We rode in unison for thirty minutes to an old farm house in the middle of a field off the beaten track. Diesel’s worried expression touched my heart, “Are you ready for this babe?” I just smiled following CJ, Locke, Duke and Bear into the derelict building.
Patch was bound and gagged, lying on the dirty floor in the middle of the room. “It’s a shame you’re not naked.” I said kicking him in the groin. Bear picked him up, throwing him into the chair that was positioned in the middle of the room. Visions of my ordeal sprang to mind. I could see the fear on his face and remembered the feeling of terror. I shook my head not wanting to remember or start to feel sorry for this piece of shit. Bear tied him to the chair securely.
“What are you going to do to him?” I asked genuinely interested. “That depends on you Ink. Do you want to watch or participate?” Duke asked holding up his hand to stop Diesel from talking. I took the knife from my belt that Diesel had given me after the second attack and studied it glistening in my hand. I slowly walked towards Patch tapping the blade against my right thigh.
Bending down between his legs, I could see the anguish on his face. “It doesn’t matter to me, if you die now or later babe.” I said throwing his words back at him. I pulled the blade up and thrust it down fast into his right leg. Patch let out a loud scream. I quickly pulled it out and stuck the knife into his other leg. He thrashed about in the chair as pain radiated off him. Bear held him firmly as I wiped the blade on his leg and returned it to its sleeve.
I turned and walked back into Diesel’s arms, looking over to Duke I simply said, “Thank you, he’s all yours now.” Duke nodded then closed in on Patch. Diesel put his arm around my shoulder and led me from the building to the sound of Patches screams. By the time we were ready to leave the screaming had stopped and I assumed he was dead. “Please tell me you’re okay Ink.” I smiled at the beautiful alpha male beside me. “I am now Diesel, thank you.”
Epilogue
Harlow
6 weeks later
“Right, that’s it.” Doc said taking the cast off of my arm. I moved it in a circular motion. It felt strange having the cast off but I was relieved. “Thank you for all of your help over recent weeks. I will be sorry to see you go.” I gave Doc a cuddle showing my appreciation. He started to pack his equipment into his bags but sensed my apprehension. Looking at me attentively, “Is there anything else Harlow?” I stood there biting my lip, swinging my leg back and forth nervously. “Erm…I’ve not been feeling well lately and my period is late.” He casually reached into his black medical bag and looked around the infirmary for a plastic container. “If you give me a urine sample, I can do the simple test.” Doc stated, handing me the small container.
I returned from the bathroom handing Doc the plastic container almost embarrassed. He stuck the dipstick into the urine and we watched the liquid travel up the strip. I stood and started to pace the room unable to watch it any longer. Doc took the strip out of the urine and placed it on a paper towel waiting for the results. “Congratulations Harlow. You’re pregnant.”
Doc and I walked into the bar together. Diesel came strutting over to me and took me in a bear hug, kissing me passionately on the lips. I wrapped both arms around him caressing the back of his neck and ran my fingers through his hair. “I can’t wait to get you home babe.” Diesel said lifting me up so that I could wrap my legs around his waist. “How’s your arm feeling?” I continued to caress him, running both hands up and down his neck and upper back as he kissed me. “Does that answer your question?” We started laughing between kisses.
He put me down and I wobbled slightly feeling a little uneasy on my feet. “Did you speak to Doc about that Ink?” I looked over at Doc as he winked at me. I reached for my tummy stroking it up and down. I turned to gaze at the beautiful man in front of me, giving him the biggest smile I could muster. He opened his mouth wide gawking at me. “Does this mean what I think it means Ink?” Diesel grasped my cheeks in both of his hands looking directly into my eyes. They started to fill with tears, happy tears. He kissed me passionately again. “Thank you Ink. Thank you for making me the happiest man alive.”
Duke - Aces MC Series Book 2
Please enjoy a preview of Book 2 from the Aces MC Series, which will be available in April 2015.
