He nodded his head and seemed reassured that I'd spoken to dad before making my decision, "Okay, as long as you're sure."
I glanced around the car park, "I take it Paige hasn't arrived yet?"
Tyler let out a huff, "She'll be late for her own funeral."
I smiled as I turned to make my way towards the clubhouse, "I have tickets for the Aston Villa game for a week on Sunday if you're interested?" Ramsey shouted after me.
I glanced over my shoulder, "Text me the details." I said with a wave as I stepped into the clubhouse.
It was noticeably quiet with not many of the guys around, I smiled as I caught Ruby's eye as she cleaned the tables. The club used the girls from the Bird Cage to do extra jobs for the club and were paid accordingly. Ruby was a favourite among the guys because she was a hard worker and was stunning to look at, she smiled and continued with her work.
"I'm pouring myself a drink do you want one?" CJ asked standing behind the bar.
"Could I please just have a bottle of water?" I asked perching myself on a stool directly in front of him.
CJ raised his eyebrow and leaned down to pull a bottle from the fridge, before placing it onto the counter. "There you go Chloe."
The way he said my name made me snigger as he only knew who I was by my choice of drink.
"How are things with you?" He asked sitting on the stool beside me at the bar.
"Things are good, I'm working at the new salon in Epping high street with Taylor."
CJ nodded, "I heard that through the MC grape vine."
I laughed softly at his comment because it was notorious that the men in this club gossiped more than the women, "Why doesn't that surprise me?"
CJ smiled before taking a swig of his drink, "Where's your sister, I thought she was coming as well?"
"Your guess is as good as mine, you know what Paige is like."
He glanced at his watch, "Duke won't appreciate being kept waiting."
I slid off the stool and CJ picked up the pendant that lay on my chest dangerously close to my breasts and twiddled it in his fingers, "I like this, it looks expensive."
"It was a present from a friend for my eighteenth birthday."
CJ raised his eyebrows, "A friend with very expensive tastes by the looks of thing."
I subtly took the pendent from his grasp and twiddled it myself, thinking about the day it was given to me as I flushed.
CJ looked at me inquisitively by the way my body heated. "Was it from a special friend?" he asked as a cocky smile crossed his face.
"Sorry I'm late, I was up all night!" Paige was like a whirlwind as she rushed into the clubhouse, winking at CJ as she plonked herself onto the stool I'd just vacated. She looked between us as a smile crept across her face, "Sorry was I interrupting something?"
I shook my head in disgust, "You're unbelievable, you know I'm with Stephen." I spat stomping in the direction of Duke's office, her mind was always in the gutter.
"Oooh touchy!"
I continued down the corridor and knocked lightly on the office door although it was already open, and heard the distinctive click of Paige's heels on the tiled floor as she made her way down the corridor behind me.
"Hi ladies, please come in and take a seat. I'll be with you in a minute."
I sat on the comfortable looking sofa whereas Paige decided to perch herself on the seat directly in front of Duke's desk, and crossed her legs seductively making no effort to hide her thigh that was now showing.
I watched as Duke continued to write in a spiral bound note pad before closing it and placing it into the top drawer of his desk.
Duke glanced between us and brought his hands together to rest his chin on his steepled fingers. "I want to start by apologising for not having this conversation with you sooner, it should've happened before you turned eighteen but I'm sure you can appreciate just how busy things have been around here lately."
"It's really not a problem Duke." Paige stated as she uncrossed her legs and re-crossed them in the opposite direction.
Duke rolled his eyes, he'd probably seen it all before but I couldn't help but feel embarrassed that she was behaving this way to the President of the club, who was also her boss.
"You both know that you need to make a decision regarding the club, like Jayden and Tyler did when they reached eighteen. I think I know what your decisions are but I want to hear it directly from you." He sat back comfortably in his chair ready for us to speak.
"As you know Duke, I've been working at the Bird Cage since the day I turned eighteen. I'm really enjoying it and I've moved all of my stuff into Tiffany's house to show my commitment." Paige pouted and flung her hair around as she spoke, like she'd probably practiced in the mirror before she came.
Duke nodded his head thoughtfully and rested his feet on his desk taking a casual pose, "You know that your dad isn't happy about you working there."
Paige let out a long sigh, "Duke, I'm a woman now." She sat up straight making sure that her breasts stuck out. "I can't keep asking Frank's permission for everything I do, otherwise I won't end up doing anything worthwhile with my life and I'll become boring." Paige turned her head and glanced in my direction as she spoke.
There was no love lost between the two of us, she'd made it perfectly clear over the years of what she thought of me, and her last comment didn't surprise me at all. Paige thought I was boring but I didn't see that shagging a different man every week, and stripping to hordes of leering men as being my idea of fun either.
"Your dad has put a stop to private functions here as well and has forbidden any club member to touch you, are you aware of this?" He asked with a slight smirk on his face.
What was Duke playing at, was he trying to goad her? He obviously knew a comment like that would make her have a shit attack or was he trying to test her?
