I saw the pain on his face as Louise disappeared in the back room and he picked up the nearest chair and launched it to the other side of the cafe before stomping towards the exit and slamming the door behind him.
I let out a loud sigh at how the evening had turned to shit. Connor was only trying to protect her honour but in doing so he'd taken it too far and had damaged the trust that he'd built with Louise already.
I walked to the back door that led to the storage area and knocked lightly. "Louise is it okay to come in babe?" I didn't push the situation and stayed quiet waiting for her to respond.
I could hear a faint whimpering coming from behind the door and was about to push it when the door slowly opened.
Louise peered her head through the gap and looked around the cafe behind me, "Has he gone?" she asked quietly.
I nodded my head, "Yes Louise, he's gone. He probably needs some time to reflect and calm down. If I know Connor like I think I do, he'll be beating himself up regarding how he reacted just then but he was only trying to protect you babe."
She opened the door wider and walked out of the storage area mournfully. Devon was still wrapped tightly around Louise although she was scowling, and I noticed Tommy hanging on to the fabric of his mothers dress tightly as she gingerly made her way into the eating area.
"Honestly babe, you've got nothing to worry about. Connor would never lay a finger on a woman." I said reassuringly as Louise leaned forward to put Devon down.
Louise placed her hand on her forehead and rubbed it with a grimace, "I know that." She said in a quiet voice, "It's just that I'm finding it difficult to adjust."
I pulled out a seat and gestured for her to sit, as I joined her and the children at the table. "I know babe and it's gonna take time, and I don't just mean with Connor. Unfortunately I see it all the time at the refuge, but the worst thing would be if you never learned to trust again." I gave her a wry smile and leaned over to place my hand on hers. "It'll come good in the end babe, I promise." I stood and pushed the chair under the table as I saw a car pull up outside the cafe. I nodded towards the door, "Buster's come to give you and the children a lift to the refuge."
Louise's eyes widened, "I can't leave you with all this mess." She waved her arm in the direction of the carnage that Connor had left behind.
We both turned to the sound of the door opening as Ramsey and Buster walked through, "It's fine, Ramsey's gonna help me out." I saw the confusion on his face at my statement but he quickly looked around the floor at the mess and I saw Ramsey's eyes soften as he understood what I was getting at.
"Well if your sure?" Louise asked as she stood. Devon let out a loud yawn and placed her hand over her mouth to try and stifle it.
"Yes I'm sure, you get these two home and into bed." I walked over to Louise and wrapped my arms around her shoulders to pull her in for a big hug. She'd been through a lot and the situation this evening hadn't helped one bit. I pulled away slightly to look at her puffy face from where she'd been crying, "I'll call you tomorrow."
Louise smiled and stepped back before herding the children, "Thank you Amy."
I smiled as I watched Louise and the twins leave the cafe, Buster opened the door for them and then briskly walked to the car to open the door and get the children in.
"Trouble? Do you want me to call Duke or Diesel?" Ramsey asked referring to the mess on the floor.
I shook my head, "Nah, that's Connor's mess." Ramsey raised his brows, "Yeah exactly, we should just tidy and keep this to ourselves."
Ramsey nodded his head understanding what I was saying, I didn't want to start telling tales. Connor was in a bad mood as it was and didn't need reprimanding by Mitch or Andy.
Chapter 8
James
"Good morning," I said walking into the clubhouse. I'd been here a few times now and was starting to feel comfortable around the place although I'm sure Duke still had a problem with me. I couldn't work out why yet but had a feeling it was down to the fact that I was seeing Amy although things were a little fractious between us at the moment.
"Morning James, pleased you could join us." Diesel stood and walked over to me with his hand held out ready to receive mine. I shook it and was surprised when he brought me in for a hug, and slapped me on the back in a manly gesture of affection. "Buster get the man a drink," he shouted towards the prospect behind the bar.
I shook my hand, "No I'm fine, it's a little early for me."
