Page 9

Rex

Hearing gunshots and knowing Aria was in the club were a few of the worst moments of my life. I nearly ran Chubs over trying to get out of the office, and I did flatten Horse against the wall. When I hit the main room and didn’t see Aria, I had to fight the urge to run past the fight and find her.

Now standing in the office, I’m pretending not to see the looks Horse and Freddy are sending my way. I’m calmly sipping a beer and watching Aria sew Rod’s wound closed. When Candy and Lisa enter the room, I switch my focus to them long enough to note neither have injuries. I also ignore the twinge of guilt that comes with the realization that I hadn’t checked before now.

“You did great out there, Candy. You sure you don’t want a job here working security?” Freddy asks in a serious tone.

“Thanks, but no. I like working with animals that have fur or feathers and not the two-legged kind. Appreciate the offer, though,” Candy replies before leaning a hip against Freddy’s desk.

“The offer stands if you change your mind,” Freddy says.

Several club members walk in and quietly watch Aria finish up the stitches. After bandaging his wound, Aria stands and jolts in surprise when she realizes the room has filled while she worked.

“Thank you for helping out tonight, Aria,” Gunner says. “I wish I could say it’ll be the last time you’re needed, but it probably won’t be.”

“You’re welcome,” she replies in a soft voice.

Without another word, she walks out of the office with Freddy showing her the way to the nearest restroom to wash.

“The next time Aria and I decide to hit the town, it won’t be here,” Lisa mutters. “It didn’t turn out to be as much fun as I promised her it would be.”

A few of the guys chuckle at Lisa’s disgruntled expression as she follows the path Aria just took. After she exits the room, Chubs turns to face Candy.

“No way to thank you for how you protected the women tonight, Candy.”

“No need. They’re important to me too,” she replies.

“What did I miss? Did Candy take down the fighters?” Axel asks.

Rod snorts and shoots a grin at Candy.

“Check the security cameras. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it,” he says.

“Fucking cameras. I gotta go,” Candy states, then pushes her way through the room and out the door. I smile when I notice Axel got the hardest push.

I sit at the desk and pull up the camera software. Within a minute, I found what Rod was grinning about. The guys gather around and view the footage. Several laughs, a few sympathetic moans, and one ‘what the fuck’ later, I look up to see the impressed look on Axel’s face.

“Holy shit! Her workouts are seriously paying off! Lisa would be easy enough, but damn, she even tossed Aria like she was a lightweight!” Axel exclaims.

“Fuck you, Axel!” Aria shouts from the open doorway. “Gunner, if it’s his dumbass that’s injured next, please, for the love of God, call me! It would be orgasmic to jab him repeatedly with sharp objects! Repeatedly!”

Every man in the room, including myself, cringe at her anger. Pooh, being the asshole he is, starts laughing and pointing a finger at Axel’s now frozen face. Storming through the mass of bodies that quickly get out of her way, Aria reaches the desk and snatches up her purse. Whirling on a heel, she makes a beeline for the door before turning back to face the room of nervous men.

Chubs and I both start to say something, anything, to fix Axel’s fuckup, but Aria throws a hand in the air, palm facing us. We both instantly slam our mouths shut. When she shoots Pooh a narrowed-eyed look, he stops mid-laugh.

“For someone who’s carrying extra pregnancy pounds without the benefit of a uterus, you have no room to throw shade at any woman,” she states in a surprisingly calm voice. “Rod, please don’t forget to come see me tomorrow. We need to get you on antibiotics right away. Love you, Drew, and when I’m not feeling so murderous, I’ll call you and let you explain how Axel didn’t mean to be a complete dickface, but that may not be for a few days. Don’t forget what I said, Gunner. Orgasmic!”

With that said, she whirls, and I listen to her heels as she stalks down the hallway. Before anyone speaks, Lisa pops her head through the door and eyes Axel.

“Us bitches have to stick together, so it’s not just her you need to fear. Be afraid, biker boy. Be very afraid.”

After Lisa storms off, Candy briefly sticks her head in the door and simply grins at Axel before she follows the angry women out of the club.

“You are so fucked,” Reeves says into the silent room.

“Oh God. Chubs, brother, I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to imply Aria is overweight! Shit! It came out wrong,” Axel states, and I know he’s being sincere. That’s not going to save his hide, though.

“What’s her favorite flower?” Axel asks as he pulls out his phone.

“I’m guessing black dahlias,” Pigeon mutters, and even I have to laugh at that.

Petey and Trigger walk into the office and come to a stop. Looking around the room, Petey’s eyes end up on his son. Nobody can ever say that Petey can’t read a room.

“What did you do, and who’s taking out a bounty on your head this time?” Petey asks in a resigned tone.

“He managed the impossible. He fucked himself,” Gunner responds. “And it’s Aria that will be stashing cashews.”

