I slowly removed my seatbelt and swallowed hard knowing that he was still angry with me for losing the delivery.
I stepped from the car and closed the door quietly. Fazer got annoyed if I slammed it too hard and I was trying my best not to antagonise him further.
I looked up to see that he was heading for the stairwell opposite our flat.
"Where are we going?" I asked confused that he wanted to go out and not home to discuss what had happened further.
"Luke's!"
I gulped hard. Luke was the governor and head of the Dyers. He ran things around here and no one crossed him because otherwise they disappeared.
I slowly followed behind him. Luke's flat was always a hive of activity and I knew that this evening wouldn't be any different. I didn't like to be told off but understood that I would be for losing the rucksack. I would need to make it up to him and hopefully he would give me enough time to do just that and eventually forgive me.
The loud music pumped into the street. Many members of the Dyers loitered on the balcony and greeted Fazer as we passed. I didn't dare look up and make eye contact with any of them, through fear of antagonising. They were a ruthless bunch of people and I didn't want to cause any more trouble so decided to just step in line and keep quiet.
The door of his flat was already open allowing for quick passage. The smell of weed hit me as we entered and I scrunched my nose, as it was potent. I followed Fazer into the living area, trying to stay close for some type of reassurance although he still wasn't talking to me or showing any sign of affection.
I had been here once before when I was introduced to Luke as Fazer's girlfriend. I remembered that feeling when he called me that in front of his friends. It made me feel wanted, accepted even and I knew that I had finally found the place where I wanted to be.
This time, standing here in the middle of the living room, I felt vulnerable. I glanced around the room, trying to take everything in and to see if I recognised anyone, when a loud slap echoed around the room. It wasn't until the contact stung that I realised it was me that had been struck. I stumbled and tripped on the coffee table as I ended up in a bundle on the floor.
Moving my hand to my cheek, I held it firmly hoping to sooth the area but it was of no use. My eyes flashed around the room trying to see my attacker but a blow to the back of the head knocked me further on to the floor.
Flinging one arm in to the air, I moved it around to try to protect myself. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. It was an accident. I'll repay you, every single penny, I promise." I blurted the words as I scrambled on the carpet trying to get on my knees. My eyes were closed as I held them firmly shut not wanting to see if I were to be hurt again. With my arm still moving around in front of me, I managed to scramble to my knees and found some balance to remain upright although I was feeling a little dizzy from the initial impact.
I felt moisture on my cheek and quickly wiped it as I tried to open my eyes to see what it was. My left eye was tender and using all my might, I wasn't able to open it fully. "Please, no more. I'm sorry, I promise that I'll make this up to you." I breathed heavily, my adrenaline was pumping and I was trying to comprehend what was going on and who had attacked me.
"Too fucking right, you'll make it up to me and the Dyers."
I stopped moving, trying to take in who had just spoken when I realised it was Fazer. I turned my head and as I peered closer, I saw no expression of emotion. My heart lurched and I immediately felt the anguish building inside me.
I knew not to say anything further. He was angry and I would only make it worse. I leaned back on my heels trying to control my breathing, listening to every sound as I continued to try to open my swollen eye fully.
"Oh good, I haven't missed the party already have I?" Fazer shook Luke's hand before they hugged briefly. They were good friends and had built up the business together over recent years. I wasn't privy to too much information but I understood Fazer was in the inner circles of the Dyers and that he was respected.
"I brought her here because I wasn't too sure what the consequences were for losing £10,000 worth of merchandise?" Fazer placed his hands into his pockets and glanced in my direction.
I couldn't believe how much he said I had lost. Why had he trusted me with a package of that value?
Luke rubbed his chin, "She's now in debt, she will need to work it off."
I breathed a sigh of relief, at least they were giving me an opportunity to make it right and pay them back.
"Yeah I agree. Knock yourself out, I've broken her in."
I was confused. Fazer simply extended his arm in my direction and stepped back as if he were leaving me for the wolves.
I widened my eyes almost pleading with Fazer but he stepped back to lean against the wall.
"You can start by showing me that young tight pussy."
I had to double take as I turned my attention to Luke. Had he really just said those words?
"I haven't got time to keep repeating myself Katie." Luke crossed his arms and stood directly in front of me.
I glanced either side of Luke, looking for some assistance or explanation to what the hell was going on because I was at a total loss.
"Fucking hell, I'll make this easier for you." Luke grabbed for his belt and quickly unfastened it. He pulled at the waistband of his jeans with both hands to pop the buttons and placed his hand into his boxers. The whole situation was surreal and I couldn't believe what was going on. I heard the jeering behind me but I was still unaware of the danger that I was now in. Luke pulled his cock out and stepped closer. I was still leaning back on my heels and scrambled backwards but Luke grabbed my ponytail and yanked me closer.
"You're going to suck this and suck it hard. If you bite, I will smash every tooth from your pretty mouth, am I making myself clear?"
"But...I just don't understand." I cried. "You said I could pay you back."
The laughter got louder and I tried to move my head to glance around the room but Luke yanked my ponytail harder. "You are paying me back sweetness. I won't your lips around my cock and then I'm going to have you whenever, where ever until you have paid the debt off."