Chapter 1
Taylor
“That’s it, all finished.” I stepped back placing my hands on my hips looking at the salon, admiring my handy work. I thought about the blood, sweat and tears, that I’d put into this salon over the past eight weeks and I was proud of what I’d achieved. “Taylor, where are these flowers going honey?” My aunt asked walking around the salon with a vase full of white Lilies.
My aunt was a fantastic lady. She’d given up everything to move to England thirty years ago when she emigrated from America with my uncle. They were the strongest, closet couple I’d ever met, up until my uncle’s death earlier this year.
My aunt and uncle couldn’t have children, so they gave me extra attention and we become very close. I frequently visited them and started to fall in love with England and everything English. My uncle had left me a large sum of money in his will, and that’s when I made the decision to immigrate to England and look after my ageing aunt. I’d been working as a hair stylist in New York for the past six years and after my last bad relationship, I decided that it was the right time for me to go it alone and open my own hair salon.
I had to rein in my aunt’s creative flair, who loves anything tacky. I wanted to achieve a shabby chic feel to the salon, attracting a classier clientele. I hung purple drapes from the ceiling and added a huge chandelier as a centre piece. The white leather sofas added to the welcoming feel of the reception area and I accessorised using different shades of purples.
“On the reception desk please Alice.” I thought that the flowers would look lovely positioned on the high reception desk, as they could be seen from the entrance. My aunt let out a sigh looking at her watch, “It’s getting late honey, let’s call it a night and go and get some food.” My stomach had been rumbling for the past hour but I wanted to get the last of my jobs done before I went home.
I was looking forward to the grand opening but I was also apprehensive. What if no one turned up? I would be absolutely devastated. I had been canvassing hard over the past four weeks. I’d advertised in the local paper, distributed leaflets and my aunt had let all of her friends know, although I didn’t want all of my clients to be over the age of seventy!
I walked around the salon, making sure everything electrical was turned off, making a mental note to bring in the new kettle tomorrow. The English loved a cup of tea! We left the building turning off the lights and bolting the door. I stood back looking at the shop from across the street. “Uncle Ron would have been so proud of you honey.” I wrapped my arm around Alice’s shoulders pulling her in for a cuddle as we stood there admiring the shiny purple sign that read ‘Elite Hair Styling’.
I got to the salon an hour early, to make sure I was ready for the grand opening. My new assistant was starting this morning. Chanel was a lively local teenager and had impressed me at her interview so much that I’d taken her on as an apprentice. She would work in the salon learning her trade but would go to college one day a week.
I unpacked the kettle and put it in the kitchenette along with the other new appliances I’d bought. I heard the chime on the door. Looking at my watch I could see that it was still early. I walked into the salon to see Chanel looking fantastic in the black uniform I’d provided her. “Morning Chanel.” She was hanging her coat in the cupboard that we would be using for customers clothing. She turned when she heard my voice, “Morning Taylor. Is everything set? I thought I’d get here a little earlier to help you out.” Thank God I’d taken on this young lady. I was a little concerned at first because of her age but she was keen and had a willingness to learn. “Could you please put the helium balloons outside and turn the sign to open, then I think we are ready for our first customer.�
�
Savannah was a striking blond, blue eyed beauty with a fully figure. She bounced into the salon oozing confidence in a pair of jeans, heels and an amazing top that looked like a high end fashion piece. I watched Chanel offer her a drink, where she accepted iced water. She then led her over to the wash basins where she washed her hair with shampoo and then conditioner. I was like a proud momma bear watching her baby cub.
“Hi Savannah, please take a seat. What are we doing for you today?” I asked putting a towel around her shoulders. “I want a change. I’m bored with this.” She said grabbing her hair and fluffing it with both hands. Savannah showed me a magazine clipping, “I kinda like this.” She said pointing to the top right image. Well that was doable and the style would suit her oval shaped face.
I worked my magic for the next hour and finally set her hair with a light hairspray. “What do you think?” I asked nervously. Savannah swivelled the chair from side to side looking at her hair from all angles in the salon mirror. “I fucking love it.” She said proudly standing from the chair flinging her hair around.
