Duke (Aces MC Series Book 2)

by Foster, Aimee-Louise

  “That good huh!”

  I turned to see Spike, Diesel and Hound joining me at the table.

  “She still not taking your calls?” Diesel asked bemused.

  I shook my head and raised my eyes. Fucking drama! “What are you doing here anyway?”

  “We thought you may need some moral support.” Spike stated as he pulled a face, looking up at the first auditionee trying to make her way up the pole.

  “Fucking hell, it wants to get better than this otherwise it’s gonna be a long evening.”

  I shook my head to the sound of their laughter as the overweight auditionee fell off the pole.

  “Fucking priceless!”

  Taylor

  “I’m fine Pam. Please stop fussing, it’s just a scratch.”

  “It’s not a scratch Taylor it’s a gash, there’s a big difference between the two.” She continued to strut around the house making sure everything was ‘spit spot’ and to her liking before she made us both a cup of tea.

  “When will you be up and about?” Pam asked as she got comfortable on the sofa.

  “The test results are in and there isn’t an infection, so James is coming around later to close the wound.” I couldn’t wait as this would make bathing a lot easier.

  Pam nodded her head slowly taking in what I’d just told her. “Have you spoken to your sister lately?”

  I let out a loud sigh, “Yeah, I’m worried about her. This pregnancy is really getting her down.”

  “Why what did she say?”

  “By the end of the conversation she was in tears, stating that she didn’t want to become like mom.” I saw the shock clearly visible on Pam’s face.

  I rubbed my forehead remembering the conversation. Sophia had been hysterical at one point, telling me that she wasn’t coping. This wasn’t like Sophia she was usually too stubborn to admit that she needed help so I knew to take it seriously. I’d explained that mom had postpartum depression and that it wasn’t hereditary but she wasn’t listening. She didn’t have a support structure in place as Brad was still working away and I felt helpless being on the other side of the world.

  “I’ve booked a flight to New York for early Saturday morning.” I stated looking over at my aunt.

  “Are you well enough to travel?”

  “Yeah I’ll be fine. I need to see her Pam, she’s not coping. While I’m there, I’m gonna contact Brad and tell him to get the fuck home and start looking after his family.”

  “Taylor!”

  My aunt hated me cursing. “Sorry but he needs to start pulling his weight or look for another job closer to home.”

  “I agree. I’ve thought that for a while now.”

  “I’ve also been looking online for some support groups and local charities that may be able to help her.” I shrugged.

  “You’re a good girl Taylor.” Pam leant over and rubbed my arm gently, “Do you need anything before I go?”

  “No I’m good. I’ll speak to you before I leave.”

  Pam kissed me lightly on the cheek before she left. I had a million things to do before I took off for New York. I quickly retrieved my phone from my pocket.

  Hi Spike. I need a favour whilst I’m away. Could you please look out for Chanel? She’s getting rather close to Buster, if you know what I mean! LOL I know I can trust you to do the right thing.

  Yeah that’s fine Taylor. Where you going?

  New York. I shouldn’t be longer than 2 weeks. Chloe will look after the salon and continue working on the girls at the club.

  Running away?

  Visiting my sister

  OK. Does Duke know yet?

  NO!

  Are you telling him?

  Yes but later on in the week.

  Chicken!

  Sod off!

  Take care x

  Thanks x

  Spike was right I was only putting off the inevitable. I needed to speak to Duke, if anything to just explain how I felt. I’d developed strong feelings for him over the past month, there was no denying that but I couldn’t possibly be involved in his world. It was just too scary and would put me on edge. I wasn’t prepared to live in fear for the rest of my life. Being shot at was so frightening and it was as if I’d stepped into a parallel universe. Things like this didn’t really happen, well not in my world anyway.

  I quickly typed a message to Duke.

  Can we talk?

  It didn’t take long before I got a response.

  I’ll be with you in 10

  Looks like I’ll be having that conversation a lot sooner than expected!

