After a while I cleared my throat. Taylor shot up and nearly toppled off the chair in those indecent high heeled shoes. There was only one other woman I knew, that could get away with wearing heels like that whilst completing menial tasks and that was Savannah.
I caught Taylor 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 and parted her lips slightly. Her tongue snaked out of her mouth and she licked her dry lips. I looked at her inviting mouth as I felt my arousal and the uncomfortable pinch as my jeans tightened around my cock. I quickly regained my composure settling her down on the floor before she noticed.
Taylor composed herself wiping her hands down her tight pencil skirt making sure everything was in place before looking at me with assessing eyes.
“Did you know that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach?” I looked past her, gesturing at the burnt toast on the kitchen work top.
Taylor started laughing, “Well I guess that’s why I’m single.”
That statement sparked my interest and was something I may pursue further at a later date.
She continued to look at me questioningly with her hands on her hips, “Is there any particular reason why you’re back here Mr…”
I looked her up and down taking in the little vixen before me. “Duke,” I said holding out my hand. She took it eagerly and gave it a firm shake, “apart from saving your arse, I have a business proposition for you.”
She assessed me for a while, “Well Mr… Duke, you’d better take me out to lunch so that we can discuss it further.”
With a smirk on my face from her boldness, I moved closer to the doorframe, allowing her just enough room to squeeze past. Looking at me with a tight smile, she turned to leave the room making sure her arse cheeks brushed against my cock as she squeezed through the gap. I think I may have met my match!
“Chanel can you please rearrange my next two appointments so that Chloe can take them. Mrs Brown will be here in ten minutes but she won’t mind.”
I watched as Taylor barked out her orders and slinked around the salon collecting her bag and black jacket. “And close your mouth dear, it’s not an endearing quality.”
Chanel quickly closed her mouth as she looked between the two of us with a shocked expression, which I found amusing.
“Taylor, could I please have a quick word?” Chanel asked with concern on her face as she moved from behind the counter.
Taylor turned towards me with her hands on her shapely hips, “Duke, would you just give me a minute please?”
I started to walk towards the door, “I’ll be outside.”
I sat on my motorcycle and looked around at the unassuming surroundings. I liked Epping and started to wonder whether we could possibly open another business here. The club was in the latter stages of going legit and we’d started to research into potential businesses around the area. I turned my head at the sound of the chimes on the door.
“Do you really think I’m cocking my leg over that?” she asked walking closer, folding her arms across her ample chest. I raised my eyebrow as I looked her up and down. “In this skirt, really?” she moved her hand up and down pointing to the short tight black skirt she was wearing that didn’t leave much to the imagination.
“We could walk to Amy’s cafe if you’d prefer. It’s a five minute walk down the high street.” I said nodding in the direction of the cafe. I got off my motorcycle and took the lead walking slowly so that she could keep up in those heels. Those come fuck me heels that fit her like a glove.
“Are you listening to me?” I looked over at Taylor who was now staring in my direction. “Chanel informed me that you are the President of some motorcycle gang. I was just wondering what you wanted with a salon owner? Do you want your hair cut?” she asked with a wide smile on her face.
Taylor had a great sense of humour and wasn’t afraid of saying what was on her mind. This was a novelty for me as most people told me what they thought I wanted to hear which I hated.
“Club, it’s a motorcycle club not a gang,” she looked at me intently assessing my every expression, “and no I don’t want my hair cut, like I said in the salon I have a proposition for you.” My composure was back. My clipped tone took her by surprise and that’s how I wanted it. I couldn’t let a piece of pussy take me off task, I had work to do.
We arrived at Amy’s cafe. It was a reasonably sized establishment that had been owned by the Aces for the past five years. Amy was my VP’s sister and did a fantastic job of running the cafe, building it into a thriving business with regular customers. She’d also branched into outside catering for parties.
