I sniffed, “What happened to Amber?” From being around an MC, I knew that people had disappeared for less. I waited for a response but didn’t push. “We let her live. Thought that the punishment of what she did would be torture enough.” He scoffed, “She shows up every so often asking for money for her next fix. Usually the guy’s deal with Amber so that I don’t have to see her. It’s been four years now but I’ve found myself coming out here more often, like I’m missing something.” He turned to me, “Does that sound strange?” I shook my head, knowing exactly what he was talking about.
“My dad died recently.” Diesel started to stroke my arms as he pulled me closer towards his chest. “I was so close to him and although it’s more recent than your son’s death, I can’t see myself ever getting over it fully.” I wiped another tear from my cheek. “What happened to your dad?” There was a long pause whilst I decided how much I wanted to tell him. “He was at the wrong place at the wrong time. He was shot in the head and died instantly.” Diesel kissed the back of my head, his kind gesture meant more than words and I was taken aback by the way my heart swelled in my chest. We sat there in silence looking at the view over the city below and I could feel my eyes slowly getting heavier as I took in the recent information and beauty around me.
“Ink, it’s time to wake up babe.” I woke with a fright wondering where I was. It took me a while to figure this out, now that it had turned pitch black. I could hear the low hum of the vehicles using the motorway in the distance and noticed the twinkling of the bright stars for miles around us. “Why didn’t you wake me?” I asked looking round at Diesel. My rear was numb from sitting on the floor for so long. “You looked so peaceful, I didn’t have the heart to wake you up.” He kissed my head gently, “It’s nearly 8.00pm and I’m starving, do you wanna grab some food?” At that very moment my tummy started to rumble. I looked down to where the noise had come from, then at Diesel and we both started laughing.
“Come on, let’s get some food.” Diesel pulled me to my feet and I found myself pressed up against his chest, feeling how perfect we fit together. I looked up into his eyes, feeling the heat rising through my body and the pressure building between my legs, so much so that I had to cross them to relieve some of the unbearable tension. Diesel finally broke the mounting silence, “Come on, let’s get going before I take you right here.” Those butterflies were getting bigger!
We arrived at the Cross Key’s cafe just off the M11 Motorway. The car park had several vehicles parked in various places and a few trucks that were probably here for the night. Diesel helped me off the bike and stayed close resting his hand on my lower back, a gesture that I was starting to become accustom too.
We entered the cafe and were welcomed by a woman in her mid-thirties. She showed us to our seats, placing menus on the table. “Your waitress is Kayleigh, she’ll be with you in a minute.” The woman didn’t make eye contact, which I thought was strange. She left us to collect glasses from another table and started to wipe it clean. We both looked through the menus waiting for the waitress. I looked around the cafe taking in the dreary decor and noticed the chequered curtains that needed a good wash along with the sticky floor but the smell of the food coming from the kitchen smelt delicious.
“Hello handsome, what can I get ya?” I assumed that this girl was our waitress, Kayleigh. She was in her mid-twenties, stick thin with the biggest bust I had ever seen, which were obviously surgically enhanced! How her skinny frame could still stand with all that baggage was beyond me. Diesel placed his order without giving her any attention, much to her annoyance. This made me chuckle and the laughter that came out of my mouth, earned me a dirty look from Miss Big Tits. I also placed my order of a chicken burger and chips but was instantly regretting laughing as I’d probably end up with extra spit in my food!
“Thank you.” I whispered to Diesel once the waitress had disappeared, reaching across the table to touch his hand gently. He looked at me with confusion on his face. “Thank you for not looking at her breasts whilst you’re with me.” I said softly so that the other diners couldn’t hear. Diesel started chuckling but the chuckles turned into full blown laughter, now people were looking at us. I looked around, lowering my voice, “Stop it, people are staring.” Diesel’s smile grew, “Like I give a fuck. You’re one funny lady Ink.” I removed my hand from his, “Should I take that as a compliment?” Diesel stood, “You most certainly should. I gotta pee, I’ll be back in a minute.” He walked towards the restrooms at the back of the cafe.
