I looked around the room seeing the guys either drunk, exhausted or being serviced by the club whores, James must have seen my hesitation. “Where are you going?” He asked looking at Amy. “It’s okay I don’t want to put you out James.” Amy said blushing slightly. “It’s fine, where do you need to go?” James said standing from his chair getting his keys out of his pocket. I found his tone forceful and was surprised to see that Amy didn’t mind. “I live in Epping, I’d appreciate a lift.” James looked at Duke, “Is that okay?” He asked waiting for a response. I appreciated that he wanted to see her home safely. “I know Diesel feels he owes you, for helping Harlow but I don’t owe you shit. You do anything to Amy that she doesn’t want you to do and you’ll answer to me. Are we clear?” Duke said standing with his hands in his pocket looking menacing. “Crystal!” James answered.
Rolling her eyes Amy walked out of the club house with James’ hand resting on her lower back. I looked at Duke, “A little over the top, don’t you think?” I said sniggering. “Just keeping him on his toes, until I figure him out.”
An hour later, Spike wheeled Ink into the bar. “You okay babe, I thought you were sleeping?” I asked bending down in front of the wheel chair. She was black and blue, her hair was a mess where it had been cut and she had several bandages covering her wounds. But this remarkable woman in front of me was still beautiful in every sense of the word.
“I needed to get out of that room and see you.” Ink said grabbing for my hand. “Can we talk?” I got up and wheeled Ink to the corner of the room, out of earshot of everyone. “What’s up babe?” I asked not really wanting to hear what she had to say as her tone worried me.
“Did you mean what you said earlier about me being your old lady?” She couldn’t look at me as she spoke and I knew that if she could stand, she would be nervously swinging her leg back and forth. God I loved this woman. I placed my hand under her chin lifting it slowly, looking into her beautiful eyes. “I meant every fucking word of it babe. I want to spend the rest of my life with you.” With that declaration of love, I leant over and kissed her on the lips like my life depended on it. When I pulled away, the bar erupted with whoops, laughter and clapping.
“Can I have some quiet please?” I said raising my hands and standing so everyone could see. “Ink has just agreed to be my old lady. I know we need to vote on this but…” Duke stood and walked over to the pair of us. “We don’t need to vote about shit man, welcome to the family Ink.” He leant over and kissed her on the forehead to more cheers and laughter.
Chapter 13
Harlow
“Why does it take women so long to get ready?” Spike said aloud so I could hear. “I’m not going out with my hair looking like this, I need to find a hat.” I screamed searching through my draws. Spike was being patient but I couldn’t stall any longer. I reluctantly put the baseball cap on and slowly walked into the living room. Spike stood when he saw me. “You would look beautiful in a black sack, Ink. Now hurry up, we’re gonna be late.” He placed his hand on my lower back and gently directed me out the door, closing it behind him. “You still haven’t told me where we’re going.” I was trying to fold my arms and pout like a petulant child. “It’s a surprise! Now get your arse in the van.” I managed to get in but Spike had to lean over and put my seatbelt on as I was still wearing a full arm cast.
We slowly drove down the high street, parking in a reserved spot that read ‘Elite’. I was still a little mystified to where he was taking me but he was like a child at Christmas so I just went with the flow.
“Ta-Dah!” Spike said with his arms held out wide. I looked past him to see a new hair salon. “I know that your hair has been getting you down lately, so I booked you into the salon.” His beaming smile was infectious. “Savannah recommended this one.” I was so overwhelmed that I started to cry. “Erm… this was supposed to cheer you up Ink, not make you cry.” Spike said pulling me into his embrace. “These are happy tears Spike, thank you.” I wiped my face on the sleeve of my jacket in an un-lady like manner as he guided me towards the door.
The salon was beautiful and minimalist but not in a clinical way. Purple drapes hung from the ceiling complimenting the huge chandelier that hung as a centre piece. Comfortable leather sofas were used in the reception area and accessorised in different shades of purple. This salon created an oasis among the hustle and bustle of normal life.