Woods (Aces MC Series Book 5)

by Aimee-Louise Foster

  Ramsey held out his hands, "Let me help you up."

  "No I'm okay," I struggled in the confines of the phone box to rise to my feet while trying to cover my dignity. I scoffed to myself, dignity I didn't have an ounce of that left. Ramsey saw me struggle and grabbed my arm. His touch made me panic and I lashed out catching my elbow on his chin.

  "What the fuck Lauren."

  I struggled from his hold and pressed my back firmly on the glass trying to gain some distance from him. He looked at me intrigued by my actions and carefully studied me narrowing his eyes as his eyes swept over my body from my feet up my legs until he saw the marks on my dress.

  He pointed, "Dirt or blood?"

  "Well it...like I say..." Ramsey stepped back taking his keys from his pocket before heading to his van. "Wait stop, what you doing?" I shouted after him.

  "I'm going to the party and killing the motherfucker who laid his hands on you." I saw the flash of anger in his eyes as he gritted his teeth.

  "No Ramsey, it's not like that." I followed him to his van.

  "So what is it like?" he asked glaring at me.

  "Just a misunderstanding."

  Ramsey fumbled in his pocket and pulled out his mobile, "Start giving me more information or I'm calling Woods."

  I held out my hands, "Please Ramsey, I'm begging you." I couldn't stop the tears that fell from my eyes. "I'm okay, really I'm okay. I've just made a stupid mistake, I'm a little embarrassed and just want to go home." I tried to keep the desperation from my voice to play the whole event down rather than giving him concern to worry.

  I didn't believe for one minute he considered my story to be true but he couldn't prove otherwise. I could see his internal struggle of helping me and his loyalties towards the club but I also knew he was a good bloke and wouldn't put any necessary pressure on me.

  "I'm trusting you Lauren but don't let me live to regret it." He raised his brows waiting for me to respond.

  "Honestly everything is fine, I just really want to go home." I gingerly made my way around the van and opened the door wide looking at the challenge before me. My legs and tummy were aching and I knew that I'd need to stretch in order to get inside.

  I glance across the bench seat to see Ramsey assess me, "What's up babe?"

  I shook my head, "Nothing I'm good." I rested my hand on the seat and hoist myself into the cab swinging my leg to give myself more leverage. I grimaced a little doing my best to hide my pain but let out a satisfying sigh as I lounged in the seat. I reached for my seatbelt, secured it firmly but caught Ramsey staring as he watched my every move. I shrugged confused as to why he was looking at me.

  "You better be telling me the fucking truth," his eyes flashed with anger and I noticed how tense his arms were as he held the steering wheel.

  "Trust me," I managed to smile hoping to lighten the mood and for him to drop the conversation. Ramsey nodded slowly and turned the key in the ignition before pulling away down the eerie road. It was now late which made the single track look even creepier but I was pleased that I was now safe in the confines of the van. He quickly understood that I didn't want to talk and took it easy as he navigated down the winding road.

  "There's some baby wipes in the glove box if you want to clean yourself up." He kept his eyes on the road giving me the space I so desperately needed.

  I leant forward, flipped the catch to open the compartment and grabbed the packet. I eagerly took one of the wet cloths from the opening and wiped my skin. I started with my shoulder and worked my way down my arm scrubbing hard. I discarded the wipe on the seat next to me and grabbed another to perform the same process. The feeling was great as if I was wiping away all traces of the group's dirty bodies that had touched me. My adrenaline pumped at the satisfaction, I grabbed a handful and leaned forward to wipe my legs, I was conscious of Ramsey looking at me so I turned my body towards the door and worked my way up to wipe my inner thighs. It stung but the damp cloths were soothing at the same time. As I moved the wipes from under my dress, I noticed the dark residue and quickly folded it so it wasn't so visible. I did the same to the other thigh and then concentrated on my neck and face as I wiped away this evening's assault. I dropped the remaining wipes on the seat beside me and returned what was left of the packet to the glove box.

