“You still okay for Saturday?” Amy asked excitedly. “I don’t know to be honest. Diesel and I had a fight last night.” Amy looked at me frowning, “What about?” I ran my fingers through my hair anxiously, “The evening started off great, he took me to Spirits Point and then we went to a local cafe.” I paused, building up the courage to tell her about my past. “We ran into members of the Skulls and to cut a very long story short, I have a history with them.” I looked up to see Amy staring at me. “I know I should’ve told everyone before I took the job but… Amy what’s the matter?” Amy still had a shocked expression on her face and her eyes were glistening, like she was about to cry. “He took you to Spirits Point!” Amy tried not to blink to prevent the tears from falling but the dam broke and they started to stream down her cheeks. Quickly moving over to her, I wiped the tears that had rolled down her face and placed my hands on hers.
“He doesn’t talk about Shaun much these days, doesn’t mean he’s not hurting though. I knew he was visiting that place often but whenever I’ve mentioned it to him, he just brushed me off.” Amy gave a small smile, “The fact that he took you there Harlow, means he totally trusts you. I’m assuming he found out about the Skulls after your visit to the Point?” I looked directly at Amy nodding my head. “If he did get annoyed can you see where he’s coming from?” Amy was looking at me with the same expression her brother did last night. A little disappointment and hurt visible.
“I totally understand and that’s why I’ve decided to stay away from Diesel. He doesn’t need me causing shit between the two clubs. I moved away to start a new life outside of the Skulls and I’ve landed smack in the middle of the Aces.” Now it was my turn to cry. Tears slowly made their way down my face as I sat there not knowing what to say. I was starting to develop feelings for Diesel. He had shared some intermit things with me last night and I had let him down. He wouldn’t even be interested now because of my betrayal so I had no right to be upset.
“Just give him time, he’ll want to see you again.” I shook my head slowly, “Oh please turn up on Saturday Harlow. I will introduce you to everyone. Our pig roasts are legendary.” She was now whining, how could I possibly say no. I wanted to see Diesel again and explain my situation further. If he would let me explain would be a different issue. “Okay, I’ll be there but you better be right.” I programmed Amy’s number into my phone before she left the shop, leaving me to ponder over our conversation.
I was finished by 5.00pm and decided to pick up some shopping before I went home. I didn’t need much, just a couple of bits to last me over the weekend. I left the supermarket and instantly got an uncomfortable feeling as I walked down the deserted street, as if someone was watching me. The hairs on the back of my neck were standing on end and I immediately got goosebumps. I looked around the street unable to see anyone but the uneasy feeling was still there. I quickened my steps, clutching my keys in my hand ready to get into my apartment. As I reached the door I fumbled with my keys and franticly looked behind to make sure that no one was around. I quickly opened the door and shut it behind me, placing my back against the door. My heart rate had increased and I was breathing hard.
I shook my head from side to side realising how stupid I’d been. Why would someone be following me? I walked through my living room and into the kitchen placing the shopping bags on the work top. I poured myself a large glass of water from the jug I keep in the fridge and sat down at the kitchen table, slowly slipping my aching feet out of my boots. Closing my eyes, I gently rested my head against the back on the kitchen chair. The vibration from my pocket startled me.
R U still coming tomorrow? D
My heart rate started to increase. I didn’t think he would want me there after everything that happened last night. I quickly typed a response.
Do U want me there? Harlow x
Please say yes, please say yes. I was chanting over and over waiting for his next response.
I told U last night, this isn’t over until I say it’s over. D
What no hugs and kisses at the end of his message. I will have to work on that! My heart rate was still increased and I could feel my lady bits tighten. Diesel was one hot son of a bitch and I wanted him more than I had ever wanted anyone before.
OK, C U tomorrow. Harlow x
I needed a shower to try and unwind after scaring myself earlier. I put the phone into my pocket and walked into my bedroom carrying my glass of water. My phone vibrated again, I didn’t think Diesel would be a serial texter. I took the phone from my pocket, excited by what he may have written in response.
