Duke (Aces MC Series Book 2) (10 page)

“So what does it mean by you being here Ash?”
She shrugged her shoulders and I could see her skin redden under my
questioning.
“I told you last night that this, whatever this is can’t be exclusive.”
She looked at me intently, “If you’re with me, you won’t have any reason to
want anyone else.”
Her bold statement took me by surprise but she was right. I’d grown fond of her
and enjoyed having her around.
Could I really do exclusive?
“Why don’t we see how things go?” I started to kiss around her navel, “Anyway,
why are you still wearing these?” I said gently tugging at her black panties. I
moved back slightly allowing myself room to remove her underwear to reveal her
waxed pussy. Placing gentle kisses around her navel, I worked my way down moving
slowly towards her pubic bone. Ash was now lying on the bed withering under my
constant assault. She placed her hands either side of my head encouraging me to
go lower.
Every time that I’d been with Ash was different which made these moments even more
special. It was as if I was slowly tapping away at her inhibitions and she gave
a little more of herself to me, each time we were intimate.

We were interrupted by a loud knock on the door. For fucks
sakes!
“Someone better be fucking dying!” I shouted waiting for a response.
“Pres, can I have a word?” I didn’t recognise the voice but they were fucking
brave for interrupting me.
“Stay right there, I’ll be back in a minute.” I kissed her pussy one last time
which made Ash giggle. That was a fucking heavenly sound which made me smile to
myself as I stomped over to the door still naked as the day I was born. I flung
the door open, “What?” I asked taking in Ramsey’s unease.
Ramsey stood inches away and to my amusement turned red as he took in the sight
before him lingering at my arousal.
“Is it important or do you just want to get off at the sight of my cock?”
“Erm…There’s a lady at the door…I think she said her name was Amber.”
That bitch had a death warrant! “Right, don’t let her in. I’ll be out in five
minutes.”
I stalked back into my room looking for my jeans.
“What’s up Duke?” Taylor asked concerned. She’d now covered herself over with
the blanket. Fuck! I wasn’t getting any now that was for sure.
“Diesel’s ex-wife has turned up. I’ll be back in a minute.” I quickly put on
some jeans and stalked in the direction of the front door as I fastened my
belt.

“You were told never to come round here again. Now fuck
off!”
I got to the door as Bear was shouting at the little skank.
“I need to see him. Where’s Diesel? I really need to see him.” She continued to
cry as Bear and I looked at each other in disbelief that she’d actually come
here.
“Well you aren’t fucking seeing him.” I shouted as I slapped her with the back
of my hand across her face, the force sending her flying to the ground.
I detested abusers of women but this skank sent me to the brink of self
destruction and was lucky to even be alive after what she had put us all
through. She had also been given plenty of opportunity to stay away and she
knew the repercussions. I looked around the now small congregation outside the
club house. “You have 10 seconds to tell me what you want?” I said through
gritted teeth. “1, 2…”
“It would’ve been Shaun’s birthday today.” She spluttered as snot and tears ran
down her face.
“Fuck!” I ran my hands through my hair and paced as the gravel dug into my feet.
I hadn’t realised. I’d been an arse to Diesel earlier this morning. He must
think I’m such an inconsiderate prick!
“How much money have you all got?” I looked around the group as they emptied
their pockets and wallets. They handed me the bundle of notes. We’d put
together over £500.
“I obviously pay you lot too well!” I said to the chuckles of the guys.
“Get her up Ramsey.” He placed his hands under her arms and raised her to her
feet.
I placed the money forcefully into her hand and leaned in close so that my
mouth was directly by her ear. “Now I want you to take this money and fuck off
out of our lives. Go and get your drugs, take an overdose, I don’t really give
a shit. But I mean it this time Amber and you better fucking listen. If you
ever show your face around here again, I will take my knife and cut your throat
myself. Am I making myself clear, you fucking skank?”
She turned towards me petrified with tears still streaming down her face but
nodded indicating that she understood.
“Ramsey, take the van and drop her anywhere she wants to go but she better
leave soon otherwise she’ll end up in Epping Forest!”
I stalked back to my bedroom not stopping for anyone who tried to engage in
conversation. There was only one place I wanted to be and that was in bed with
Ash.

I entered my room to find Ash curled up in the covers fast
asleep. She looked so peaceful that I didn’t wake her. I got in behind her,
quietly grabbing my phone so that I could contact Diesel.