The cafe was contemporary, with small circular plastic tables in an array of bright colours. Modern art was displayed on the walls and her menu was traditional but with a modern twist. It fit in well around these parts and was a good little earner.
I opened the door for Taylor and she went inside brushing past me again. Bitch! Did she know how she was affecting me? I watched her as she took in the decor and started to look around with a smile on her face approvingly.
“Hi Mitchell, take a seat and I’ll be with you in a minute.” Amy said from across the counter. She looked at Taylor and I noticed a smile spread across her face. Shit! I shouldn’t have brought Taylor here. What was I thinking?
Taylor chose the table closest to the window and sat down comfortably, crossing her legs. As she did her skirt rode higher and I could feel myself getting aroused looking at her beautiful lean legs. She’d look great beneath me with her legs wrapped around…
“Sorry about that Mitchell, what can I get you?” Amy asked as she took out her pen and note pad from her pink tabard, quickly taking me from my dirty thoughts.
“I’ll just have a cheese and ham toasty and a tea. Taylor, what would you like babe?” Her eyes met mine questioning my address but she quickly composed herself.
“Could I please have the same?” She asked, holding out her hand, “I’m Taylor, I own the new salon down the high street,” Amy shook her hand firmly. “I really love what you’ve done to this place.”
Amy smiled as she looked around the room, “Thank you, I’m pleased with the outcome.” Amy put her pen behind her ear, “So how do you two know each other?” Amy asked looking at me with a smirk on her face as she crossed her arms.
Bitch! I knew what she was doing. This was payback for embarrassing her in front of James the other day.
I was about to answer, “We don’t! But Duke said he had a proposition for me, so how could a girl possibly refuse to listen.” Taylor wiggled her eyebrows as she spoke.
Amy laughed at the challenging woman before me as I shook my head.
“I’ll just go and make your lunch.” Amy said sniggering as she walked off laughing to herself.
Taylor looked directly at me, “So what’s this proposition?” Her eyes twinkled with intrigue and excitement.
I clasped my hands together resting my elbows on the table. I really wanted her to say yes but knew that there was a good possibility that she wouldn’t be interested. Here goes, “Savannah visited your salon last week. You did a fantastic job with her hair and I was wondering if you would consider styling the other girls at the club?” I sat there eagerly waiting for her response as I watched her pondering my question.
“Of course I can, they can book an appointment and come to the salon anytime.” She stated almost frowning, moving her hands off the table as Amy put down our food and drinks.
“Thanks Amy.” I said as I picked up my cup to take a sip. “No, I want you to come to the club and do their hair and make up for them, on a Friday and Saturday evening. Savannah looked hot, well hotter than usual and therefore received more tips.” Shit! Why did I just say that? I saw a flicker of irritation on her face but it quickly disappeared.
I watched as she picked up her sandwich and took a small bite before returning it to the plate, contem
plating her response.
“I’m gonna have to think about it. You’re asking a lot.” She started to pick at her lunch and became a little standoffish. Her earlier bubbly demeanour had gone and I quickly saw a different side to her. We sat there deep in our own thoughts but the silence became deafening, I had to say something. “Will you at least come and take a look at the club tomorrow evening before you make a decision? No pressure, just take a look around and see if it’s for you.” I looked at her hopeful that she would accept. Taylor took a small bite of her sandwich, placing the rest onto the plate before wiping the corner of her mouth with the paper napkin.
She nodded, “Okay. I’m not promising anything but I’ll come and take a look. I’ll be there tomorrow at 6.00pm,” she quickly stood, “thanks for lunch,” and walked seductively out of the door, not even looking my way as she walked past the window outside.
I let out a loud sigh as Amy sat in the chair that Taylor had just vacated and stared directly at me with her arms folded across her chest.
“What?” I asked angrily.
“Don’t take it out on me, just because you fucked up.” She uncrossed her arms and leaned on the table. “Does she know that Savannah is just a friend?”