  "Do you feel better for that?" Ramsey asked with his eyes still firmly on the road.

  "I do thank you." The relief must have been evident as I washed away the grime but I quickly snuggled back into the seat and wrapped my arms around me protectively.

  Before long, we pulled up onto my driveway and Ramsey quickly turned off the engine. I glanced in the direction of the house noticing there weren't any lights on, Mark was obviously still at the party which filled me with dread.

  "Do you want me to come in?" I turned towards Ramsey seeing the concern on his sweet face. He was of a similar age and although he liked to have a laugh and was a terrible flirt, he was grounded and sometimes acted older than his years.

  "Can you just wait for me to go in before you drive off?" I looked at him hopeful.

  He nodded, "Of course I will."

  "And thank you for picking me up, I appreciate it more than you know." I started to gather the wipes but Ramsey swatted my hands away.

  "Leave them, I'll deal with that. You just get yourself inside." I smiled at his kindness and unfastened my seatbelt before turning towards the door to pull the catch.

  "Thanks again," I said quietly and slithered from the seat onto the pavement.

  "You're welcome, like I said anytime."

  I gently closed the door and fumbled around in my handbag for my key. Luckily, I'd secured it inside a compartment with a zip so it hadn't fallen out as I'd scrambled to leave the room earlier on in the evening. I wiggled the key and finally got it into the slot relieved that I would soon be safe. I heard the roar of the engine and glanced in the direction of the van. Giving a wave, Ramsey flashed his lights and reversed slowly from the driveway as I entered the house.

  I didn't want to be alone but I also didn't want Ramsey here. I could call numerous people, anyone from the club would come over and sit with me but then I'd have to explain why and that was something I wasn't prepared to do. This was my mess, I'd allowed myself to become vulnerable and I wasn't ever putting myself in a similar situation again.

  My phone startled me, indicating that I'd received a message. I removed it from my bag and swiped the screen to read the text from Brooke.

  Hi babe, hope Reece looked after u. Sorry I left, Malik wanted some alone time lol xx

  Her words stung deep inside, I felt as if I couldn't breathe and held my chest as my heart rate accelerated. Why didn't Brooke ever think about the bigger picture? She was more concerned about herself having fun rather than the welfare of other people.

  I slowly staggered to the stairs, I needed to get out of these clothes. Holding onto the rail, I made my way up the staircase and onto the landing being careful not to stumble on my now wobbly legs. Pushing open the bathroom door, I rested my hands on either side of the doorframe to steady myself. I needed to push past this, I knew shock from the event had finally hit me but I needed to keep it together for a little longer. I wanted to be free of all traces of the men that had violated me, I just needed the strength to get into the shower to wash everything away.

  I pulled my dress up over my head and threw it onto the floor, followed by my bra. Taking a few controlled steps I made it to the shower cubical and was able to reach the dials to control the water without stretching too much and putting any extra strain on my already aching muscles. The spray instantly sent reassurance through my body knowing that their stench would soon be removed. I grabbed the bottle of body wash and squirted it over my shoulders and torso before rubbing the gel into my body. The bubbles covered my skin but it wasn't enough, I squirted the liquid again and eagerly rubbed it in before I emptied the rest of the bottle into my palm and placed my hand between my thighs. I gently massaged the area careful a
s to not hurt myself further, it stung as the body wash touched my skin but I needed to be cleansed. The water around my feet turned a muddy brown and the sight shocked me, I was helpless in the fight to hold back my tears. They streamed down my cheeks in time to the spray from the showerhead, I sunk to my knees as the water continued to cover my body and I let out an almighty sob. I couldn't help the noises that burst from my mouth these were emotions that needed to be vented, noises that I'd kept in for so long. Not only for events that had happened this evening, this attack had stirred up past emotions and was now allowing me the time to also cry for the loss of my parents something that I had always struggled to do.

  "Lauren what's going on?"

