He was clearly shocked by my outburst and sat beside me on the bed, leaving enough room so that it wasn't too uncomfortable. I still flinched at the close proximity but was nervous as an outburst like that would most certainly of got me a beating from Liam.
"Sorry Louise but this annoyed face is directed at your husband not you. I just don't understand how any man could beat on a woman and in your case a child as well." He shook his head from side to side and bit on his lip to prevent him expressing his thoughts further.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to shout." I twisted my hands together and looked down at the bed rather than make eye contact with him. It wasn't like me to lose my temper, I very rarely raised my voice as I knew what the repercussions were but I wanted people to understand that I really tried my best.
I could see him pondering something, "Did he use a belt to hit you?" He asked turning slightly on the bed so that he could face me fully.
I still didn't make eye contact, I didn't want to see the pity in his eyes. "It was his favourite punishment." I rocked back and forth, I really didn't want to be talking about this anymore.
"Sorry, I don't want to upset you Louise. I should stay impartial but it's difficult."
I gave him a small smile before standing, "Do I just continue to give Tommy pain relief?" I adjusted my clothes, making sure that I was fully covered.
"Yes and make sure you take some as well."
I gave a small smile, "I have a high pain threshold now but thank you James, I appreciate you taking the time to look at us."
"Anytime, you just take care of yourself. Could you do me a favour and tell Amy that I had to go."
I nodded before leaving the room to join the group for lunch.
Walking back into the garden, I met Amy's eyes and her look of concern that instantly warmed my heart. I mouthed that I was okay and she gave me a small smile.
"Hi babe, I'm home!"
We all turned to see Hound and Spike walk through the kitchen making their way towards us. My heart started to race at the sight of Spike and I was aware that I was staring. I quickly composed myself and pulled Tommy towards me as I positioned him on my lap. He quickly snuggled in my embrace feeling safe in my arms and distracted me momentarily from Spike's heated stare.
I watched as Spike grabbed a cookie off the side, "Mother fucker!" he dropped it on the floor and blew on his fingers as the hot cookie burnt them.
Devon laughed uncontrollably and I couldn't make out if it was because he had burnt himself or the bad language he had used.
Spike stared at Devon but with a warm smile on his face, "Oh, you think it's funny huh!" Spike stalked towards Devon as she jumped out of her chair at lightning speed and took off running down the garden to get away from him.
Spike took chase and finally caught Devon half way down the garden as his strides were much longer. He grabbed her and flung her around making aeroplane noises as he twirled Devon like she weighed nothing. Her laughter was infectious, filling the air which was a heavenly sound.
"Are you sorry for laughing at me?" Spike asked as he continued to turn her around making Devon dizzy.
"Yes, I'm sorry Spike!" She screamed through her laughter until he placed her safely on the ground. "Ha-ha not really!" Devon poked out her tongue and ran but her dizziness from spinning made her stumble and she landed in the flower bed.
The group erupted into laughter at the sight in front of us and now Spike was in the flower bed retrieving a very muddy Devon.
"It's not funny, stop laughing." Devon shouted as she stood with her hands on her hips pouting.
Her expression quickly turned to shock as Spike picked her up and held her under one arm as he brought her up onto the patio area.
Devon continued to sulk but Spike pulled her onto his lap regardless of her muddy clothes and wrapped his arms around her before planting a kiss gently on the top of her head. Her frown quickly turned to a smile as she snuggled into his embrace. The interaction between them earned him an array of different looks from Amy, Maggie and Hound but he seemed oblivious to what he'd just done.
The conversation flowed as we ate our lunch and the cookies that were now a suitable temperature were demolished in record time. Hound had happily taken the children up into the tree house and they were in their element having everyone fuss over them, even Tommy was slowly coming out of his shell.
Although everyone was enjoying themselves I was conscious of the time, "I hate to break up the party but I need to get to the chemist before it closes."
