“Come on Romeo, get back to work.” Duke shouted to the amusement of the other guy’s. I walked back to the garage, shaking my head with a huge smile on my face and a warm feeling inside.
Harlow
We arrived at my apartment and Jimmy helped me off the bike again. “Thank you Jimmy, I appreciate all of your help over the past few weeks. I know you didn’t sign up to look after my arse.” We both laughed walking into my apartment. “I do whatever the club asks me to do, to prove that I’m worthy of wearing their colours.” He said this with such sincerity.
“You’re more than worthy of wearing their colours. What’s your story Jimmy? How did you end up at the club so young?” I asked genuinely interested. Jimmy put his hands into his jean pockets, “I had a shit upbringing. Dad used to hit Mum on a regular basis. I couldn’t protect her and to be honest she didn’t want to be saved. She still thought that she could change him.” Jimmy shrugged his shoulders. “I left home, living on the streets committing petty crimes to survive. One time inside I met Skinner. He use to talk about the club all the time and told me to look him up on my release. The rest is history.” He was so blasé about it all.
“Do you still see your parents?” I asked, hopeful that things had turned out okay. “Nah, they haven’t changed. He still hits her so it’s best to stay away.” He looked like he didn’t want to talk about it anymore so I changed the subject. “I know we didn’t get off on the right foot but I now consider you a close friend.” I hugged him but I grimaced because of the pain. “Are you okay?” He asked looking at me with concern. “I’m fine, I just over did it a little today.” We both burst out laughing.
“I’m gonna grab a bath and chill this afternoon, so you can go Jimmy. Thank you again for today.” Jimmy kissed me quickly on the cheek, “I’m gonna hang around. Diesel’s instructions I’m afraid. I’ll be outside if you need me.” He left closing the door behind him, leaving me to contemplate this afternoons antics.
I ran my bath adding bubbles and lavender so that I could totally relax. I turned on my iPad to listen to the latest U2 album and poured myself a glass of water so that I could take my next tablet. I striped off my clothes neatly folding and putting them on top of the toilet system. I got into the bath and slowly submerged myself in the hot water, feeling a sting between my legs. The pain was quickly erased by the hot water surrounding me and I couldn’t help but slowly drift off to sleep.
I woke suddenly and couldn’t breathe, I felt someone yanking my hair and pulling me to the surface of the water. I started to scream and then I was pushed back under the water again. I started to claw at the hand that was holding my head under the water but they were too strong.
I flung my arms and legs around trying to get a release but the pain in my ribs was unbearable. I was pulled up out of the water again and that’s when I saw him before he dunked me back under. How the fuck had he got into my apartment with Jimmy outside?
He pulled me up and out of the bath by my hair. I thought he’d pulled some of my scalp off with the force as the pain was excruciating. I banged my ribs several times on the way out of the bath and I was trying to grab anything that I could possibly hit my attacker with. Adrenaline kicked in and I tried to fight back with everything I had but he was just too strong. I was coughing up water and gasping for air, trying to get oxygen into my lungs. I started to look around the room to assess the situation, when he punched me in the face knocking me out cold.
Chapter 10
Diesel
“Right we’re done for the day lads. Let’s go over to the Bird Cage for a few drinks and entertainment.” Duke said throwing his spanner into the tool box before wiping his hands on the nearest rag.
“I was kinda hoping to go home early.” I knew as soon as the words had left my mouth, I would regret it. “Are you fucking pussy whipped already?” Bear said loudly. All the guys laughed at my expense. “Leave the poor girl alone. She probably needs to rest before round two.” Duke patted me on the back. “Okay, Okay!” I was defeated, “Alright, I’ll go for one drink.” I said shaking my head, holding my hands up in mock defence.
The place was busier than normal. We sat at our usual spot and a bottle of Jack was placed on the table along with six glasses. “Let me know if you want anything else guy’s.” Yasmin said walking off swinging her hips from side to side with a lazy smile on her face. I noticed Savannah up on stage giving us all a good show. That girl was stunning and had a body to die for. I followed her eyes and saw that her stare was reciprocated by Duke. I’m sure those two were fucking, not that they would admit it. I took a sip of my Jack, letting the cool amber liquid slide down my throat, God I needed that!