Affection: book 7 Page 5

  Chapter Seven

  Poppy

  A churning feeling in my belly wakes me from my sleep. My eyes don’t even have time to adjust before I’m jumping from the bed and running to the toilet, emptying the contents of my stomach through my mouth. Being sick has to be one of the worst things. It’s just disgusting!

  I must be making some loud noises as I’m being sick into the toilet because a sleepy looking Lulu approaches me, offering me a kind smile. “Here’s me thinking I was the one hungover.” She giggles softly. “Are you ok?”

  My stomach jerks a few times but nothing comes out, I have nothing else left to give. Lulu hands me a bottle of water and I eagerly take it, drinking down the cool fresh liquid. I slump down on the bathroom floor, shaking and feeling cold.

  “That wasn’t nice.” I grumble.

  “You feeling better now?” She asks, helping me to stand up and back to my bed.

  “A little.” I jump into my warm bed, wrapping myself in the thick quilt and trying to calm my shivering.

  Lulu sits on the edge of my bed, there’s a few smudges of black eyeliner and mascara around her eyes. Something I regularly see in the mirror when I’m too drunk to make sure I wash off all my make-up.

  “Have you seen a doctor yet?” Lulu asks and I shake my head. “Well I think it’s about time, you haven’t been feeling yourself lately and I thought mum was overreacting but now I’m starting to get a little worried.”

  “I’ll call them today.” I assure her. My eyes begin to close and I feel Lulu get up from my bed. “Where you going?”

  “Back to bed.” She shrugs.

  I lift my quilt. “Get in loser.”

  With a big smile, Lulu gets into my bed and wraps the quilt around her. As teenagers we would always share a bed, now we only do it if there’s gossip to be shared or we’re feeling shit together.

  “So, how was last night?” I ask, smiling as Lulu begins to grin.

  It’s a type of smile that tells me she had some fun last night. “Well, wouldn’t you like to know.”

  “Erm, yeah I would.” I answer. “Now please tell me.”

  Lulu laughs. “It’s nothing amazing, I just had a dance and kiss.”

  “Member?” I ask, wanting to know if this was with a club member. I don’t want her in the same mess as I am.

  “No.” She shakes her head. “Just a guy.” Lulu turns her body to face me in my bed. “You are ok, right?”

  “Of course, probably just a bug.” I shrug.

  “No.” Lulu frowns. “I mean, with everything going on with Ryder. I know it’s tough and that I give you a hard time, but sometimes I really worry about you.”

  I stroke her long black hair, identical to mine and smile. “Stop worrying, I’m fine.” My sister continues to frown and I giggle. “It’s not easy but honestly, I’m okay.”

  Lulu nods, accepting what I’m saying. That’s not saying that I think she believes me, but she’s accepted it so I’m just grateful she hasn’t asked me more questions.

  We turn the TV on and try to find something to watch, it doesn’t matter anyway because I know I’ll be asleep again ten minutes into it, my eyes already feeling heavy but Lulu lets me rest and doesn’t disturb me.

  ***

  The following day I’m at work with Elise when it’s time for her lunch break, she’s busy getting ready in the back when Drew enters the boutique. She’s holding three coffees in a little holder and looking as gorgeous as ever in her tight blue jeans and a black vest top covered with skulls. I call it, scary sexy and Drew pulls it off.

  “Hey pretty girl.” Drew grins at me, placing the hot drinks on the counter. “One’s for you.”

  “Oh!” I hope I don’t sound as pleased as I am, that would be embarrassing. “Thanks.”

  Drew winks. “Where is she?”

  Before I can answer, Elise arrives from the back with a huge smile. “I’m here bitch!”

  Laughing, Drew turns back to me. “So how you been?”

  I’m a little shocked that she’s talking to me. In the past Drew and her friends haven’t paid me too much attention but I was really young. She’s pretty bad ass and by far one of the women I look up to in the club.

  “Great,” I nod.

  “I’d stay away if I were you.” Elise adds. “Poppy’s coming down with something.”

  “You make it sound serious.” I laugh, turning to Drew. “Just some kind of sickness bug.”