  “How you doing Ash?” Duke asked as he walked through the door. He was wearing his faded jeans that hung low on his hips, with a navy sweatshirt and his leather cut. He bent down to kiss me and I quickly turned my head so that he kissed my cheek instead. I couldn’t have any close contact as I was likely to change my mind, I needed to stay strong. He pulled away suddenly, surprised by my blatant refusal to except his kiss and left a wave of fragrance as he stalked into the living room. This was gonna be harder than I anticipated. I took a deep breath and followed him, watching his sexy arse as he walked.

  I sat on the sofa, “I wanted to apologise for acting stupid over the accident. It wasn’t your fault and I appreciate that now.” I wanted to make that point clear.

  He didn’t say a word he just nodded and continued to look at me.

  “I had conflicted feelings before that incident but that night… well that event has put everything into perspective.”

  “And that is?”

  “I can’t do this Duke. I’ve tried, I really have but the life you lead is not for me.”

  “But from next week things should be normal.”

  I smiled, “Things with you will never be normal.”

  He grinned and nodded his head, “So what you saying Ash?”

  “I’m going to New York for a couple of weeks to visit my sister.” Duke looked at me surprised. “I’ve asked Spike to look after Chanel...”

  “I don’t need Spike to look after Chanel, I’m more than capable.” He rose to his feet clearly annoyed.

  “I didn’t mean anything by it Duke. I just assumed that when I said it was over between us, you wouldn’t want to do it.”

  “I will look out for Chanel.” He stated forcefully.

  I ignored his tone, “Chloe will look after the salon and continue to work at the club at the weekends. On my return, I think it’s probably best that she continues unless you don’t want to use us anymore?”

  He stood still with his hands on his hips with an unreadable expression. “It’s like were dividing up our belongings and sorting out who gets custody of the kids!”

  I started to laugh at his comment, this was now going better than expected.

  Duke sat on the sofa directly next to me and put his arm along the back of the cushions. Taking a strand of my long hair, he started to play with it rolling it between his fingers.

  I felt a shudder down my body, even at the limited contact he’d made.

  “I really don’t want us to fall out over this Ash. I’ve enjoyed having you around the last month or so but I’m not gonna pressure you. You’ve gotta want me for me and if I’m not enough then I’ll accept that but I’m not gonna change.”

  That’s the problem you are good enough, I just can’t take the risk of getting hurt.

  He continued to play with my hair and I could see him mulling something over in his mind.

  Before I had time to ask him, he’d stood abruptly.

  “I’ve gotta go Ash. Have a safe journey.” He stalked out of the living room slamming the door behind him as he left the house.

  What had I done?

  Chapter 16

  Duke

  I hadn’t heard from Ash, not that I expected to. She’d made it perfectly clear how she felt towards me and my club. I wasn’t gonna change who I was for anyone but it didn’t make the rejection hurt any less.

  I’d just arrived at the club hous
e after a hard session at the gym. CJ had a fight coming up in a couple of months and was now in training. He was a fucking machine and although he was a bare knuckle boxer, I always insisted on wearing gloves when we sparred.

  My phone started to ring and I noticed that it was Chanel. I’d spoken to her twice yesterday and had offered her a bed here at the club, which she politely refused. I’d also made sure that Buster was here last night, I didn’t want any unwanted pregnancies on my watch. Taylor would never forgive me for a start and I’d have one less Prospect around because I’d fucking kill him. Instead Amy had offered to sleep over at Taylor’s, which I was thankful for.

  “Hi Chanel, what’s up darlin?”

  “There’s been a fire in the fucking shop.” She screamed down the phone.

  “Calm down Chanel.” She was getting hysterical. “What shop?” I started to get dressed quickly as I continued my conversation.

  “I came to the high street with Amy to get some breakfast and the fire brigade were putting out a fire in the salon. What should I do?”

  “Are you still with Amy?”

