April and I had become close over the past seven years that I'd spent at the club. We'd fucked a few times but it wasn't because we were romantically linked. The first time we slept together was after she'd had a huge fight with Polar. I'd found her in the back room of the clubhouse sobbing her heart out, he knew how to pick her up and spit her out to play on her insecurities and make her feel worthless. If it hadn't have been me, it probably would've been one of the other guys but in that very moment she just needed to feel wanted, and I was able to give her that if only for a short time.
The second time we came together was just after the loss of Viper. April had the ability to read me and understood that I was hurting, she wanted to help me and I sought comfort from her. After this our relationship grew stronger, not in a loving way but we respected and understood each other and would look out for one another where possible.
Polar could see that we were growing close and did everything within his power to make sure that we didn't spend too much time together, which had the desired effect as that's all April wanted. She loved him and wanted to be part of his world but he just wouldn't commit to her.
"Earth to Locke." CJ stated as he waved his hand in front of my face. "Where did you just go? Looked like a million miles away." He stepped back and placed his hands in his pockets as he rocked back and forth on his heels.
"Someone close to me got injured badly earlier today, I thought we'd lost her for a while."
CJ let out a low whistle, "Sorry man, I just didn't know. We could've gone somewhere quieter to talk about it, you should've said earlier." He stepped forward but I shooed him away.
"This is what I wanted. I wanted a drink with my best mate and spend a few hours to forget about it."
"And has it helped?"
"I don't know yet."
"How did she get injured? Do you need to get the club involved?" he asked pulling out his phone.
I smiled, I appreciated him looking out for me but this was way beyond club business. I shook my head, "It's nothing to worry about, just stuff I need to deal with on my own."
"You don't have to deal with anything on your own Locke."
"It's not so much as I need, it's that I want to."
"You're a stubborn fucker!"
Headlights caught my attention as the vehicle turned into the car park and approached us. "What you two doing out here?" Ramsey asked through the window.
"I fancied a change of scenery." CJ stated as he opened the door to climb in, shuffling up so that he was sitting close to Ramsey.
"And was the scenery good this evening?" Ramsey wiggled his brows as I made my way into the van, using the armrest to hike myself up into the front cab.
"The scenery was very good but the only thing Locke pulled was a bloke." CJ sniggered and Ramsey leaned forward so that he could see my discomfort.
"Fuck off and drive."
"Where we going?" Ramsey started the engine and drove through the car park.
"Take me home, I need to go home." I didn't want to go back to the hotel. My place wasn't huge but it was home and I needed the familiar this evening.
I hadn't been home for a while now and I needed to add the most recent information to my board. My room had become the hub of my investigation on the Satan's Wrath, and the walls were covered in everything regarding the club that had taken away the most precious things to me. I sighed, thank god I didn't have to add April to the ever growing list.
I'd succeeded in taking one of them down but it had taken me seven years to do so, I needed to act quicker, I couldn't have it taking another seven years before I made further progress with my mission.
Chapter 10
Keira
We had been hectic this morning making sure everything was in order for the wedding flowers. The best man had arrived at 10.00am as requested and collected everything that needed to be taken to the hotel for the reception and the church. He looked a nervous wreck and kept referring to a list that had come directly from the bride, anyone would think that he was getting married to her the way he came across as hen pecked.
"I'm shattered Declan." I flung myself into the chair and rested my feet on the foot stool directly in front of me.
"Babe, why don't you take yourself to the gym or something? You could have a sauna and just chill for the rest of the day."
"I can't leave you here by yourself."
"You most certainly can. The wedding flowers have been collected and we'll only have the usual bouquet orders, I can't see there being a sudden influx of customers today."
I mulled over what he'd just said. He was such a sweetheart and had taken to the business well although it wasn't his chosen career.
I stood nodding my head, "I'm going to take you up on that offer."
"Good. You've been working so hard getting this shop up and running, that you deserve some time off." Declan continued to flick through the pages of his Grazia magazine indicating that everything had been sorted.
"Thank you." Declan looked up as I blew him a kiss, he pretended to catch it and held it to his cheek before he returned his attention back to an article that had intrigued him.
An hour later and I was wrapped in a fluffy white towel making my way into the sauna. I loved the relaxation of being in the humidity of the room, giving me the time needed to unwind. Business was going well, I couldn't complain about sales and I'd made some friends along the way. It had taken a lot for me to take the plunge and open the shop but I had faith in my creativity and ability to succeed.
I opened the door to a large puff of steam and hurried inside closing the door firmly behind me careful as to not let out all of the heat. I glanced around quickly to see that I was the only person in here and walked over to the far bench to lie comfortably, making the most of being alone.
I let out a loud sigh as I wiggled until I was in the correct position, and closed my eyes letting the stress leave my body.
The sound of the door startled me, I opened my eyes trying to focus realising that I must've nodded off. A whoosh of cold air entered the room but it ceased as the door shut firmly behind the person who'd just entered. I smelt a manly aroma as the person joined me on the back bench sitting directly at my feet as I looked though the steam searching for the person's face.