Hello Princess. R U missing me yet? Can’t wait 2 C U again soon x
“Shit!” I dropped the glass on the floor and ran to the front door putting on the deadbolt. I pulled the curtains tight and ran quickly to the back door making sure that it was also secure. My heart rate had increased further and I could feel the tightening of my chest, I was starting to wheeze and had a shortening of breath. I rummaged around in my handbag looking for my asthma pump. I hadn’t needed it for months but was now using it for the second time in under a week. I found it and took two puffs which steadied my breathing a little.
I knew what that text meant. The only people to call me Princess were the Skulls and I suspected that it was either Patch or Hawke. My phone vibrated again. I dropped my pump and slumped to the floor. Did I want to look at the next message? Here I was a twenty year old lady, scrambling around on my kitchen floor scared of a text. My chest still hurt and my breathing was still a little erratic. I looked at the phone to find a second message.
Do U really think your curtains will keep me out? Sweet dreams x
I opened the kitchen cupboard under the sink taking out the metal tin where I kept my gun. I checked that it was loaded which reassured me and held it firm whilst trying to assess the situation. I don’t know how long I sat on the floor but I was starting to get a numb arse. I crawled to my bedroom not turning on the light and closed the door, pushing my chest of drawers up against it. It wouldn’t keep anyone out for long but it would give me enough time to make an escape out of the window. I sat on the bed resting my back against the wooden headboard, bringing my knees up against my chest, rocking back and forth.
Why did my dad have to die? After his death everything went to shit. He would know what to do in a situation like this. There were plenty of times when the club went on lock down and all family members were brought to the club for protection. As a child it was great because all the children there gave me plenty of friends to play with. We were one big happy family. But now I was all alone and didn’t have anyone to turn to.
Chapter 5
Harlow
I woke with a startle trying to gather my thoughts from the past evenings events. My neck was hurting and I was still in my clothes. I stretched to try and relieve some of the tightness in my body. I slowly got up from my bed and used what strength I had to move the chest of drawers away from the door. I peered into the corridor and quietly stalked into the living room with my gun at arm’s length. After assessing my surroundings, I realised that nothing was out of the ordinary and thankfully no one had tried to break in.
I decided to put the gun back into the metal tin under the sink as I didn’t like carrying it around with me. The Skulls had obviously intended to scare and not harm me, which they succeeded in doing but I didn’t want to now become a victim. They now knew where I lived, would I really be in danger and have to move? I let out a loud sigh looking around my apartment that had now become my home. I liked it here. I had started to rebuild my life and was now happy. I decided to have a long shower to try and wash away some of my worries and tension.
Half an hour later, I’d recharged my batteries and started to make the salad and rice dishes I intended to take to the party. Being around the old ladies at the Skulls MC had given me a good insight into what would be expected today. I couldn’t turn up empty handed and expect to drink their beer and eat their food all day.
It was
a lovely sunny day but as I was going to ride my Harley, I decided to wear jeans and a vest top rather than a summer dress. My tight fitted skinny jeans enhanced my curves and my red vest top showed just enough cleavage to not be indecent. I topped it off with my black leather jacket to keep me warm and safe on the journey over. I packed the food containers into a rucksack and left my apartment making sure that I locked it securely.
I arrived at the Aces club house with the party in full swing. I parked my bike next to a line of Harleys and unfastened my jacket. I assessed my surroundings, looking at the compound. There were similarities between the two clubs but the Aces were on a grander scale with a garage and four other brick buildings on the sizable plot.
It was nearly 1.00pm and the sun was beating down on me so I removed my jacket placing it over my seat along with my now empty rucksack and carried the food into the heart of the party. “Harlow!” Amy shouted, waving at me from the back of the courtyard. I weaved through the throngs of people making my way over to a group of ladies who were serving food, cooking and generally fussing around people. I held out the containers to Amy, “I’ve brought a salad and some rice dishes.” Taking the containers with a smile, Amy announced, “Hey everyone, this is Harlow. She’s Ethan’s new girlfriend.” Amy beamed brightly looking at the other ladies, who had all stopped what they were doing and were now looking at me.
