Angel pointed towards the top drawer and we both worked around each other trying to get what we needed. We couldn't help but brush against each other in the tight space and I could feel myself warm inside at the close proximity and the normality of it all.
Dinner was fantastic, Angel was a great cook and I couldn't resist second helpings. I think this was a novel experience for all of us and I got the feeling that their father didn't sit with them to eat or if he did, the kids had to be quiet because they didn't say much throughout meal time.
I on the other hand very rarely cooked for myself and preferred either eating at Amy's or purchased takeaways but even that got repetitive over time so this made a change.
The children exchanged glances throughout the meal and sniggered when I placed my hand on top of Angel's after I'd finished my delicious food. She tried to pull her hand away but I held it firmly and gave her a knowing look until she relaxed. If we were going to start seeing each other which I hoped we were, the kids would need to get used to us showing our affection towards each other.
"Snakes and ladders or Snap?" Tommy asked holding up the board game and the set of playing cards.
I raised my eyebrows at Angel and she sniggered feeling my discomfort. I hadn't played games in years and was just grateful the guys couldn't see me now as I would be the brunt of more jokes.
"Erm...Snap!" I stated as I sat on the living room floor getting comfortable.
"Yeah!" Devon said excitedly as she flopped on the floor beside me.
We played several games and I found that I was better at car games than bowling. My competitive streak shone and I was pleased to inform Angel that I was now the champion of snap, to a round of laughter from the children.
As we packed the cards away, Tommy let out a loud yawn indicating that he was tired. I looked at my watch and could see that it was nearing the twins' bedtime.
"I'm gonna make a move so that you can get the kids to bed." I saw Angel glance at me clearly displaying a disappointed look which was promising. Did she want me to stay longer or even stay the night? I knew one thing for sure I wouldn't be touching her until she asked me to.
"I'm meeting James tonight." I stated of way of explanation. I had arranged to meet James regarding Duke's issues which I thought were linked to him being depressed. James had managed to get him some antidepressants but I now had the difficult task of trying to convince Duke to take them.
I leaned over to kiss both Tommy and Devon on the forehead before I stood and grabbed for my cut.
"Go and brush your teeth kids and I'll be in shortly to tuck you in." Angel said as the children walked in the direction of the bathroom.
"I know you don't like me saying it but thank you for coming over. I don't know what you said to him but it's like we've got a new Tommy." She smiled and I could see the happiness in her eyes.
"I'm glad I could help." I turned and strolled to the front door, I didn't want to go and if she asked me to stay I would've blown James off in a heartbeat but for my own sanity I needed her to make the first move and offer more.
"Remember that I'm going away Friday but I don't want you to worry, the guys are aware and you'll have plenty of people around to look out for you and the kids especially after this week's events."
Her eyes searched mine as if she wanted to say something but she never did, she just smiled and nodded her head slowly. I was hoping that another night away may make her reassess us as I was worried that she may have already put me into that friend's bracket that Diesel had mentioned.
I gave her a gentle kiss on her soft cheek as she closed her eyes almost savouring the moment. Her breathing became shallow and I couldn't help myself from wrapping my arms around her to hold her tight. I breathed in her scent and had to force the urge to not take Angel into her bedroom and show her what a real fucking man could do to her body. Pulling away slightly I saw her yearning for the same thing. I nodded my head slightly as I tried to compose my thoughts and needs, if we were going to do this I needed her to know that this was for keeps as she wouldn't be getting rid of me ever.
I kissed her again lightly on the cheek before pulling away and opening the door. "I'll see you tomorrow Angel."
Chapter 16
Louise
"Are you sure this is still okay Spike?" I asked referring to the hit and run involving Duke yesterday. Everyone was still in a state of shock and on edge with what had happened and I was grateful that Duke was going to be okay. "I promise we will be done by 6.00pm and then we can clear away before Duke is due back from the hospital."
"Trust me it's fine, I've spoken to Duke and he's fine about it." Spike smiled trying to reassure me.
"Come on Louise, the kids want to blow out their candles." Maggie shouted across the room over the sound of the music.
I smiled as I walked over to the group who had now congregated around the table that the twins were sitting at. Amy had made two beautiful cakes, a Scooby-Doo cake for Tommy and a Disney Frozen cake for Devon. She was very talented and I truly didn't know where she found the time to do everything.
On the count of three everyone sang happy birthday to the twins and I was overwhelmed by how special everyone had made today. Spike and I still weren't romantically involved although I was finding it more difficult by the day to refuse my urges. I had never felt the way I did about Spike not even in the early days with Liam although both men were completely different.
Spike had been so patient and given me the space I needed to analyse the whole situation and helped me to be able to trust again. I was worried that I may become dependent on him because he offered to do so much for me and the children. I needed that support mechanism after everything that had gone on but I also needed the time to see if there could ever be anything romantic between Spike and I.
It was so difficult for the men in this group to be anything but possessive. I had watched all of them from a far and the way they treated their women, and although they were dominant they were also caring and treated the women they loved as equals.
Amy and Ink had explained that this was their culture, this is what they did and this is what I had been struggling with as I didn't want to be controlled any more.