The sound of laughter made me turn towards the door. “Shit!” There were three members of the Skulls MC walking through the door. I tried to turn and move into the booth quickly but Patch saw me and was walking my way.
“Well if it aint little Princess. How you doing?” Patch was one of the creepiest fuckers I’d ever met. He made my skin crawl and I tried to stay away from him where possible as I’d heard some horror stories about his antics. He moved closer and started to sit down next to me, when he was yanked out of the chair and thrown on his arse.
“Go near her again and you’ll be eating through a straw. Do I make myself clear?” Diesel said almost growling at Patch, who was slowly getting to his feet looking furious. Patch went for his knife. Diesel calmly folded his arms, “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” Diesel stepped closer to Patch. “Do you want to be the cause of a war between the Skulls and the Aces just because your pride got hurt?” I could see Patch contemplating this information.
“I think Hawke would be more concerned that you’ve taken his old lady.” Patch turned towards me, “Haven’t you told Diesel about being promised to Hawke?” A huge grin spread across his face.
“I wasn’t promised to anyone. My dad fucking hated you and Hawke.” I spat as I stood squaring up to him, resting my hands on my hips. Patch moved closer, “Watch your fucking mouth Princess.” The next thing I knew Patch flew through the air, knocking over the table in the middle of the cafe. Diesel had slapped Patch with the back of his hand with such force that he fell like a sack of spuds. “I warned you but you had to push your fucking luck.” Diesel turned to the two Skulls starting to make their way over. “I wouldn’t even think about it. My club house is closer to here than yours and I could have twenty men here in less than five minutes. Go back to your drinks.”
Patch started moving around on the floor. “Come on Ink, let’s get out of here. I’ve suddenly lost my appetite.” Diesel threw some money down on the table, for the food we were no longer having. It also looked like he’d covered the cost of the broken table. He grabbed my hand and led me out of the cafe.
I followed Diesel through the door and walked into a hulk of a man wearing a Skulls cut. “Hello stranger.” Flex said as he picked me up in a bear hug, swinging me around. “God, I’ve missed you?” I said giving him a kiss on the cheek before he gently put me down, holding me at arm’s length assessing me. Diesel grabbed my hand pulling me back and casually wrapped his arm around my shoulder in a possessive stance.
“Diesel, this is Flex. He practically raised me, he’s like family.” I explained quickly not wanting any further trouble. Diesel stayed quiet, looking Flex up and down. “I didn’t realise you were hanging with the Aces now,” Flex said with venom in his voice staring directly at Diesel. “I don’t think your dad would have been pleased about that Princess.”
Diesel poked Flex in the chest, “Don’t you ever fucking use her dad against her again to prove a point, you arsehole.” Flex knocked Diesel’s finger away from his chest, “I’m concerned about her.” He looked directly at me, “If you need anything Princess, promise that you’ll get in touch.” Diesel started to drag me away, “She won’t need anything. She’s under the protection of the Aces now.”
“What the fuck was all that about Ink? Don’t you think you should’ve mentioned that you were involved with the Skulls before now?” Diesel was annoyed with me and I could see the frustration as he paced back and forth near his bike. I looked down at the fl
oor, swinging my leg back and forth, a nervous habit I’d had since I was a child. “Come here.” Diesel grabbed me taking me into his arms and started to rub the back of my head. My frustration from the last 10 minutes left my body and I relaxed into him. Never had I ever felt so safe. Whatever was happening between us just seemed right.
Diesel pulled away but still held me at arm’s length. Letting out a loud sigh, “You gotta be honest with me Ink. You could have put us both in danger.” I looked up into his eyes. I could see a mixture of emotions, rage, frustration and maybe even desire. My heart beat quickened and I could feel the longing for him to take me. “We need to talk but not here. Let’s get you home and then you’re telling me everything. Am I making myself clear?” Diesel never raised his voice which made his words more menacing. I wasn’t scared of him but I felt that I had let him down. I slowly nodded my head before mounting the bike.