I nervously started to protest when a set of big strong arms wrapped around my waist pulling me into their embrace. I let out a squeak and turned to see Diesel smiling. He bent down and started to kiss me. At first I was taken aback by his brashness but I couldn’t help but join in. He placed his hand in my hair at the top of my neck, which was becoming a common theme so that he could control the kiss. I could feel myself getting carried away and then I felt Diesel’s excitement digging into my stomach. I remembered that we were among his friends but it was too late, the cheers and clapping surrounded us as I tried to get out of his embrace. “Where do you think you’re going?” Diesel whispered in my ear. He started to kiss my cheek softly moving slowly towards my neck. I could feel the heat rising through my body and didn’t know if it was Diesel making me hot or the shear embarrassment of being ravished with an audience.
“Diesel put her down, we have business to discuss.” Duke’s words were like a bucket of cold water being thrown over me. “Harlow.” Duke said in a clipped voice with a nod of his head. I smiled and looked at the floor, swinging my leg back and forth. “See you later babe.” Diesel whispered, giving me another quick kiss on the lips. “Ladies look after Ink, whilst I’m away.” He gave me a wink and I watched him walk into the club house, not able to take my eyes off of him.
“That was hot!” Maggie screamed clapping her hands in excitement. “I need to go and find Hound before I combust.” With that, the ladies started laughing in unison. “Well, let’s get ‘Ink’ a drink and she can let us know all of the gritty details.” Courtney said with a huge smile.
We were all having a good time and enjoying the party. “What’s that skank doing here?” Amy shouted with venom in her voice. I turned to see a woman a little worse for wear, stumbling around the courtyard. She was in her late twenties with mid length mousy hair that looked like it needed a good wash. She wasn’t that close but I could see the small round bruises on her arms and legs and I knew immediately what those marks were as my mother was a junky whore.
“Who’s that?” I asked afraid of what the answer would be. “She’s nobody of interest but she’s about to go home.” Amy stormed towards the woman, grabbing her by the arm and marching her towards the gates. “Jimmy, remove this skank before I break her neck. She’s not invited to family parties anymore.” Amy shouted shoving the woman at the Prospect. “Sorry Amy, I don’t know how she got in here.” Jimmy quickly grabbed the woman and carried her out of the courtyard.
Amy came back to the group a little flustered but didn’t let the confrontation ruin her mood. We danced, ate and chatted for around an hour and I was generally enjoying myself. Amy had introduced me to various members and associates of the club and some of them had booked appointments for tattoos. During this time the ladies had asked me numerous questions and I had explained how I got my job and the altercation I had with Jimmy, much to the ladies amusement. Our date at Spirit Point had the ladies reaching for tissues and they were shocked about my association with the Skulls. I was careful as to how much I told them but they all understood my reasons for wanting a new start and as I told my story, I’m sure I saw a little more understanding from some as they had dealt with their own turmoil over the years. “I’ve run out of drink, come on Harlow let’s go and get one and find your man.”
Amy and I linked arms and started to walk through the crowd towards the drinks area. Amy was now a little worse for wear from the amount of alcohol she’d consumed so I held her steady. “Hi Locke, have you seen Diesel?” Amy asked a huge hunk of a man. He had a trendy short hair style and as I looked closer I could see a scar that ran from his right ear to the corner of his mouth. I must have been looking intently and was pulled from my observation, “Do you want to come and take a closer look babe?” Locke said looking me up and down, lingering on my breasts. Amy started to giggle, “Locke, this is ‘Ink’.” This statement seemed to register with him. He smiled politely and turned, giving his full attention to Amy. “Erm… I think I saw him go into his office a little while ago.” Locke grabbed his drink and took off quickly going in the opposite direction. Before Locke left he had an uneasy look on his face, I started to have a bad feeling about this.