"I can give you a lift if you want? There's no point taking everyone, the kids are enjoying themselves." Spike stood and reached into his pocket to retrieve his keys.
I looked directly at Amy for support, I was truly grateful for their acceptance of myself and my children but I had only known them a couple of days. I wouldn't yet feel comfortable leaving the children and I didn't want to be on my own with Spike.
Amy clearly saw my hesitation, "It's okay we can all go." She said as a matter of fact before standing to stalk towards the tree house encouraging the children and Hound to come down. Spike glanced at me with a questioning look before joining Amy. One by one they climbed down the ladder and Spike gave a helping hand to the twins making sure that they didn't fall.
"Bye Maggie, thank you for letting us bake cookies." Devon stated giving Maggie a huge hug around her waist.
"You are very welcome. I hope you can come again soon, we could maybe do some painting or make finger puppets next time."
I didn't know who was more excited, the children or Maggie.
"Could we also play in the tree house again Maggie?" Tommy asked as he made his way over to where his sister was standing.
Maggie ruffled the top of his head, "Of course you can little man, anytime."
I said my goodbyes and thanked Maggie for entertaining the children and the lovely lunch she had prepared. I was grateful for how welcome they had all made us feel.
We arrived at the chemist that was in the high street, not far from Amy's cafe.
"Come on kids." Devon and Tommy looked at me through tired eyes as they slowly removed their seatbelts.
"You can leave them here while you pop into the chemist." Amy stated as she turned around from the front seat to look at me.
I hesitantly glanced at her and could feel Spike's eyes boring into my skin as he looked at me in the rear view mirror. "Erm...I'd rather just take them, I promise not to be long." I didn't linger too much on their unreadable expressions and quickly opened the door. Once we were on the pavement I directed the children quickly towards the chemist, I wasn't sure of the time but I was aware that it must now be late afternoon.
It was a small shop with aisles of fully stocked shelves making it feel a little claustrophobic. I walked past the group of people who were waiting for their prescriptions, holding both the children's hands firmly. I saw the glances and raised eyebrows as people noticed the bruises on my face but there was nothing I could do to hide them. My makeup had been lost in the fire and I didn't want to waste money on purchasing such trivial things as I didn't know when I would next get some money.
I neared the counter and a young eastern European lady greeted me kindly before leaning over the counter to ruffle the top of Tommy's head.
"Could I please have some pain relief for my five year old." Amy had some in her medicine cupboard at home but I didn't want her to think I was taking advantage and becoming a free loader.
The lady nodded and handed me a bottle of ibuprofen as she informed me of the price. My money was dwindling quickly, I really needed a job which meant I needed to enrol the children into a school as soon as possible.
"Did you get everything you needed babe?" Spike asked as we entered the Jeep.
I blushed slightly at his term of endearment, he had called me babe several times and I knew he was just being friendly but it made my heart race which was so unexpected. I really didn't know how to deal with someone looking out for me, especially someone who loo
ked like Spike, Hot!
"Yes. Are you able to take us home? I mean to Amy's as the twins are a little tired." I asked strapping them in securely and feeling a little embarrassed at my slip up regarding calling Amy's apartment home.
"Not a problem." Spike simply stated before pulling into the early evening traffic in the direction of Amy's apartment.
The short journey just gave me enough time to contemplate the last two days. It had been a whirlwind of events and emotions during this time. I was so grateful for what everyone had done for me and the children and I just hoped that I didn't offend when I wouldn't leave the children while I went into the chemist. I couldn't get wrapped up in the moment, I needed to remember that although friendly these people were still strangers, although they hadn't given me any reason to be concerned so far.
Spike pulled up outside Amy's apartment, "Do you need me to come up with you?" Amy asked turning around in the front seat to face me.
"No, I'll be fine thank you." I unfastened our seatbelts and Spike got out of the Jeep to open the rear door to gently help Devon, by lifting her from the seat and place her onto the pavement. I shimmied across the seat and scooped Tommy into my arms before Spike did the same by lifting him out safely.