I let out another loud sigh, “I’m not interested in her Ames. I just want her to help out at the club.” Amy raised her eyebrows. “You can’t kid a kidder!”
I smirked, “She’s fit but clearly playing hard to get.”
Amy stood and ruffled my hair before walking away, “You’ll figure it out Mitch, you always do.”
Chapter 2
Taylor
I looked in the mirror assessing the damage from the lack of sleep last night. No amount of concealer was going to hide the bags under my eyes this morning. I walked into my bedroom throwing myself onto the bed resting my arm over my eyes to protect them from the sunlight shining through the window.
Thoughts of yesterday’s events with Duke sprang to mind. It wasn’t like me to allow a guy to crawl under my skin but Duke wasn’t just any kind of guy. He was tall, well over 6ft and must work out on a regular basis in order to achieve such a physique. He was all man, rough and rugged and oozed sex appeal but he also held an element of mystique which intrigued me. He’d openly flirted with me at the salon and had accepted my direct invitation for lunch which was flattering but he left me totally confused. I would’ve considered his proposal regardless of him having a girlfriend or not but I just didn’t appreciate the way that he told me, after openly flirting with me. What an arsehole! I wondered if Savannah knew what an obnoxious prick he actually was.
Although he was acting an arse, further thoughts of Duke made my whole body flush and I could feel the tingling between my legs as I remembered how I felt in his arms. God I needed to get laid! I quickly moved off the bed and walked over to my walk in closet, selecting the most provocative outfit I could find that wouldn’t make it look like I was one of the strippers. As I carefully packed the outfit into my gym bag, I decided that I would go to the club to meet Duke at 6.00pm liked he requested but then I was going clubbing to find the first available man to scratch the itch that had been building inside me for so long.
“Morning Taylor.” Chanel said brightly as I walked through the doors.
“Hi Chanel, you’re in early again.” I stated, looking at her with a smile. Chanel had surprised me. She was a hard worker and nothing was too much trouble, which I appreciated because it was still early days for the salon and everyone needed to pitch in. Chanel simply smiled and went about her usual routine of getting everything ready before we opened.
Saturday’s were notoriously busy and I had a full day of clients. Aunty Pam was my last client of the day and I was looking forward to seeing her as we hadn’t spent any quality time together recently. I hadn’t taken a break all day but now had a spare ten minutes before Pam’s appointment so I sat in the reception area drinking a quick cup of tea.
Chanel joined me on the white leather sofa, “You didn’t say much when you came back yesterday, is everything okay?” She looked at me with concern on her face and seemed older than her seventeen years.
I put my hand on her arm and gave it a gentle squeeze, “Everything’s fine Chanel. Duke had a business proposition for me which I’m looking into this evening.”
Chanel let out a loud breath like she’d been holding it in the whole time I was talking. “Well, that’s good, isn’t it?” I nodded and leaned back in the chair. “So why do you look so miserable?”
Her comment caught me by surprise at how observant she was. I turned to the sound of the chimes.
“Hello ladies.” Pam said as she walked through the door. “Chanel, could I please have a nice cup of tea dear, I’ve been shopping all afternoon.”
Chanel jumped from the sofa, quickly walking over to Pam to relieve her of her shopping bags and coat.
“Not a problem Pam, please take a seat and I’ll be with you in a minute.” Chanel said as she put Pam’s bags and coat into the closet.
I stood to greet her, “Hello Pam how are you?”
She walked over to sit at the wash basin, looking relieved as she took the weight off her feet.
“I’m fine dear and you? I heard you had a hot date yesterday.”
How did she do it? She always managed to find out everything.
“Oh stop looking so surprised. I called yesterday afternoon to find out what time my appointment was and asked Chanel where you were. She didn’t want to tell me but I forced her.”
Chanel placed Pam’s cup of tea gently on the unit next to the wash basin looking sheepishly. I knew it wasn’t her fault. Aunty Pam could be very persuasive when she wanted to be.