  I turned my head towards the bathroom door, Mark was peering in but not looking directly at me as he knew I was in the shower. My sobs must've alerted him to where I was and my desperation. I tried to quickly pull myself together, I didn't want him seeing me in this state as he'd ask too many questions.

  I franticly rubbed my eyes, "Erm...I'm fine, I'm just being silly."

  "It doesn't sound like you're being silly, you're obviously upset about something."

  "I just had an argument with Brooke, that's all." I wasn't sure if he'd fall for that but everyone knew how temperamental she could be.

  He let out a sigh, "I don't even know why you tolerate her Lauren. She's a self centred nasty piece of work."

  "I know."

  "Do you? Because from where I'm standing Lauren, I can see that she picks you up and drops you at any given moment. That's not a true friend she's just out for what she can get."

  "I said I know, I don't need you pointing out the fucking obvious," I shrieked back at him. My outburst took us both by surprise.

  Mark sniggered, "Well maybe you've learned one thing from her."

  "Sorry I didn't mean to curse," I said apologetically although he was seeing the funny side of it. I never swore, people with limited vocabularies swore because they couldn't find the correct words to use that wasn't me I didn't have a potty mouth.

  "Lauren you're nearly eighteen, I'm not going to tell you off for swearing. Look I'll leave you to your shower, don't get upset about Brooke. She'll come crawling back like she always does with her tail between her legs and then you can make a decision as to what to do but you really need to consider your friendship if she continues to hurt you." Mark closed the door giving me the space to contemplate. I pulled the cord to the right of the shower and it immediately cut off the water, I gathered my thoughts and stepped from the shower to wrap myself tightly in my dressing gown.

  My iPhone bleeped indicating I had a message, I gathered my belongings and headed across the hall to my bedroom. The cold air hit my body as I walked into the room a total contrast from the heat in the bathroom. I lay my clothes and handbag on the end of the bed and walked to the window to close it. As I reached for the handle a sharp pulling sensation ripped through my body, I quickly rested my hand on the area and let out a breath as the pain subsided a little.

  Something quickly caught my eye, I looked out of the window to see what looked to be an outline of someone on the edge of the tree's across the road. I cupped my hands in front of my face and pushed them onto the glass to avoid any reflections to focus once more. This time I couldn't see anything, my mind must've been playing tricks on me. All the same my skin was now decorated with goosebumps, I rubbed my arm trying to get some warmth but noticed the bruising around my wrists bringing me straight back to reality. I drew the curtains and was startled by the bleeping of my phone. I held my hand over my chest and breathed slowly trying to get my heart rate under control, if I was going to deal with this my way I needed to be a lot tougher than I was currently being. I was a nervous wreck.

  I took my phone from my handbag and snuggled under my bed covers to read the messages.

  I just wanted to make sure you were ok. What people say and mean can sometimes be two completely different things.

  I almost feel responsible, please just message me to let me know that you're ok

  Ramsey's messages surprised me. I wasn't his responsibility, I knew that I'd dragged him into it by contacting him but he could now forget about me and as for responsible, responsible for what exactly?

  I'm finding it difficult to understand what you may feel responsible for?

  If anything, he had saved me although he didn't know what from. I saw that he'd read the message straight away and he started to reply.

  I should've stopped you from going to the party with Brooke.

  I let out a deep sigh, if only he did.

  I appreciate your concern but I'm a big girl now. Everything that happened this evening is down to my stupidity.

  I saw him typing a response, didn't he have more important things to do than text me this evening?

  Even so, I should've tried harder then you possibly wouldn't be feeling the way you are right now.

  And how do you know how I'm feeling?

  I wasn't in the right frame of mind to discuss anything, in fact I just wanted to forget about what happened this evening. The physical marks would disappear not leaving any long term damage but I needed to gain control over my life quickly and I'd already decided to just file this evening under experiences and make sure I learned from it. I'd cried all of my tears, I wasn't allowing anyone to ruin my life. I had a plan and nothing and no one was going to change that.