“She said she’d talk to you in a few days, Chubs! Please explain that I didn’t mean it the way it came out! She was calm when she left, so does that mean she’s not really that mad?” Axel asks in a hopeful tone.

“Nope. Calm is her danger zone. Les and I never worried about her until she was calm. Good luck, Ax. You’re on your own,” Chubs states in a cheerful voice before he starts rummaging through Freddy’s desk drawers.

“No food in there, Chubs. You wiped me out before the shooting,” Freddy says.

“Since we’re all here now, let’s talk about tonight’s shit,” Gunner states, and the room quiets.

I don’t get a chance to call Aria the next day, but I heard through Reeves that Rod got his antibiotics from her. Thursday evening, I call, but she doesn’t answer. I wait a while then text Candy instead.

Me: Aria okay?

Candy: Yeah. A few bruises, pissed and vengeful, but okay.

Me: I called but didn’t get an answer.

Candy: If you’re worried she’s mad at you too, don’t be. She’s gleefully plotting against Axel but no one else. She’s also at a spa appointment with Lisa and their moms. Probably why she didn’t answer.

Me: What are you doing tonight? Working?

Candy: No. Nothing really. Trying to decide what to make for dinner.

Me: Can I buy you dinner? You choose the restaurant.

Candy: Really? Yeah, I’d like that. Jarrod’s?

Me: Perfect. Will pick you up in 10. Need to run to the clubhouse first if you don’t mind.

Candy: That’s fine. I’ll wait out front of the bakery.

Me: See ya soon

Arriving at the clubhouse, we find Craig sitting at the bar, sipping a root beer and chatting with Mac. Candy and I take a seat on each side of Craig and return Mac’s greeting. Reeves, the bartender for the night, sets a beer in front of me and a Coke in front of Candy.

“Tomorrow’s a big ass day,” Craig states. “Know why that is?”

“Pooh’s officially your dad tomorrow,” Candy answers. “Are you going to start calling him Dad?”

“No, probably not, but that doesn’t mean he’s not my dad. At least I don’t have to go see the judge this time. That man dresses like a girl. What’s up with that? Anyway, Mom said it’s just paperwork this time. Miss Ava’s doing up a big deal dinner on Sunday to celebrate, though. She said she’s making all my favorites.”

“Cashews, too,” Mac chimes in before strutting down the bar, shaking his tail feathers.

“Yep. I told her I’d come early and help,” Candy responds.

“Everyone keeps saying the dinner is a celebration because I’m getting a dad. Not sure why no one is celebrating Pooh getting me, though,” Craig states, then laughs loudly.

Turning his head to face me, he holds out his hand, palm up. Shaking my head in disgust, I lay his blackmail money in his hand. Craig makes a show of slowly counting each bill, then gives me a nod and a small, slightly demonic smile before tucking his cash in his pocket.

“I either need a second job, or the kid has to come up missing,” Reeves mutters.

“If I give you a referral of someone who might hire your particular type of services, can I get a discount?” I ask, suddenly having an idea.

Craig instantly perks up, considers my words, and then slowly nods.

“Depends on the payout from this referral you’re speaking of,” he states, all business now.

“Want to have dinner with me and Candy and discuss this?” I ask with a grin.

“Text Mom and let her know I’m with you. Where we eating?”

“You’re going to hell for sure. Axel finds out you brokered a deal between Craig and Aria for his payback, you’re going soon,” Candy states, then snort-laughs.

“It was a stroke of genius. I get a major discount. Aria is elated at having Craig’s help, and Axel gets a smackdown. What’s not to love about that?”

“Governor Douglas needs to put Craig to work on his political opponents. State of Colorado would never be the same.”

“No shit,” I answer with a chuckle.

We drive in silence for a few minutes before I speak again.

“Do you think someone like Aria could be with someone like me? Not for a night kind of thing, but maybe long term.”

Candy’s silent for a long moment before answering.

“I’m not sure I understand why you would question that. I get that she’s well-educated, from money, and all that jazz, but in the end, does any of that ever really matter? You don’t have the same formal education she has, but you’re the smartest person I know. You’re kind, considerate of others, and the kids love you. If she was the kind of person who couldn’t be with someone like you because of your differences in upbringing, then she’s not the kind of person I’d call friend.”

Now I’m the silent one, carefully thinking over her words. When I speak, I say the smartest words that have ever left my mouth, and they leave Candy laughing her ass off.

“When I grow up, I want to be you.”

The security business has steadily gotten busier, and Gunner finally gave me permission to hire someone to run the front end. Today is a day packed with interviews, and I’m excited to find the perfect person for the job. Qualifications don’t actually matter as much as other aspects. I can easily teach anyone to answer the phones, make appointments for installs, and speak with customers who come to the business. I need someone who can be discreet, efficient, and not need constant supervision. As Pigeon said, I need someone who’s the complete opposite of him, Horse, and Reeves.

