I watched closely as Maggie attended to him but turned as I heard the usual bickering coming from the hallway and shuddered as the front door slammed.
"Why can't you just go with the flow, why do you have to know now? We're not even going until Thursday." Paige threw her designer handbag onto the kitchen work top before pouring herself a glass of water.
"Taylor asked me to find out if you needed a lift. Why are you turning it into a big issue?" Chloe asked walking over to give me a kiss on the cheek. "Hi daddy," she said before turning to smile sweetly at Cade.
"Hi baby, I thought you were at work today?" I asked questioningly. She had gotten herself a good job at the salon that Duke's new love interest owned.
"I forgot my keys and I'm locking up tonight so I've popped home quickly."
I nodded my head as she walked back into the kitchen to collect her keys.
"I'm not turning this into an issue but who the fuck is Taylor? Don't give me that look Chloe. Just because she's shagging Duke this week doesn't mean I have to do as I'm told by her."
Chloe put her hands on her hips exasperated by Paige, "She only asked if you wanted a lift."
"All I've heard over the last couple of weeks is Taylor does this, Taylor does that!"
"Watch your mouth Paige." I very rarely told my kids off but her mouth was running away with her. I had listened to their conversation and knew that Paige was simply being unreasonable and trying to push Chloe's buttons like she always did.
"If Duke takes her as his old lady, she becomes queen bee so you need to watch what you say. Thanks to him you have a job and earn fucking good money, now that's enough."
Paige didn't bite back she just narrowed her eyes as she continued to drink her water.
"Hi Stephen...no I can't make it tonight I have a lot going on." Chloe had answered her phone talking to her new boyfriend. I glanced at her as she waved goodbye indicating that she was going back to work. Paige followed her out and I turned my attention back to Cade and Maggie.
"Hold still while I put the antiseptic cream on." Maggie said as Cade flinched as the lacerations on his face and neck obviously hurt. Maggie continued to tenderly care for Cade, using her skills from being a nurse before she left to start a family with me.
"And who's this?" Paige asked crossing her arms as she stood in the living room sizing up Cade.
"This is Cade, he will be staying in the log cabin in the garden for a couple of days." Cade glanced at me confused but didn't say anything.
"Well I didn't know we were taking in strays!" Before I could answer she had sauntered off up the hallway towards the stairs. She was in the process of moving out and only had a few boxes left to collect.
"Sorry Cade, that girl is so rude I just don't know what to do with her?" Maggie said apologetically as she stepped back looking at his face from different angles to make sure she had taken care of everything.
"Look, regarding your offer of staying here that's too much man. I appreciate your offer and all but..."
"Have you got somewhere else to go?" I asked raising my eyebrows.
"Well no but..."
"The cabin is at the bottom of the garden and only gets used if we have guests. You will be self contained as it has a kitchenette and bathroom. Stay a couple of days to recuperate but you're welcome to stay for longer if you want to?" I didn't want to rail road the boy but he'd taken a good beating last night and I didn't know how long he could survive being on the streets.
He smiled, "Well if you're sure you don't mind?" he said quietly.
Maggie stood and clapped her hands together with excitement, "I'll go and get some clean towels and bedding."
I raised my eyebrows as she hurried out of the living room. I'd have to tell her to lay off with the fussing as that's one of the reasons he left a perfectly good home before.
"I'll show you where the bathroom is so that you can take a shower and I'll sort you out some of Tyler's clothes before I show you to the cabin."
"Why are you doing this Hound? People don't just take strays in off the street." He asked sceptical mimicking Paige's words.
"Let's just say that everyone deserves a chance in life. I've also got you a job at the garage."
He stood quickly rubbing his head, "It's all too much Hound. You don't know me, I could be a murderer, rapist or a thief for all you know."
"I asked you three questions do you remember?" Cade nodded his head, "Well, did you answer them truthfully." He nodded his head again without hesitation, "Then I have no reason to distrust you. I have vouched for you at the club so if you fuck up, it's my balls on the chopping board, do you understand?"