Diesel smirked, "I meant tea or coffee. It's too fucking early even for me to have alcohol." I smiled feeling a little stupid that I'd just assumed he meant the stronger stuff.
"Well in that case I'll have a strong coffee please Buster." The young boy nodded and went about his business as Diesel directed me towards the group.
I could hear a commotion coming from the corridor at the back of the clubhouse and glanced at the group to see an array of different expressions.
"I'm assuming that Amy has just found Yasmin then," Bear said amused.
Justice sniggered, "I love it when she goes off on one, she certainly has the Stokes fiery temper."
They were obviously speaking about Ames but I couldn't put the conversation into context.
“You’re hurting me Amy.” A young woman's voice screamed from the corridor. The group instantly stopped what they were doing to look at the doorway as Amy dragged a dark haired woman into the bar and threw her to the ground.
“This is the reason that Mitchell’s late for Church.” Amy glanced around the group until her eyes met mine and her expression quickly changed as her eye widened. I saw her swallow hard before she continued her rant trying hard to make it look like my presence hadn't effected her. “Even with a broken nose she manages to suck cock. How the fucking hell she managed to breathe is beyond me.” Amy turned on her heels and slammed the door as the group burst into laughter.
I turned my attention to the young woman on the floor and went to help her when I felt a hand firmly on my shoulder preventing me from going to her aid.
"She's not your problem." I turned to see Bear staring at me almost daring me to question him. I shrugged and simply stood back fighting my inner feelings to help her as Rex stepped forward taking off his cut and then his jumper to give it to the woman.
"Get this on then get your arse home." He said coldly and I wondered who Rex was to this woman. Surely he couldn't be romantically linked to her as she'd just been caught sucking another man's cock.
I watched as the young woman picked up his jumper from the floor and stood directly in front of him in all her glory. There were a few sniggers behind me and as I glanced around the group I could also see the anguish and some club members turned away which intrigued me.
I turned back to the standoff to see the woman slowly put the jumper on with a smug expression almost goading Rex. He lunged forward and grabbed her hair at the back of her neck and pulled her in close, "If you didn't have a fucking broken nose already, I'd fucking give you one. Now get your arse out of here before I fucking lose it." He spat through gritted teeth.
Her eyes widened which showed her only emotion before she simply stepped back out of his grasp and found the courage to wink at the group before turning on her heels and seductively walked from the clubhouse.
The group went quiet probably wondering what Rex was going to do next. Diesel stepped forward and rested his hand on Rex's shoulder, "Chill, don't let her wind you up man that's what she wants."
Rex shrugged Diesel's hand from his shoulder, "Yeah, she's just like her fucking mother." He left the group in the direction of the exit. "Tell Duke I've gone home," he shouted over his shoulder.
Diesel let out a low whistle, "Women!" The group laughed at the single word.
"Diesel is it okay for me to start sorting out my father's office?" I asked feeling like I'd already outstayed my welcome.
"Yeah sure James, sorry mate I was gonna take you there but that little scene got me sidetracked." He stated sniggering to himself.
&
nbsp; I smiled briefly before I walked towards the corridor that led to my father's office. I wanted to check the stock of medicines and equipment, and get a feel for the general set up of the place. My father had expressed his desire to retire and I knew that the club would snap my hand off but I wanted it to be right for me also.
As I neared the infirmary I heard two voices coming from one of the bedrooms, and felt awkward knowing that I'd have to pass it in order to get to my destination.
“Yes, you’re right. Stop it Ames, I mean it!” I recognised Duke's voice and wondered what the hell Amy was actually doing to make him laugh so hard.
“Let it take its natural course, if it doesn’t work out at least you’ve given it a go with no regrets.”
I naturally slowed my pace and although I knew it was wrong I was hoping to hear more of the conversation.
“Why can’t I just fancy you Ames? It would make life a whole lot easier.” Duke said with a little more longing in his voice than I wanted or expected to hear.