“Come on Harlow, let’s go and find him.” Amy said pulling me towards the door but stopped at my reluctance. “I’m not sure Amy, did you see that look on Locke’s face? He’s obviously busy. Maybe we should just leave him?” I started to walk away. “Don’t be silly Harlow, he’ll be pleased to see you.” Amy knocked on the office door and opened it before there was any response.
Amy let out a high pitched scream and put her hands on her hips. I looked over her shoulder to see a naked woman on her knees in front of Diesel. He looked up and locked eyes with me. “Don’t do this Ink, this isn’t what it fucking looks like babe.” Diesel started to walk towards me but Amy stood firm not letting him past. I backed away slowly shaking my head from side to side and bumped against a solid body. I turned quickly. Seeing Spike reassured me a little and I gave him a hug pressing my face hard against his chest to suppress the tears. “Spike, can you show me the way out please?” He looked over my shoulder to see the carnage taking place. “You fucking idiot!” He shouted before putting his arm around me and directing me out of the building.
Spike tried to comfort me, “You don’t have to go home Harlow. Please stay.” I started to put on my jacket and looked up into his caring eyes. “I’m fine Spike, please stop worrying about me.” I had now tightened my helmet and was sitting on my bike ready to go. “Diesel and I aren’t together so he can do whatever and whoever he likes. I’ve had a lovely time despite the obvious but I just want to go home now.” Spike moved closer and kissed me softly on the cheek, “I’ll see you Monday.” I gave him a small smile before driving out of the compound.
I can’t remember how I got home. I replayed the scene the whole journey and couldn’t see how I may have gotten it wrong. He couldn’t even wait for me to go home before he got sucked off by a club whore. I can’t believe I opened myself up to getting hurt.
I’d felt my phone vibrate several times on the journey home but I didn’t care. I got my phone out of my pocket and saw several messages from Spike, Amy and Diesel. I wasn’t interested in what any of them had to say so I deleted the messages. I put my phone and keys on the coffee table in the middle of the living room and walked into the kitchen to get a glass of water. I let out a loud sigh, rubbing the back of my neck to take away some of the tension. Sitting at the kitchen table, I played the scene out one last time in my head. Diesel was fully clothed which was something but it was the woman who was playing on my mind. I
recognised her and was trying to rack my brains to figure out who she was. Had she come into the shop for a tattoo? That’s when I realised that the woman I saw Diesel with, was the woman that Amy had escorted off of the premises earlier in the day. Alarm bells started ringing. I picked up my phone to text Amy.
Was that woman with Diesel, Amber?
Yes but don’t worry about that skank. She pulls stunts like that all the time. Please speak to Diesel. Amy x
That’s all I needed to know. That bitch was responsible for the death of his child and he was prepared to risk what could have developed between us for a quickie with his ex. My phone vibrated again.
Please let me know you’re ok! Spike
Fucking marvellous! Gonna lay low this weekend. Speak to you Monday x
I turned off my phone and put it into my bag. I didn’t want to talk to anyone, I was too upset. I took a quick shower and towel dried my hair, relieving some of the tension that had built up this afternoon. I put on my most comfortable pyjamas and dressing gown and settled on the sofa with a cup of tea when there was a knock on the door.
“Ink, are you in there? Open the fucking door we need to talk.” It was Diesel banging on my door. I initially sat still not wanting him to know that I was in. It eventually went quiet so I crawled along the living room, peering out of the window. I noticed that he was sporting a bruise on his left cheek but this still didn’t ruin his natural beauty.
“It’s not what you think. She just started to take her clothes off. She’s a crazy bitch.” After 5 minutes of banging he finally walked down the path and drove off on his bike, clearly annoyed. I sat back on the sofa, turning the television on but muting the sound so that I could ponder over today’s events, when there was a gentle knock on the door. I got up from my seat and decided that I didn’t want to sit around feeling sorry for myself. I hadn’t done anything wrong and he had some major sucking up to do. I flung the door open, “Hello Princess, long time no see!”
Diesel (Aces MC Series Book 1) Page 4