How you doing Diesel?

Okay! Why? Do you need me to come to the club house?

This is what I loved about our club. He was probably in bed
now wrapped around his old lady but he would drop everything if I needed him
too.

Sorry man, just realised what day it is!

That’s okay. Wouldn’t expect you to remember.

No I should’ve and I’m sorry. If you need anything let
me know.

A late start Monday?

Cheeky shit playing on my good nature. Go on then. See
you at the garage at 12.

Thanks man
J

Taylor

It was still early when I woke but I’d panicked not
realising where I was. I wasn’t in a habit of waking up in strangers’ beds. I
could hear Duke’s steady breathing but couldn’t see his face as his back was to
me. I looked over at him checking out his physique again. I could get used to waking
up to that every morning!
Thoughts of last night’s conversations sprang to mind. Duke had woken me during
the night and we had continued our conversation among other things! He made a
point of trying to justify his decisions of why he couldn’t be in a relationship.
I found it amusing because it sounded like he was trying to convince himself
rather than me. I took this opportunity to express my concerns about his line
of business and agreed to have an open mind but one thing we both agreed on,
was to have some fun and see where this, whatever this was took us.

I had a busy day planned so I needed to leave but I didn’t
want to wake him. He’d explained last night that his sleeping patterns were all
over the place recently so he obviously needed to catch up. I steadily got out
of bed trying not to wake him and took my time getting dressed.
I wanted to prove a point by leaving him a note. I wasn’t the sort of person to
leave in the dead of the night without saying goodbye.
I found a pen on his bedside cabinet and had to rummage around a little to find
something to write on. I explained that I needed to leave as I was spending
time with Pam today and that it would be nice to see him next week. I didn’t
want to come over all heavy so I put the ball firmly in his court leaving it up
to him if he wanted to pursue it further.
Last night was great as we had a chance to talk and try to get to know a little
about each other. Duke was still guarded, holding back information but I
totally understood, I just hoped in time he would open up to me so that I could
get to know the real Duke.

After going home quickly and having a shower, I took the
twenty minute drive to Sawbridgeworth where I was meeting my aunt at the church
hall for the W.I. fete.
“Hi Pam.” I walked through the busy hall and gave her a hug, placing a gentle
kiss on her cheek.
“How are you sweetie? I tried to call you at home last night but there was no
answer!” She gave me a sly look before continuing to position the jam jars onto
the table.
Shit!
How did she always manage to catch me out?
“You should always call me on my mobile Pam, not the house phone.” I ignored
her glance as I started to help her rearrange the jars.
Pam was over excited this morning. It was an honour at the W.I to work on the
jam stall and I knew that Pam was secretly hoping that a successful day would
lead to her being in charge of the cake stall by Christmas. My life would be so
much easier, if all I had to worry about was what stall I worked on!

“Is that everything Pam?” I asked looking at the perfectly
presented jams.
“I think so dear.” Pam looked at her watch, “We’ve got half an hour before the
doors open, let’s have a nice cup of tea.”
We walked over to the tea stall and found ourselves a comfortable place to sit
away from the hustle and bustle of the other stall holders that weren’t quite
ready.
“How’s business going dear?” Pam asked genuinely interested.
I took a quick sip of my tea and placed the polystyrene cup onto the table.
“Really well. Much better than expected. The extra money that’s coming in from
the club is handy and the girls have also been using us mid-week so it’s a win,
win situation.”
“Well as long as you aren’t burning the candle at both ends.” She looked at me
sympathetically.
“Likewise! What with the W.I, the British Legion, bingo and all the other
things you do, you need to listen to your own advice.” I said smirking. I
grabbed my cup and took another swig as I caught Pam’s sad expression.
“Sorry, I was only joking. I didn’t mean to offend you.” I leaned over and
placed my hand on top of hers.
Pam sighed loudly, “I do all this to take my mind off Ron.” She said sadly as
she played with her wedding ring that she still wore.
Ah shit! “Sorry Pam, I didn’t think. I didn’t mean to upset you.”
She took a deep breath, “That’s okay dear, I need to be strong. We’ll meet
again one day and I’ll be able to tell him all about my adventures.” She smiled
as she continued to play with her ring.
We sat there silently for a while with our own thoughts until a rush of people
entered the church hall.
Pam put her cup down before standing brightly, “Come on Taylor, people want their
jam!”