  Drew steps back. “I’ll keep my distance.”

  Elise laughs. “I’ll be just a minute, I forgot my jacket.”

  “You going anywhere nice?” I ask Drew.

  “Not really, just a little bite to eat. She’s only agreed because she feels sorry for me when Cyrus is called away.”

  “Oh yeah I heard him and Zane were on a job.” I nod. “Bet you miss him.”

  Drew shrugs. “Yeah, but hunting down fuckers is what he does.”

  “And he does a great job.” I laugh, but it’ so true.

  Drew’s man, Cyrus and his brother Zane are known as the Redgrave brothers. Highly dangerous but very skilled in hunting down people. Their skills are highly requested in the biker world and they’ve helped us out too, it’s how Drew and Cyrus met. Now they’re both a part of our chapter.

  Elise returns, promising that she won’t be long but its fine, today isn’t a busy day. I tell her to take her time. As the two of them leave, I take a sip of the coffee Drew brought for me and cringe. Ew! That is one bad coffee. In fact, it’s not just the taste but it smells awful too. I get it out of my sight so I can continue with the helping the customers.

  It’s a slow day, so I’m not shocked that an hour to closing I’m alone in the store. I walk along the clothing racks, checking everything is in order and still clean. That the tags are easily seen and the clothes folded on the shelves are neat and tidy. As I’m going about my own business, the door bursts open and in walks Ryder, his eyes dead set on me.

  “Do you know how much shit you’ve caused me?”

  “What?” I spin around in shock, trying to think what I’ve done.

  “That fucking photo you sent me,” Ryder shakes his head as if to shake the image from his head. “It’s been fucking me up ever since. I’ve got a constant fucking hard on and no other girl will do.”

  “They won’t?” I ask with a secret smirk.

  Ryder growls in frustration as I walk calmly past him, towards the counter. “They’re not the real thing.” I stand behind the counter, smiling at him as I laugh inside. “You think?”

  I stop him right there. “I know you’re not going to suggest we fuck!”

  Ryder opens his mouth to reply, when the door opens to a flustered customer. She rushes up to me, completely ignoring Ryder and places her hands on the counter. She’s a little blonde woman who looks panicked. “I need your help.”

  “Ok.” I reassure her with a kind smile and listen as she worries that she can’t find the right outfit. She’s been everywhere in town and quickly came across this place. I let her know that this should have been her first stop and we hunt around for what she’s looking for. The shop is due to close in thirty minutes but we didn’t even need that long, because I’ve picked out her ‘perfect dress’ in ten minutes. She leaves with a huge smile on her face and after I wave her off and say goodbye, I turn to see Ryder grinning. “What?”

  He shrugs. “You’re just good at your job.”

  “I’ll pass the message onto Elise.”

  I go about tidying behind the counter, Elise is due back any minute now and I don’t want it to look like Ryder and me are up to something. We’re here on our own, it looks weird. Hell, even I think Ryder being here is odd.

  “What are you doing here Ryder?” I finally ask him.

  He then approaches, smirking as he watches. Can he see that I’m a little nervous as I stand and wait? “I can’t fight you anymore Pops.” He complains, standing so close that I can feel his body heat reaching out towards me.

 
; “Fight me off?” I laugh. “Like I’ve been running around you, begging for your attention!”

  Ryder shakes his head. “I didn’t say that.” I observe Ryder and I realise that this is the most genuine I’ve seen him. “I can’t stop thinking about you Poppy, I know I said I wasn’t ready for anything serious but I’m comparing every girl to you and nobody measures!” I laugh at that, blushing slightly. Ryder groans, wrapping an arm around me and pulling me against him. I feel his hard cock against me and it makes me want him.

  “So, you’re thinking about committing to a serious relationship all because you wanna fuck again?” I ask him and he’s silent. My words have scared him.

  But then he shocks the fuck out of me.

  “Yeah.” Ryder nods. “Let’s go out tonight.”

  I don’t want him to see how shocked I am. “Really?”

  He nods again. “We need to be alone, just us two and seeing what we really want. No fucking around this time.”

  My insides are quivering. I really want this. I feel like shit but I want this.

