myself from the club Mitch and I feel as part of that I need to refer to you all as your birth names and not club names." He drew his brows together confused, "I know it sounds strange but it's something I need to do."
"Well if it works for you Ames then that's fine with me but Viper is a completely different entity."
"I know and I'll be respectful towards him and around him. I also want to let you know that I'm handing in my notice at the club." I'd been helping out at the strip club on a casual basis when they were understaffed but I now wanted to break away completely.
"Why?"
"As I said, I need to get away for a while. Rediscover myself and find out what I want."
"You'd miss us all too much!"
"I doubt it especially you." I said smugly and moved quickly from the bed. Mitchell had a habit of tickling me and I didn't think my head could handle my laughter ringing in my ears this morning. As I shimmied into my dressing gown, I glanced over my shoulder at Mitchell half naked in my bed and smiled. Why couldn't I just fancy him, things would be a lot less complicated. "Are you staying for breakfast?" I asked backing out from the bedroom.
"Hell yeah." He stated flinging the covers back and stepping from the bed.
"Cooked breakfast or toast and cereal?"
"I'm a man!" He stated flexing his muscles humorously.
I smiled, "Cooked breakfast it is then."
I moved around the kitchen effortlessly gathering the ingredients to make Mitchell a delicious breakfast. I missed our time together, since he became heavily involved in the club we'd spent even less time together which was a shame. As I busied myself, Mitch used his phone to respond to some messages and took a few calls regarding minor club issues, and I wondered if a break would also do him some good.
"Breakfast is served." I placed the plate in front of him and heard the cogs turn as he looked between the food and myself as I sat opposite him. Mitchell picked up his knife and fork and started to eat the food with appreciation and a wry smile on his face. "What you thinking?" I asked eagerly.
"Who said I'm thinking anyth
ing?"
"Mitchell, I know you better than anyone. You have that look on your face like your plotting something."
He sniggered, "Not plotting but considering something." I drew my brows together unsure where he was going with this. Mitchell placed his knife and fork down and rested his chin on his interlocked fingers. "Did you know that the club are purchasing the cafe on Epping high street?" I shook my head unaware that they were interested in the place. "We've got it for a really good price and it could be a little gold mine if managed correctly."
"Okay but why are you telling me this?"
"Because I want you to manage it Ames." I couldn't believe what I was hearing, the club were buying a new business and he wanted me to run it. He must have seen the confusion on my face, "It's a no brainer. You need a focus and I need someone that I can trust to run a business successfully to earn the club money."
"I don't know Mitch."
"You know what my plans would be if I were in charge. I would love to see this club legit and this is the first business venture apart from the club that Viper has agreed to so I need it to be successful. I would be forever in your debt Ames. "
"You've given me a lot to think about."
"I know and you don't have to make a decision now. It's going to take a couple of months for everything to go through."
"I still want to leave and take a break from the familiar."
"Yeah, I think that's a good idea. Go on holiday, chill, recharge those batteries but I would love to see you back in say two months to manage the cafe."
I nodded my head slowly taking in everything Mitch had just said. It would be a fantastic opportunity and give me a focus in life. I may even still be able to help out at the refuge although I was concerned about their security, and thought I'd look into helping out at the more local refuge in Epping.
"Well I'll at least consider it while I'm away. I'm going to take a shower and then start to pack."
Amy (Aces MC Series Book 3.5) Page 6