Taylor

I’m absolutely exhausted. I don’t even feel like I’ve had a
day off. I may need to speak to Duke about possibly working one night and asking
Chanel and Chloe to do the other. I was a little earlier this morning as I had
some book keeping to complete. This was the part of the job that I didn’t like
doing but understood that I needed to keep on top of it.
Arriving outside the shop I noticed that the shutters were up. “Shit!”
Had I
not closed them Saturday?
I started to rack my brains going over Saturday’s
events. I most certainly did lock up properly. I walked cautiously to the door
noticing that the padlock was off and my heart started to race at the thought
of an intruder.
Should I call the police?
Surely if there was an
intruder the alarm would’ve gone off and the alarm company would’ve contacted
me?
There was also no sign of a break in and the door was closed.
Fuck it! I put my key into the top lock and opened the door brazenly, wanting
to take any intruders by surprise. I quickly turned the lights on so that I
could see if anyone was coming toward me and I could make a quick exit.
“Taylor! Erm…I…” Chanel sat up quickly on the sofa in the reception area. She
was casually dressed and her hair was a mess.
Had she been asleep in the
salon
? It was then that I noticed the huge bruise surrounding her left eye
and as I walked closer I could see her swollen lip.
“Oh Chanel, what’s happened?” I sat next to her and took her hand in mine
slowly stroking it. Chanel tried to be brave pushing back her shoulders and
taking small controlled breaths. My eyes started to water at the sight of this
petite young lady in front of me.
How could anyone hurt her?
I gently tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear and cupped the side of her
face. Chanel leaned into my embrace wanting, possibly needing some form of
comfort, “Come here!” I opened my arms and she came willingly as she started to
cry uncontrollably. We sat there for over ten minutes as I let her pour out all
of her emotions. In the end she had no more tears left to cry and started to
hiccup.

“He didn’t mean to do it.” Thoughts of Saturday night popped
into my head.
Why had I left her with that prospect?
Spike said that she
would be looked after. If Buster had anything to do with this, I would have his
balls on a plate!
“Who Chanel? Who didn’t mean to do this?”
Chanel sniffed, wiping her nose on the back of her jumper sleeve, “My dad.”
Her dad!
What the fuck did he have to do with this?
“Like I told you the other day, he lost his job and has been drinking heavily.”
I held my tongue as I wanted her to tell me everything.
Why was she sitting
here making excuses for him?
“It was my fault. Buster gave me a lift home on his motorcycle, it was
noisy and woke him up. He didn’t mean to lose his temper but he’s had a lot
going on at the moment because he hasn’t found any work.”
“And that gives him the right to smash you in the face?” I couldn’t help my
outburst. I was trying to keep my temper under control but I could slowly feel
it unwinding.
“Let’s get you cleaned up properly.” I walked over to the first aid kit,
opening it to find the sterile wipes. The assault had happened over twenty-four
hours a go so the swelling had come out but her face looked sore and I assumed
she just needed rest.

I remembered Amy telling me that the club had a doctor on
the books.
Maybe I could ask him to take a look at her?
I returned to
Chanel and cleaned up her lip the best I could. It probably could’ve done with
a stitch.
“So why are you here?” I asked. I didn’t want to sound patronising but I needed
to know if she wanted to press charges or just simply wanted some time away.
Chanel looked at the floor avoiding eye contact, “I don’t want to go back but I
have nowhere else to go.”
I didn’t have children or desire to have any but I’d grown fond of Chanel and
wanted to protect her.
“Of course you have somewhere to go. You can come and stay at my house.”
She quickly glanced at me, “I can’t expect…” I cut her off by putting my hand
over her mouth.
“Look, you’ll be doing me a favour. I’m rattling around in that big house all
by myself. It would be really nice to have some company.”
Chanel’s face lit up and her eyes sparkled with unshed tears, “Well if you’re
sure that’s okay, I’d love too.”
I stood pulling her up onto her feet to give her a big hug.
“Well, I can’t have you walking around here with a face like that, so you can
either go home to mine or you can sit out back and do some paperwork instead.”
Chanel kissed me on the cheek mindful of her cut, “I’ll work out back.” She walked
towards my office before turning, “Thank you Taylor, I won’t ever forget this.”
I smiled feeling a warm feeling inside at her gratitude.