  “I’ll come and pick you up later, I’ll text you the time.” He leans in close to give me a kiss on the cheek and that’s when Elise walks in.

  I see her reaction, she’s shocked and I am too, so I don’t blame her. Elise recovers though before Ryder looks at her, she’s now smiling as she walks over to where we’re standing.

  “See you later.” He nods to me and as he walks by Elise he gives her a nod of respect.

  When he’s left the boutique and his bike rumbles Elise flashes me a smirk. “I’m not saying anything.” She giggles and my cheeks burn but I stay silent. I truly don’t know what to say.

  Chapter Eight

  Poppy

  I’ve just received a text from Ryder, letting me know he’s on his way to pick me up from my home. The very house that my parents are in right now and will no doubt spy what’s going on. As I run down the stairs, I hear the rumble of a motorcycle and I know it’s Ryder. Before my parents can even speak or see me I’m out the door and running towards Ryder.

  “Your bike?” I ask him, pointing to his motorcycle. “Why not your car?”

  Ryder shrugs. “What’s wrong?”

  I glare at him. “Ryder, I’ve done my hair and make up for a date and now you’re going to shove a helmet on my head and put me on the back of your bike!” I throw my hands up in the air. “My efforts were for nothing.”

  “I wouldn’t say that.” Ryder approaches me. “You look gorgeous and you’ll still look gorgeous when you’re on the back of my bike and off it.”

  I can’t help but smile at that. His words settle my anger and I take the helmet meant for me in his hands and place it on my head. Ryder grins at me and helps me with it before walking me back to his bike. I’m suddenly aware that my parents could be watching, so I hurry and get my ass on the back of his bike.

  I’m also not feeling great still, so riding on the back of Ryder’s bike should be interesting. Or not.

  I cling onto Ryder as the wind rushes past, using this opportunity to hold him and let myself melt into him. I rest my head on his back and think if this could be true. I’ve had to hide my feelings for Ryder because he didn’t want me. I’ve lied to myself and my friends. Could I let myself feel these feelings or will I have to hide them again and tell myself I hate him?

  Tonight will tell.

  It doesn’t take us long before Ryder begins to slow down and I lift my head from his body. It’s a cosy setting. A grassy area, with benches spotted around and fairy lights hanging from little wooden lodges and the trees. The lodges are a number of bars and food stalls, scenting the air deliciously. Ryder parks his motorcycle and after I get off the bike, I turn to look at Ryder, watching him remove his helmet and I can’t help but admire him.

  Ryder tells me to take a seat at the closest bench while he gets us our drinks and some food. I zip up the jacket that I’m wearing, it’s a pretty warm night tonight but there’s a chilly wind that gives me goose bumps. While I watch Ryder, I think about what might happen tonight. If he thinks we’re going to fuck, then he’s certainly wrong. If he’s searching for pleasure then it will be from his own hand. Not from a whore because I’m going to make it clear that if he wants me, there’s nobody else. I won’t deal with side whores and cheating. If you want me then have me, but if you fuck me over then you better believe I will end your life.

  I watch as Ryder returns to the bench, a bag of takeaway food and our bottles of beer in his hands. He grins at me as he approaches, earning himself a smile back from me.

  “I have gifts.” Ryder places them on the bench and I reach for the bag. “You hungry?” He laughs.

  “Yes!” I didn’t realise I was, but the scent of the fish and chips in the bag hits me and all of a sudden, I need to eat. I haven’t been able to eat anything of real substance for about a week, so I’m grateful that I can now. Maybe I’m getting better?

  Ryder laughs as I stick my hand into the bag and reach for a handful of chips. Fresh and warm with salt and vinegar all over them, practically groaning in delight as I eat them. I laugh too as I let Ryder take the two separate meals out of the brown paper bag and pushes my beer towards me.

  “Eat up.” Ryder clinks his bottle with mine. “You need your energy for the rest of the night.”

  “Oh yeah?” I shake my head. “Whatever that dirty little mind of yours is conjuring up, I can tell you that it’s not going to happen.”

  “What do you think my, dirty little mind, is conjuring Pops?” He throws a chip into his mouth and I watch him eat. He even looks sexy eating.

