Duke (Aces MC Series Book 2)

by Foster, Aimee-Louise

Now this made me laugh.

  “I made it clear when I started studying at University at the age of twenty-one, that if he even thought about calling, I’d cut his dick off. He never did!”

  I let out a low whistle as I processed this information. This explained a lot to me and confirmed Amy’s story about him helping out the people he loved. Who was this man?

  I spent the next ninety minutes on Savannahs nails. I was so please for her to get an opportunity like this as she really did work hard. It couldn’t have been easy studying and then having to work on top of that to support herself.

  After we said our goodbye’s I decided to take an early lunch. I wasn’t that hungry but I had an hour before Harlow arrived for her hair appointment and was looking forward to putting my feet up. After making myself a nice cup of tea, I grabbed the closest magazine and relaxed on the sofa flicking through the pages of the gossip columns.

  My phone buzzed indicating I’d received a text message.

  Hi Taylor. Thanx 4 letting me sleep in J What do u want 4 dinner 2nite?

  She was such a sweet girl, always looking to please. How could her dad be such an arse towards her? I quickly typed my response.

  Don’t worry about dinner. I’ll bring a takeaway home. Chinese, Indian or Pizza?

  I didn’t usually do takeaways. I was well aware that the closer I got to thirty the harder it was to shift the pounds.

  As long as you’re sure. Pizza’s good. Like everything apart from those round black things! X

  I sniggered as I read her last text. I assumed she meant olives and I didn’t like them either so I was pleased about that.

  Okay, see you about 6 x

  “Taylor!” I turned to see Harlow standing at the door.

  “Hi Harlow, how are you?” I stood greeting her properly.

  “Sorry I know I’m early but I was in the neighbourhood so I thought I’d pop in.”

  “Not a problem, take a seat. Do you want a drink?”

  Harlow started to take off her poncho with difficulty.

  “Come here, let me give you a hand.” I untangled it from her body, “When does the cast come off.”

  “Not soon enough, it’s doing my head in. You don’t realise how much you use your body parts until you’re made immobile!” She smiled sweetly, “I hope you don’t mind me coming back here? Chloe said it was okay to come through.”

  “No that’s fine. How are things with you?” I was a little confused as to why she was here. We’d only met once, a couple of weeks ago when I put her extensions in. Although I did feel like I knew her through conversations with both Amy and Savannah.

  “I can see by your face that you’re a little confused as to why I’m here.” She leant forward on the chair, “I just want to introduce myself properly. I’ve heard so much about you, from the girls and the guys come to think of it.”

  I laughed at her comment. I’d had first-hand experience of the guys gossiping.

  “Amy said you’re coming out with us on Thursday.”

  I nodded my head as I took a sip of my tea. “I’m looking forward to meeting the rest of the girls. I’ve been welcomed with open arms so far by everyone.”

  “I’m glad to hear it but I’m sure Duke wouldn’t have it any other way.” She lifted her eyebrows with a knowing look. “How are things going in the Duke department?”

  I smiled tightly not making eye contact. What could I say to her? I was falling hard for this hot alpha male. He was possessive, strong and made me feel things that I’d never felt before but he also had a sensitive side that not many people saw but most importantly he made me lose my inhibitions which scared me and I was afraid of the dangerous path he would lead me down both in our relationship and my life in general.

  “I know that look Taylor and I could probably real off, all the emotions that I just saw in your eyes. You gotta let it run its natural course. Don’t over analyse babe or you’ll stop whatever it is between you before you even give it a chance.”

  I looked at her, intrigued by her analysis and found that she spoke like she was a lot older than her twenty years.

  “You don’t know much about me but I’ve lived and breathed it Taylor. Bikers are domineering, intense and passionate men both in their day to day lives and in the bedroom.” She sniggered at her own comment. “I can see your reticence and I appreciate how coy you’re being about your relationship with Duke and I think he’d appreciate that too. It’s just that Duke doesn’t do relationships so everyone’s excited at the prospect of the two of you getting it on.”