"Yes I do and I'm grateful Hound, I really am."
"Well great, now go up stairs and have a shower because you fucking stink!"
Chapter 14
Spike
"Stop fidgeting you look lovely," Angel glanced at me briefly and smiled sweetly, quickly composing herself by taking a sip of her drink. "And stop worrying about the kids, they'll be fine."
We had dropped them at Pam's earlier. She was Taylor's elderly Aunt but she had a few of her friends from the Legion round at her house, I think it was safety in numbers so they had enough energy to look after them. I'd also asked one of the prospects to stay outside, not that I thought there was a direct threat from Angel's husband turning up but I didn't want to take any chances.
"Do you want to dance?" I asked out of politeness. I wasn't the dancing type but I was trying to make her comfortable as I could see that she wasn't enjoying being in a crowded place.
She shook her head, "Thanks for the offer but I'm not a very good mover."
I laughed and leaned in close to whisper in her ear, "I'm sure that's not true." As I pulled away I gave her a cheeky wink which made her blush. She was a hard one to read, I was genuinely surprised when she called me this morning to say that she'd still like to come out this evening but she blew hot and cold and I really didn't know where I stood. It wasn't like me to chase a bird, I could have whoever I wanted and there was always something on offer at the club but I wanted her and it was only a matter of time before I did.
"Can I whisk your lovely lady away?" Amy asked clearly drunk as she swayed around in front of me. I didn't want her to leave my side but Angel smiled and accepted her hand, and I watched Amy use Angel's body for balance as they made their way over to the seating area at the back of the club.
"She's a beauty Spike." Woods said as he joined me with Skinner.
I smiled as I continued to watch her walk through the club with Amy, not able to take my eyes off her.
"So are you two on the prowl tonight." I asked turning my head towards them as Angel was now out of sight.
"Never say never man, I've got my eye on someone but it's a little complicated." Skinner turned his gaze and looked over at the dance floor.
I raised my eyebrows as I glanced at Woods seeing his surprised reaction to Skinners comment, "It's always difficult man, but you've gotta figure out if it's worth fighting for." I stated thinking of Angel.
"I think I've left it too late." Skinner looked solemn as he swirled his drink around in his glass before downing it in one, "I need some air." He turned and walked out of the club clearly fighting with his emotions for someone.
I glanced at Woods who shrugged his shoulders but this wasn't the time to take the piss. I felt sorry for him, unrequited love was a killer.
The evening was going well and we witnessed an array of different people murder songs on the karaoke, which amused me as you'd never catch me up there. I glanced at my watch noticing that it was getting late and went in search for Angel to take her home. When I found her she was sitting with Keira deep in conversation. I only knew who she was as Ink had pointed her out earlier informing me that she was responsible for the flowers at Jimmy's funeral and the up and coming celebrations this weekend for Hound and Maggie. She was beautiful in her own right. Not my type but she was slim with a short hair style which would look harsh on mos
t women but not her, with her small feminine features.
"Sorry to interrupt but I need to get you home babe." Angel looked panicked and eagerly stood from her chair.
"Sorry I didn't know what the time was." She grabbed for her hand bag, "Thank you Keira, it was great talking to you this evening. I'll be in touch soon."
Keira stood and quickly air kissed Angel before I whisked her out of the club. Time was getting on and we needed to pick up the children and get to the refuge before the curfew.
I reached for her hand and she took it without hesitation as we briskly made our way to the Jeep, "Are you glad you came this evening?" I asked hoping that she did enjoy herself.
"I am thank you. I'm not very good in large groups though, I suppose that will come in time." She turned her head and looked out of the window as I drove through the somewhat empty streets, lost in her own thoughts.
"Thanks for having them Pam, I really appreciate your help this evening." I said as Angel buckled the children into the back of the vehicle.
She moved closer so that she could whisper in my ear, "Not a problem, Amy and Taylor explained everything. Any time you need me please just let me know, your family are adorable."