Spike had explained earlier on in the week that he needed to go to a tattoo convention this evening. Ink was originally down to go but because of her full arm cast it was impossible. Spike was going to cancel attending because of the incident involving Duke and because there was to be a party to celebrate Hounds son being patched tomorrow but Duke expressed that he should go and that the club would protect me.
"I wanted to say thank you for organising everything at such short notice. You have helped me to give the kids such a special day and so many fantastic memories." Amy and Maggie smiled and each in turn gave me a hug.
"You're more than welcome, any time you need anything Louise just ask. We're a family here." She waved her arm in front of the group who were involved in various party activities.
Spike and Diesel were teaching Tommy how to ride his new bike as he wasn't used to not having stabilisers. My heart fluttered inside seeing the interaction between them and reassured me as I needed Spike to enjoy spending time with the children and in turn the children needed to accept Spike, which to be honest I think had already happened.
"Whilst I have you here, I've been meaning to ask you something personal. Spike's been calling me Angel and I was wondering what the significance was?"
Amy and Maggie glanced at each other smiling, "It means he's claimed you!" I furrowed my brows not understanding what Amy had meant. "He's given you that name as a term of endearment. He's letting everyone know of his intentions and once you're his old lady the club members will refer to you as that name."
"Okay," I said hesitantly. "I'm not sure I like the term claimed though."
Maggie chuckled lightly, "It's an honour Louise to be claimed. He's basically telling everyone that you belong to him and it means more than just saying that you're his girlfriend."
T
his didn't sit right with me, I didn't want to be claimed or belong to anyone. I'd only just got out of a controlling relationship.
Amy put her arm around me, "I can see you analysing what I've just said Louise. They're just words and it shows how much you mean to him. He's not trying to control you, it's just a term of endearment."
"So how come you don't have a nick name Maggie?" I asked intrigued.
Maggie turned to seek out Hound, "When we got together, women weren't given names. They were almost treated like second class citizens. Things have changed now for the better, I was asked if I wanted a club name but I declined as I'm happy being Maggie."
"And we're happy that you're Maggie!" Amy said wrapping her other arm around her so that she was squashed in the middle of us.
I heard laughter and glanced over to the picnic tables to see Devon using her new face paints to decorate Hounds face with the encouragement of Ink.
"Look at Hound," I said as the three of us laughed at the spectacle in front of us but were quickly pulled from our thoughts as a small red car drove into the yard followed by Bear and Woods on their motorcycles.
Diesel walked over to the vehicle and opened the passenger side door to assist Duke out of the car.
"Thanks but I'm not a fucking invalid." He stated with a scowl.
It was comical to watch such a big man peel himself from such a small car. "And you're buying a new fucking car, that's too small especially for a family."
"Erm what do you mean by that?" Maggie asked rushing towards them.
Duke looked between Diesel and Amy, "Didn't you tell them?"
Diesel shrugged, "Not my place to tell them."
Duke grabbed Taylor in a bear hug and kissed her softly on the forehead, "This beautiful, independent and frustrating woman has given me two more reasons to love her." The group started to cheer and I could see Taylor blush as all the attention was now on her. Duke indicated for the group to settle down and when they were quiet he continued, "She has agreed to be my old lady and is also carrying my baby." Duke's hands moved to her tummy to another round of applause, whoops and cheers.
The group surrounded them and the children made their way over to me because of the noise. I crouched so that I was the same height as them, "Have you had a good day?" I asked looking between them. I had tried so hard to make it a special day and Maggie and Amy had jumped at the opportunity when I had asked them for help. We never celebrated birthdays with Liam because he said they were a waste of money so when he was at work we would have our own secret celebration. I always made sure that no evidence was visible once we'd finished, to prevent antagonising him further.
"I've had the best day mummy, I really love my bike." Tommy said jumping with excitement.
I looked at Devon, "Me too mummy, it was the best birthday ever." I brought both of them into my embrace. This is the reason I had left Liam, the children for the first time in six years were truly happy. I had put them through so much but I was now starting to believe that finally we'd be able to be happy and forget about the past.
"I'm gonna have to make a move Angel, I've got an early start and a busy day tomorrow." I stood and smiled weakly, I really didn't want him to go but he needed to for work.
"It's not gonna rain so I'm taking the bike and leaving you with the Jeep should you need it. You're insured so don't panic." Spike leaned closer and took me into his embrace, "Ramsey will be outside and the guys are only a phone call away. They're there to protect you while I'm away so make sure you call them, do you understand."
I breathed in his scent as he held me close and closed my eyes relishing this moment but was taken by surprise by his protruding erection fighting in the confines of his jeans. I slowly looked down and bit my lip, instantly feeling the tightening between my thighs. Spike placed his finger under my chin and slowly lifted my head so that I was looking directly into his eyes, "I'm masturbating more these days than I ever did as a teenager." I sniggered at his comment, he just had a way with words that amused me. I clearly knew what he wanted, his comments and erection made that perfectly clear and I had now decided that I wanted the same.
"Spike there's something that I need to tell you," I needed to tell him about my scars. This probably wasn't the time or the place but I didn't want us to become intimate and then for him to be sickened by the marks on my back.