Gunner had originally suggested the job to Candy, but she shot it down immediately and eloquently. She said, and I quote, “I’m not spending my day smiling at people when most annoy the fuck out of me. No fucking thanks. I’ll continue cleaning stalls and shoveling shit at the animal sanctuary and know that I’m making life a little nicer for ones that I do care about and not ungrateful humans.” Gunner decided to leave the decision up to me at that point.

“If you choose a woman, please don’t hire an ugly one,” Reeves states as he enters my office. “I already have to see you, Horse, and Pigeon’s ugly faces all day.”

“Hire someone who will take care of us. You know, like someone’s grandma. Fresh baked goods and homemade foods brought in would be awesome,” Horse adds his thoughts as he stops in the doorway.

“My wife said you should hire a guy so Reeves and Horse don’t spend all day in the office getting in trouble for sexual harassment,” Pigeon says as he shoves Horse out of the way and enters to stand next to Reeves.

Ignoring all three, I continue reading the info I have on each candidate.

“Rex? Did you hear what I said? We should have some say in who gets hired because we have to work with them too,” Reeves insists. “Maybe we should hang out here today and sit in on the interviews.”

“No, you shouldn’t. Get your shit ready for your appointments, and get out of here. I don’t want a potentially great candidate to meet you three idiots and turn the job down,” I say.

“Not nice, dickhead,” Reeves mutters and leaves my office.

“Fine, I’ll go to work, but if one of them shows up with snacks or treats for us, hire them immediately. You know I don’t have a grandma to spoil me,” Horse states before walking out.

Instead of leaving, Pigeon takes the seat in front of my desk. I ignore him for several moments before he gets tired of it and speaks.

“What’s going on with you lately?”

“Nothing,” I answer way too quickly to be believable.

“No, there’s something. At first, I put it down to you being exhausted from the hours you put in looking for Chubs. Then I blamed your workload here. Now, I’m thinking it’s more than any of that. So, what gives?”

Closing my laptop, I focus on my club brother. Taking a deep breath, I try to answer without giving anything away.

“Nothing serious. Just restless, I guess. Realized I’m creeping up on my late thirties, and I’m still alone. I think I’m not as big on the single life as I used to be. I look at Gunner, Petey, you, and the others’ lives, and I like what I see.”

“There’s someone out there for you, Rex. I never expected to find that person for myself, and yet here I am, married and happy as hell about it. When I least expected it, Ivy came into my life and flipped it upside down. You’ll find that person too.”

“Yeah, I know. I’m just getting impatient, I guess,” I answer.

“I better get to work, but if I can help, let me know.”

I nod, and Pigeon stands and heads for the door. Impulsively, I speak again.

“You’d have my back even if I chose someone that might cause a ripple through the club, right?”

“Absolutely. Even if it’s that fucktard Reeves, I’ll support your decision,” Pigeon responds with a grin. “The brothers would always back you, too.”

Pigeon leaves, and while I appreciate his words, I’m not sure all the brothers would agree.

Cash and I are sitting at a table in the clubhouse, waiting for the rest to arrive for Church. Cash starts to say something, stops, barks out a laugh, and points behind me. Turning, I watch Snots and Gee waddle side by side across the room. Gee’s wearing a bright blue shirt with the words “Pork Axel” printed in large, glittery silver letters across it. Snots is wearing the same shirt, but the words on his read “Times 2.” Laughing, I look around the room until I see Pooh, grinning huge and watching the door. No doubt he’s waiting for Axel to see his latest stunt. I laugh again when I read the print on Pooh’s t-shirt: “It’s a boy!”

“Axel’s been on edge all week, waiting for Aria’s payback. Pooh’s going to end up being Axel’s stress reliever when he beats his ass for the dog and pig shirts,” Cash states.

“Incoming!” someone shouts, and I automatically duck my head.

Mac lands on our table, but he does it more as a sideways slide and topples over the far edge.

“Fuck me,” Mac says with a groan as I lean down and grab his feet.

Hoisting him up, I hold him upside down but facing me.

“Prissy took your ass right out of the air, Mac. You two fighting again?” Cash asks with a laugh.

Mac twists his head around to face Cash before squawking loudly, “Bitches be dangerous!”

“Heard that, Mac!” Ava shouts at him as she walks toward the kitchen.

“All bitches be dangerous,” Mac says but does so in a near whisper. “Getting dizzy, Rex.”

I shift him upright and set his feet on the table. Mac shakes hard and ruffles all his feathers before doing a slow look around the room. When he doesn’t see any nearby threats, he visibly relaxes.

Candy stops next to our table and holds her hand out to Mac. He eyes her hand then takes one step back.