I was taken aback by her comment but it made me smile, "I better go, we've gotta get the kids to bed."
She nodded clearly understanding as I turned and jogged to the Jeep, "Are they secure?"
"Yes, are we going to make it in time?" she asked fidgeting as she worried about getting back to the refuge before they locked up for the night.
"I'll do my best."
"But it's only six minutes past ten, why won't you let us in?" Angel was crying hysterically as she banged on the window.
The security guard had explained through the glass window that the rules were the rules and he couldn't start changing them just for her. The whole time he was talking to Angel he was eye balling me and I assumed I wasn't making the situation any easier. I felt a flash of anger and knew he was only being brave because he was behind a locked door. Prick! People saw the cut first and asked questions later but had probably made up their own minds before then.
"I promise I won't stay out late again. I have two small children, where do you expect us to sleep tonight?" Angel's pleading tones were heart wrenching.
"Angel there's no point arguing with him, he's not gonna change his mind babe." I pushed off the Jeep and walked towards her, gently placing my hand on her shoulder to turn her round into my embrace. I rubbed the top of her head in a soothing gesture as I held her close and she nestled against my chest.
I breathed in her scent and the close proximity heightened my senses, I don't know why I tortured myself? I knew that I was playing with fire but at this moment in time, I had no interest in dowsing the flames, I needed to get my fix.
"Shhh, it's okay. You can come and stay at mine tonight."
She pulled away as the tears continued to roll down her cheeks and her eyes searched mine.
"Angel from where I'm standing, you don't have any other options. You've got to learn to trust, it's killing me." She simply nodded and turned to walk back to the vehicle as I eyeballed the security guard who was observing from afar.
I quickly checked on the children, they were both asleep and I was pleased that they hadn't seen the drama unfold or their mum getting upset.
We carried the children up to my apartment and they surprisingly stayed asleep as we placed them on the bed in the spare room.
"Do you want a drink?" I whispered as I closed the door leaving it ajar to make sure the light from the hallway could shine through, should they wake up in the night to go to the toilet or were unsure as to where they were.
"Yes please, I'll give you a hand."
Angel followed me into the kitchen and took two mugs from the draining board. She held them up silently asking if they were okay to use and I nodded. I set about making our drinks and felt her eyes bore into me as she watched me from across the kitchen assessing my every move.
"Shall we take these into the living room?"
Angel nodded and led the way sitting down comfortably on the sofa. As she crossed her legs, her dress rode up slightly and I got to see her firm upper thigh. She saw me look and quickly yanked on her dress to pull the material down. I smirked at her reaction, we'd been intimate together albeit not in the same room and here she was worrying that I may see her thigh.
"I'm sorry about tonight, it's my fault I didn't get you to the refuge in time."
She looked confused, "It's my fault for not having a..." She looked solemn and shook her head, "How was it your fault?" She'd composed herself and changed the subject which was interesting but I understood if she didn't want to talk about something.
"Sometimes Angel, you look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders babe but when I saw you there tonight in the club talking to Keira, it was just so refreshing to see you with a smile on your face and acting how a twenty-two year old should."
She was shocked by my comment, "You...watched me?"
I smirked, "Angel without sounding like a stalker, I watch you more than you know." I let out a sigh and moved closer towards her relieved that she didn't recoil, "I've grown very fond of you and the children. In normal circumstances I would have made a move by now and it's killing me to not be able to touch you but I totally respect that you've had a traumatic life and therefore have trust issues." I reached out and took her hand, "What I need to know, is whether you think you'll ever be able to totally trust and consider a relationship with me?"
Angel bit her lip and I could hear her breathing become shallow as she rubbed her thumb along my knuckles. I slowly leaned closer, not taking my eyes from hers looking for any indication that she didn't want this. I pressed my lips to her forehead, then slid them lower brushing the outer shell of her ear, noticing that she had now closed her eyes enjoying my touch.