  I take a sip of my beer and continue eating, but after there’s a few minutes of comfortable silence I want to ask him my questions.

  “So, why did you change your mind?”

  Ryder continues to eat and I’m beginning to think he didn’t hear me, but then he looks me dead in the eye as he takes a sip of his beer and then puts it down. “I didn’t.”

  I lean forward. “Yes you did.”

  He shakes his head. “Poppy, I’ve wanted you for a long time.”

  “What are you talking about?” I laugh. I’ve appreciated Ryder from a distance, but never made it clear until that night. He’s never made it known that had the same feelings.

  Ryder sits forward, placing his arms on the bench and reaches for my hands. “Look, I’ve liked you for a while but I was in a tough spot, being friends with your brother and involved with the club that you’re know and a club princess.”

  I frown at that. “I hate that name.”

  He laughs. “I know, most of you do but it’s the title you’re given. It’s what you are. A daughter born into the club. Don’t be ashamed of it.” I smile to show Ryder I appreciate that. “It’s a little hard for me to get to talk to you, even though I watch you every time you’re close, when you’re dancing or just hanging around.”

  “You sound like my stalker.” I joke. Ryder as my very own stalker, I like the sound out that. “So why didn’t you admit this after we slept together?”

  Ryder then turns serious. “I thought I was just a ‘roughing it’ fuck.”

  My joking dies right there. “What?”

  He offers me a smile, just like I did minutes ago to let him know I’m good. Now he’s doing it. Ryder’s smile tells me he’s fine, but that doesn’t mean I am anymore. Does he really think that bad of me?

  “Poppy, you have to remember, I’m not a high ranking member. Like your brother. So to me, I just thought you were rebelling against everyone, and because I thought you were hot, I let you take advantage of me.”

  “I did no such thing!” I protest. “I was like you, watching you from the side lines and you were there that night.” I shrug, there’s no need for me to explain to Ryder. He was there, he knew when went down between us. A blush burns my cheeks.

  “So you wasn’t just slumming it with me?” He asks, my first glimpse of a vulnerable Ryder sitting in front of me.

  “No.” I i
nsist. “When you told me this was a onetime thing, it upset me.”

  Ryder gets up from his place, walking around to me and holding his hand out. “Come on.”

  I take his hand and Ryder leads me to the area that’s been made to be used as a dancing area. Instead of grass, wooden slats have been placed on the ground to make it smooth. Ryder wraps his arms around me, pulling me against him and my body melts.

  “I’ve wanted you for as long as I can remember.” He speaks. “Watching you dance with others nearly turns me into a murderous rage.” Ryder reaches around and places a hand over my arse cheek, gently squeezing. “Now you’re mine.”

  “Wait there.” I poke him in the chest. “I didn’t say anything yet.”

  “Pops, what’s to say no to?” He asks me. “We get on great and our sex life would be insane!”

  I laugh. “I’m not doubting that.”

  “Then what?” Ryder looks confused, with his hand still on my bottom. I’m not mad about it.

  “If you want me, then you only have me and nobody else.” I begin to explain. “No bitches or whores, no more fucking bunnies when you’re hanging at the clubhouse. I’m not second best and I won’t be treated that way. I’ve seen so many other old ladies being treated that way and I won’t allow that to be my future.” I look him dead in the eye as we slowly dance. “I’m the only woman allowed in your bed, you’re only allowed to fuck me because if I find out your cock has been in another I will kill you Ryder.”

  He then moans deeply. “God you’re turning me on right now.”

  “I’m being serious.” I scold, slapping him on his chest.

  “I know.” Ryder nods. “You’re the only one Poppy, why do you think I fuck so much? To get you out of my head!”

  As much as I don’t like that statement, I’m not mad.

  Ryder pulls me even closer, rubbing my back and it feels so nice. A comforting but also sexy feeling. Ryder’s cock hardens and I feel it pushing against me. I picture it throbbing and it turns me on. The song changes and seeing as it’s a faster tune, I spin around and rub my ass on him and laugh as Ryder struggles to keep himself together.