“Step up, Mac,” Candy orders. “Ava wants you in the kitchen with her.”

“Don’t wanna,” Mac responds.

“Step up now,” Candy orders but does so in a sterner tone.

“Nope,” the feathered menace answers.

“Do it now, or I’ll pluck every fucking feather from your body!” Candy shouts while leaning down into Mac’s face.

Mac immediately steps onto her hand. Candy turns to walk off, bird balancing on her hand, when Mac turns his head to me and Cash.

“Every damn one of them!” Mac screeches as Candy carries him to the kitchen.

“Never a dull moment. I love it here,” Lars, Cash’s dad, says with a cackle as he stops his wheelchair next to his son.

“Thought you were picking up the Aunts?” Cash asks.

“Terry refused, so Livi and James are bringing them,” Lars answers. “What’s Mac in trouble for?”

“Could be a dozen different things, but most likely swearing,” I answer with a shrug.

Cash and Lars continue talking, but I only half listen. I’m watching the door, waiting for Aria to arrive. Texting last night, she said she was coming with her mom and Les. She’s not leaving here today without me securing another date with her, and barring death, I’m making it to this one.

“Who are you waiting for?”

I was so intent on watching the door I hadn’t realized Lucy was standing next to me. With her height, we’re nearly face to face, and she’d spoken close to my ear. It startled me, and I jerked back in surprise.

“No one,” I quickly say and realize at the same time I’d said it too quickly to be believable.

Lucy simply arches one brow and stares at me in silence.

My mind draws a complete blank, and I stare back at her for several long seconds, trying to come up with an explanation she’d buy. When the door flies open and the Aunts enter, I breathe in a sigh of relief. Standing quickly, I give Lucy a brief smile and rush across the room.

“There you ladies are! I was beginning to worry about you,” I say as I throw an arm over both Lola and Lottie’s shoulders, pulling them tight to my side and attempting to escort them into the room.

Lottie looks up at me and grins while Lola pulls us to a stop. Looking up at me, she tilts her head and then whispers, “What are we the cover for?”

“Nothing! I’m just glad you’re here,” I reply and try again to move them forward but fail. Both stay firmly planted where they are.

“Don’t make us ask Craig,” Lottie states in a firm tone.

“Don’t do that! Shit! Fine, I’ll tell you. I was watching the door for Reeves, and Lucy wanted to know why. It was personal, so I used you as my excuse to get away from her,” I state.

“Your lying sucks goose ass, Rex. Keep your secrets to yourself. I’m heading to the bar,” Lola says before stepping out from under my arm and walking away.

“Secrets always come out. I can wait,” Lottie adds before following her sister.

“Did you seriously think that was going to work on them?” a female voice asks.

I jolt in surprise and turn to find Livi and James standing behind me. Both smiling, both shaking their heads. While James is carrying Liam on his hip, Livi has her hands full of a large, covered casserole dish. Without thinking, I reach to take it out of her hands before realizing there’s a reason she’s wearing oven mitts.

“Fuck! It’s hot as hell!” I shout and would have dropped the dish, except Livi hadn’t let go of it yet.

Without a word, Livi shifts the dish to one hand and waves the other one at me.

“Oven mitts. They’re not a fashion statement,” she says with a smirk. “How bad did you burn yourself?”

Looking at each red-streaked palm, I answer, “Not bad. Just stinging a little.”

“Since you’re not dying, please explain that load of bullshit you tried on the Aunts,” James states but does so with a blinding white smile.

“After your partner tried scorching my hands off? I think not! Please excuse me while I go administer first aid and cold water to my injured parts,” I say before turning and hustling to the kitchen.

Stopping at the sink, I turn on the cold water and place my hands in the stream. It instantly soothes the burns, so I continue standing there, watching the women move efficiently throughout the kitchen. When my eyes meet Ava’s, hers narrow ever so slightly. So slightly, it may be just my guilty imagination and not reality. When she sets down the pan she was holding and starts coming toward me, I tense. The cold water feels good, but I’m willing to suffer if I must make a run for it. Glancing around the room, I make sure I have a clear path to an exit if needed. Stopping next to me, Ava stares at me for a moment before looking down at my hands.

“What did you do?” Ava asks while carefully pulling one of my hands out of the water.

“Burnt them on Livi’s dish. I was only trying to help,” I mutter quietly.

“I’ll grab the first aid kit. We have aloe vera for burns,” she replies before releasing my hand and walking away.

When she returns, she points to a stool, and I sit. She carefully dries my hands, smooths aloe vera over the red skin, and gently wraps them. I watch and silently thank her for the cool gel-like substance that instantly relieved the burns.

“Why have you been avoiding me, Rex?” Ava suddenly asks.

Looking at her, I see the impish smile she’s trying, and failing, to hide.