It had been a busy morning especially with the absence of
Chanel, as Chloe and I had to wash the hair of our own clients which was time
consuming. By lunch time I was shattered and was grateful for the break.
I walked into the cafe noticing Spike at the far table with a pretty brunette
and two small children. I was a little later than usual and the lunchtime rush
had gone which may give Amy a chance for a quick chat.
“Hi Taylor, do you want the usual?” I nodded at Amy as she set about making my
cheese and ham toasty.
“Have you got time for a quick chat?” I asked as she turned on the sandwich
maker.
“Sure, I haven’t had my break yet. Take a seat and I’ll bring this over.” I
smiled and made my way to my usual spot by the window.

I turned at the sound of the young girl laughing who was
sitting beside Spike and was puzzled to who they all were.
Could it be his
sister, cousin or even wife?
It showed just how little I knew about the guys
at the club including Duke.
“Here you go, tuck in.” Amy placed the tray onto the table containing our food
and hot drinks. “Thanks Amy I’m starving.” We were interrupted by another blast
of giggles coming from the young girl who was now sitting on Spike’s knee.
“Who’s that with Spike?” I asked nodding my head in their direction.
Amy’s smile grew as she gazed over at them, “That’s Louise and her two children
Tommy and Devon.”
Amy didn’t offer any more information so I didn’t push but I was intrigued as to
who they were.
“I’m in a pickle Amy, I really need a favour.” I’d grabbed her attention.
“I’m all ears, what do you need?”
I placed my cup on the table, “I came to work early this morning to find Chanel
asleep in the salon. She’d been assaulted.” I saw the shock on Amy’s face. “Her
dad assaulted her.”
“I’ll text James and ask if he can pop over and take a look at her.” I loved
the way Amy was on the same wave length as me.
“That would be great. There’s something else.” She looked up from her phone, “I’ve
said that she can move in with me but we need to go to her house tonight and
pick up her stuff. They’re probably all busy but could you ask if one of the
guys would be available to come with us? Just in case her dad kicks off again.”
Amy put her phone on the table and started to laugh, “I heard through the grape
vine that you spent the night at the club house on Saturday night.”
Oh my god, those guys were worse than women, they loved a bit of gossip!
“Out of interest, why can’t you just ask Mitchell?”
“It’s not that I can’t, it’s that I won’t. It’s very early days and I don’t
know where this relationship is heading but I don’t want to bother him with
this. He has enough going on.”
Amy nodded, “I’ll call Ethan this afternoon. What time are you planning on
leaving?”
Thank god she was going to help. I didn’t know what I’d do otherwise.
“I want to leave around 6.00pm. That way we may miss her dad as he likes to go
down the pub.”
Amy’s phone bleeped, “Its James. He can be at the salon at 4.00pm.” I nodded as
I ate the last of my sandwich.
“Amy, I’ve left the money on the counter.” Spike was leaving with the lady and
her two children. “Thanks Connor.” She turned to the brunette lady, “Louise,
don’t forget about Thursday evening.” Louise smiled sweetly, “I’ll be there.
I’m actually looking forward to it.” They left the cafe and got into Spike’s
Cherokee Jeep.

“Why do you call the guys by their real names rather than
their club names?” I’d wondered this for a while now.
“Ethan’s my brother, Connor’s my cousin and I’ve known the guys for years, so it’s
more natural to call them by their real names. I’m not an old lady and apart
from being called in an emergency to deal with Mitchell’s outbursts and working
here at the cafe, I have very little to do with the club.”
I nodded my head understanding. “How’s things with you and James?”
“Strained! At least this has given me a reason to contact him.”
My phone started to ring, “Hi, yeah I’ll be with you in five…yeah I’m leaving
now.” I put my phone back into my pocket, “Sorry Amy, I’ve gotta go. My client
has turned up early.” I got my money out of my purse, placing it onto the
table.
“Oh, I nearly forgot to say, we’re all going out Thursday night. Can you come?”
Amy asked with a bright smile.
“Where you going and who’s coming?” I was intrigued but didn’t want to commit
without knowing the details.
“It’s a sort of twenty-fifth wedding anniversary hen night!” I drew my brows
together with a confused expression, “Yeah I know! It’s just an excuse for a
girl’s night out. It’s gonna be fun, its karaoke. Harlow, Louise, Maggie, Paige,
Chloe and Savannah to name a few are coming.” She looked at me with pleading
eyes.
“I love Karaoke, of course I’ll be there. Text me the details.” I smiled before
leaving.