We drove back to my apartment in silence. I was contemplating what I should tell him. We weren’t involved with each other but I felt that I owed him an explanation. This didn’t mean that he needed to know everything, I wasn’t ready to tell him about Hawke’s infatuation with me.
Diesel parked his bike. Neither of us moved as we were both fighting with our own turmoil. “How do you know where I live?” The realisation made me annoyed. I got off the bike folding my arms tightly around myself. I looked at Diesel waiting for him to explain himself. He shrugged, “You work for us. All employees have a background check. I can’t understand why it didn’t pick up your connection to the Skulls though, want to explain?” Now Diesel was folding his arms waiting for me to start talking. My headache was getting worse, all the tension from the past hour was building and all I wanted was a hot bath and a good cry over how this evening had turned to shit.
“Trigger was my dad.” There, the words were out. Diesel let out a low whistle, uncrossing his arms and putting them into his jean pockets, shaking his head from side to side. “And you didn’t think that this would be a problem for the Aces?” I didn’t know where to begin to tell him my story. Should I tell him that I just wanted a fresh start away from the club? Hawke wanted me to be his old lady or that I thought Hawke was behind my dad’s death.
“I use my middle name because I don’t like Jean.” Diesel raised his eyebrows, “Yes, my parents had a warped sense of humour.” My small smile faded quickly, “I haven’t lied Diesel. I’ve answered every question I’ve been asked truthfully.” I had to defend myself, “I’m a fucking good tattooist and that’s what I’m paid to do by the club. Whoever my Parents are shouldn’t have anything to do with you or the club, especially since they are both dead.” By the time I’d finished shouting at him, I realised I was poking him in the chest with my finger. He looked down at my hand which I pulled away quickly, realising I’d over stepped the mark. I tried to calm the situation, “Look Diesel I’m sorry. Sorry I took the job and sorry I’ve wasted your time.” I turned and started to walk away down the shingle path towards my apartment.
“Do you think it’s over as simply as that?” I ignored him and continued walking quickening my pace. “This isn’t finished Ink.” Diesel was now following me, down the path stalking me like I was his prey. I could feel him behind me. As I turned, I found myself in his clutches pushed against his hard chest. I looked into his hungry eyes. “This isn’t over. I decide when it’s over.” Diesel took my mouth like he was a starved man. This was certainly a desperate man wanting to claim me. As we kissed he pushed me back until I was against the wall of my apartment. He put his hand in my hair pushing my head forward so he could take me deeper. I could feel his arousal against my stomach which was turning me on further as his other hand slowly groped my arse kneading my flesh. A car pulled into my estate and the headlights shone on us as they turned the corner.
I pushed him away trying to catch my breath. Diesel took a step back putting his hands on his hips looking unaffected by the passionate kiss apart from the bulge in his jeans. We stared into each other’s eyes, goading one another to make the next move.
Vibrating came from Diesel’s pocket. “What?” Diesel shouted down the phone. “Yeah I’ll be there in ten.” He hung up putting his phone back into his pocket. Diesel leaned forward placing a chaste kiss on my forehead. “I’ll see you Saturday.” And with that Diesel turned, got onto his bike and left me standing on my front porch wondering what the fuck had just happened.
Chapter 4
Diesel
“The shipment arrives on Sunday and I want you, Rex, Stoney and Bear to see its safe arrival.” Duke was sitting at the oak desk in his office, leaning back in the chair with his feet resting on the desk. He could see by the look on my face that I wasn’t happy about being out of town for a while.
“What’s up with you? You screwing Harlow yet?” His smile widened showing his beautifully lined teeth. Teeth that I would like to smash. “Fuck off, it’s none of your business.” I said sitting on the arm of the green sofa placed in the corner of his office. I tried to rub the back of my neck to release some of the tension that had built up this evening. My reaction obviously sparked his interest further as he placed his feet on the floor and sat up with a shit eating grin.
“What’s the matter, have you lost your charm? Look man, if she’s not interested, can I have a go?” I would love to smash the fucking smug look off Dukes face. He wasn’t interested in Ink, he just liked to fucking annoy me and it was working.
