Page 7

Rex

It’s been over three weeks since I’ve seen or spoken to Aria, and my willpower is crumbling. I’ve told myself at least a hundred times that using the security system I set up at her home to check on her would be wrong. So very wrong, but each day, my resolve lessens a little more. She won’t take a call from me or answer a text. I even showed up at her dental practice, but common sense prevailed, and I didn’t go inside looking for her. Reeves has tried calling and gets the same result as I do. When I asked Lisa if I could use her phone, she shook her head no and told me to let it be.

Pulling my thoughts back to the present, I stick my head in Reeves’ door.

“Anything?” I ask.

Same question I’ve asked countless times, and I receive the same reply.

“No, nothing yet.”

Once I got into the CCTV and Club Ace’s security systems, I turned it over to Reeves. He’s watched countless hours of video, looking for anything suspicious or any clue as to who slipped us the drugs. So far, it’s been a waste of time. Frustrated, I slam my hand against the door jam and turn toward my office.

“She’ll be okay, Rex,” Reeves states quietly.

“She blames herself,” I respond before turning back, entering the office, and leaning my back against the wall.

“I know, but for what exactly? She had no control over anything, but she looked guilty as hell,” Reeves says, clearly confused. “Does she really feel she took advantage of you?”

I stand without answering for a full minute, thinking over Reeves’ words. Slowly, I nod my head.

“I think so. Not completely sure, but she not only looked guilty but ashamed. God, I hate that for her. She’s as innocent in all of this as we were.”

“Keep in mind she is Chubs’ sister, and they think a lot alike. He would feel all sorts of ashamed and guilty if he were in her shoes,” Reeves states.

“You’re right. I just wish I could get her to talk to me about it. I don’t blame her in any way. Hell, I don’t even remember if anything happened that anyone could feel guilty for,” I answer in a frustrated tone as I run both hands through my hair.

“I hope you never told her you didn’t remember if something did happen. Women don’t take that well at all. Even if you were drugged. I know this for a fact. I got shitfaced drunk one night at the club and woke up to a random in my bed. Probably a Vex fan who got rejected. Anyway, I made the mistake of asking who she was and why she was in my bed. My aching head couldn’t handle the screeching of obscenities at me, so I locked myself in my bathroom and took a shower after telling her it was time for her to leave. Yeah, asshole, I see by your grin you know what morning I’m speaking of. Fuck off! Anyhow, next thing I know, my bathroom door got kicked in, and Trigger dragged my naked self into the hall while Axel put out the fire in my bedroom. The random had put all my clothes in the middle of my bed and torched it. I didn’t even have underwear, and only Axel was kind enough to loan me a pair,” Reeves says with a sad shake of his head.

I’m laughing so hard at that fun moment in time that I’m wheezing. When I can speak again, I ignore the bird Reeves is flipping me and say, “Axel didn’t loan them to you. You stole them from his room, and he beat your ass in the ring for it. God, I forgot about that morning. Good memories, brother.”

“Whatever. I let him win so he’d quit whining. Should have seen the looks I got riding my bike home in nothing but that one piece of material. Didn’t even have boots to wear. I’ll never live down the fact that I walked into the main room wearing a banana hammock with the words “Hot Stuff” plastered on them.”

“Thank God, Petey is quick with his phone. That was the top video of the club for quite a while. Axel’s ass waxing finally took that spot away from you,” I state and then duck the ink pen meant to impale itself into my eye.

“What’s got Reeves throwing things?” Horse asks as him, Pigeon, and Ava’s pig Gee, walk into the room.

“None of your business, jerk face,” Reeves barks before throwing another ink pen, but at Horse this time.

I snort-laugh when I spot the t-shirt Gee is wearing. It’s bright orange and has black lettering that spells out “30-minute orgasms. Jealous yet?”

“Pooh’s going to end up taking your spot on Ava’s hit list when she sees this shirt,” Pigeon says before frowning.