“I figured you were still mad at me over the whole clown-snake incident that ruined your dinner plans,” I answer with a small grin. “Thought it might be less dangerous to avoid you than have Loki rip my limbs off.”

Ava laughs loudly, and I hear Trudy’s snort then giggle from across the room. Glancing toward Trudy, I smile when I see her shoulders shaking in mirth.

“Told you he was the smart one,” Trudy says before giggling again.

“I was mad in the beginning. A ton of work and food got trashed that day, and you were the perfect target for my anger. After I calmed down, I realized that you weren’t the one to blame. Pigeon and Reeves, yes. You, no. They got what they had coming, and to be honest, I laughed my ass off that night. What I didn’t understand, though, is what did James do to piss you off too?” Ava asks with a head tilt that I’m sure Mac learned from her.

“James didn’t do anything. I didn’t know he’s as afraid of snakes as Reeves is, so I didn’t expect him to react the same way and to go charging through the clubhouse like a bull in a china shop. That’s a big man to have on the run in small spaces,” I reply, then laugh at the image of James that day.

“Snakes are the spawn of Satan, and I’m glad I have brought this much amusement to you people,” James states in a dry tone as he sets Livi’s casserole dish on a table with a thud. Turning on his heel, James marches out of the kitchen in a huff.

“What the fuck, Pooh? It’s on now, brother! I’m going to beat you on the day you become a dad!” Axel’s shout is easily heard from the main room as were the sounds of something escalating.

“Stand in the doorway, Rex! If you let one of those idiots into this room, I will turn Loki loose on you!” Ava shouts as she and Trudy start quickly moving dishes to a back table.

I bolt to the door, place my back against it, and brace. As the sounds in the main room get louder, shouts of encouragement and instructions, laughter, and cussing, I feel something push against the door a few times. I stand strong, protecting the food and myself from Ava’s anger and large dog. I ignore the pounding on the door and grin at Trudy. When things start to calm down, Ava gives me a nod. Taking a step away from the door, I turn to push it open when it comes flying at me. I throw my hands up, hoping to stop the door, but it hits me square in the face. My hands collide with it, but it was too late to save my nose.

Bending over, I try to breathe through the pain but can’t. My face hurts, my hands are stinging, and if that’s not enough, the door slams open again, this time hitting me on the top of the head. I drop to my ass and slowly topple over backwards. Staring at the ceiling, I realize it’s blurry as fuck. I blink rapidly, but things don’t become clearer.

“Oh my God! Rex! Are you okay?” I hear Ava shout at the same time I hear Tessie’s irate voice.

“Why the hell are you blocking the door, Rex? I was trying to escape the chaos out there and couldn’t get the door open! Thanks to you, I’m now wearing half a beer and a pound of peanuts!”

I try to focus on Tessie’s face directly above me, but her head appears to be floating in mid-air.

“Why are you lying down in here?” Tessie asks in a curious tone, anger now gone.

“You knocked him down with the door. Grab a towel, Trudy. He’s bleeding. Tessie, go find your sister and send her in here,” Ava orders as she kneels next to my head.

“Fine, I will, but I need to change my clothes too you know,” Tessie mutters before walking back through the door that then swings inward and cracks me in the knees.

“See what I mean?” screeches Mac from a nearby table. “Bitches!”

A few minutes later, I’m lying on my back in my bed and contemplating my life’s choices. Taja is rebandaging my hands, and I’m balancing a bag of frozen peas across my face when Aria enters the room. I can’t see her through the bag of peas, but I recognize her voice immediately. Fuck me, I can’t catch a break.

“So, is stopping doors with your face a common thing you do, Rex?” Aria asks in a solemn tone.

“Not my fault. Taja’s feral sister took me out because of Axel and… you know what? It doesn’t matter. It’s life with The Devil’s Angels and their females. Bad shit happens, and it happens often. I shouldn’t have followed Axel home. I should’ve stayed in jail where it was safe,” I reply in a muffled tone.

“Has your nose quit bleeding yet?” Taja asks in a soft voice, but I’m positive I hear a note of humor in it.

“Don’t know, woman. You’ve got my hands captive, and tampon-sized cotton balls shoved up my nose. Oh shit! Tell me it’s not actual tampons up there!” I shout while trying to sit up.

I listen to the sounds of muffled laughter while a hand on my forehead pushes me back down to lay flat again.

“If either of you are laughing at me, we’re going to have a problem. I was simply helping Ava and Trudy out, and then this crap happens, and none of that is funny! Let go of my hands! I’m fine. You can leave, and I’ll happily die alone in misery while everyone enjoys my pain and their dinner that I saved. Thank you very much, but go!” I state loudly.

