Duke (Aces MC Series Book 2)

by Foster, Aimee-Louise

He lowered his gun slowly and returned it to the waistband of his jeans. Tyler let out a subtle sigh of relief but continued to hold his composure as he stood maintaining eye contact.

  Tyreese grabbed Michelle’s arm pulling her so she stood by his side. He looked directly at me, “You need to teach him a lesson.” He nodded his head slightly and stomped out of the cafe dragging his girlfriend behind him.

  “Why didn’t you just let us take him out?” Diesel asked as he sat back down at our table cracking his knuckles.

  I shook my head, taking in his statement. This is when our differences were so evident. Diesel was a fucking hot head and would act before analysing the situation before him. Viper had taught me well over the years, preparing me for this job. I’d learnt how to not let my heart rule my head in deadly situations. His mentoring had made me more cynical but I needed to be in order to make the correct decisions to lead this club.

  “I’ll go and check on Buster, he’s still outside on his own.” Bear patted Tyler briefly on the shoulder as he passed him.

  “Can I have a coffee when you’re ready Emma?” I asked looking over at the relieved owner. She smiled and went about her business, obviously relieved that it hadn’t turned into a blood bath. “Come on Tyler take a seat.” I sat down patting the space beside me encouraging him to join us.

  “Thanks Duke, I owe you big time.” Tyler said as he sat there contemplating the last ten minutes.

  “I’m proud of you man.” I said patting him on the back. “You kept your composure and that gave me enough time to talk him down. Others would have shit themselves or tried to attack him but that would’ve ended with your brains on the floor.”

  Emma brought over Tyler’s coffee and a sticky iced bun. “That’s on the house Tyler.” She said sweetly before leaving us.

  “Fucking hell, he was the one that spilt the hot coffee over Tyreese’s bird and now we’re treating him like a fucking war hero.” I glared at Diesel because of his insensitive comment.

  “What would you do Diesel, if someone did that to Ink?” Spike asked as he tucked into the remainder of his dinner.

  “I wouldn’t have drawn my gun, I would’ve just smashed him in the face.” He said as a matter of fact.

  His comment made me snigger. I started to think of how I would’ve reacted if someone did that to Ash. Diesel was right, I’d have smashed his fucking face in too.

  Chapter 11

  Taylor

  I’d slept surprising well. It must have been all of the excitement of last night. After Duke and Bear had left, the two prospects had been very helpful and stayed until the last of Chanel’s belongings, were safely put away.

  Something was going on between Chanel and Buster though. I caught a few glances between them throughout the evening, not that I minded. I wasn’t her mom but I liked to think that she would listen to my advice and guidance.

  I looked at my watch to see that it had just gone 8.00am. Shit! I needed to leave now or I’d hit the morning rush. I quickly put on my knee high boots assessing myself in the mirror before leaving my room.

  The door to Chanel’s new bedroom was slightly ajar so I peered through the gap quietly to see Chanel lying there peacefully. A quick glance revealed that she’d started to unpack some of her belongings which made me smile. She obviously felt safe and was taking me up on my offer of her staying for as long as she wanted.

  Another quick glance at my watch showed that I really did need to leave now. I rushed down the stairs mindful of keeping the noise to a minimum and quickly scrawled Chanel a note on the back of a take away menu. I took the spare key from the hook and positioned both on the table next to the door so that she would see it, if she planned on going out today. It felt strange having to worry about someone else. I’d always lived on my own and had never owned a pet so in a way I’d probably become selfish over time by just worrying about myself. I was looking forward to spending some time with her outside of work. She’d had a rough start to life and I wasn’t going to let her shit of a father, damage the kind spirit she had.

  “Oh for crying out loud!” I screamed as the cars sat bumper to bumper in the morning traffic. It would’ve been quicker for me to park the car and walk the further three hundred yards down the street. That’s one of the things I hated most about this country, the endless amount of road works. Miles and miles of road construction, cones and diggers but I was yet to see people actually doing anything!

