Amy (Aces MC Series Book 3.5) (20 page)

James returned his attention to me and lightly placed his
hands on my upper arms. "There's nothing to worry about Ames."
"Who said I was worried?" I asked drawing my brows together confused.
James sniggered, "You don't have to, I can just sense it."
I felt my cheeks flush under his scrutiny and he leaned in to give me a kiss
when the children walked in with an array of boxes. I glanced towards James
with a questioning look.
He shrugged, "I could've cooked this evening but I actually want to see
you again."
I sniggered at his comment and saw how Hazel rolled her eyes, she was going to
be a hard one to win over.
"Please help yourself." James said walking over to the table to open
up the pizza boxes.
"Amy come and sit next to me." I was shocked by Callum's acceptance
already but I did as I was asked and sat next to him.

The evening flew by and the conversation was kept light
skirting around anything to do with the children's mother. We played safe and
spoke about hobbies and interests, music and television and I felt like I was
at a job interview with some of the directed questions from Hazel.

Once we'd finished, James stood to clear some of the plates
and I went to help him, "No you don't, sit down babe you're a guest."
I rolled my eyes and saw James click his fingers indicating that he wanted the
help of Callum. He stood and started to collect the plates from the table and
carefully held them on his way to the kitchen.
"Won't be long girls." James said with a wink as he backed out of the
dining room.

"So what do you want with my dad?" Hazel asked
turning her body directly towards me as she asked the question.
"What do you mean, want with him?" I asked, confused by what she was
asking.
"Precisely that, what do you want?" Hazel crossed her arms taking a
defensive stance.
"It's early days but I would like to spend some time getting to know him
better." I replied hoping that this answered her question.
"The problem is though Amy, I don't want someone like you hanging
around." My mouth fell open from her harsh words and bobbed open and shut
from her vile statement as I was lost for words.
"Isn't that your father's decision though?" I managed to say once I'd
composed myself.
Hazel shrugged before continuing, "But like any good father should do, he
always listens to the opinions of his lovely children." Hazel smirked.
"I don't understand why you're being mean Hazel, I'm not trying to take
the place of your mother."
Hazel scoffed, "You'd never replace her even if you tried. She was loving,
caring and wanted only the best for Callum and myself."
"And I wouldn't want to but I'm pleased you have such fond memories of
her."
"Did you know that my dad's a doctor and soon to be a consultant?"
"Yes I did, and he's worked very hard to get where he is."
"Exactly, so what would he want with a woman that works in a cafe?" I
pondered her questions but was interrupted when James stepped into the room.
"What are you two girls talking about?" James asked .
"You know daddy, just girlie stuff." Hazel stated like butter
wouldn't melt in her mouth as she gave me a sly wink.

James and Callum joined us at the dining table again and the
conversation quickly turned to neutral territory although Hazel continued to
ask questions about my job and education.

"Did you have a coat Amy?" James asked as he
walked me to the door.
"Oh yes I left it in the dining room."
I started to walk back in the direction we'd just come from, when James placed
his hand on my upper arm, "It's okay, stay there I'll go and get it."
As James rushed off to retrieve my jacket Hazel smirked and placed her hands
behind her back, she almost looked angelic but little did everyone know
including her father that she was a little bitch.
"I'm assuming that we won't see you again after this."
I shook my head lightly in amazement, "I'm finding it difficult to
understand why you wouldn't give me the benefit of the doubt Hazel. I'm not
trying to be your mother and I certainly wouldn't want to take your fathers
time away from you."
"Now I'm finding it difficult to understand why you're still here."
She stated with a slight smile.
Her words stung and I couldn't believe that a fourteen year old could be so
vile and nasty towards a complete stranger.
"Hazel could we at least try to get on for the sake of your father?"
I asked keeping my cool but finding it difficult as she was slowly starting to
irritate me.
"I'm obviously not making myself very clear, you end it tonight with my
father or I will make things very difficult around here." Hazel placed her
hands on her hips as she gave her demands.
"Why would you want to make him unhappy?" I asked not understanding
her motives.
"It won't take him long to forget about you, it didn't with all the other
women he's been seeing."
Her words continued to sting as she tried to get me to take the bite but I
wouldn't stoop so low and give her the satisfaction.

"Ah this is nice seeing the pair of you getting along
so well." James stated as he entered the hall. Hazel smirked and walked
over to James to wrap her arm around his waist. James bent down slightly to
place a kiss on the top of her head and her smirk grew with the satisfaction of
trying to goad me.
"Amy was just telling me all about the food she cooks in the cafe. Your
job sounds very...what's the word I'm looking for...erm...possibly
stimulating?" Hazel raised her brows and displayed a sarcastic tone to her
expression.
"It's very stimulating Hazel. Maybe when you're old enough to go out on
your own, you and your friends may want to come there for a drink." I
smiled back at her although I wanted to face plant the little brat.
Hazel opened her mouth to respond to my comment but James interrupted,
"That's very kind of Amy to invite you and your friends, isn't it
Hazel?"
She smiled but it didn't reach her eyes as we stood in the hall sizing each
other up. I so wanted to start a relationship with James but I didn't want to
be competing for James' attention with a fourteen year old.