  I bit my lip whilst processing her comment. It was very early days, in fact it had only been a couple of weeks but Duke was so intense. I’d never been consumed by a man before but Duke had a way of getting into my head and my heart.

  “What if I can’t do it Harlow?” She looked at me intrigued. “What if I can’t fit in with his life? It’s different for you as you were born into this, it’s in your blood. But me, I’m just a normal person, with a normal job and a normal life. What could he possibly want with me?”

  Harlow moved so that she was sitting beside me, “You’ve answered your own question. I can’t speak for Duke but I’d say he wants you because you are normal!” I looked at her confused. “I haven’t known Duke that long but when I first met him he honestly scared the shit out of me. He has this demeanour about him and I suppose that comes with being the president of the club. I can only go by what I’ve heard from the girls at the club but he’s only ever had one night stands. He doesn’t do the relationship thing and very rarely goes back twice.”

  I rubbed my forehead as I sniggered, “You’re not painting a very good picture of him!”

  She laughed, “What I’m trying to say is that I think he really likes you, he just finds all this…difficult to process.”

  I took another sip of my tea and let the hot liquid smooth my tummy ache. My ear continued to pulsate and I was planning on seeing the doctor again if it didn’t sort itself out by the weekend. I glanced over at Harlow. Every time I looked at her skin, I saw something else. Her tattoos were fantastic and very feminine.

  Harlow caught me staring, “Have you got any tattoos?”

  “No but I’ve been thinking about one for a while. I’d like a purple butterfly on my shoulder.” I stated pointing to the place where I wanted one. It wouldn’t be prominent and could still be covered over with clothes but I would know it was there.

  “Why don’t you book an appointment? I can’t ink you because of my arm but I can draw it.”

  I rubbed my shoulder contemplating. I’d always erred on the side of caution.

  “Sod it! Go on then, book me in. Can you do after 11.30am tomorrow?”

  Harlow looked at her diary on her phone. “Spike can fit you in at 12.30pm.”

  Duke

  “So what does it mean?” Rex asked.

  “What a fucking stupid question Rex. It means someone has beef with the club.” Diesel stood knocking his chair flying.

  Earlier on in the day a brick had been thrown through the gym’s window with a note attached, telling us to watch our businesses, families and backs.

  The guys were getting restless and we had no leads. The new CCTV system installed was good but it didn’t stretch wide enough to see who threw the brick. I hated feeling fucking helpless and unable to protect the club.

  “Calm down Diesel. Let’s not get over excited. It’s probably someone we threw out of the strip club or didn’t enjoy a meal at the cafe. Let’s analyse this sensibly.”

  “Are we on lock down?” Justice asked looking around the group.

  “There’s no need for that. We’ll just tighten security and make sure no one goes out alone. Rex you’re gonna need to keep Brooke under control.”

  Everyone started laughing, “Yeah, good luck with that man.” CJ sniggered.

  “And Woods, let Lauren know, not that she’s a problem. Put a prospect on Ink, Amy and Maggie and find someone for Ash.”

  I looked around
the room at everyone’s questioning looks but I didn’t give a shit. It was protocol to look after our women as they were an easy target. Ink and Maggie were old ladies and Amy was family but I’d never asked the club to look out for someone for me and that’s what the questioning looks were for.

  Diesel broke the silence, “Have we covered everything?”

  I looked at CJ, “Where was Locke going this morning in such a hurry?”

  The room fell silent, “I don’t know Duke, and I’m not his fucking keeper. I know he’s my mate but leave me out of this shit.” CJ stood and stomped quickly out of the room.

  CJ’s little outburst was interesting. He obviously knew more than he was letting on and this was something I would get Diesel to investigate further.

  I quickly brought the gavel down dismissing the other members. Everyone started to file out leaving only Diesel and Bear behind.

  “What’s your hunch Duke?” Bear asked tapping his fingers on the table impatiently.

  “The most obvious is Tyreese but this isn’t his bag. He would come in all guns blazing not giving a shit about the repercussions. Something just doesn’t feel right.”