I was a little taken aback by her language but was pleased that she appreciated my hard work. “The guys are going to go wild for me this evening, which means more tips.” She said with a wink. “Have you got any fliers or business cards that I can hand out to the other girls?” She asked digging into her bag trying to find her car keys. Chanel grabbed a small handful of business cards that I’d strategically placed on the reception desk. “Well, thank you ladies and I’ll be seeing you very soon.” She handed Chanel a handful of notes and left with a spring in her step.
Chanel opened the crumpled notes and calculated that she had over paid by £45. Looking up at me she mouthed, “WOW!” I smiled hoping that this was the start of something really special.
Duke
I’d had a busy day at the garage and needed a little light relief at the strip club. “Right we’re done for the day lads. Let’s go over to the Bird Cage for a few drinks and entertainment.” I threw down my tools and wiped my hands on the nearest rag. Bear started ribbing Diesel about this afternoon’s antics with Ink which I’d found amusing. Diesel had fallen for her hard. Don’t get me wrong I liked her but women came with drama and I had no room for drama in my life. I joined the conversation sniggering, “Leave the poor girl alone. She probably needs to rest before round two.” Patting Diesel on the back, I slowly directed him out of the garage. “Okay, Okay!” He shouted, “Alright, I’ll go for one drink.” He was most certainly pussy whipped!
The club was busier than normal. We sat down at our usual spot and a bottle of Jack was placed on the table along with 6 glasses. As the Aces owned the joint we didn’t ever pay but one rule I had insisted on, was that the Brothers would tip the girls who work here. They weren’t doing it for free. “Let me know if you want anything else guy’s.” Yasmin said walking off swinging her hips. I smiled knowing exactly what she meant. I’d been with Yasmin a few times when I came to the club looking for a little relief. All the girls here, knew I wasn’t looking for anything serious but that didn’t mean we couldn’t have some fun. Something caught my eye up on stage. I turned to see Savannah performing to a new routine. God that girl was fucking beautiful. Had she done something different to her hair? Fucking hell I was a dick to notice a thing like that, I started to shake my head, pissed with myself for going soft.
Diesel was in turmoil trying to get hold of Ink and Jimmy. He was up and down like a fucking yoyo and doing my head in. Drama! “Hi handsome.” Savannah said slipping into the chair to the right of me with her trade mark iced water. “Did you like my new routine?” She asked sipping her water through a straw, wanting to hear my honest opinion. “Fucking hot babe!” I put my arm around the back of her chair and played with a piece of her hair. “This looks good too.” Savannah turned slightly looking at me with those beautiful blue eyes. “I wanted to talk to you about that.” I stopped playing with her hair and picked up the bottle of Jack pouring myself another drink.
“A new salon has opened in the high street. The woman is fantastic and just moved here from New York.” She took a quick sip of her drink. “She’s looking for business. I thought we could recommend her to the girls at the club. Maybe get her to give some of the rattier ones a makeover.” I started to laugh. Savannah always had a way with words. I rubbed my chin contemplating what she’d just said. “Text me her address, I’ll go and check her out later in the week.”
Savannah stood and leaned over placing a kiss on my cheek. “Thank you Duke. I’m on again in an hour. Are you sticking around?” We both turned round looking at the noise Diesel had made coming through the doors. I raised my arms towards Diesel and shrugged. “I’ll leave you to it.” She said sauntering off into the throng of people.
Taylor
I’d now been open for a week and business was going well. I’d hired a new stylist to keep up with the demand and was contemplating extending the beauty side of the business because of the requests over the past week. I’d researched well. There were other hair salons in the area but not high end and the lack of beauty therapy businesses in the area would give me room to expand and grow as a business.
“How’s it going honey?” I turned to see my aunt and her two partners in crime entering the salon. “Very well Alice. What do I owe this pleasure?” I said walking over to her and placing a kiss on her cheek.