“Anyway what did you want to talk to me about?” Duke asked changing the subject as he probably knew he had pissed me off. “I had an interesting conversation with Ink this evening. I knew she had links to an MC but my worst fears were confirmed this evening.” I paused which peaked Dukes interest. “Her dad was Trigger.” I knew this wasn’t good for Ink’s future at the club. Her loyalties would be tested if she wanted to continue to work for us. I could see the flicker of shock on Dukes face, then it was gone as quickly as it came.
“Trigger as in the Sergeant at Arms for the Skulls, who was recently murdered?” I nodded my head slowly, “The very same. We ran into some Skulls at the cafe this evening and Patch also hinted that she had a connection to Hawke. She denies it and I believe her but something don’t quiet feel right.”
I could see that Duke was chewing over this information. “Do you trust her?” He said running his fingers through his hair and resting them at the back of his neck. “Yes. I took her to Spirits Point this evening.” That last sentence hung in the air. Duke loved Shaun as much as I did. Spike and Duke were my rock’s when I lost him and understood how much that place means to me because of the memories it holds.
“I understand.” He said with a smile. “You know the protocol though. I will need to put her under surveillance and do a more extensive background check on her.” Duke quickly wiped a tear that had rolled down his face, trying to make it look like he had an itch, rather than let me realise that he was getting emotional by the sound of my sons name. “I’ll put Tyler on her until we clear up the situation. Is she coming Saturday?” Duke’s composure was back. “Yeah. We had words this evening but she’ll be there.” I said aloud, trying to convince myself but doubting every word.
Harlow
I felt like shit. I hadn’t got much sleep, tossing and turning all night long. I’d finally given up at 6.00am and decided to go for a run to clear my head. I hadn’t been to the gym in weeks and now my body was aching all over from my morning run. The scolding hot shower hadn’t helped either and now I was in need of coffee before the long list of appointments I had today.
“Good morning Harlow.” Spike welcomed me as I entered the shop. “Is it?” I responded walking to the back room to put my bag and coat into my locker. I took a big gulp of coffee and looked in the mirror at the large bags under my eyes. You don’t only feel like shit, you look like shit Harlow, pull yourself together. With a slap on each cheek I was more awake and psyched for my first appointment.
“You wanna talk?” I turned slowly to find Spike glarin
g at me with his arms folded across his huge muscular chest. His expression was expectant as he stood there waiting for my response. “I’m just tired. I had a shit night’s sleep. No dramas.” I put a smile on my face and started to walk past him, when Spike grabbed my arm. “Not what I heard. You’re a fucking good tattooist and I don’t want to lose you but you shouldn’t have lied about who you were.” His monotone voice wasn’t giving anything away neither were his eyes.
“Spike please listen before you jump to conclusions. I haven’t lied, I just omitted to tell you certain things about my life. Can we do this later?” I shrugged his hand from my arm and walked into the main room where Amy was sitting waiting for me. If she heard our conversation she didn’t let on.
“You ready for this?” I asked getting out the equipment I needed for her tattoo. Amy placed her hand on mine gently stroking it, stopping me in my tracks. I didn’t have any close female friends. Girls at the club were either old ladies or club whores. I was just the daughter of the Sergeant at Arms so I was always somewhere in between. Dad didn’t want me hooking up with one of his Brothers so I respected his wishes and stayed away where possible. Not that all of the Brothers listened. Hawke had taken a shine to me and had pursued his interest from the day I turned eighteen. After two years of knock backs, you’d have thought he would’ve got the hint. He wanted me as his old lady and didn’t like rejection. That’s one of the reasons I had to leave the club after the death of my dad. “Are you okay Harlow?” Amy smiled brightly at me. “I’m fine, just got a lot going on at the moment.” I said letting out a loud sigh.
I finally finished the next stage of Amy’s tattoo and it was now taking shape and looking good apart from the usual redness. She would need a few more sessions but because she hated needles and had a low pain threshold, it was going to take longer than expected. Crazy arse bitch!
Diesel (Aces MC Series Book 1) Page 3