James left Hazel's side and walked towards me, I instantly saw
the disappointment register on Hazel's face as James wrapped his arm around my
waist and guided me towards the door.
"When can I see you next?" he asked leaning in to take my mouth.
Hazel's eyes watered, she quickly turned on her heels and briskly walked down
the hallway towards the staircase.
I quickly turned my head to the side so James kissed my cheek rather than my
lips. "I'm not sure, I'm pretty busy at the cafe for the next couple of
days and I've got to do a couple of shifts at the refuge." I needed time
to decide what I was going to do. I didn't want a child dictating what I could
or couldn't do but she was obviously hurting about something so I wanted to see
if I could explore that before I made any decisions.
James smiled, "Okay babe just keep me posted." I nodded my head
indicating that I would, and he leaned in again to take my mouth. This time I allowed
him but as I opened my eyes, I saw Hazel sitting on the stairs watching us with
unshed tears. I quickly ended the kiss, "James it's getting late, I really
should make a move so you can get the children to bed."
He brushed the side of my face with his thumb, "You're always so
thoughtful." I leaned into his touch and briefly savoured the notion
before I pulled away.
"I'll be in touch." I opened the front door and walked down the steps
as I pressed the button to open the central locking on my car.

What the hell was I going to do
? I'd fallen for James
hard and things seemed to be on track before I'd met his adolescent daughter. I
sat in the driver's seat and closed the door behind me before fastening my
seatbelt. I had a lot to think about this evening and I needed to ease back
from James in order to make the right choice. I wanted to make a decision based
on my feelings alone, after all I'd been through over the years my happiness
was important but I couldn't just brush aside the way Hazel was feeling.
Despite how much she annoyed me, she was only a child and her feelings were as
equally as important.
I waved to James as he stood by the front door making sure I got into my car
safely and I drove from his drive and down the street but my thoughts were all
over the place, I needed to speak to someone and sooner rather than later.

"Maggie are you okay to talk?"
"Of course Amy, what's the matter?"
I let out a sigh, "I've just had dinner with James and his two children."
"Okay, and how did that go?"
"The dinner went well."
She sniggered, "Dinner was the least of your worries, what about the
children?
"Callum is lovely, he's eight years old."
"And what about the teenage girl?"
"Well she is also lovely..."
"I sense a but!"
"But when James isn't around she's vile. Hazel has threatened to ruin
everything if I continue to see James."
"Ahhh!"
"What do you mean ahhh?" I asked confused.
"Well she could make it very difficult."
"Thanks for your words of support and encouragement Maggie." I
sniggered trying to make light of our conversation.
Maggie laughed, "I'm only telling you how it is. I have twin girls
remember and gave birth to the biggest manipulator of them all."
Now it was my turn to laugh, "Okay you win there, so how do I deal with
Hazel."
"Well you can do one of a couple of things. You could possibly talk to her
and explain that you're not trying to take her dad away from her."
"Erm...I don't think she'd listen but go on."
"You could tell James but she may continue to be vile when he's not around
or you could..."
"Or I could what Maggie?"
"Or you could end it altogether!"
I went quiet as I processed what she'd just said. The thought had briefly crossed
my mind, not because I wanted to but because I didn't want to cause Hazel any
distress. When I left James' house I thought I could be tough and decide what I
wanted to do for my own happiness but if I was hurting Hazel in the process of
being with James, was that really the right thing to do?

"Are you still there?"
I had drifted off into my own thoughts that I forgot that I still had Maggie on
the other end of the phone. "Sorry Maggie, I was just processing what
you'd just said."
"So what you thinking?"
"I'm thinking I've got a very busy couple of days ahead trying to sort my
life out."

Amy

I listened to the latest message on my phone before placing
it into the breast pocket of my jacket and let a loud sigh of frustration. I
had taken the cowards way out and was ignoring James' calls because I hadn't yet
decided what I truly wanted to do about the situation, but I knew that if I
left it much longer the decision may be taken out of my hands altogether.

"Good morning," Frank greeted me as I exited the
car Maggie had loaned me.
I walked towards Frank to place as kiss on his cheek, "Morning Frank I
really appreciate you doing this for me." He handed me an envelope and I
placed it directly into my handbag.
"Aren't you going to count it?"
I looked at him puzzled, "I trust you Frank, and if you have short changed
me I know where you live." I gave him a quick wink before turning on my
heels and headed for the clubhouse to see Mitchell, I needed to speak to him
regarding the money he was donating to the refuge.