  “Chloe, are you at work yet?...I’m stuck in traffic, I should be five possibly ten minutes at the most…okay bye.” I ended the call, putting the phone back into my bag as I continued to sit there getting annoyed. Well at least the salon was open, I was appreciative of the staff I had as they had proved to be reliable and hardworking.

  I turned to a familiar rumble of a motorcycle. I looked in my rear view mirror to see the patched member weave through the traffic. As I turned to my right I saw that it was Locke by his distinctive facial hair. Where was he going in such a hurry? He jumped a red light with no regard for the other road users and was heading in the opposite direction to the club house. It took everything in my power to not pick up the phone to ask Duke if everything was okay but I couldn’t hound him. I was determined to take it slowly and keep things casual to protect my heart.

  The lights finally turned green and I was pulled from my thoughts as the traffic started to move in front of me. Maybe I could text him later to see if he was alright. Maybe thank him for helping out with Chanel last night. I was new to all this biker stuff. In a normal relationship I could just call my ‘boyfriend’ for a chat without any reason and ask if they wanted to hang out but with Duke things were just too bloody complicated and I was yet to learn the protocol.

  “Sorry it took so long Chloe, is everything okay?”

  “Yeah fine. Your aunt’s out back making herself a cup of tea. Pam said she couldn’t wait any longer.” Chloe explained with a smile.

  I rolled my eyes. “I’d better go and see if she’s okay.”

  I walked towards the kitchen area to the sound of Chloe’s chuckles. She’d witnessed first hand how difficult my aunt could be. After the death of my uncle Ron, she’d played on the fact that her health had deteriorated. Don’t get me wrong she was absolutely heartbroken and it took her a long time to see the point of carrying on with her life but she’d implied that she couldn’t do anything for herself and may need to get in a home carer.

  I wasn’t having anyone else looking after my aunt and this was one of the reasons why I moved to England. But once I was here her health took a miraculous turn for the better. Sly old fox! She continues to be a sprightly thing for her age and has a better social calendar than most people half her age, with all the W.I meetings, dinner and dances and social events at the British Legion. But my thoughts quickly turned to Uncle Ron and her revelation last week which upset me. I’m glad she’s finally found interests to take her mind off of things and was starting to enjoy life again.

  “Good morning Pam, how are you?” I asked leaning down to give her a kiss on her cheek.

  She sat on a high backed stool leaning against the worktop holding her freshly made cup of tea.

  “Did something or someone give you a reason to stay in bed for longer this morning?” She raised her eyebrows assessing my reaction closely.

  Pam loved a bit of gossip and I was the frequent talk of many conversations at her weekly W.I meetings.

  “It’s really not that exciting aunty Pam. The traffic was bad this morning, that’s all.”

  She looked at me as she took another sip of her tea. “So your hot biker boyfriend has nothing to do with you being late?”

  My shocked expression made her laugh. For an elderly lady she most certainly had her wits about her but also an over active imagination.

  “I don’t have time to discuss my friend who happens to be a hot biker. Now come on, before I get even further behind.” I turned quickly making my way back into the salon. If I allowed her too, she would interrogate m
e all morning but I quickly decided that I wasn’t going to give her any more ammunition.

  Pam slowly made her way into my chair after the temp had washed her hair. I had decided to call the agency last night after the day we had yesterday. Alarna was doing well and I’d decided to call the agency later and ask if I could keep her on for the rest of the week whilst Chanel recovered.

  “I spoke to your sister last night.”

  A bang of guilt hit me in the chest, I hadn’t spoken to her since last Tuesday. She was going through a rough time of it at the moment, what with the pregnancy and her husband working away, leaving her to deal with the kids by herself for long periods of time.

  “How’s she feeling?” I asked truly concerned for her welfare.

  “You know you’re sister. She puts on a front telling everyone she’s okay when she clearly isn’t.”