I could see Paige clearly trying to compose herself as she fidgeted in the chair before answering the question. "Frank did inform me of this stupid arrangement but I'll do whatever the club asks of me Duke."
Oh my god! She didn't take the bait and was quite composed in her response. She must have an ulterior motive as she never acted this way, I couldn't put my finger on why yet but she'd eventually show her true colours, Duke wasn't stupid.
"Good, well that's all I need from you Paige. You're free to go." Duke stated dismissing her completely as he removed his feet from the desk and sat upright in his chair.
Paige glanced in my direction narrowing her eyes before she stood and spun on her heels sauntering out of the office.
Once she had left the room Duke turned his attention to me, "And how are you finding working at the salon?"
A smile crossed my face as I thought of the enjoyment I had in working there. Taylor was a great boss and I got on really well with Chanel who was only a year younger.
"I love working there Duke, this is what I've wanted to do ever since I was a child and played dress up with my dolls." I blurted out, feeling a little embarrassed by my excitement but it was the truth.
"I want you to know that you got this job on your own merit, and that it was nothing to do with me. Taylor has said on numerous occasions that you're doing a great job so I'm pleased you've found something that you enjoy."
I beamed with delight at his words because I had originally thought that the club had orchestrated the job for me, but I was grateful that they hadn't as I wanted to prove what I was capable of on my own.
"You know what this means though don't you Chloe." I nodded my head understanding that I couldn't now just turn up here, not that I ever did.
"This club is for employees, members and their children. You're now eighteen and therefore an adult and as far as club rules go, you don't have any direct connections anymore. You can still come if you're invited by a member but then you become their responsibility." He smiled and I felt a little more comfortable, "But I know I wouldn't need to worry about you anyway."
Duke was a huge intimidating man and over the years
I had seen a nasty streak to him, he was someone that you didn't piss off through fear of the repercussions. There was also another side to Duke, he was fair and loyal and would do anything for his family and because he didn't lord it up or take advantage of his position, he had gained respect from the other club members, and in my eyes was a very successful leader.
"The club will always protect you as you're Hound's daughter and I want you to know that my door is always open should you need anything or simply want to talk. I respect your decision to seek a life outside of the club and to be honest Chloe, I'm not surprised as you're probably too smart for this life and I don't mean that disrespectfully to the people that are involved in the club." I smiled at his kind words.
"Is there anything you want to discuss before you go?"
"Not that I can think of."
"Okay, well I'm happy for you to stay and have a drink in the bar before you leave."
He stood indicating that this meeting was over and out of politeness I walked over to Duke holding out my hand but was surprised when he pulled me in for a hug, and placed a chaste kiss on the top of my head. "I'm proud of you Chloe."
I pulled away from his embrace surprised by his gesture and feeling a little flushed, "Thank you."
I scurried from Duke's office, quietly closing the door behind me, and made my way up the corridor towards the bar.
"Chloe come and join us." CJ shouted from across the room.
I glanced around the bar grateful that Paige wasn't here and joined CJ and Tyler at their table in the corner of the room.
"I'm allowed a drink before I go," I said humorously as I slouched on the seat beside CJ.
"Well make sure it's stronger than water this time." CJ stated winking in my direction.
"I can't I'm driving, I'll just have a coke."
Tyler stood and made his way behind the bar to make our drinks and crank up the music.
"Well you came out a lot happier than your sister did, she had a face like thunder."
I sniggered, "Duke dismissed her and ignored her flirting so I'm sure that pissed her off."
"Here you go Chloe." Tyler placed my glass on the table and raised his drink, "To new beginnings."
"To new beginnings." CJ and I said in unison.
My phone vibrated and I reached into my pocket to see who'd contacted me.
Hi sex kitten, meet me in the park at our usual spot for a picnic and I'm looking forward to dessert!
"What's that look for?" Tyler asked at my confused expression.
"I've got a lunch date that I didn't know anything about."
"Who with, the Vet?" Tyler asked getting a little agitated.
"Yes the Vet."
"And how long have you been seeing him?" Now CJ had joined in with the questions.
I rolled my eyes, "Three months."
"And how's he treating you?"
I stood and turned in the direction the question had come from, and bumped into a solid mass as his heavenly scent filled my senses. I quickly gazed into his dark hazel eyes and my heart fluttered like it always did when I saw him. He was looking on point as usual in his designer jeans and polo shirt, and I tried to gain my composure and make it look like he hadn't affected me.
"What's with the twenty questions?" I spouted as I stepped round him and rushed towards the door.
"Was it something I said?" he called after me.
"No, sorry I erm I'm running late." I stammered feeling like an idiot as I noticed his frown.
I left the clubhouse hoping that my discomfort wasn't too obvious but I was surprised as to how my tummy reacted when I saw him, even though I was on my way to meet Stephen.
Chapter 3
Chloe
I can't believe I acted like such a fool in front of him again but he always made my body react in such a way that I wasn't able to function properly. You'd think I would've gotten over my girly crush after three years of pining over him with nothing in return but I couldn't, I'd held a torch for him for so long that it was difficult to shake the feeling.