"Good morning," I stated breezing into the
clubhouse.
A few of the guys turned around to greet me with a wave or a quick nod of the
head before returning to their business. I made a beeline for the bar but was
stopped in my tracks when someone grabbed me from behind and spun me around. I
looked up at Blake's cocky expression as he grabbed my right hand and placed
his other hand on my hip so he could waltz with me around the clubhouse. This
got the attention of the other guys and they clapped and cheered as Blake
guided me effortlessly around the room. For a big guy he could move and I
remembered the feelings I'd experienced years ago when we were seeing each
other. Blake pulled me in close and I breathed in the familiar scent until he
span me from his embrace and back into it again as I curled into his body. The
song ended and I giggled like a school girl as Blake bowed and I curtsied to a
round of applause.

"See I can still make you laugh!" Blake whispered
into my ear as he brushed his scruff gently on the side of my cheek.
My smile grew wider, "That you most certainly can."
"Have you got a minute, I'd like to apologise for the other evening and
have a quick chat."
I glanced at my watch, I could possibly give him an hour of my time as the cafe
was being covered and I wasn't due at the refuge until later this afternoon. I
nodded my head slowly and Blake's broad smile warmed my insides as he pulled at
my wrist and directed me to a table in the far corner away from the other club
members so that we could talk. I noticed a few of them watch the interaction,
probably making sure that everything was okay because of the previous
altercations.
I sat opposite Blake giving me the needed distance between us, the sexual
chemistry had always been electric and the mere touch of his hand on my skin
brought back some of the fabulous memories that we'd shared together.

"What you thinking?"
I shook my head, "Nothing, why?"
"I know that look Ames."
"Don't do this Blake, if you have something genuine to say then I'm
prepared to listen but let's not reminisce."
"You're thinking about us."
"Us? There is no us Blake."
"So if I do this, you're telling me that it still doesn't affect
you?" Blake grabbed my clasped hands that were resting on the table
between us, and stroked my skin gently starting at my hand and slowly worked
his way up my arm. I removed my hands from his grasp and the wicked smile I had
grown so much to love covered his beautiful face.
I shuffled on the seat pretending that I needed to get comfortable but all the
while trying to douse the ignition of flames inside my body, "So what do
you want to talk about?" I asked, trying to take his attention away from
my discomfort.

"Being inside gave me time to think."
"You've been inside for longer than that before so what was different this
time?"
"I was in isolation a lot of the time, the new warden doesn't want any trouble
between rival MC's leaking into the press so where possible he kept Aces,
Skulls and Havoc's separated."
"Sensible man!"
Blake nodded. "But in the mean time it gave me a lot of time to think
babe." He let out a loud sigh, "I know that I ran out on you and made
a rash decision to leave for Norfolk but I was hurting babe." I sat
quietly not wanting to stop his flow, he obviously needed to get all of this
off his chest. "But like you say there's no point reminiscing, I need to
look to the future and that's why I jumped at the opportunity to join the Essex
chapter again and start a fresh."
"I'm pleased for you Blake, I hope you're be happy here I really do."
He looked at me intently, "I don't think I'll be truly happy unless I have
you in my life."
"Blake please don't do this."
"You keep saying that Ames but is that because you don't want to hear it
or you don't want to face what it could be?" Blake sat forward
expectantly.
"I'm with James now."
"Are you? Because from what I've heard you haven't taken his calls for
three days and you continue to ignore them now while sitting with me."
He was right, my phone had vibrated a few times while sitting here indicating
that I'd received a text, and they were probably from James as he continued to
chase.
"It's complicated!"
"It always is but if it's worth fighting for, you'll do it."

During the time we spoke, there was an influx of club
members arriving and I was conscious of outstaying my welcome. I quickly
glanced around the room and Mitchell caught my eye, his raised brows told me
all I needed to know and he wasn't happy about me talking to Blake. I shuffled
in my seat under his scrutiny and noticed that Blake had followed my gaze,
thankfully Mitchell's attention had now turned to Blake and I was able to grab
for my handbag and get ready to leave. Blake had only added to my frazzled
brain and I needed time away in order to try and think straight.