"Thank you Spike." I said, trying to look everywhere but directly at him.
"What for?"
I finally found the courage to look up at him as his response was so full of question. "For helping us." I stated as I finally built up the courage to look at him, really look at him. He was a hulk of a man, his forearms were heavily tattooed and I saw them poking out from the round neck of his t-shirt under his leather cut. His shaved head made him look edgy, hard even but from what I had witnessed this couldn't be much further from the truth. I didn't know him well but what I did know was that he was prepared to help a damsel in distress. I wasn't his problem, he could've washed his hands of me on Tuesday like the other two men did but he decided to make it his problem and that was something I would never forget.
I was pulled from my thoughts as I saw him smile. Shit! He'd caught me staring. Spike raised his hand and moved it towards my face, I flinched and quickly stepped back out of his reach, a reaction I was used to when a hand was moving in my direction.
"Easy Louise, calm down!" He said lowering is arm. Spike rubbed his forehead and stepped back to give me some space with an unreadable expression. My heart rate had increased and my grip had unknowingly tightened around Tommy's and Devon's hand.
"Mum you're hurting me!"
I became flushed, "Oh sorry Devon." I let go of both their hands and they stepped closer to the communal door leading into the apartments.
"Sorry Spike, I..."
"Fucking hell Louise, what did he do to you babe?" Spike moved his arm forward again and retracted it, clearly fighting with his internal struggle to comfort me.
I smiled but it wasn't a genuine smile. This was my brave face, the one I used to reassure the children that I was okay but I knew immediately that Spike had seen through me.
"Mum, I'm hungry. Can we go inside?" Tommy asked.
"Just give me a minute Tommy." I turned to Spike, "I better go thanks again." This time I smiled a genuine smile, I waved at Amy through the window before making my way into the apartment, leaving Spike standing on the pavement staring at me clearly confused.
"Can we have a snack mum, I'm starving?" Tommy asked as we walked into the living room.
"Let's get you cleaned up first and into some pyjamas."
The children were filthy from playing in the garden especially Devon from falling into the shrubbery. I let out a chuckle as I pictured her face when Spike retrieved her from the bush which earned me a puzzled glance from Devon.
After bathing the children we settled down on the sofa with a bowl of pop corn. We watched Frozen and sang along to all of the songs, it was great to hear both the children singing as they were able to be kids again. At the end of the film Devon stretched and let out a loud yawn which prompted us to laugh.
"Come on you two, you've had a busy day." I stood and directed the children towards Amy's bedroom. I was still paranoid that Liam would find us which I knew was stupid as I had cut all ties but I still had that feeling and knew that I needed to be cautious.
Pulling back the duvet the children jumped into bed and quickly snuggling under the covers. I kissed both of the children lightly on the head and left them to sleep peacefully, it had been another busy day and I presumed it wouldn't take long for sleep to take hold.
Leaving the bedroom, I closed the door slightly still leaving a gap so the light from the hallway could shine through. As I turned I noticed a package on the welcome mat, cautiously I walked over to the sealed padded envelope to investigate. I kicked it lightly with my foot before bending down to pick it up, the package was light and I knew that it had been hand delivered as there weren't any stamps and because of the time it had been delivered. I was intrigued to know who would be delivering a package to Amy and turned the envelope to see that it was clearly addressed to me.
Shit! I dropped it on the floor and paced the room running my fingers through my hair as the tears trickled down my face. He'd found me, what was I going to do?
Thoughts whizzed through my mind and I eventually stopped pacing, and took a deep breath as I analysed everything. I needed to drum up the courage to open the package and see what was inside. If Liam had found me, I needed to contact the police immediately and get a restraining order so that I could protect the children.
Picking up the package I cautiously walked further into the living room, opening the envelope as I sat down on the sofa.