  Diesel tossed me a knowing look, “Rev?”

  I nodded my head slowly as it was a possibility.

  Chapter 12

  Taylor

  “Harlow it’s beautiful.” She’d designed a stunning realistic butterfly. The design would fit perfectly on my shoulder and I started to get excited at the prospect of having it but not at the pain that came with it.

  “She’s bloody talented that’s for sure.” I turned to see Spike stroll into the room. “Are you ready for me Taylor?” He lifted his eyebrows up and down.

  “Hell yeah, let’s get this done.” I said, expressing a little more confidence than I was feeling inside.

  Spike positioned himself behind me, “Now lay down face first and take the pain.”

  Harlow burst out laughing at my shocked expression, “Does everything you say have to sound so sexual Spike, it’s gross!” I stated as I positioned myself comfortably on the chair.

  Harlow leant closer, “It’s gonna be fine Taylor. In a little while you won’t be a virgin anymore.” We started to giggle like school girls.

  “Who’s sounding sexual now?” Spike asked looking directly at Harlow before turning slightly towards me. “I could tell you an interesting story about certain people losing their virginity Taylor!” Spike stated through sly eyes.

  “You wouldn’t dare!” Harlow swatted Spike on the arm playfully.

  “Then get out of my way woman, I’ve got work to do.”

  An hour later I was the proud owner of a beautiful tattoo. “Spike it’s wonderful.” I stood looking at my reflection in the mirror admiring his handy work.

  “Keep it covered for eight hours then put this cream on it.” Spike handed me a tube of Bepanthen.

  I read the label, “It’s for nappy care! Is that nappies as in diapers?”

  They started to laugh, “It works wonders, trust me.” Spike said as I put it safely into my jean pocket with a confused expression.

  “Thank you again, it really is beautiful.”

  It hadn’t hurt as much as I thought it would. It was a little sore now but as long as I didn’t lay on it tonight I’m sure it would be fine. It had now been eight hours so I carefully took the cling film off that was held in place with some surgical tape to protect my new tattoo.

  “Oh Taylor, that’s stunning.”

  Spike had done a fantastic job with Harlow’s design. The butterfly was purple and had been shaded so it looked like it was about to take flight.

  Chanel stood on tip toes and gently applied the cream to my skin.

  “I’m trying to be gentle, let me know if I hurt you.”

  “You’re doing fine Chanel, keep going and make sure you cover it all.”

  She continued to work the cream but stopped when there was a gentle knock on the door. I turned and instantly saw apprehension on Chanel’s face.

  “What’s the matter Chanel?” I asked panicked, hopeful that it wasn’t her father at the door.

  “Erm…I forgot to ask if…if I could pop out with Buster for an hour or so.”

  I looked at my watch, it was after 9.30pm. “It’s late, where you going?” I asked as I walked over to the front door.

  “Hi Buster, come in.” I moved out of the way so that he could enter the house. Poor sod, he looked petrified. Was I really that scary? “Where you taking her?” I immediately asked as I followed him into the living room. I’d answered my own question, yes I was that scary.

  “Erm…We were just going for a ride to spend some time together.”

  I felt like such a bitch. Who was I to question young love.

  “That’s fine. Sorry for questioning you but can you understand why?” Buster nodded his head slowly not wanting to make eye contact. “Look after her or you’ll answer to me, then Duke.” This time he nodded dramatically, making sure I knew that he understood.

  Chanel stood on tip toes and kissed me lightly on the cheek before taking Busters hand and leading him out of the house.

  I started to laugh to myself. She wasn’t even my daughter but I was acting like she was.

  I walked over to the mirror again to admire my tattoo and decided to take a photo on my phone using the reflection in the mirror to help me. I wanted to send the photo to Duke as he didn’t know that I was getting it. It didn’t take long for him to respond.

  Who’s been getting you naked?

  Really! Not the response I was looking for. He could’ve asked why I’d chosen a butterfly or did it hurt? No, not Duke, he just went all out cave man.