"Church, now!" Mitch bellowed as he backed up
still staring at Blake.
I stood from the chair ready to leave, "Where you going?" Blake asked
as he returned his attention to me.
I looked around the room to see the guys stream into the back room, "You've
got Church I better be going."
"They won't start yet, Diesel and Justice aren't back." Blake held
out his hand and moved around the table so that he was standing beside me. I
looked at his outstretched arm questioningly as Blake smirked, "I want to
dance with you."
I sniggered, "Dance!"
"Yeah, like we used to."
"We were always drunk when we danced Blake."
"Well, it will be even better when we're sober." I glanced around the
room to see a few stragglers making their way into the back room and returned
my attention to Blake, "What's a matter Ames, are you chicken?"
I raised my brows as I looked at him unimpressed, "Chicken?"
"Yeah chicken!"
Blake new exactly what he was doing and I wouldn't turn down a challenge."
I placed my hand in his and pulled him towards the small stage in the corner of
the room by the bar, and positioned my hands around his neck so that I could
initiate the dancing. Blake grabbed my waist and pulled me close so that he
could take charge and wiggled his brows as he pressed his semi erect cock into
my stomach.
"Blake!"
"What?" he sniggered. "I can't help it, you know it has a mind
of its own."
I let go of his neck to flick my hair behind my shoulders, then returned my
hands. Blake's eyes looked alight as he glared at the soft skin at the crook of
my neck and I instantly knew what he was going to do. He lowered his head to
place his cheek against mine before turning it so that his mouth brushed ever
so slightly against my skin. This action sent a shiver down my spine and I
could feel my body react instantly to his touch as he continued to gyrate his
hips and push his now hard cock against me.
"Blake!"
"Shhh babe, I've wanted to do this for five long years." Blake
brushed his lips further down my neck until he reached my shoulder and sank his
teeth into my inviting skin, he swirled his tongue gently and as he pulled away
he sucked hard and I knew that he'd left a mark. He quickly licked over the
spot trying to sooth the area and lay small sweet kisses on my skin as he
continued to send shivers up and down my spine. Our movements had now slowed
but I rubbed my hands across his head pulling him deeper towards my neck.

"Mmhmm!" I quickly opened my eyes as I was made aware
of someone else in the room, I enjoyed being an exhibitionist but it needed to
be on my terms. I heard the chuckles as I tried to see where they were coming
from and glanced towards the main doors to see Ethan and Daryl.
"Don't mind us Amy, I'm all for a little floor show." Daryl walked
further into the room and winked as he leaned against the bar.
"Shut your mouth Justice and you get your fucking hands off her."
Ethan stated angrily as he pointed from Daryl to Blake. "Now if you two
want to rekindle whatever that was all those years ago then that's great but
you're not doing it on my time. Get your fucking arse in that room now."
He spat pointing to the meeting room out the back. "And you need to be
leaving." Ethan very rarely raised his voice to me but when he did, I knew
that I wasn't to argue no matter how strong the desire was to rip strips off
him.
"Come on Justice and you."
"Oh no I'm not going anywhere coz it's just got interesting!" Daryl
nodded behind us and I saw the recognition on Ethan's face, I slowly turned
already knowing who was standing behind us.

"Good morning," James said calmly as he stepped
further into the room from the dark corridor. My mouth bobbed open not knowing
what to say as James breezed past us in the direction of the exit holding a
green folder. "I'll return these once I've spoke to my father." Ethan
gave a quick nod and James continued his stride towards the door.
"Get off me," I swatted at Blake's hands to get him to release his
firm grip around my waist.
"Well, how you gonna explain that one?" Daryl sniggered.
"Maybe she don't fucking have to explain shit," Blake shouted across
the bar standing up for me.
I needed to defuse the situation as it would quickly escalate, "For fuck's
sake chill out." I stepped from the stage and grabbed my handbag from the
table I'd left it at, "I'll go and tell him how it is."
Ethan caught up to me and placed his arm across the doorway preventing me from
exiting the building, "And how is it exactly Ames?" he asked glaring
at me.
I turned my head to see Blake still standing on the stage taking in my every
move before I turned my attention back to Ethan, "I don't know yet but I
need to make a decision very quickly."
He slowly removed his arm and I briskly walked from the clubhouse so that I
could speak to James but I was too late, as he was already driving from the
yard.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Frank asked as he
walked across the yard putting on his cut.
"You wouldn't want to be in my head right now Frank."
"Let an old man give you a piece of advice, life is too short Amy. Now I
know that expression is thrown around all the time but people don't really
listen to the words. I'm an old man now, and I remember my teenage years as if
they were yesterday. I don't feel old inside, it's only when I look in a mirror
that I realise just how old I am."
"Where you going with this Frank?"
"You need to do what makes you happy. Now I don't know if that will be
with Recon, James or neither but life is too short so spend it with the person
that makes you smile and feel alive." Frank patted me on the back as he
strolled past me heading for the clubhouse.

"Spend it with the person that makes you smile and feel
alive," I said aloud repeating Frank's words.
Well if that was the
advice that I needed to follow, I knew who I wanted to be with but how did I
break it to the other person?