"What the hell?" I said aloud as I looked at the iPhone confused, not understanding why someone had posted it through the letter box. I looked at the envelope and dug around inside to find a hand written note.
I've taken the liberty of buying you a phone. I've programmed Amy's and my mobile number in already. Don't get annoyed, please accept this as a gift. Don't forget to call should you need anything. Spike
I read the note several times, taking in every word. Why had he done this? I had told him that I was okay.
I held the note close to my chest as my heart rate continued in its accelerated state. What was wrong with me? I'd known him for two minutes and here I was swooning over a simple note and act of kindness. Sure, he'd been kind to me and the children but no man would go to such trouble without expecting something in return especially a man like Spike.
I was yet to see it but he must have issues, what man would show such interest in a single mum, with no job or home? I had no qualifications or prospects, I was just a sorry state that didn't deserve to love or be loved because of the danger I had put my children in.
The phone bleeped indicating that I'd received a text.
Let me know when you've received your new phone. Spike
I held the phone in my hands as I read the message, I wanted to text him back but was a little unsure as to what to say. I bit my lip gently as I contemplated my response.
Thank you but you really didn't need to. When I'm back on my feet I promise I'll pay you back.
I held the phone, hoping that he'd respond. Although I was unsure of his motives, I wanted to speak to him, he made me feel...I couldn't give it a name, he just made me feel.
I needed to do this more than you know! Like I said it's a gift, I won't accept money.
Needed to do it, why did he need to do it? And what was he implying by saying that he wouldn't accept money, what would he want in return instead? He was sending mixed messages. On one hand he was caring, looking out for me and the children and made me feel safe, and on the other he was over powering and I was concerned that he wanted something in return, something that I wouldn't be able to give him.
Well thank you, I appreciate you looking out for me and the kids.
I wanted him to know that I was grateful but I needed to be careful, I couldn't become dependent on anyone again.
It's really not a
problem Louise. Remember if you need anything, give me a call.
I held the phone close to my chest as I contemplated my next move. I found that I actually liked talking to Spike, there was something about him that intrigued me. I quickly put it down to the fact that my feelings were in response to a man being nice to me, it had been so long and the brief attention Spike was giving was clearly playing with my already vulnerable state of mind.
Chapter 5
Hound
It was great seeing the twins at my house yesterday enjoying themselves in the garden and in the tree house, like my kids used to when they were younger. I hadn't realised how much I'd missed having small children around. Maggie and I had both hoped to be grandparents by now but I doubt that was going to happen anytime soon as none of my kids had partners, well not that I knew of.
Tyler had been taken under Duke's wing and was shaping up to be one hell of a prospect. I would've preferred for him to have a normal job but Tyler had his own mind and had wanted nothing else than to be involved in the club. I admired his tenacity and how hard he'd worked to prove he was worthy of being in the Aces.
Paige had decided to become a stripper. I was horrified when she informed me of her plans like any father would be but again like Tyler, I had no right to moan as I had brought them into my world by surrounding them with club business.
I couldn't ever be at the Bird Cage when Paige was performing as I wouldn't be able to control my temper if I were to see men leer at her. I knew she wasn't innocent by any means but I would end up brawling with any bloke I saw letch over my baby girl. All brothers had also been warned that she was off limits and I'd kill any mother fucker if they touched her or even looked at her in the wrong way.
The other two were more level headed, they were sick of the club and wanted to break free. As soon as Jayden turned eighteen he enlisted and was currently posted in Cyprus. We spoke as often as possible but he was very much his own person and preferred his own company to that of others which was something that I respected. And then there was Chloe, the apple of my eye. She had just completed a hair and beauty course at college and was now looking for a permanent position at a local salon. I was so proud of her and the decision she'd made to pursue a respectable career, in fact I was very blessed with the family I had and enjoyed the fact that they were all so different.
Spike (Aces MC Series Book 3) Page 7