  “What’s up with her, anything serious?” I stopped what I was doing to give my aunt my full attention.

  “Braxton Hicks. I’ve told her to stop working. I’ve even offered to pay for her and the children to come here so we can look after her but she’s refused.”

  I sighed loudly, sitting in the chair next to my aunt. “Well you know Sophia. She inherited the family trait of stubbornness!” I turned my head feeling a shooting pain in my ear again, “Aaaah!” I held it rubbing it gently trying to ease the pain.

  Pam reached over resting her hand on my knee, “Are you still taking those antibiotics Taylor?”

  “Yeah, I have another couple of days left. I’m hoping it will pass soon.”

  I was interrupted by my phone buzzing.

  How’s Chanel doing?

  It was Duke. My heart started to race with excitement and I smiled as I quickly typed my response.

  She’s settled in well. Thanks again for your help yesterday. What you up to today? T

  You’re welcome. Busy day ahead.

  Is that why Locke was in such a rush this morning! LOL

  Locke had driven like a fucking lunatic through the traffic. He was lucky he hadn’t got himself or someone else killed.

  What time was that Ash?

  His response was strange. Why was he concerned about what time I saw Locke?

  Around 8.20ish. Is everything okay?

  “Is that your friend who so happens to be a hot biker?” Pam asked looking at me intently as I continued to stare at my phone willing a response from Duke.

  “Forget about it. Come on let me start your hair.”

  I worked on Pam’s hair for the next thirty minutes. She didn’t need it styling each week but it was nice to see her for a catch up and a gossip.

  “So where are you off to today?” I asked trying to take my mind off the strange conversation with Duke.

  “I have an important W.I meeting this afternoon. They were so pleased with what I did with the jam stall that they have asked me to be in charge of the cake stand at the next event which is a huge responsibility.”

  “Well I hope you won’t be asking me to bake.”

  I could see her little face redden in the reflection of the mirror as she tried to contain her giggles.

  “And I’m sure you’ve had great pleasure in telling the women more stories about my inability to be able to cook.”

  “Are there any more stories, I think I’ve run out.” She asked excitedly.

  I let out a loud sigh, “Well, I was asked to help out in the local cafe because the owner was busy. I then decided to make my own lunch whilst I was waiting and nearly burnt the place down.”

  “Oh dear, you are funny. You’d better meet a man who can cook or just eat out every night.”

  “Yeah, yeah, ha-ha! Right you’re done and look beautiful as always. You’re now ready for your important meeting.”

  “Thanks Taylor. Don’t forget to call your sister.” She said as Alarna helped her into her coat.

  “I won’t. See you soon.”

  As Pam opened the door Savannah breezed in. “Hi ladies.” Savannah said chucking her handbag down on the table top. She let out a loud puff as she slouched on the chair, “I’ve had such a busy morning, I’m exhausted.”

  “What you been up to?” I asked sliding into the chair opposite her.

  She grinned as she moved her handbag, routing around inside for something. “I’m going to Paris.” Savannah held up her paperwork excitedly and waved it around. “I’ve been offered a six month placement in a Paris fashion house.”

  “Oh my god Savannah, that’s incredible.” I got up from my chair and hugged her tightly. “When do you leave?”

  “Sunday!” She squeaked. “I know it’s quick but this is what dreams are made of.”

  “I’m so pleased for you Savannah. Opening this place was my dream come true and I know how much this meant to me, so I can truly understand how you feel.” I remembered the sense of pride and achievement on the day I opened the salon. “Have you told Duke yet?” Duke and Savannah were close. He would really miss her.

  “I called him earlier but he was busy so I’ll try and speak to him tonight. But he won’t even notice I’m gone as he has other things to occupy his mind.” She wiggled her eyebrows up and down insinuating that it was me he would be thinking about.

  I paused taking in her information. “How comes you two have never got it on?”