My aunt stood there in her M&S brown suede coat with a lighter brown assortment of gloves, scarf and hat. It was early September so it wasn’t particularly cold but since my uncle had died of pneumonia earlier on in the year, my aunt took it upon herself to promote a good healthy life style and would do everything in her power to not catch a cold. It looked like her friends had been to the same clothes shop too which made me giggle.
My aunt looked at me puzzled, “What’s funny Taylor?” I shook my head from side to side. “Nothing at all Alice. You were about to tell me why you were here?” I shot them a questioning look. “Oh yes honey. We wanted to invite you out to lunch. You’ve been working so hard lately that we thought you deserved a break.” The three of them turned to each other nodding their heads in agreement. They meant well and it made my heart swell inside my chest knowing that they cared.
“I can’t Alice, I have a customer in fifteen minutes so I was just going to grab a slice of toast.” Alice scoffed and the other ladies started laughing. I folded my arms across my chest in defence looking at the three of them in mock disgust. They had obviously discussed my inability to cook anything. “And what do you mean by that?” I said with a smirk on my face. “Look honey, you are a very talented hair stylist but you’ll never be Delia Smith.” My aunt said placing her hand on my upper arm in sympathy. I shooed the ladies out of the salon. “That’s why I’m just having toast.”
Duke
I pulled up outside the Salon after getting the address from Savannah. It had been a hectic week after the kidnapping of Ink and the death of Jimmy. It sounds harsh but things had to start getting back to normal and I was concentrating heavily on making my legitimate businesses more successful so that we could pull out totally of all the illegal shit and get the authorities off our backs.
The salon looked classy in comparison to other establishments around the area. I took off my helmet and walked slowly to the salon taking in my surroundings. If I was going to invite this woman into my business, I wanted to find out as much about her as possible and CJ was doing an extensive background check. We had learnt the hard way with Ink.
I walked through the door noticing the elegant decor and minimalist feel to the furnishings, similar to my tastes. I was greeted by a young girl of around sixteen years old. Her smile was infectious and I was surprised that she didn’t feel threatened by what I represented. If she was a local girl, she would’ve heard of the Aces. I read her name badge. “Hello Chanel. Is the manager around?” She looked me up and down, chewing on her pen. Was she flirting with me? At thirty-five I was old enough to be her fucking dad.
“Would you please take a seat and I’ll see if she’s available.” Chanel said walking off into the back.
She came back a couple of minutes later. Chanel looked uneasy and wasn’t portraying her earlier confidence. “She’s currently busy, are you able to come back or leave your mobile number so that she can contact you?” I got up out of my chair and stalked over to the reception desk where Chanel stood behind, giving herself a barrier between us. “Where is she?” I asked not taking my eyes off of hers. Chanel swallowed hard and then pointed in the direction that she had just come from, through the curtain at the back of the room. I nodded at the now nervous Chanel, “Thank you.”
I pulled back the curtain to a cloud of smoke. “Oh for fucks sake, you stupid cow!” Taylor stood on a chair in a pair of black Louboutin’s. Her long legs disappeared into a tight black pencil skirt and her black blouse was fitted, outlining all of her womanly curves. She had a tea towel in one hand, trying to clear the smoke out of the opened window. She stopped what she was doing and leant on the kitchen worktop slightly bending over which gave me a perfect view of her arse. I leant on the door frame and folded my arms, taking in the sight before me.
After a minute I cleared my throat. Taylor shot up nearly toppling off the chair in those indecent high heeled shoes. There was only one other woman that I knew could get away with wearing heels like that whilst completing menial tasks and that was Savannah. I caught her just in time and as I held her in my arms, I noticed that her breathing was laboured and her heart rate was increasing.
Taylor slowly moved her head so that she was facing me, parting her lips slightly. Her tongue snaked out of her mouth and she licked her dry lips. I looked at her inviting mouth and could feel my arousal. I quickly regained my composure settling her down on the floor. Taylor composed herself wiping her hands down her tight pencil skirt making sure everything was in place.
Diesel (Aces MC Series Book 1) Page 11