“What I do find surprising is that you turned down lunch with me in favour of going on a date!”
“It wasn’t a date, it was a business meeting. He had a proposal for me that could generate a good deal of business and therefore a good deal of money.”
Pam smirked, “Is he good looking?”
I could feel myself blush and tried to turn away, busying myself by collecting equipment. Pam’s smirk turned into full blown laughter. She laughed so hard that tears started to trickle down her wrinkled face.
“What’s so funny?” I said raising my voice slightly.
Pam dabbed her joyous tears from her cheeks with a white hanky, “You’re funny. You are allowed to find a man attractive Taylor. All work and no play, makes Taylor a grumpy cow!”
I ignored her comment and moved out of the way, giving Chanel room to wash her hair. She started to snigger at Pam’s comment but immediately stopped when I glared at her.
We chatted for the next hour as I cut and blow dried her hair, staying clear of any awkward topics. She was going to a dinner and dance this evening at the Royal British Legion, which had become her regular stomping ground over recent months. We said our goodbyes and I quickly looked at my watch conscious of the time. It was 5.00pm which gave me forty minutes to make myself presentable.
I took my bag into the shower room at the back of the salon and took extra time to buff my skin, shave all over and work shampoo and conditioner into my hair. I couldn’t turn up at the club looking worse for wear if he was considering employing me to make over his girls. Not that I’d made up my mind yet.
I applied my make-up and blow dried my hair giving it a little more volume than I normally did. I put on the sexy black dress that I’d chosen and finished it off with knee high leather boots. Looking at my reflection in the mirror, I applied my earrings and neckless before walking into the salon.
Chanel let out a low whistle. “Wow, you look stunning Taylor.”
I started to feel a little silly. Why was I really making such an effort? I was kidding myself when I said it was because I was going clubbing after with the sole purpose of getting laid. If Savannah was Duke’s girlfriend, he wouldn’t even be interested if I turned up naked! I looked at my watch realising I had fifteen minutes to take the drive over to Waltham Abbey.
/> “Thanks Chanel, you may as well lock up now. I’ll see you Monday.” She smiled sweetly as I took a deep breath and left the shop with an anxious feeling in my stomach.
I parked my MX5 in the car park outside the strip club and turned off the engine as I assessed the area. The building itself was very low key with a purple flashing sign that read ‘Bird Cage’. The car park was dimly lit, which made me feel a little uncomfortable but I’d managed to find a space fairly close to the main door of the club. There were a line of Harleys parked outside the building and approximately ten cars parked in various positions around the car park.
I glanced towards the doors and saw two men wearing leathers, having a fag outside the building and could faintly hear music coming from inside.
I could still feel the nervous tension and noticed that my heart rate had increased slightly. I applied another coat of lip gloss and took a deep breath as I left the safety of my car. The cold evening air hit me which made me feel uncomfortable regarding my attire. Why didn’t I just wear a jumper? I walked slowly towards the door so that I didn’t fall over on the uneven ground and noticed that the two men had stopped talking abruptly. I glanced in their direction to see that they were both looking me up and down, rudely assessing me. I noticed that their patches read the same as Duke’s and was reassured that I’d come to the correct place.
“Hi, I’m looking for Duke.” I said in my most confident voice.
The dark haired man with stubble looked directly at me, “You must be Taylor. Come with me.”
He didn’t give me enough time to answer as he stalked towards the door and I followed like a puppy closely behind him. We walked through the dark reception area and through an archway that led to a huge bar. The room was dimly lit but there were bright flashing lights covering the stage where a scantily clad woman was provocatively rubbing up and down a pole. The wooden bar ran the whole length of the club and I noticed two young women serving drinks. There were other women walking around wearing skimpy underwear talking to the punters and several bouncers were dotted around keeping an eye on the girls and the general comings and goings of the club.
Duke (Aces MC Series Book 2) Page 2