  I don't but I know something serious even life changing happened this evening. I'm not expecting you to talk to me about it, I just want you to know that I'm here should you wish to.

  Thank you, duly noted. You've surprised me tonight Ramsey.

  I didn't know much about him although I had done my best over the last year to find out information. He'd taken Chloe out a few times and I know it had caused tension among the club members although nothing was going on. Mark had said he had proved himself so far as a prospect and I was impressed at how he'd handled tonight's events.

  Surprised you how?

  You're not as tough as you make out!

  Damn, you've figured me out!

  I sniggered at the light heartedness and banter we were having although I was trying hard to keep everything together.

  Thanks again for saving me x

  I wanted him to know how grateful I was, there was no way I could've called anyone else this evening without opening a big can of worms.

  Anytime xx

  I turned the volume off and slipped my iPhone under my pillow, I was exhausted and knew that it wouldn't be long before I fell asleep.

  Chapter 2

  Woods

  I walked into the clubhouse and the smell of stale beer turned my stomach this morning, I needed a coffee before I could function properly.

  "Maggie be a love and make me a coffee," she was behind the bar trying to help Ruby clean up the mess from last night's party.

  "I'm also making bacon sandwiches, can I tempt you?" Maggie stopped wiping down the bar and stood with her hands on her hips waiting for my response.

  "You most certainly can. Do you know what, if you weren't married and..." I trailed off, my brain hadn't kicked in yet and I didn't want to finish the sentence by offending her.

  "Go on say it and thirty years younger, you cheeky shit!" Maggie picked up the cloth she'd been using to clean and threw it at me. "Go on, in you go and grab a seat and I'll bring them to you in a minute." I gave her one of my cockiest smiles and strolled to the meeting room. I hoped it wasn't going to take long today as I had errands to run for the club and myself.

  I nodded at various people as I entered the room, looking for somewhere to sit.

  "Phone!" Ramsey held the box up to my face and I swatted it away like a fly.

  "Give it a rest, I know the procedures." I took my iPhone from my pocket and held down the button on the side to turn it off. "Happy?" I stated sarcastically as I placed it into the box.

  "Very," he answered as he made his way over to Spike to ask for his phone.

  I
made my way to a spare seat in the corner between Stoney and Justice. I had a right to sit at the table because of my role within the club as Road Captain but I wasn't one for pulling rank and was happy to sit wherever.

  "Right, five more minutes and we'll get going." Duke bellowed over the conversations from the rest of the guys.

  With that, Maggie and Ruby breezed in with a tray full of sandwiches and mugs full of tea and coffee. "If you want milk and sugar you'll have to help yourself." They placed the trays onto the table and the guys were like a swarm of locust as they dived in. I stood and grabbed myself and Justice a black coffee each, in this place it was easier to take it black as we were always running out of milk.

  "Okay settle down then guys, we only have a few things on today's agenda." Duke took a long swig of his coffee before he sat at the table. "Our new club Resolute is now ready to open. We've had so many issues regarding licensing with the council but Justice has done us another favour and taken one for the team and now it's all sorted."

  The guys laughed and cheered, Justice lifted his mug and took a sip revelling in his glory and powers of persuasion.

  "I also want to let you know that Cade has decided to prospect. He's proved himself by becoming a hang around over the last couple of months and now Hound is going to be his sponsor."

  Cade was a good lad and it turns out he was very good with his hands so he would be great to have around to help fix up the bikes or even work in the garage.

  "Next on the list, the Christmas run to Belgium has been brought forward a couple of days. We leave on the thirteenth and plan to be back on the twentieth. Let your old ladies know it's non-negotiable and just tell them you'll be back in time for Christmas, which should keep them sweet."

  "Have you told Ash yet?" Diesel asked with a smirk on his face.

  "Erm...no! Swiftly moving on."

  The guys exploded into laughter including myself. Ash was very strong willed and I don't think she'd appreciate him going away for a week especially now that she was pregnant. He'd have some sucking up to do to keep her sweet.