I regret my outburst when I get a stabbing pain shooting through my brain. I feel the bed dip beside me and then the bag of peas being removed from my face. I start to open my eyes, but at the first sign of light, I slam them closed again. Light is bad. Very bad and very painful. Squinting, I crack open one eye enough to see that it’s Aria sitting next to me and now holding the peas. I wanted to see her today, but this was not what I had in mind.

“It’s not tampons. Your body has not been desecrated with those silly female things. It’s just cotton to stop the bleeding. They’re like nose tampons, I guess you could say,” Aria says in a soothing voice.

“Nose tampons? Really? Just calling it cotton wasn’t good enough?” I ask in a sarcastic voice.

Aria snorts out a laugh as she sets the peas on the nightstand. Pulling on gloves, she gently removes the cotton Taja had stuffed up my nose. Looking my face over carefully, Aria takes the washcloth Taja hands her. Dabbing carefully, she cleans my face free of blood. Waiting for Taja to rinse and return the cloth, she speaks.

“Taja has your hands rebandaged but was concerned about your face. I agree with her, and we think your nose is broken.”

While she’s talking, she’s pressing her thumbs in several areas of my face, but nothing hurts other than the areas close to my nose. She tells me to open my mouth, and she does a quick exam to be sure I didn’t lose a tooth or two. When she’s satisfied nothing else is broken, she starts running her fingers through my hair.

Taja returns and stands quietly by while watching Aria closely. When Aria’s fingers stop in a spot, Taja speaks.

“He was hit pretty hard on the top of the head. I found a contusion there, but I haven’t walked him through concussion questions yet. I was going to suggest an E.R. visit, but I know he’ll say no.”

“I can do it, Taja. You have a husband and baby waiting for you. Go eat with them, and I’ll finish up here,” Aria says. “You might want to let your sister know he lives.”

“Are you sure? Not much else I can do for him if he won’t go to the hospital, but I’ll help if you need it.”

“I’m in the room, so you don’t have to talk around me. And no. I’m not going to the hospital,” I say irritably.

“I’m sure. Go enjoy the day, and I’ll deal with the grumpy biker.”

“Thanks, Aria. Sorry about Tessie, Rex,” Taja says before leaving the room.

“Thanks, Taja,” I shout in a clearer voice now that I don’t have nose tampons anymore.

“Will it do any good to walk you through the concussion protocol?”

“No. Concussion or not, I’m not going to the hospital.”

“Your nose is most likely broken, but it’s not out of alignment. Keep icing it and sleep with it elevated. Take Tylenol for the pain, and be careful to not make it bleed again. It’s your head I’m more concerned with,” Aria says in a soft voice while still running her fingers over my scalp.

“I know what to watch for with a concussion. I also know I need to rest, limit screen time, stay hydrated, and no strenuous activities. Thank you for checking on me, but I’ll be fine. Unless you want to stay with me and nurse me back to health?” I ask with a grin.

“Hmm. Not a bad idea,” Aria responds with her own grin.

“Gunner said to tell you that Church is about to start,” Candy announces from the doorway.

Aria jerks her hands back, and I miss them on me already. Moving my head enough to see Candy, I say, “Thanks, Candy. Tell him I’ll be there as soon as I change out of this bloody shirt.”

“Holy shit, Rex! You look like hell! Do you need help getting to Church? I can probably carry you,” Candy states as she approaches my bed.

“No, I’m good. Is it that bad?” I ask as I sit up then swing my legs to the side of the bed.

“Yeah, it is,” Candy adds while still staring at my face.

I start getting concerned with Candy’s stare, so I turn my head to face Aria.

“You didn’t ask how you looked,” Aria answers my unspoken question.

Pushing to my feet, I hesitate, waiting for the room to stop spinning before I grab a shirt out of my dresser and walk into the bathroom. Turning on the light, I turn to the mirror and nearly gasp at how bad I look. Both eyes are already turning a deep purplish-blue color and are almost as swollen as my nose, which is huge. I also have a small cut on my upper lip, and it’s swollen too. I grab a washcloth and quickly but carefully run it over my face and through my hair. I change my shirt and exit the bathroom to find my bedroom empty.

Walking into the main room, all heads turn my way, and the room goes silent.

“Holy fuck, brother! I always thought if Tessie was going to end someone, it would involve her Jeep!” Horse shouts before shooting an apologetic look at Tessie.

“I think we all thought that,” mutters Petey from the table closest to me.

“I made you a plate, Rex. I’m so sorry this happened,” Tessie says from her table then shoots Horse an irritated look.

She stands, retrieves a plateful of food, and approaches. Handing it to me, she goes up on tiptoes and plants a sweet kiss on my cheek. I give her a brief, one-armed hug and turn to find a seat. Finding an empty chair, I gratefully sit down and look at my tablemates. I sat down without looking and now find Craig, Luke, and a skunk sitting with me. I sign hi to Luke, and he returns it with a smile. I grin at Craig’s shirt, which reads: “The Chosen One.” I get busy eating, mindful of the cut on my lip.