  “Yes,”

  “Stay with her, I’m on my way.” I hung up and put my phone quickly into my pocket as I ran up the corridor towards the bar still getting dressed.

  “Thank fuck you’re here,” I put on my boots and quickly tightened them. “There’s been a fire at the salon.” I shouted at the group. I glanced at them and could see an array of different expressions on their faces.

  “Arson?” Bear asked standing beside me and retrieving his keys from his pocket.

  “Don’t know but we need to get over there now.”

  We ran outside and quickly mounted our motorcycles and took the ten minute journey over to Epping.

  “Duke!” Chanel ran across the street and into my arms before I’d even dismounted my motorcycle.

  “It’s okay darlin. Did you see anything?”

  “No, it was already ablaze when we got here.”

  “Okay. Go and stand with Buster whilst I talk to Ames.” She smiled and stalked over to where Buster was standing and fell easily into his embrace.

  Amy had just finished talking to the police office as I joined her in front of the salon.

  “What’s going on Ames?”

  “I had to lie and say that I was Taylor, so I could get some information.”

  That was our Amy, a quick thinker. “So what have you found out?”

  “It looks like arson, something was thrown through the window. A witness has given a description of the man and he also got the registration of the vehicle, which turns out to be the same as the one that shot at you on Saturday.”

  I nodded my head taking in the information. The guys had paid Miss Jennifer Wright a visit to find that her car had actually been stolen. We ran a background check but nothing linked her to any of our rivals but I had asked for her to be put under surveillance for a couple of days for my peace of mind. Our investigation had met a dead end for now but I only hoped that the police would make better progress.

  “Interesting! What about the salon? Is it a total mess?”

  “Luckily the witness called the fire brigade straight away. There’s no structural damage only cosmetic.”

  I nodded my head as I contemplated what we may possibly need to get the salon back to its former glory.

  “Is it arson?” Bear asked as he joined us.

  “Yeah, looking that way.” I said as I rubbed my forehead.

  “Who would want to ruin Taylor’s business?” Amy asked looking between us.

  “This has nothing to do with Taylor, they’re trying to get to me.” I stated as I crossed my arms and looked around the busy street, trying to see if anything was out of place. Nothing looked suspicious but I had an uneasy feeling.

  Taylor’s place gets wrecked and we ride up here like a bunch of fucking hero’s. We were leaving ourselves vulnerable in other places.

  I looked at Bear, “Make sure we have adequate presence at all of our establishments. I don’t want to leave ourselves open for attack.”

  Bear nodded and stalked back to the rest of the guys, giving them their orders of where they should be.

  “What do you need me to do Duke?” Amy asked.

  “Can we get into the building yet?” I asked nodding in the direction of the salon.

  She shook her head, “Not for another couple of hours.” She stated.

  “Well you better go and make some lunch then.” I said with a wink.

  Two hours later we were allowed back into the salon. I looked around assessing the damage, it wasn’t too bad. Rob was currently measuring up the wood that we’d need to replace and I’d called a glazier to replace the broken window.

  Buster and Ramsey had been sent to the local furniture shop to purchase a new leather sofa and Amy, Chanel and Pam, had taken it upon themselves to clean the place up.

  “Are you getting domesticated?” Diesel asked as he joined me in the kitchen.

  “Fuck off!” I said with humour. “It’s the least I can do for that lot out there, they don’t have to help out.” I put the hot drinks onto a tray and carried them into the salon, placing them on the new coffee table with Diesel following me closely behind.

  Everyone was appreciative and took a drink, sitting in various positions around the salon.

  “Thank you, that’s a lovely cup of tea young man.” Pam said as she took her drink. I’d heard a lot about her from Taylor and Chanel but this was the first time I’d actually met her. She certainly spoke her mind, which was an endearing quality.

  “I can’t call you Duke, it’s a silly name. What’s your real name dear?”

  Diesel started to snigger at my discomfort. “My name’s Mitchell.” I stated giving her a brilliant smile.