"No, no that wasn't the deal." I sobbed.
Luke pulled my hair to raise my head and rubbed his cock on my face. I held my lips together tightly, refraining from him entering me but I knew that I was only putting off the inevitable. Fazer had sealed my fate by bringing me here. He was supposed to love me, he was supposed to be my protector.
Chapter 1
Lyric
I wrapped the towel around my waist and slid my feet into my sliders, before I shuffled through the changing room.
I felt better after a relaxing shower but I still ached from a brutal sparring session with Jayden. He was helping with my fitness levels as I had a fight coming up in a couple of weeks. I was grateful for his continued support considering all that he had been through but I think he only agreed, so he could keep himself busy and take his mind off things.
I placed my shower gel and shampoo onto the bench and crouched to get my bag from the bottom locker.
I heard my phone ringing and rummaged around inside trying to locate it before the person hung up. As I turned the phone over, my heart raced when I read the caller ID and immediately swiped the screen.
Placing the phone to my ear, I quickly answered.
"Adie? What's up?" I knew she must be in trouble because that was the only time she contacted me.
"Elijah, I'm in a pickle," she replied cheerfully.
I rolled my eyes, knowing this was either going to cost me financially or at the very least take up my evening, as she often needed picking up from obscure places.
"What is it this time?" I asked, as I moved to sit on the bench.
"Can you pick me up from Tottenham nick?" She asked as if it were as simple as picking her up from the local shops.
"What the fuck have you done now?" I pulled my clothes quickly from the bag and shoved in my toiletries, acknowledging
that I needed to get ready quickly.
She giggled, "Oh come on, isn't it innocent until proven guilty. Have some faith in your little sister."
I put our conversation on loudspeaker and placed my mobile onto the bench so I could get dressed and continue speaking to her.
"Well I'm in Epping. I'm going to be at least half hour." I pulled my t-shirt over my head and the material stuck to my skin as I wasn't fully dry.
"That's fine, I'm not exactly going anywhere." She replied with humour.
"Okay Adie, well hold tight and I'll be with you as quickly as I can."
"Thanks babe."
She ended the call and I immediately sat back on the bench with my head in my hands.
Adie was becoming worse by mixing with the wrong crowd and getting into trouble. I was at a loss of what to do and only hoped that I could talk some sense in to her, if not for her sake then Poppy's.
"Problem?"
I removed my hands and leaned back to see Jayden leaning on the lockers.
"Adie is up to her old tricks." I grabbed my socks and bent down to put them on.
"She's how old now, seventeen, eighteen?"
I nodded, "Eighteen and should know better."
"So why are you still wiping her arse?" Jayden crossed his arms and stared at me waiting for a response.
"The same reason you did for Paige, I love her." I stood and stepped into my joggers.
Adie was a pain in the arse but she was family and families stuck together, although our relationship was currently feeling a little one sided.
"Thank you," Adie stood on tiptoes to plant a kiss onto my cheek as she greeted me.
I shook my head with annoyance and quickly grabbed her elbow to direct her from the entrance of the building.
"What's with the rough treatment?" she asked shaking from my hold as we reached the pavement outside the police station.
I paced in front of her trying to conceal the anger building but it was of no use trying to keep it in.
I stopped and placed my hands on my hips as I faced her.
"You are infuriating at times. You act as if everything is a fucking joke Adie but it's not. For crying out loud, you're a mother now. I at least thought that would sort you out but it hasn't." I had now moved closer and was screaming in her face out of frustration.
"I don't like your tone Elijah, you need to step the fuck away."
I raised my brows at her bold comment and straightened to give her some space.
"I appreciate that you came to save my arse but I certainly didn't ask for a lecture."
"Are you really taking that tone with me, after everything that I've done for you?" Adie must have seen the hurt on my face and stepped closer to place a hand on my arm but I pulled away before she made contact.
"Nah, fuck this shit Adie. I tell you what call someone else next time. I'm through with your fucked up mind games, I'm done." I turned on my heels and stomped towards my motorcycle. I was fuming and needed to leave before I ended up saying something that I may later regret. I shoved my helmet onto my head and swung my leg over my motorcycle. As I started the engine, I glanced in Adie's direction. I don't know what I was expecting to see but there was no remorse on her face. She simply looked at me with loathing.
Adie had a strong personality but she had been sucked into the wrong crowd at an early age and no one could get through to her. She did as she was told by the gang she was associated with and didn't give a fuck about anyone else or the consequences of her actions. I thought her behaviour might have changed once she became a mum but it hadn't. Poppy was born a week before Adie's fifteenth birthday, we hoped that it would ground her but she still ran with the wrong crowd. Social services had been involved because of her age and the situation that Adie had put herself in on numerous occasions but now her social worker was pleased with the progress that she was making.
I checked my mirror and slowly pulled into the evening's traffic.
"Pffft," I said aloud. Adie wasn't making any progress and if I didn't get involved, Poppy would either end up in care or going down the same path as her mother. The only problem I had is that I could barely look after myself so how was I going to support Adie in looking after Poppy?