I noticed a small towel wrapped around his waist barely covering his modesty and worked my way slowly up his muscular body until we locked eyes, to see a smile creep across his handsome face.
"It's you!"
"It certainly is me, and it's you." He stated mocking me.
I held my towel in place around my lower regions and sat up slowly making sure that nothing was hanging out.
"What are you doing here?" I asked feeling awkward at his close proximity.
"The same reason you are, I'm taking a sauna." Locke said dryly.
I rolled my eyes as he chuckled, "I mean, what are you doing in Epping?"
The steam was mounting and I found it difficult to see him. Locke waved his hand around in front of him before sliding up the bench slightly. "CJ, the bloke I was with last night manages this place."
I nodded my head understanding but was pulled from my thoughts as his knee brushed mine. I glanced at our touching legs and then back at Locke who looked like his thoughts were elsewhere as he stared straight ahead. I relaxed slightly knowing that he didn't do this on purpose but still flushed at the close proximity.
"So was the drink intended for me?"
Locke shook his head, "Sorry babe, what did you say?"
Locke seemed preoccupied, "I said was the drink intended for me?"
His face brightened slightly, "Yeah."
"You're a man of many words." I stated sarcastically at his lack of communication skills.
"What do you want to talk about 'Irish'?"
I raised my brows at his address as he looked at me intently, as if waiting for my next question.
"What's your real name? I'm assuming your mother wasn't so cruel as to call you Locke."
He continued to stare but he didn't say anything, I swallowed hard and leaned forward to place my hand lightly on his forearm. "Locke, I'm sorry."
He glanced at my hand, and I removed it quickly as his gaze travelled up my body until he reached my eyes. "You don't need to apologise babe, you just got me thinking that's all."
I sat quietly assessing his mood which also gave me the time to look at his scar in more detail. I'd seen it last night at the pub and had briefly wondered how he'd got such a thing. It wasn't deep but it was large, possibly 4inchs in length and travelled from his chin to his ear.
"Jake, my name's Jake."
I smiled, "Jake's a lovely name, your mother has very good taste."
"Yeah she did." He leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees and rested his head on his raised arms.
"So what do you do for a living?" I asked trying to change the subject as he obviously didn't want to talk about certain subjects.
"The clue's in the name." He said sarcastically.
I scoffed, "Considering you wanted to buy me a drink last night you're being bloody hard work."
"Sorry it's just the way I am." He rubbed his face and took a deep breath, "So Irish, where do you work?"
I smiled as I knew he was now really trying, "I own a florist on the high street."
"Are you married?"
"No."
"Do you have a boyfriend?"
"No."
"Kids?"
"No."
"Can I take you out for a drink?"
"No."
He cocked his head to the side looking at me bemused that I'd turned him down.
"What?" I asked shrugging my shoulders.
Locke sniggered and shook his head, "You amuse me."
I stood and as I did the towel fell away from my body so that I was standing naked before him. Locke's eyes instantly searched my body and he nodded his head in appreciation.
I glanced towards the bench to see that he'd purposely grabbed the side of the towel without me realising. I now knew what type of game he was playing and it wasn't in my nature to let anyone get one over me, I needed to let him know that this hadn't affected me, although I was crying inside.
I knew that I had a banging body, I worked out five times a week and refrained from eating anything sweet, only allowing myself to gorge on the occasional night out. I also knew that I needed to work it and tease him as he was doing to me.
"Could I please have my towel back?" I asked as I held out my hand.
"Let me take you out, you won't regret it I promise." Locke held the towel in front of me just out of reach so that I had to step forward.
"I'm busy."
"I haven't told you when."
"Like I said I'm busy."
"Oh, it's like that. Then no, you can't have your towel back."
The fucking cheek of him, I watched as he lifted his leg slightly and pushed my towel under it so that I couldn't get it even if I wanted to. Locke's smile grew as he witnessed my discomfort and I jumped when I heard the door open. The cold air that rushed around my body made my nipples harden and Locke's eyes narrowed as he assessed me hungrily.
I was so embarrassed but I'd come this far, I needed to follow through or I'd look like a complete fool in front of him which I wasn't prepared to do.
I turned on my heels and met the eyes of a bloke in his late twenties with a skin head covered in tattoos from head to toe. He smiled sweetly and I was surprised that he didn't take in my naked form as he made his way over to Locke.
I took a deep breath and walked towards the door, "Irish!"
I slowly turned to see Locke make his way over towards me, "Here, I was only mucking around." He held out my towel towards me, "Please take it."
I looked at the towel before I met his pleading eyes, as if he didn't want me to leave in all my glory. "Stick the towel up your arse." I stated before I turned on my heels to hear the sniggering from the tattooed bloke that had just joined us.