“No it wouldn’t because I wouldn’t put up with any of your shit!”
They stopped talking and I quickly realised that I'd stopped at the open door to see Duke with no clothes on, laying on top of Amy. They both turned in my direction and I felt under pressure to justify why I was here. “Sorry I didn’t mean to interrupt.” I felt embarrassed by being caught but hurt from what I saw. I backed away from the door and turned quickly to walk towards the infirmary, feeling confused regarding how close Duke and Amy actually were.
“Shit!” I heard Amy say as I walked further down the corridor.
“Are you gonna run after him?” Mitchell asked but I was too far away to hear her response.
I opened the door with the key my father had given me and quickly stepped into the room so that I could close the door firmly behind me. I leaned my back against the wooden door and breathed heavily as I went over the conversation I'd heard. They weren't seeing each other but I didn't like the fact that they were so comfortable in each other's presence that Duke could be naked around her. I shook my head trying to clear my thoughts, I really didn't want to be thinking about this right now as I had plenty to be getting on with.
I walked around the desk to sit in the black leather chair and looked around the room, it was sparse and would need an injection of cash to bring it up to scratch but I probably had some equipment that I could use from my own practice.
I opened the drawers one by one making a note of what my father had kept in stock as this would make the process a little easier if I chose to work for the club.
I hadn't been in here long when the door opened abruptly, I glanced up towards the door to see Duke leaning on the wooden frame.
"To what do I owe this pleasure?" I asked trying to act like I wasn't bothered with his unexpected visit.
"I'm still trying to work you out James." Duke pushed from the doorframe and walked into the room to stand in front of the desk as he folded his arms across his chest.
"Nothing to work out, what you see is what you get!" I stated opening my arms wide indicating I was an open book.
"She likes you, she hasn't said as much but I know Ames better than she knows herself." He stepped closer, "I don't want her getting hurt."
I couldn't understand where he was going with this. "Or do I Duke," I said maintaining eye contact.
"Well good, that means we're singing from the same hymn sheet where she's concerned."
"Is there something going on that I should know about?" I wasn't scared of Duke, although he was a big bloke and had a few inches in height on me. I'd have a go at anyone if they got in my business but I needed to ask him this, one because he wouldn't be expecting it and two because I needed to know for sure.
He raised his brows as if surprised by my question. "The only thing that you need to know that's going on, is that I'm looking out for her wellbeing. Now if Ames is happy then I'm also happy but you don't fuck her about, that's your one and only warning." He stared at me for a little longer but I continued to maintain eye contact, letting him know that I wasn't scared to front him up if I needed to. Once he seemed satisfied that I got the message, he spun on his heels and walked from the office.
I let out a low whistle and sat back in the chair, contemplating what he'd just said. Things hadn't really developed in the way I'd wanted them to with Amy, I had cancelled two dates and although she'd forgiven me we hadn't spent any real quality time together. My hunch was correct though regarding her and Duke, they weren't together but he was obviously very protective over her and that was something that I needed to deal with. I needed to make sure that I didn't let her down again, otherwise I'd have Duke on my back which was something I didn't really fancy happening.
Chapter 9
Amy
"I'm so pleased that you could make it." Taylor walked towards us with a huge smile and her arms open wide to great us. She pulled me in for a hug and in turn gave Connor and then Louise the same welcome.
I felt a tugging on my jacket and looked down to see Tommy's solemn face, "What's up little man?" I asked as I crouched beside him.
"Can we buy something for mummy? I think that would make her happy." He whispered close to my ear.
I smiled at the thoughtful gesture from such a young boy, Louise had done a fantastic job raising her two children despite the circumstances. "I think that would be a great idea, have you seen anything in particular?" I asked intrigued. Tommy shook his head, "Well why don't we have a look around the stalls to see what we can find."