  Spike did the tattoo if that’s what you’re asking and Harlow was there the whole time!

  OK

  Okay! What does he mean by bloody okay? I put my phone on the table and went upstairs into the spare room to do a workout session. That man made me so furious at times. I changed into my shorts and vest top mindful of my tattoo and cranked up the music. I was planning on doing an hour of high pace cardiovascular exercises to take my mind off of his shit response.

  I was now forty-five minutes into my workout so I started to wind down rocking slowly from side to side to bring my heart rate down. I started to breathe steadily and was feeling totally relaxed breathing, in and out, in and out, in and out...

  A deafening blast came from the doorway as the door smashed into the wall. I let out a high pitched scream as pieces of wood flew through the air and I stepped back quickly towards the wall narrowly avoiding the carnage. My heart was beating ninety to the dozen as I looked around the room not knowing what had just gone on, until I heard the chuckles from the doorway.

  I turned my head slowly to see Bear, Spike and Diesel standing where up until thirty seconds ago there had been a door.

  “What the fuck are you doing in my house?” I screamed not recognising my own voice as I’d never been so outraged. I could feel the vein in the side of my neck pulsating as my rage took over me. They stood there dumbfounded at my reaction. “Well, I’m waiting you fucking arseholes. What are you doing here?”

  Spike stepped forward, “Erm…Duke asked us to come over. He thought you may be in trouble.”

  I stepped away from the wall and rested my hands on my hips.

  “Trouble from what? I could’ve been stuck in my Lycra outfit and needed some assistance to get it off. I could’ve been stuck in a compromising yoga position and needed assistance to get me out of it.” I said sarcastically.

  They looked at each other dumfounded by my reaction. I pushed past them, still annoyed walking down the stairs to find my phone. This had to fucking stop it was ridiculous. I picked up my phone to call him, when I saw ten missed calls and seven text messages from Duke.

  Sorry, I’m finding this difficult Ash. The thought of you naked with another man!

  It looks lovely

  Why the butterfly?

  Is everything okay Ash?

  A
nswer me please!

  If you don’t answer I’m coming over!

  The guys are on their way!

  Shit! I rubbed my forehead as I scrolled through the messages taking everything in.

  “Ahem! Is it safe to come in?” Spike asked as he walked slowly into the living room.

  I turned at the sound of his voice and started to snigger. The three burly bikers looked like scared zoo keepers trying to coerce a dangerous animal. The sniggers turned into full belly laughs and the tears started to stream down my face.

  “Here she goes again! I’m pleased this time she hasn’t broken anyone’s nose.” Diesel said sarcastically to the roar of Spike and Bear laughter.

  We were laughing so hard that we didn’t see Duke enter the room, “Well I’m pleased that you all find this fucking hilarious. I’ve just been pulled over for fucking speeding.”

  We immediately stopped laughing like naughty children being scolded. Duke clearly wasn’t in the mood to piss off further.

  He looked directly at me, “Go and put some fucking clothes on Ash!”

  I looked down at my attire then back at him with a glare. He raised his eyebrows almost goading me to argue. There was nothing wrong with my outfit. I would possibly wear an outfit like this to the gym but his statement had made me immediately feel self-conscious. I pushed past him and stomped up the stairs like a child not getting their own way to look for something less revealing. I wanted to pull him on his shit but decided to do it later when the guys weren’t around.

  As I reached the top of the stairs, I could hear the guy’s conversation about me having a shit attack and rightly so. I was in my goddam house, how dare they just break in even if it was to check if I was okay. I was still furious and seeing the mess that they’d created didn’t make it any easier.

  I changed into a navy blue track suit and hoped that this would meet Duke’s approval but if he didn’t like it he could simply fuck off, I wasn’t in the mood this evening for his shit.

  By the time I’d come downstairs there was a man fixing my front door. I hadn’t even noticed that it was hanging off of its hinges when I flew past earlier. I walked into the living room to find that the four of them had raided my fridge and had an array of food on the coffee table in the middle of the room.