I closed the door behind me and hurried down the corridor trying to hide my most intimate parts of my body as I passed staff members on the way. She smiled politely and didn't say anything about my attire, well lack of it but I don't know who blushed more, me or her.
When I was safely back in the changing room, I removed the key from my wrist and opened my locker door. I let out a sigh, grateful for the spare towel that I always packed and wrapped it around my naked body before the rest of the gym managed to see. Sitting on the bench I took stock of what had just happened and laughed to myself. He was a cocky, arrogant and somewhat infuriating man but on the flip side good looking in a rough and ready kind of way. His brusque demeanour intrigued me and I knew that I could have some fun with him. I saw the way his eyes scanned my body and he'd already asked me out on a date. Would an evening out with him be so wrong?
I was pulled from my thoughts as a gaggle of women entered the changing rooms and took over the space so I hurried into a cubicle to put on my clothes.
"Did you hear that Locke's back?" I heard one of the ladies say which caught my attention. I stopped what I was doing and peered through the gap in the door.
"Yeah, the guys mentioned it this morning when I was over at the clubhouse." I strained to see the other lady that was talking but she was out of sight. "I saw CJ this morning and he mentioned that Locke's dealing with some shit."
"And how early did you see Caleb this morning?"
"Not like that." I saw a piece of clothing fly through the air and hit the red head who'd asked the question as the group laughed.
"Locke's always dealing with shit, he needs to find someone that he feels comfortable to talk to."
The ladies agreed with her comment and they made their way from the changing rooms.
As the room fell silent I unlocked the door and made my way from the cubical to stand in front of the mirror to check my attire. I'd already made a tit of myself earlier so I wanted to make sure that I looked presentable before I left the gym.
I eagerly made my way through the corridor not wanting to bump into Locke or the lady that had seen me naked earlier, and out into the car park towards my car.
Opening the boot I threw my gym bag in and closed it before making my way around to the driver's side door. As I sat in the seat I started the ignition and sniggered to myself remembering the embarrassment of my earlier encounter with Locke and how my body tingled from his touch.
My throat felt sore and I realised that I hadn't had a drink recently and knew that I had one in my gym bag. I exited the car and closed the door behind me making my way to the rear of the vehicle to retrieve my drinks bottle. I returned to the driver's side door and pulled on the handle to realise that the car had locked itself, I groaned at my predicament. What the fuck was I going to do?
Leaning against the car I rubbed my forehead, contemplating my next move.
"Are you having a little trouble?"
I looked in the direction of where the voice had come from, "You could say that." I stated seeing Locke stroll towards me.
A small smile spread across his face, "Well I can help you out but I'd want something in return."
"Name it." I said far too quickly.
Locke raised his brows, "Come out with me for a drink tonight."
"Locke, I don't even know you." I said with a sigh. "You could be an axe murderer for all I know."
"No axes, I only use chainsaws." He said dryly.
I smirked at his banter, "Well that's a relief then."
"I've already seen you naked babe so we've got that awkwardness out of the way before our first date."
I placed my hands on my hips, "You're full of yourself and you're implying that there'll be a second date."
"Look, I want you and I know that you want me plus I'm leaving tomorrow afternoo
n and won't be around again for another couple of weeks. I'm happy to do the casual thing if you are?"
"And how many casual things do you do?"
Locke sniggered, "It's been a very long time babe, my balls are turning blue."
"And you think I can help you out of your predicament?" I asked stepping closer towards him.
He looked me up and down, lingering at my breasts before he rubbed his chin, "Oh yes."
"You're funny, I'll give you that," I sniggered.
"Funny ha-ha or funny strange?"
"Both! If I turn up tonight it doesn't mean we're shagging." I stated with humour in my voice.
"Yeah it does." Locke winked and turned to stroll over to his van.
I watched as he slid open the side door and rummaged around in the back. His jeans became tight around his arse as he leaned further inside, I found myself ogling but quickly looked away as he made his way from the vehicle.
Locke strolled over to my vehicle and pulled out his tools to work his magic as I watched hopeful that he could open the door.
"Voila!"
I let out a sigh of relief, "Thank you, I really appreciate your help."
"Not a problem, now what time do you want to meet up Irish?"
I sniggered at his persistence, "Where do you want to take me?" Locke raised his brows and smiled.
"You're disgusting!" I swatted his arm playfully.
"I'm staying at the Travel Lodge hotel in Enfield. Come and have dinner with me around 8.00pm."
Locke stepped closer and stared at me intently, my body felt warm under his scrutiny and I simply nodded letting him know that I'd be there. What was I to tell Declan? He'd probably want to come with me given half the chance.
"Great, I'll see you there." Locke winked cheekily and strolled towards his van leaving me standing alone in the car park with nothing but the building excitement inside my stomach.
I quickly drove home and parked at the rear of the building, making sure that I was composed otherwise Declan would be able to see straight through me. I exited the car and made my way up the alley to the front of the shop before opening the door brightly.
Locke (Aces MC Series Book 4) Page 10