I'd tried everything within my power to stop these urges and had distanced myself from the club over recent months so that I didn't have to see him, his lack of interest had also influenced my decision to find a job outside of the club. I had wanted to tell him of my feelings over the years but didn't through fear of being rejected so I'd admired him from afar, I just dreaded the day that he found his true love because I think my heart would shatter.
I strolled through the park fastening my cardigan securely as the wind was cool and made my way towards the picnic benches. I noticed Stephen stand excitedly as I came into view and he made his way over to greet me.
I smiled at his enthusiasm, he was a good man, kind, loyal with good job prospects, which included all of the qualities that my dad wanted me to find within a boyfriend but was it what I wanted? I enjoyed Stephen's company, we had similar interests and hobbies and I had developed feelings for him, but were those feelings enough to have a healthy relationship and would it work although my heart clearly belonged to another? I had many questions rattling around my head and it all came down to one person. If he only knew of my true feelings, I could then find out if they were reciprocated but if they weren’t I'd be broken, and I don't think my heart was ready for that.
"And how are you today?" he asked raising his eyebrows before dragging his eyes down my body focusing on my crotch.
I furrowed my brows taking in his reaction. He was acting strangely this afternoon, first the confusing text and now this, what was wrong with him?
"I'm fine thank you Stephen and you?" I asked as he placed his arm around my shoulder and directed me towards the picnic table that contained a lovely spread of sandwiches and nibbles.
"Never better, I slept like a baby last night."
"Yeah about that, I'm sorry." I thought that I'd better apologise for not seeing him but by the sounds of things I hadn't ruined his evening completely.
"You have nothing to be sorry about babe." There it was again that creepy look as his eyes lingered over my body, Stephen had never acted this way before.
I ignored his glances although confused by his demeanour, "I'm sorry that I couldn't come last night but I've been considering our relationship and now think that I'm ready to take it to the next level." On the spur of the moment, I had decided to progress things with Stephen. I couldn't live in limbo, I needed to stop lusting over someone that was never going to be mine and look to the future. Would a future with Stephen really be so bad?
"Next level?" Stephen coughed slightly as his drink went down the wrong hole, I quickly moved closer to pat him on the back as he slowly regained his composure. "Last night was the best sex I've ever had babe but if you have another level, I'd only be too happy for you to show me, and as for not coming, if you didn't come last night then that was one hell of a show."
What the fuck was he talking about? My phone vibrated and I removed my hand from his and swiped the screen to see an unexpected text from Paige containing a video. I should've felt honoured receiving a text from her, the fact that she'd even thought of me during her busy day was a shock. Intrigued by her text I pressed play to see the short clip of Stephen sprawled on his bed and someone who looked like me sucking his cock with a mischievous grin on her face.
Everything around me fell silent as I solely focussed on the clip, playing it repeatedly not registering what was happening at first. It was surreal, I held up my phone to show Stephen, to see the blood slowly drain from his face at the realisation of what he'd done.
"Oh shit, oh shit, I didn't know. I didn't know it was her babe because you're identical, you've got to believe me Chloe." He whined pathetically.
I shook my head still dumbfounded by what I'd just witnessed. Unable to talk or express just how I felt, I stood placing the phone back into my pocket and turned not wanting him to see me cry.
"Chloe!" He shouted after me but I ignored him and continued to make my way across the field towards the pat
h that ran along the outer edge of the park.
"Chloe!" I heard him shout once more but this time further in the distance as I increased my speed to get away. I wiped my cheek as the lone tear had now turned into a trickle, as Paige's deceit had finally registered.
I walked around the park in a daze trying to rationalise what had happened if that was at all possible, I didn't want to give Paige the satisfaction of making me cry but the betrayal hurt so much. The path ended and I realised that I was back at the car park but I wasn't ready to go home yet, I liked being outside it gave me the element of freedom as I analysed the past hour.
Sitting on the curb I tried to contain my emotions, I felt like I needed to talk to someone but who? I could call my dad but it would end in one hell of a fight and his relationship with Paige was already fractured.
Pulling my knees tightly towards my chest, I rested my head and slowly rocked back and forth while I took stock of the situation. How could Paige do this to me? I was not only her sister but also her twin, what could I have possibly done to make her hate me so much?
I was pulled from my thoughts as a dog licked my arm. Raising my head I noticed the Jack Russell as she sat beside me, her tongue hanging out and breathing hard as if she'd just been running.
"That's a good girl," I stroked her head and worked my way around under her chin. She liked to be fussed over and instantly laid on her back so that I could reach for her tummy, this at least brought a small smile to my face and eased the light trickle of tears. Noticing her name tag around her neck, I reached for it and lifted it gently, "Hello Doris."
"Are you okay Chloe?" I turned towards the familiar voice and my breath hitched at his beauty. Woods sat beside me on the curb as I continued to pet his dog but his concern was my undoing and the waterfall of tears that I'd been holding for over an hour streamed from my eyes. I tried to control my emotions and had kept it together until now, but the betrayal of my sister and the close proximity of Woods were playing havoc with my feelings.
Paige and Chloe Page 3