I’m sure Pigeon would love to see me stay on that list because I ended up there while trying to get even with him and Reeves for a taser vs. balls incident.

“Why do you have Gee?” I ask in an attempt to distract Pigeon before he thinks to remove Gee’s shirt. I want Ava to go after Pooh. I desperately want off that list.

“Chubs had something to do, so we’re taking him back to the clubhouse,” Horse replies while blocking Pigeon from getting to Gee. It works because Pigeon turns back to me, stares for a minute before asking why I was laughing when they walked in.

“We were discussing the burning bed incident,” I answer with a grin.

“Damn. I heard about that, but it was before I was a prospect,” Horse states. “Saw the video, though. The words “Hot Stuff” were hard to read because the hammock wasn’t, um, shall we say, stuffed very well.”

“The fuck it wasn’t!” shouts Reeves.

“Petey said he had to zoom all the way in to even notice there was print on it,” Pigeon adds with a taunting grin.

As expected, this is the point where Reeves jumps out of his chair and goes after Pigeon. Seconds later, they’re wrestling on the floor while Horse and I make our bets. Gee, because he’s a smart pig, squeals, then runs for cover under the desk.

“What started it this time?” asks a voice from the doorway.

I turn and see Ivy, Pigeon’s wife, standing there, hands on hips, frown on her face.

“Dick size,” Horse comments without looking away from the wrestling match.

“You should all be forced to watch horses breed,” Ivy mumbles.

“Why should we do that?” Horse asks.

“Because none of you would ever discuss size again. Your egos would be crushed for life,” Ivy replies calmly before making both me and Horse jump in surprise when she suddenly shouts, “Pigeon!” and lets loose the loudest whistle known to man.

Pigeon instantly lifts his head and smiles widely at his wife. Pushing Reeves off of him, he stands, walks to his wife, and drops a kiss on her mouth.

“You have to take him out, Reeves. I bet on you,” Horse whines.

“No winner. No bet,” I state and tuck my wallet back into my hip pocket.

Gee chooses this time to scurry past Reeves, who’s still sitting on the floor and rush to Ivy’s legs. Bending, Ivy gives him a full-body rub and smiles at his squeals of delight.

“What are you doing in town?” Pigeon asks.

“Making a feed store run. Thought you might like to help your wife out and go with. After, I’ll even let you buy me dinner somewhere,” Ivy answers with an impish grin.

“I would love to have dinner with my wife. We’ll drop Gee off at the clubhouse first. You have a big order to pick up?” Pigeon questions.

“Yep, I do.”

“The guys can follow us and help then,” Pigeon states while looking pointedly around the room.

“I don’t even like those shitheads. Why do I have to load feed for them?” Horse asks in his best imitation of Axel’s whine.

“Because Ivy feeds you every time you go to the ranch,” I say.

“You don’t have to help, Horse. In fact, none of you do. This isn’t my first time going to the feed store. I got this. Finish work, and I’ll meet you somewhere for dinner,” Ivy says with a smile before aiming soft eyes at Pigeon.

What I wouldn’t give to have a good woman look at me like Ivy always looks at Pigeon. Like he hung the moon and did it just for her pleasure. It would make me a little nauseous if I wasn’t so jealous of it.

“Horse can take Gee to the clubhouse, and the rest of us will follow you to the feedstore,” says Trigger from the doorway.

Turning to face him, I grin. His entire body screams pissed off, and his eyes are shooting death rays at Horse. Horse notices and takes a small step backward.

“I was just—” Horse starts to say before Trigger interrupts with a raised hand.

“Yeah. Just joking, I know. Exactly what I’ll be doing when I kick your ass in the ring tonight. See you there, asshat,” Trigger states before stalking back out of the room.

“Oh, geez. I’m sorry, Horse. I didn’t mean to cause you a problem. I’ll talk to him,” Ivy says before rushing out the door.

