CHAPTER ONE
LIZZY
Ikick the wheel of my shitty little Ford with my boot and cringe as the pain radiates up my leg. My week seems to have gone from bad to worse. I’m now sitting on the side of the motorway with a car that just doesn’t want to play ball and my daughter in her car seat, screaming at the top of her lungs as if she’s possessed. It started raining the minute my car shuddered to a stop, as if sensing my already shit mood. The water soaked through my shirt and I groan out loud, running my hands through my sodden hair.
I couldn’t even call for a breakdown given the fact I walked out on Darius two weeks ago and he most certainly would have cancelled it.
Amelia screeched out, she wasn’t in pain, she was just at that really clingy stage at the moment where I couldn’t even get a few seconds of peace to myself. I slump down on the grassy verge, my head resting in my hands. I couldn’t even think straight with her constant screams.
The cars flew by us, nobody stopping to check on us and it reminded me of why I hated people. Everyone was out forthemselves. It’s then that a motorbike comes to a stop behind my car, and I stand cautiously, wary that you can’t trust just anyone these days, especially a biker stopping for a single woman on the motorway.
He kicks the stand down and removes his helmet and then two things happen. My heart almost stops, like seriously. The man has chiselled features, almost as if he’s out of someVoguemagazine. He runs his hands through his dishevelled hair, which is dark, almost black, and I know I’m staring as he makes his way over.
His leathers cling to him as he walks towards me, and I notice he has a patch stating he’s part of The Broken Iron Demons. I should be apprehensive. Over the years, I’ve heard so much about them given I grew up on the estate they run, but for some reason, this giant of a man doesn’t intimidate me in the slightest.
“Alright, love?” he shouts over the traffic as he approaches. His voice is gravelly, and my skin breaks out in goosebumps, though I’m not sure if it’s from his voice or the fact I’m standing on the motorway soaked through and freezing cold.
“Car trouble,” I shout back as a way of explanation because words seem to be escaping me. He lets out a throaty laugh, and I smirk at him.
“Gathered that.” He smiles as he reaches me. “Pop the hood and I’ll take a look.”
Amelia’s wails continue, and I sigh.Perfect timing, Meli. “Sorry, she’s being a nightmare at the moment. I don’t know who told me these early days were easy, but they were bloody lying.” I laugh as I open the backdoor, scrambling around in her car seat, looking for her dummy.
He peers in the window, and I cringe at the state of my car. My entire life was packed into two suitcases as everything I owned apart from clothes belonged to Darius, and since I left, I’ve been living out of my car. I attend all the local playgroupsjust trying to keep warm, making the most of their offering of free tea and biscuits. Every penny from Amelia’s Child Benefit has been spent on things for her. I don’t even remember the last time I had a hot meal.
I stroke Amelia’s head softly while she suckles on her dummy, her little whimpers evident behind her angry growls. I gently close the door and make my way round to the driver’s side as he eyes me suspiciously.
“Off on holiday?” he asks, eyeing me for my reaction.
I smile, knowing it doesn’t quite reach my eyes as I climb into the car, ignoring his question and popping the hood. He makes his way round to the front of the car, and I find myself staring at his perfect arse.
“It looks like it needs towing to a garage, love,” he shouts with his head in the engine. “I can get someone from my club to come tow it and take it to our garage,” he suggests as he appears back at the driver’s side door.
I rest my head on the steering wheel. I can’t afford the damn repairs, and I certainly can’t afford anywhere to stay the night. Tears prick at my eyes just as Meli lets out a fresh set of screams, causing me to growl out loud in frustration.
The hunk of a man makes his way round to her, opening the door and gently stroking her face as I’d done moments ago. “You giving your mumma a hard time, princess?” he coos, and she begins to settle instantly.
I look over the centre console at this big, burly man calming down the only thing I have left. “She likes you,” I say as I wipe away the stray tears falling down my face. “She doesn’t like many, you’re privileged.” I let out a small laugh.
“Let’s get you outta here. You can wait at the club while we fix your car, and you can get dry.”
“I . . . I can’t afford the repairs.” I look away, embarrassed that at twenty-eight years old, I don’t have my shit together. “Sorry, but thank you for stopping for me.”
“You can’t just stay here, love. It’s not safe on the side of the road. Where’s her dad?” He nods down at my little bundle in her car seat.
“He’s no longer on the scene. It’s just me and Meli now.”
“Well, let me at least get you towed to safety. Maybe we can come to some sort of arrangement.” He gently shuts the car door so as not to startle Meli, and panic suddenly overtakes me.
I rush out the driver’s side as he makes his way back to his bike, grabbing hold of his arm. “It’s okay, you don’t need to do that.” He frowns.
“You can’t stay here, Red.” I scowl at the name he’s chosen for me.
“I don’t need an arrangement,” I spit. I’ve heard all about The Broken Iron Demons. I’m already running from one raving lunatic. I don’t need to add these to my list.
“Listen up, Red. I would not be doing my bit for society leaving you and your daughter on the side of the motorway to be barrelled into by a lorry driver.” He reaches into the saddlebag on the back of his bike, pulling out a mobile phone.
I scoff at this man’s audacity. He clearly doesn’t get told no very often. “Your bit for society? Are you for real?” I laugh. “I grew up around here, so I’ve heard the stories. I won’t become one of your sex slaves in order to have my car repaired.”