Tommy's face lit up with excitement and held his hand out for me to take. My heart swelled inside at the simple gesture and I placed my hand in his as I stood to guide him around the hall. We passed the first stall that were selling hand crafted decorations for the garden but they weren't suitable at present as Louise didn't have a garden. We slowly moved past the stall and I pulled on Tommy's hand but he was stuck like glue. I turned towards him, "What's up Tommy?"
He pointed at the sign, "Is it really only 10p a go?" he asked questioning the large sign stuck to the table.
"Well if that's what it says Tommy then I think that's right." I stepped closer and Tommy followed suit standing directly beside me. "Excuse me," I stated loudly so the elderly person behind the stall could hear me. She turned and looked at me before turning her attention to Tommy with a smile. "This young man here was just questioning your sign, is it really 10p a go?" I asked.
The lady nodded, "Oh yes dear and you win a prize every time."
Tommy's face lit up and stepped forward excitedly, "Well, Tommy better have five goes then please." I handed the lady 50p and Tommy dug deep into the box and eventually pulled out a tub of bubbles and placed them on the table. He looked at me expectantly, "Go on little man you have another four goes." I stepped back giving him some space and watched as he delved into the box again.
"You're good with him." I turned quickly startled by the male voice and his close proximity until I saw that it was James.
I smirked, "I like the fact that everything is so black and white with kids, it's adults that make things complicated by bringing in all the grey!" I turned my attention back to Tommy as he enjoyed the attention from the older lady.
"So would you class Duke as a grey area?" I glanced back at James confused to see him assessing me, he was being serious which piqued my interest.
I placed my hands in my pockets taking a casual stance, "No Mitchell is very much in the black and white area."
"Want to enlighten me?"
"Amy, look at all the prizes I've won." Tommy said excitedly halting my conversation with James.
"Aren't you a lucky boy, why don't you pop the prizes in here." I opened a carrier bag and he juggled the prizes around in his arms trying not to drop them before placing them into the bag.
"Take this Tommy and go and win some more prizes." I quickly looked to see James hand Tommy a £5 note and his eyes light up like it was Christmas.
"You can't give him that James."
"Too late I already have, it's very black and white."
I narrowed my eyes at him as he threw my words back at me, and I decided to have some fun. He'd stood me up twice now and although we'd had a brief kiss, well actually a very nice kiss he deserved a bit of pay back. "So anyone would think you're jealous of Mitchell by the way you're behaving."
"I am!" he said calmly and his words shocked me that I turned my head to try and understand where he was coming from. "And I don't cope very well with jealousy."
"There's nothing going on between us." I blurted out and I was annoyed that I was explaining myself but I felt that I had to. James' expression didn't change, he continued to stare at me and the intensity was playing havoc with my heart rate as it became erratic.
"Amy!" I turned towards the little voice to see Tommy carrying a big cardboard box and crouched down to help him.
"What you got there?" I asked looking in the box to see polystyrene balls.
"The lady said I could have this box with all the prizes in it for £3 so I've still got change."
"Well give that to James." I said pointing behind me.
"Where is he?" Tommy asked looking around the hall.
I glanced behind me to where James had been standing, and then stood looking eagerly around the hall trying to locate him but he was nowhere to be seen. "Well give it here Tommy and I'll give it to James the next time I see him." Tommy gave me the £2 and I placed it into my jean pocket. James had intrigued me further this afternoon and I was surprised by how I'd reacted. I obviously liked him more than I thought otherwise I wouldn't have tried to explain the situation with Mitchell so quickly but he'd also left me hanging. I wanted to see him again and although I'd played the situation down in front of Mitchell yesterday, I knew that I was in trouble as my feelings were stronger than I first thought.
"Amy can I show mummy?"
I smiled at Tommy as he brought me into the here and now, into the black and white and out of the grey as only a child could do. "Of course you can little man, let's go and find her."
Amy (Aces MC Series Book 3.5) Page 11