“My money’s on Trigger. Good luck, Horse. Maybe a third of my work problems will end tonight,” I say with a laugh and follow Ivy.

Tossing the last bag of feed into the trailer, I wipe the sweat off my face with my sleeve. I take the bottle of water from Ivy and down most of it, then toss a sweaty arm over her shoulders and drop a kiss on the top of her head. Grinning up at me, she gives my waist a squeeze.

“You guys didn’t have to do this,” she says softly.

“Better than going to the gym and listening to Axel cry about all his pregnancy issues,” I reply and watch her smile wide.

“Arm off my wife. Thank you,” Pigeon says as he gives me a push away from Ivy.

“You come to town for feed, you call a couple of us,” Trigger orders but does so in his polite voice.

“Guys, thank you, but—” Ivy starts, but Cash interrupts.

Trigger had sent out a text, and a few club members arrived to help, Cash being the first.

“I get that you can do this, Ivy. I do, and I admire the hell out of your work ethic. The thing is, though, you don’t have to do it alone anymore. Leave the trailer loaded when you get home because Livi, Liam, and I are coming out tomorrow. Pigeon and I can unload it while you give Liam a horseback ride. He’s been screaming for Aunt Ivy all week.”

“Sounds good,” Ivy agrees.

“Pigeon, take your wife to dinner,” Trigger orders while squeezing Ivy’s shoulder then hustling towards his bike.

As soon as Ivy drives off with Pigeon following on his bike, Trigger grins.

“Clubhouse and Horse ass-kicking time!” he shouts before starting his bike and roaring out of the lot.

I watch as the rest do the same. Waiting until they’re all gone, I start my bike but turn the other direction when I pull out. I know I’m being stupid, but I turn my bike towards Aria’s home. I can’t just let things go when it comes to her.

I’m not surprised when Aria doesn’t answer her door, and I stand there, uncertain what to do next. I’m not sure if she’s home or not, so I start toward my bike, planning on riding to her business. My luck must finally be changing because I spot her car coming up the road just as I swing my leg over my seat. I sit there, hoping she doesn’t drive away when she sees me. She doesn’t, so I swing back off my bike and walk to her car door.

“Why are you here?” Aria asks as she steps out of her car.

“We need to talk.”

“We really don’t, but thank you,” she says as she tries to brush past me.

“We can do it inside or out here, but we’re talking, Aria.”

She stops, slings her purse over her shoulder with a little more force than necessary, and turns to face me. I suck in a breath at the changes in her that I can now see by standing in her space. Yes, I notice the hair change, but that’s not what’s caught my eye.

Aria is a beautiful woman, and nothing has changed that, but she’s lost weight. Her face shows exhaustion, and it’s more noticeable with how gaunt it is. I quickly scan the rest of her and don’t see the usual confidence that always seemed to be wrapped around her. Her shoulders are slumped, and her eyes seem lifeless. No spark, no gleam. I feel my gut clench, and I instinctively reach for her.

Aria’s eyes widen, and she quickly steps back. I let my hands drop back to my sides and take a deep breath. Releasing it, I step to the side and wave at her front door. I follow her up the few steps and inside when she unlocks it. Setting her purse and keys on a small table near the door, Aria heads directly to her kitchen. I again follow her, take a seat at the bar, and wait.

“I’m guessing alcohol is going to be necessary for this talk. What do you want?” she asks in a quiet voice.

“Beer is fine.”

Grabbing one for each of us, Aria stays on the opposite side of the bar. Leaning against it, she slides mine to me and then opens her own.

“Talk,” she orders.

After spending night after night thinking of the many things I would say to her if she’d answer the phone, I’m now completely blank. I continue staring at her and take a long drink of beer to buy time. Mind racing, I blurt out the first thing I think of.

“You’ve lost weight.”

“Yes, I have, but I’m sure that’s not why you’re here.”