Talking resumed, and I ignored it while eating. As soon as I finish, Gunner stands and announces Church. All the members stand and file into the room we use for Church meetings. Taking my seat, I turn a glare toward Pooh.

“What? I didn’t hit you with the door!” he insists.

“You and Axel’s bullshit caused this, though,” I state while pointing at my face.

“You’re still beautiful,” Trigger says before laughing loudly.

“You look good in shades of purple and blue,” Pigeon adds as he takes his seat.

“Don’t even think about blaming me. I didn’t do nothing,” Axel says.

“I am blaming you. Also blaming your butt-buddy, Pooh,” I reply.

“Fuck you!” Axle shouts with a wide grin.

“I wouldn’t fuck you even with Horse’s vagina,” I respond and watch the words wash through Horse’s brain.

“Hey! Leave me out of this!” Horse shouts indignantly. “And I don’t have a vagina, you twat!”

“As fun as this is, let’s get Church started, boys. We have a lot to cover today,” Gunner orders and then slaps the gavel down.

After covering several issues, including the surveillance of the clubs and traffickers, Axel asks to speak. At Gunner’s nod, Axel surprises most of us in the room with his topic.

“We all know we need prospects, and I have one I want to nominate. I’d also like to sponsor this person. Candy. I think she’d be a great prospect, and she’s loyal to those she cares about. Namely, our kids and women, but also to us. She doesn’t have family she’s close to, and we could be that family for her. She’s proven herself several times already, and I know there are few people I’d trust my daughter or Bailey with more than her.”

Mouths dropped open, and the room went silent. Everyone stared at Axel like he’d sprouted another head. The silence continued until Axel stood and crossed his arms in a defiant manner.

“I’m telling you, she’d be a great member! I’ll take full responsibility for her, sponsor her, and teach her everything she needs to know,” Axel states loudly and somewhat belligerently. He was getting angry at the silence.

“I agree 100%, brother,” I say.

“Same for me,” Chubs states.

“Me too,” Reeves, then Pigeon, then Horse adds.

“Not sure we need to take a vote about this. I think we’re all on the same page regarding Candy and how she fits in with the club,” Petey says.

“Then why all the silent stares?” Axel exclaims while tossing his hands in the air.

“Just didn’t expect it to be you nominating her. Since she beat your ass more than once and all that stuff,” laughs Trigger.

“She cares about our kids, and that’s more important to me than doing battle with her. I keep telling you people that I’ve grown up and matured. I’m a dad now, you know. And, hell, I’d rather have her on my side than be against her,” Axel insists.

At that bit of truth, the room rocks with laughter. Axel shrugs and takes his seat.

Raising his hand, Chubs seconds the motion. We do a vote anyway to make it official, and James steps out of the room to retrieve Candy. When they return, she takes a spot against the wall, eyes curious as they seek out Gunner.

“We voted, and all agreed that we’d like for you to become a prospect of the club if it’s something you’d like to do, Candy,” Gunner states. “You’ve been around us long enough now to know if you’d like to make it a permanent thing. You’d have to prospect until we decide it’s time to make you a member. During that time, you can quit and still remain on good terms with the club if you find it’s not the right fit for you.”

Candy stares silently at Gunner for several long seconds before sweeping the room making eye contact with each of us. She appears stunned and unsure of what to say. Finally, she turns back to Gunner.

“Everyone voted yes to allow me to prospect?” she asked in a quiet voice.

“Every single member voted yes. You would make a great addition to our club, and we’d like you to think it over carefully. You don’t have to give us an answer right now,” Gunner explains. “I believe you belong here, with us, with our families, as an important part of our lives, Candy.”

Candy’s body gave a small jerk before she dropped her head and stared at her feet. After a moment, she lifted her face and looked at Gunner again.

“I’ve never belonged anywhere before,” she states in a small voice.

“You do now if you want it,” Axel adds.

“I do want it. I would love to prospect and work toward being a member, but I have a few conditions if that’s allowed,” Candy says.

“Not sure we’ve ever had a prospect with conditions before, but let’s hear them,” Gunner says with a grin.

“Bella comes first. She should be the first female to prospect and to become a member. She’s earned that honor, and I don’t mind prospecting for a few years if that’s what it takes to give her the time to accomplish her goals. That’s non-negotiable for me,” Candy immediately states in a firm voice.

“I already liked you, Candy. Now you’re making me like you even more. I agree that Bella should be first, and thank you for thinking of my daughter,” Petey says in a gruff voice.

“I’m sure we can all agree to that condition. Any others?” Gunner asks.

“I’ll stay at the clubhouse while prospecting when needed, but I want to keep my apartment. I love it there, and it’s the first space that’s ever been all mine.”