"Shhh," he put his finger over my mouth to quieten me. "Are you about to tell me you're not interested?" I frowned as I shook my head, "Then I don't want to know what you have to say."
"But Spike, you should see..."
"I don't need to see shit! There is nothing that you could say or show me that would stop me from wanting you Angel." He took my lips by force and I let him, slowly opening up so he could deepen the kiss further. My body melted into his as he tightened his grasp and claimed me with his possessive kiss, branding me in front of everyone.
I moved my hands to either side of his face so I could touch him and felt him slowly move his hands down my body until they were groping my arse and yanking me closer to his erection. I could feel the situation getting out of control and my lady bits felt like they were on fire as they contracted with the desire to be filled by him. If I didn't stop this now I would end up making a fool of myself in front of everyone. I slowed the kiss and pulled away so that I was looking deep into his beautiful eyes. How had I been so lucky to find such a wonderful man?
I was breathing hard and on close inspection so was Spike. He leaned forward and placed a small kiss on my nose.
"I've really gotta go and you're not playing fair." He winked as he loosened his grasp and stepped away adjusting his cock.
I glanced around the yard quickly looking for the children to see that they were sitting with Diesel and Ink. I caught Diesel's eye and he winked at me from across the yard which made me blush realising that people had seen our embrace.
Spike took my hand and led me over to the group. He picked Devon up from Ink's lap and spun her around making her giggle before giving her a quick kiss on her forehead, he then turned his attention to Tommy and lifted his hand to give him a high five.
"Sorry to leave the party but I've gotta get going, I'll see you all tomorrow."
I waved to him as I watched Spike mount his motorcycle before riding out of the yard. I raised my hand to my lips as I could still feel his kiss, I contemplated everything that had happened recently and the sudden pang of loss as he disappeared out of sight.
I felt an arm wrap around my shoulder which pulled me quickly from my thoughts and looked to see Amy's small smile.
"He'll be back before you know it," I nodded but tomorrow felt like forever. "Come on let's get the kids loaded in my car and I'll take you home."
I turned to look at the mess that we'd created with balloons, streamers and the mountain of food that was still on the table, "I need to clear up first." I stated gesturing at the mess.
Amy sniggered, "Maggie's already on it and has the prospect hard at work."
I noticed that Maggie had given Buster some black bags and he was tidying up under her instructions much to his annoyance.
We arrived at my new apartment a little after 6.00pm. The children were a little tired from all of the excitement but I had told them that they could stay up a little later than they usually did as they wanted to play with their new toys. I was surprised how generous the other club members had been and they had an array of different gifts making this the best birthday the children had ever had.
I fumbled around for my keys and managed to get them out of my pocket although I was hampered by the toys I was carrying under my arm and balancing the remains of the birthday cakes in a box that Amy had thankfully provided.
Opening the door, I stepped over the post that lay on the welcome mat and busied myself walking into the living room to put down the presents and cake.
"Mum there's a letter for me and Devon." Tommy shouted as he sifted through the post.
Why would there be a letter for Tommy and
Devon? We'd only been here five days and all correspondence regarding benefits, housing and schooling would be addressed to me. He held up the pink and blue envelopes and I let out a sigh of relief realising that they were birthday cards. Spike had probably posted them earlier, maybe remembering on his way to the convention although they didn't need cards, he'd already bought Tommy a new bike and Devon an iPad.
"Can we open them?" Devon asked excitedly as she took the pink envelope quickly from Tommy's grasp.
I rolled my eyes and nodded at their excitement as Amy and I started to empty bags and contemplate finding homes for all of their presents.
"Thanks again for helping out today Amy, everyone has gone above and beyond to make this a special day." She simply smiled and rubbed my arm. I noticed that the children had gone quiet and glanced towards the living room. Tommy was sitting on the sofa having brought his knees up to conceal his face and Devon stood with unshed tears holding out the card for me to read.
"What is it baby? What's the matter?" I ran to her side and crouched beside her taking the card swiftly from her hand. She fell into my embrace as I wrapped my arm around her and held her tightly as I read the card.
Happy birthday Devon. I promise I'll see you real soon. Dad x
I dropped the card and raised my hand to my mouth to stifle my scream.
"What's the matter Louise? Who's it from?" Amy bent down to retrieve the card.
"He's found us Amy, he's bloody found us!" I shook uncontrollably as I picked Devon up and moved to the sofa so that I could also comfort Tommy. I had promised to protect my kids and now he had found us. I needed to leave, I needed to move again and put some distance between us.
Amy was pacing the living room texting on her phone and then hastily stomped outside.
"I want Spike mummy." Devon said quietly as she snuggled into my embrace further.
I let out a loud breath I didn't even know I was holding, "So do I baby, so do I."
The next thing I knew it was a hive of activity. Whoever Amy had spoken to had obviously given her some instructions and she was referring to her phone like a check list. Ramsey had come into my apartment and was keeping watch, looking out of the window. There was only one entrance into the property and Amy had locked the door and put the chain on to secure it further.
Spike (Aces MC Series Book 3) Page 18