“It’s not. Damnit, Aria, I can’t think of the hundred things I’ve wanted to say to you. I’m sorry. I’m sorry for not taking better care of you that night. I’m sorry for being an ass and letting myself get drugged. Fuck, I’m just so very sorry that you didn’t get the best of me and got a drunk jerk instead. I didn’t deserve you to begin with, and then I blew it all to hell. I don’t—”

“You didn’t blow it, and you weren’t a jerk. You were fun and kind, and I loved every minute of spending time with you,” Aria says quietly. “But I didn’t recognize the signs because I had drunk too much too.”

“You need to let that go, Aria. You weren’t responsible for any of it, and no one blames you,” I reply sincerely.

“I… we did things that night,” she all but whispers.

“And you have no idea how much I wish I could remember every single detail because having you in my bed is not something I’d ever want to forget. My biggest regret is not having the memory of us together. I want those memories, Aria. I want you. I want us,” I state emphatically.

“I took advantage of you, of the situation, and that’s wrong,” she insists, but I notice the softening of her features.

“Not knowingly, and that’s what counts. Besides, I’m a guy. I’m more than happy to be used for your pleasure,” I state with a smile.

Aria lets out a surprised laugh before covering her face with both hands. Reaching over the countertop, I gently grasp her wrists and pull her hands down. Sliding my fingers between hers, I grip them lightly.

“And that offer stands, like, forever,” I say with a grin.

“You’re a nice guy, Rex. God, I’m so embarrassed over that night,” she says with a moan.

“Make it up to me,” I offer.

“How?” she asks with one eyebrow raising.

“Let me buy you dinner, and we’ll talk about everything except that night. Yeah?”

“I’ll pay for dinner.”

“Is that a yes I hear?” I tease.

“Yeah, it is. Let me go change while you decide where you want to eat.”

I release her hands and watch her walk away. I take another deep breath, hold it for several seconds, and feel nothing but relief as I let it out. I can finally breathe normal again.

“I’m not surprised. We, as a family, were banned from several restaurants that had buffets. He could clear one in no time flat,” Aria replies with a laugh at her brother’s expense.

“Did anyone explain about the C-L-A notes at the bakery?” I ask and then explain at her confused look.

Laughing looks good on Aria. She’s relaxed, happy, and having a good time, as far as I can tell. I love seeing the transformation it’s done to her. Her smiles come easily, as does her laughter, but some of the confident Aria is starting to shine through again. I didn’t realize until this moment just how much of a burden she’d placed on herself over that night. I have a lot to make up for, and I’m willing to put in the work.

We trade stories back and forth about the club, her brothers, and dumb things we did as kids. She asks questions and listens closely, and I can’t find anything I don’t like about her. I’ve already admitted to myself weeks ago that I’m fascinated with her, but tonight only adds to that. I want to know everything about her, and I want the time to learn it all. I’m in trouble, and I know it, and yet, I’m more than okay with that knowledge.

When I notice the waitstaff giving us looks, I glance down at my watch and am shocked to realize that the restaurant is closing. We’ve been here a long time, and yet it seems like minutes. I catch the waiter’s eye and give him a chin lift. He immediately walks to our table and hands me the bill. I watch as Aria’s eyebrows raise, and she looks down at her phone.

“Oh my God, Rex. We’ve been here forever,” she says with a small laugh. “Um, I’m paying, remember?”

“Yeah, no. It’s taken care of. You ready to go?”

We stand, and I take her hand without thinking about it. When I realize what I’ve done, I also realize she didn’t pull it away. Walking toward the door, I take my card from the waiter on our way by and steer Aria outside. Walking to her car, I grin when she leans against me. Stopping by the passenger door, I reach for the handle, but Aria leans her back against it. Using our joined hands, she pulls me closer. Tilting her head upward, we stare at each other for several long seconds before she speaks.

“If you chose to kiss me now, I wouldn’t feel so guilty over taking advantage of you before.”