  Savannah stopped what she was doing and stared at me like she was contemplating something. Her silence was boarding on uncomfortable and I was starting to regret asking her the question. Maybe they had been in a relationship before.

  “He saved me.”

  I could feel the raw emotion from her statement and saw a flash of another side to Savannah, a vulnerable side which was usually hidden well under her brash exterior. I kept quiet not wanting to ask further questions. This was her story to tell and I didn’t want to push her.

  “I was young and naive. I had run away from home thinking life on the streets would be a better option than staying at home with an abusive father. I thought wrong and found that out very quickly. I started dating a guy called Josh. He was sweet, attentive and made me feel special,” she paused and tucked a long strand of hair behind her ear, “I quickly fell in love with him.” A faint smile spread across her face as she reminisced.

  “So what happened?” I asked interested.

  The smile disappeared quickly, “Because I was young, I didn’t realise that he was using me, grooming me for prostitution. When I look back on it now, I can’t believe how stupid I was but I was immature and very trusting. I was a runaway, no one knew where I was. The friends I had made were becoming more distant as Josh isolated me from everyone.”

  She was so calm and blasé about the whole thing, I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

  “One night he took me to a hotel. When we arrived in the room, there was an old overweight man waiting for me. He handed Josh some money and he gave me a quick kiss before telling me to be a good girl and do whatever the man asked me to do. I was absolutely petrified but knew that I couldn’t and wouldn’t go through with it.”

  I let out a gasp as I put my hand over my mouth. I didn’t want to come across as being insensitive but I was truly shocked by what I was hearing.

  “I excused myself, asking if it was okay to go to the bathroom. The man said yes but I wasn’t to take long as he was looking forward to fucking my young pussy.” She shuddered and I could see the anguish on her face.

  “Please stop Savannah, it’s obviously too painful to talk about.”

  “I’m fine.” She smiled briefly before continuing, “The next opportunity I had, I unlocked the door, bolted down the corridor and ran out of the hotel as fast as I could.”

  “So where does Duke come into this?” I asked intrigued.

  “I left the hotel and walked for four hours, not knowing where I was or where I was going. I stumbled across the club and went in because I needed to use the toilet. When I came out of the bathroom, one of the guys offered to buy me a drink. At this stage I didn’t have many
options so I accepted and we got talking. During the conversation he asked if I’d ever considered stripping.” She laughed as she reminisced, obviously missing out some of the conversation.

  “He introduced me to Duke, who was quickly moving up the ranks. He was outraged that one of the guys had suggested I strip because of my age and wouldn’t hear of it. Instead he gave me a waitressing job and hooked me up with one of the girls who had a spare room.”

  Duke had displayed so many different sides in the short amount of time I’d known him, that I was struggling to know the true Duke.

  “Four weeks later I found out that I was pregnant when I haemorrhaged at work. Duke found me in the changing rooms and saved my life by getting me to the hospital in time. From that day we bonded and he took it upon himself to look after me, like a scary big brother.”

  I laughed at the thought of having him as a brother. He was protective enough having him as a lover but god help anyone if they were actually related to him.

  “It was Duke who encouraged me to go back to College and retrain so that I could get a trade behind me. I obviously couldn’t afford it but he paid for my first year’s tuition fees. We butted heads but I only agreed when he accepted my offer to pay him back in full with interest. After I finished my College course I decided to study further at University. It’s only a part time course so it’s taken a while to complete but I’ve enjoyed it immensely.”

  “So how did you become a stripper?” I was genuinely intrigued. If Duke had told her no, I didn’t understand how she started doing it?

  “It was me that made the conscious decision to start stripping. I wanted to make more money so I asked Viper if I could strip. Duke wasn’t happy but he arranged for me to be the star attraction and that I wasn’t to take my panties off or conduct private lap dances.” She laughed and shook her head as she spoke.

  “Big brother laying down the law?”

  “You better believe it. He used to contact the College each week to see how I was getting on and made it clear that if I ever fell behind on my studies he would stop me working.”