Chapter 2
Lyric
"Mr Grey?"
I turned toward the voice to see an older lady who was nearing retirement.
"Who's asking?" I placed my bottle onto the bar and stood towering over her.
She handed me a card, "You are a hard man to track down." The woman proceeded to rummage in her large satchel as I read the card she had given me.
Social worker? Why would a social worker be looking for me? I looked up from the card and that's when I noticed Poppy. It had been a couple of months since I had last seen her but she recognised me straight away and her little face lit up when her eyes met mine.
I bent down and swooped her up into my arms, spinning around the room making her dizzy. Her little giggles filled the air but I was still confused as to why she was here.
"Mr Grey, I don't have much time, could I please have your full attention." I swung Poppy around one last time and placed her upon the bar making sure that I wrapped my arm around her to hold her firmly.
"You now have my full attention." I drew my brows waiting for her to speak. Some of the guy's had now moved closer, eager to hear what she had to say. I was surprised that their presence hadn't fazed her one bit.
She simply cleared her throat as she handed me an A4 brown envelope. "Your sister, Adrienne Grey has been arrested again. This time she was caught with a large amount of drugs in her possession and I've been informed that she will not be released for some time." She paused giving me enough time to process the information I had just been given.
"To prevent Poppy from going into care, we have been asked to find you to see whether you will agree to look after her until her mother's release?"
I was dumb founded, Adie had done it again but this time she was getting banged up.
"You're catching flies dear, please close your mouth."
Her comment earned her a few chuckles from the guys and I rolled my eyes at their lack of support.
"You have precisely," she paused briefly to look at her wristwatch before returning her attention to me. "Ten minutes to sign this document, otherwise young Poppy here goes into temporary foster care which I'm sure you do not want to happen." She tilted her head reading my reaction. "Good, now I have marked all the places with yellow post it notes in which you need to sign but you need to hurry up please."
I moved Poppy onto the stool beside me and opened the envelope to find a wodge of paper and like the old lady had said, there were various yellow post it notes sticking out. I patted down my cut looking for a pen and smiled as one was poked over my shoulder by Mrs Green.
I signed each page carefully as to not miss anything out as thoughts of my sister raced through my head.
"Tick tock, tick tock."
"Okay okay granny, I'm doing my best."
I heard a few of the guy's chuckle as I increased the pace and scribbled my name on each line indicated.
"There, finished." I stated handing her back the pen.
Mrs Green smiled and took the paperwork from the bar. "Okay, well we'll be in touch first thing Monday morning to go over the finer details."
I glanced between the old hag and Poppy, "What? That's it? I'm now responsible for her?" This was all becoming a little overwhelming.
"For now Mr Grey. Like I said, this has prevented Poppy from going into care over the weekend. We don't like to do that if there is a competent relative to step up and offer a home."
A home? How long was this actually going to be for? I let out a sigh and nodded, making it clear that I understood, when the social worker reached out her wrinkly hand to touch my forearm.
"We're here to support you, you won't be doing it all on your own." She let go and gave me a brief smile. "All her belongings are in that bag, should you need anything immedi
ately to provide for her care, buy it and keep receipts but I'll explain everything further after the weekend. Right I really must dash, I've got to file this paperwork before everyone heads home for the weekend." She stuffed the envelope into her satchel and held out her hand.
"It was a pleasure meeting you Mr Grey." She glanced around the room, "And your...friends." I shook her hand and on my release, she turned and rushed from the clubhouse.
TUGS let out a low whistle, "That was an honourable thing to do young man." I watched him stroll behind the bar and couldn't find the words for me to be able to respond. Obviously, I wanted to help my sister out but surely, I wouldn't be expected to keep Poppy long term. I would need to hire Adie the best possible solicitor to get her out sooner, rather than later.
"Which crisps do you want little lady, cheese and onion, salt and vinegar or ready salted?"
I had forgotten that Poppy was sat beside me on the bar stool and felt guilty that I was contemplating her future. I couldn't be selfish, there was no way that I was allowing her to go into care but how was I going to manage juggling a toddler and working for the club?
"Could I have salt n vinegar please?" I smiled as TUGS opened the packet and placed it onto the bar in reach of her little hands.
"So what's the plan of action Lyric?" I hadn't realised that Duke was here.
I shrugged, "I don't know if I'm honest." I glanced at Poppy watching her happily munching her crisps oblivious to the chaos around her.
"I'm in a bedsit, I haven't got room for her." I ran my fingers through my hair frustrated by the situation Adie had put me in.
"How's it work, would I need a bedroom for her? Do I need to change my job in order to care for her? Does she go to school?"
"Yes, no and yes."
We all turned to the sound of the female voice to see Amy briskly make her way through the room towards us.
"Yes, she will need a bedroom. You two can stay at mine this weekend in order to get her settled. She's been up routed enough we don't want to make it even worse for the poor little sausage." Amy ruffled Poppy's hair and placed a colouring book and some crayons onto the bar in front of her. Poppy's eyes lit up and she smiled brightly at Amy.
LYRIC (Aces MC Series Book 6.5) Page 2