  “Why do they call you Duke?” she asked intrigued.

  We got asked this question a lot. “We are given our club names. It could be an abbreviation of our real name like CJ, a nickname from our childhood like Hound or an association with something like Diesel.”

  Diesel smiled proudly as Pam nodded her head understanding but she looked at me expectantly.

  “When I was younger, I liked to play dress up.” God this was embarrassing, not many people knew why I was called Duke.

  “Still does!” Diesel said to the roar of laughter from the group.

  I ignored them and continued. “My parents used to take the piss and say that I had a regal air about me when I used to get into character. It developed from there and since as long as I can remember I’ve been called Duke.”

  “It could’ve been worse I suppose. You could’ve dressed up in women’s clothes, then what would they’ve called you?” Pam stated as she leaned in her chair continuing to drink her tea.

  Diesel spluttered choking on his drink as it went down the wrong hole. Prick! I wasn’t helping him, he shouldn’t keep laughing at me. But I knew one thing for sure, I now knew where Taylor got her smart mouth from.

  “Right are you ready ladies? It’s been a long day and it’s time to get you all home.”

  Amy, Chanel and Pam had finished cleaning and I could see that they were all exhausted, especially Pam although she seemed fitter than most pensioners.

  I ushered them out of the door and into the taxi that was waiting for them outside the salon.

  “Thanks again, I really appreciate your help today.” I said smiling as I assisted Pam into the front seat of the taxi.

  “No, thank you dear for fixing Taylor’s salon.” Pam said resting her hand on my forearm.

  I smiled at her kind words, “It’s the least I can do but remember not to tell her, we don’t want her worrying.”

  The three ladies nodded in agreement as I closed the passenger side door and waved as the driver pulled away into the traffic. Taylor followed them to make sure they all got home safely.

  I stalked back into the salon where the prospects were now painting the freshly cleaned walls. It still smelt of smoke but I was hoping that a go
od amount of airing and the array of air fresheners we had strategically placed around the salon, may help to eradicate this.

  “Diesel and I are heading back to the club house boys, if you need us give me a call.”

  The prospects continued painting, knowing that they weren’t to come back until the job was completed.

  “Pour us a drink Spike.” I said crashing on the sofa next to him in the bar.

  “How’s it all going?” Spike asked as he filled four glasses with the amber liquid.

  “The prospects are painting and Amy’s going shopping for new towels and drapes tomorrow as the others smell of smoke.” I knocked back my drink in one and pushed the empty glass over to Spike for a refill.

  “I never thought I’d hear the day you spoke about drapes.” Diesel said to the sniggers from Bear and Spike.

  “You’re fucking hilarious!” I said dryly draining my glass and banging it on the table.

  I know he was only messing around but I wasn’t feeling very sociable this evening so I excused myself and stalked into my office for some peace and quiet.

  I leant back in my chair, resting my feet on the desk as I tried to relax after such a shitty day. I slowly unwound the bandage that was around my right hand and looked at the abrasion left from scrapping it on the ground. I was taking pain killers still so I shouldn’t be drinking but the amber liquid was going down easily this evening and it helped to numb the pain.

  There was a knock on the door. “What do you want?” I asked as I threw the bandage into the bin. I thought it best to give the cut some air.

  The door opened slowly and Spike walked in. I noticed straight away that he had something in his hand. He walked further into the room and put the small container on my desk before sitting down comfortably on the sofa. I looked between the container and him as I continued to sit in my relaxed state not wanting to move.

  “I’ve been talking to James.” He stated as his leaned forward on the sofa.

  That’s when the penny finally dropped, the pills must be antidepressants. I’d spoken to Spike in length the other day when I bumped into him at the cemetery. I’d gone there to speak to Viper. Fucking stupid I know but that was the only place where I felt close to him. Whenever I needed to vent my anger and thrash a few things out, I found that place to be my sanctuary.