“I’m absolving you of any guilt,” I say before bending down enough to capture her mouth with mine.

Her mouth is soft and inviting, and I take full advantage. I tilt my head a little at the same time I slide my free hand around her neck, under her hair. Pulling her even closer, I breathe in her scent as I stroke my tongue against hers. Aria is an active participant and matches me stroke for stroke. Pulling her hand from mine, I feel both of her hands land on my ribs, and I groan at the feel of her touch.

“Get a room!” someone shouts from the street.

Aria pulls away but does so with a laugh. I was not ready for that to be over with, but the parking lot of the restaurant probably isn’t the best place for this. I quickly wrap both arms around her neck and pull her tight against me for a few seconds. Leaning back, I drop a quick kiss on her mouth before releasing her.

“Let’s get you home,” I say, and then open her door and wait for her to get seated.

I walk around the front of the car and seat myself behind the steering wheel. I start her car and put it in gear. Reaching over, I grasp Aria’s hand again and smile when she gives mine a squeeze. I turn onto the street and leave what is now my favorite restaurant. Arriving at Aria’s home, I gently refuse her offer of coffee.

“I want to come in, Aria, but if I do, I won’t leave until morning.”

“What if I’m okay with that?” she asks with a head tilt.

“Then that would make me a very happy, very lucky guy, but I want you to be sure about that before we go there. I almost fucked this up once, and I don’t want to do that again. I want to do this right,” I respond.

Aria is quiet for a moment and then asks, “Are you open to a date?”

“Absolutely and soon. Like tomorrow?”

“Yes, please. I should be home by 5:30 and can be ready by 6:30.”

“I’ll be here,” I answer before pulling her close and kissing her again.

“Night, Rex.”

“Night, Aria.”

I wait until I hear the locks engage on her door, then walk to where I’d left my bike. I swear in a low voice when I see that my back tire is flat. That just sucks ass since I certainly can’t call for a tow with my bike in Aria’s driveway. I think about my options, then call Reeves. Taking a seat on my bike, I wait.

“Your tire wasn’t flat. It was slashed. Who’d you piss off lately?” Reeves asks as he enters my office, wiping his hands off on a grease rag.

“Slashed? Really?” I ask in shock.

“Yup. Tire is worthless, so you’re going to need a new one. I can run to the shop and get one. If you cover the monitors for a little longer, I’ll get it put on for you.”

“Yeah, go ahead. Thanks, Reeves.”

“No problem. What story do you want me to give when Trigger and Petey ask what happened?” Reeves asks. “Trigger’s too nosy not to ask.”

“That it was probably some kids, I guess.”

“Alright. Be back in a while,” Reeves says as he leaves.

Turning back to the monitors, I watch them closely while my mind thinks about the slashed tire. The tire doesn’t bother me as much as it happening at Aria’s. I hope it was just some stupid kids doing stupid things and not anything more serious. I briefly think about her security system and what it might show about my bike but push the thought aside. Suddenly, my brain catches up to what my eyes are seeing, and I sit up straighter.

A guy with a somewhat familiar face steps behind the bar at the far end from the bartender. They exchange a look, and the bartender turns back to making the drink he was working on, but he doesn’t look happy. His movements are stiff, and a frown remains on his face. I ignore the bartender and zoom in on the other guy.

He sets a tray on the top of the bar, sets a few glasses on it but doesn’t start mixing drinks. He’s intently watching someone across the room and appears to be waiting for someone or something. After a few minutes, a waitress approaches the bar, and he waves her over to him. He listens to her, then takes one glass at a time off the tray and sets it below the bar. Speaking briefly to the waitress, she turns and walks off.

The angle of the camera doesn’t show the glasses, but I watch closely as he grabs various bottles of alcohol from the shelf behind him and appears to be making the drinks. When his hand disappears into his pocket briefly, I already know why. This is the same guy I saw at the club when we were there and the same guy I have mugshots of from my research for Chubs. He’s a few years older, and his appearance is slightly different from the mugshots, but it’s the same guy.