"Mum, mum where are you?" Devon sobbed.
Angel shook her head like she'd been in a hypnotic trance and moved to get up from the sofa.
"It's okay, I'll deal with her." She looked at me questioningly, "Trust me." She hesitantly nodded and I kissed her cheek before I pushed off the sofa making sure that I repositioned my cock as I stalked towards the spare room.
Opening the door wide, I saw Devon sitting up in the bed rubbing her eyes as she looked around the room. When she saw me her face lit up with delight, "Spike!" she shrieked.
"Shhh Devon your brother is trying to sleep." She quickly looked over to see Tommy still happily asleep by the side of her.
"Oops!" She placed her hand over her mouth and giggled.
"Budge over." Devon quickly wiggled to the middle of the bed so that I could lie down beside her.
"Where are we?" she whispered as she looked around the room.
"You're at my apartment. We arrived at the hotel too late and they'd already shut for the night." She nodded her head understanding what I'd just said, "Are you okay about staying here?"
"Yeah! Where's mummy?" she asked looking towards the door.
"Your mum has just sat down to have a cup of tea, she has had a very busy day."
"She always has busy days. When we were at home daddy made her cook and clean and wash and everything."
The children didn't often speak about their dad so I was interested to find out a little more information.
"But that's what some mummy's do. They're called housewives and their job is to look after the house and the children."
"Yeah but Lucy's mummy did that job and she didn't get smacked by her daddy." She said in a small voice.
It pulled on my heart strings that she'd seen her dad abuse her mum. Taking a deep breath I contemplated what I wanted to say, "You don't need to worry about that ever again Devon. I promise that I'll never let your dad ever hurt any of you again."
She looked at me with wide eyes, "Do you pinkie promise?" she held out her little finger towards me which made me laugh. I hadn't pinkie promised anything in years but I he
ld out my hand to allow Devon to wrap her little finger around mine and shake it.
She wriggled under the duvet and covered her mouth as she yawned. "Time to sleep poppet." I leaned over and placed a kiss on her forehead, "Sweet dreams."
"Good night Spike."
I walked out of the bedroom trying to be quiet so as to not disturb Tommy and made sure that I left the door ajar. I loved talking to the kids, more so Devon as she would open up to me but I was going to make it my mission to get Tommy to open up too. I knew that he had been ruled with an iron fist and that was probably the reason why he was so quiet but I had a few ideas up my sleeve.
Walking into the living room I could hear the faint sound of Angel's breathing as she peacefully slept, curled up on the sofa. She was so beautiful in the most natural of ways that she didn't need to apply layers of make up or even dress up to turn heads. I was pissed that she had fallen asleep as I felt we were getting somewhere tonight. Her barriers were slowly breaking down and by her allowing me to deal with Devon tonight meant that she was slowly learning to trust me more.
I sauntered into my bedroom and took the throw off the end of my bed. It sounds very feminine but Amy decorated my apartment so it didn't look like your typical bachelor pad. I covered Angel with the throw and sat beside her just watching her sleep, she looked so peaceful. How could anyone raise a hand to her?
CJ had found out where she had originally lived from the registration of the car and had given me her address this evening. I was in a dilemma, I knew what I wanted to do which was to beat the shit out of her fucking cunt of a husband but that would open a whole new can of worms. Instead, I had asked for CJ to get someone to put the property under surveillance for a couple of days so that we could see her husband's routines and whether he was pursuing her and the children. Once they had reported back then I would decide what I wanted to do. I wanted to deal with it myself but because I'd let it be known of my intentions to claim her, Duke and Diesel would make it club business to make sure she was protected.
I was still feeling fucking horny and seeing her laying here wasn't doing anything to calm my appetite for her. I stood and rummaged around the apartment to find a piece of paper and a pen and scribbled a quick note, knowing that I needed to leave her. I couldn't fucking stay under the same roof as her.
Spike (Aces MC Series Book 3) Page 15