The afternoon went slow and I found myself clock watching
waiting for James to arrive. I’d checked on Chanel a few times and she was
happily working away in my office, well large closet! I’d caught her grimacing
on more than one occasion but she repeatedly told me that she was okay.

“Hi, I’m James.” I turned to see a tall and very good
looking man in a preppy kind of way. I could see why Amy was attracted to him
as he was certainly a breath of fresh air around all the bikers.
“Thank you for coming James, I really appreciate you giving up your time.” I
held out my hand for him to shake.
“Not a problem. Amy has some making up to do and has promised to cook me
dinner.” He said with a wink.
I sniggered as we walked to the back of the salon. I opened the door and Chanel
looked up with a bright smile.
“Chanel this is James, he’s gonna take a look at you to make sure you’re okay.”
Her demeanour changed as she stood putting her hands on her hips in a defensive
stance.
“Taylor, I told you that I’m okay. I just have a…Aaaah!” Chanel stumbled back
slightly holding her head.
“Please sit down. Let me take a look at you.” James grabbed his bag and placed
it gently on the floor as he examined Chanel’s face. He pressed gently around
her eye socket which made her wince and he gently moved her lip trying to look
into her mouth.
“You should’ve had a stitch in this.” He said indicating to her lip. “I’m going
to give you some pain relief which you must take every four hours.” He slipped
her two tablets and gave her a couple of blister packets containing the rest.
“You should really be at home resting.” He stated getting up from the floor.
“Can she leave work early?”
“We need to get her stuff from her house tonight as she’ll be staying at mine.
She can then have as much time off as she needs.”
He nodded, “If her condition worsens, please let me know and I’ll come over.” He
packed his equipment away and washed his hands using one of the salons sinks.
“Thank you James.”
“Not a problem.”

I made Chanel a cup of tea and left her in the office to
relax. I hated to feel helpless but there was nothing I could do.
“Chloe, that was our last customer. Just pack that equipment away and you can
take off early.” Chloe smiled looking almost excited at the thought of leaving
early. I knew that she had plans this evening and would appreciate leaving a
little earlier.
I’d hired Chloe soon after opening the salon as business had picked up and I
couldn’t meet the demands of the customers on my own. I later found out that
she was Maggie and Hounds daughter. She hadn’t wanted to follow the other girls
born into the club and had decided to have a life outside of the club like Amy.
Her twin sister had taken the other route and was now a stripper at the Bird
Cage. She didn’t talk about her much, which I found strange as they were twins
but from what I’d heard from the girls at the club, her sister was a nasty
piece of work.  

I heard the familiar rumble of Harleys as they pulled up
outside the salon. I didn’t know who Amy had arranged to help out but I was
thankful that she was true to her word. I’d just finished tidying the salon in
readiness for the following day, when the door opened. In stepped Duke and Bear
wearing their standard club colours and looking like bad asses. Hot bad asses!

Duke stalked into the salon with his hands tucked casually
into his jean pockets, “Ames told me what happened. How’s Chanel doing?”
Chanel came slowly out of the office as she’d obviously heard his question,
“Chanel’s doing just fine!”
Duke moved quickly over to her side, lifting her head slightly so that he could
examine the extent of her injuries. The tenderness this man showed overwhelmed
me. Some people just couldn’t see past the leather jackets and motorcycles and
assumed that these men were just thugs affiliated with crime, but they forget
that these men were also boyfriends, husbands, lovers and fathers too!
“Honestly I’m fine Duke. I just want to pick up my stuff and settle in at
Taylors.” Chanel looked over at me with a sincere smile.
“Okay. Buster and Tyler are in the van outside and gonna help you pack.”
I could see Chanel’s face brighten at the mention of Busters name. I hope
nothing had happened between them on Saturday.
“Ash, if you lead taking Chanel in your car, we’ll follow you.” I smiled at the
authoritative tone he used with me, like I was one of his brothers. It would
offend some people but I found it as sexy as hell. I caught Duke looking at me bemused
by my dreamlike expression before he shook it off and stomped out of the salon.