After the waitress picks up the tray and walks off, I watch him watch her closely. When a small smile appears on his face, I know whoever his target is just ingested whatever he placed in her drink. Frustration hits hard, and anger rolls through me because this isn’t a current video. It was from a couple of nights ago, and whoever got drugged is most likely already a victim. Pausing the video, I call Reeves. After he arrives and confirms that’s the same guy he saw at Club Ace, I call Gunner.

“Here’s the photos of both men. Study them well because Rex said the mugshots are a few years old, and their appearances have changed somewhat. At least we know this one’s has,” Gunner says while holding up a still shot from the video of the guy me and Reeves both recognize.

I pass the photos I printed off around the table and watch as each guy takes them. Chubs speaks up, explaining all that he’s heard on the street before Gunner hands out assignments to each of us. Several of us will be clubbing tonight, and it won’t be for the fun of it. I’ll also only be ordering unopened beer.

“Has anyone spotted the other guy?” Axel asks, holding up the photo of Gary Lechner.

“No, but we know he’s in Denver and most likely with his partner in crime, Dave Mishan,” I answer.

“Do you have an address for them?” Pooh asks.

“The last known one I could find so far is a rundown, pay-by-the-week motel called Jimmy’s Motor Inn. Address is written on the back of the photos,” I reply. “Another thing to note is that they work for a female by the name of Savi Foster. Chances of us seeing her are slim. She keeps her distance from the hands-on dirty work. She’s more of a facilitator. She’s slippery, and law enforcement hasn’t had much luck with getting charges to stick on her. I’ll text you all a photo of her if I can find a more current one.”

“A female? Seriously? What the fuck!” Petey barks in disgust.

“If we come across her, do we bring her here? Or just keep eyes on her?” Vex questions.

“Keep eyes on her, but stay out of sight. We need to know who she’s working with and where the victims are,” Gunner answers.

“Do we know who was targeted at Club Ace the other night?” Trigger asks.

“I gave Rex a few names that came through the department this week as missing persons. We narrowed it down to it most likely being a college freshman named Joy Besser. She had gone out, maybe to meet up with someone, and her roommate reported that she never came home that night. Her car was found in a parking lot about a block from Club Ace,” James states.

“Damn, she’s young,” mutters Horse.

“With only a few other businesses near Club Ace, there was no outside video for me to find. Chubs did a drive-by to confirm and didn’t spot cameras in front or the back. Probably why it’s being used. The owner of Ace is as sketchy as they come. I’ll continue digging into him, but I don’t believe the bartender is involved, or at least not willingly. He may be a good place to start, and see if he’ll talk. It’s a risk, though, because he could tip them off too,” I explain.

“I suggest we don’t approach him yet but keep him under watch,” Cash advises.

“I agree. Everyone know their assignments or have any other questions? Okay, let’s get busy, then,” Gunner says before smacking the gavel down.

Walking into the main room, I step away from everyone and call Aria.

“Hi, Rex. I left work a little early today, so I’m ready when you get here,” Aria says with a small, almost embarrassed laugh.

“Hey, Aria. I’m sorry to do this to you, but something’s come up with the club, and I have to postpone tonight.”

There are several long seconds of silence before she replies in a polite but flat tone.

“Yeah. Okay, Rex. Have a good night.”

“Aria. I really am sorry. I wouldn’t cancel except—” I start to explain because I really don’t like how there’s no inflection in her voice at all now. It’s dead, lifeless, and that’s not her normal tone.

“It’s fine. I understand. Be safe,” she interjects before my phone beeps, signaling the end of the call.

“Fuck,” I mutter before slamming my phone in my back pocket and turning to look for Horse, my partner for the night. “Let’s go, Horse!”