“You’ll be assigned a room here for convenience on nights you may not want to travel home, but you are allowed to live where you choose. My wife would gut me if I made you leave that apartment. She loves having you as a tenant there,” Gunner responds with a grin.

“Those are my only conditions,” Candy states.

“When do you want to start prospecting?” Pooh asks.

“The day after Bella starts,” Candy answers.

“One more little thing to consider, Candy,” Gunner says. “Every prospect has a sponsor to teach them our ways. They’re responsible for you and any mistakes that you make. You have to work closely with your sponsor and often take orders you may not like or understand. Your sponsor’s goal, though, is to help you make it to being a member. They sacrifice time and energy to ensure you have all the tools to become a valued member.”

“I understand. Who will be my sponsor?” she asks.

“Axel,” Gunner answers, and we all hold our breath, waiting for the explosion. When it doesn’t come, we all deflate just a little bit.

Turning her head to look at her new sponsor, Axel grins widely at her then winks.

“We’re going to become the bestest of good friends, Candy. It’ll be me and you showing the club how awesome of a sponsor I am! We’re going to shame Pooh and his lack of sponsor abilities! Ready to help me kick his worthless ass?” Axel asks while flipping two birds toward Pooh.

Turning back to face Gunner, Candy stares hard at him until our very own President starts to fidget a little. Finally, she grins.

“Loved every minute of kicking his ass before. Am sure I will again. Hell, yeah, Axel! Let’s do this!” Candy shouts before imitating Axel and tossing her own two birds in the air toward Pooh.

After Candy left the room and things settled down again, Gunner asked me about the opening at the security shop.

“It’s been filled, and she starts on Monday. I hired Marti. I spoke with Freddy first, and he was fine with it and gave her a great recommendation. She’s awesome with customers, and I think she’ll do great there.”

“Um, wait a second. Marti, as in the former club girl now server and sometimes bartender from the strip club? That Marti?” Pigeon asks as he sits up straight in his chair.

“Yes, that one,” Freddy answers with a small frown. “Why are you acting like that’s a problem?”

“Well, because maybe it is a problem. She was a club girl, as in several of us have been, uh, naked with her. Like, very naked,” Reeves interjects, now sitting up straight too.

“So? If she’s not holding that against you, which she isn’t, why’s that a problem?” I ask.

“I’m not sure my wife is going to be thrilled that I’m now working with someone I’ve had sex with before,” Pigeon states in a loud voice.

“That sounds like a you problem and not a club problem. Maybe you should have been more careful about where you stuck your dick. Marti’s perfect for the job, and she needs it since the strip club might be getting sold. She’s familiar with the club, its members, and she’s been a loyal hang-around for years. I’m not going to tell her she’s no longer wanted as an employee because a few of you have had sex with her. You see her at the strip club, so why is it different now?” I ask.

“I don’t have an issue with her. She’s a good person, and I agree she’ll be great with the customers. I have concerns about how my wife will feel knowing I’m spending every day with someone that I slept with. Things are great, and I don’t want the boat rocked,” Pigeon insists.

“Welcome to marriage, brother. You’ll want to explain it to Ivy and not let her find out from someone else. Ivy is reasonable and will understand. Eventually anyway. You still have a room here if you get booted from your bed, though,” Gunner says with a wide grin.

“Not fucking funny. Have you told Ava about everyone you’ve slept with?” Pigeon questions.

“Ava knows everything she needs to know. Mostly, she knows I was no angel before meeting her,” Gunner barks out in a now irritated tone.

“Marriage is not easy, Pigeon, but honesty is the only way to go,” Petey advises, with Trigger nodding in agreement.

“If this causes a wrinkle in my marriage, I’m going to be working with you two at the auto shop,” Pigeon mutters.

“Don’t threaten us,” Trigger states with a grin and a hard elbow to Pigeon’s ribs.

“I get why Pigeon’s concerned, but why are you, Reeves? You don’t have a wife or a girlfriend,” Cash asks.

“Oh. Yeah, I guess I didn’t think about that. I was just concerned for my friend Pigeon and his lovely wife, Ivy,” Reeves answers in an unconvincing tone.

“I call bullshit, Reeves. You got a side piece you haven’t told us about?” Vex asks.

“You’re one to talk! Pigeon should be asking you advice about this since nearly every vagina in Denver has said hello to your cock at one time or another! Be a good brother and help him keep Ivy! Are we about done here, guys?” Reeves asks loudly.

“Be honest with your wife, Pigeon. Jealous much, Reeves?” Vex responds instantly with a wicked grin.

“Yeah, we’re about done. Anyone got anything else they want to discuss?” Gunner says while laughing and pointing the gavel at Reeves’ disgruntled face.

“Can we get rid of the swinging kitchen door?” I ask.