Page 26 of Vex

I shake myself out of my thoughts and head outside. Striding directly to my bike, I toss a leg over it, slam my helmet on, start the bike and head out for a ride. This is the only way I know to clear the cobwebs from my head. This and a hot, willing woman. Bike ride it is for today, though.

A few more days pass before I pull into work and see Taja’s car in the lot. I feel my temperature rise, and it’s not in a good way. I park my bike and stay seated for a few minutes trying to quell my anger. I remembered, while lying in bed last night, the note I’d found in my locker. I pulled it out, opened it and wanted to put my fist through the wall.

Vex,

Thanks for a great night. Practice makes perfect it seems. The dancers were right – you’re a great lay. Not sure why you left the money behind. Unlike them, and you, I’m not a pro. I’ve returned your money along with a tip for services very well rendered.

T.

I texted but received no answer. I called her and again no answer. I’m angry as hell at the tall, blond wench. We’ll be having a discussion and she’s not going to like the topic. I’m a pretty easy-going guy, but she’s found a way to set me off like few have ever done.

Entering the club, my eyes find Taja behind the bar with Suki. She’s smiling and laughing, and I have to force my eyes not to go squinty. I also force myself to stop and speak with Rod before I head to Freddy’s office.

After I get the lowdown from Freddy as to what’s happening tonight at the club, I make a round then seat myself at the bar. Taja immediately sets a beer down in front of me.

“Hey, Vex. How’s it going today?” she asks casually with a small smile.

“Been better, Taja. Your phone not working?” I snip back.

“It’s working just fine,” she replies before walking away.

I’m not used to women blowing me off. While I get sick and tired of women rubbing against me and grabbing my junk, I’m also finding I don’t like being ignored by Taja. I drink my beer while watching her interact with the customers. Before that can annoy me too much, a fight breaks out by the stage, and I’m a little too happy to bust some skulls.

When the fight is broken up, and the troublemakers hauled out the door, I see Pigeon, Toes and Horse Nuts chatting up Suki and Taja. Pigeon has never hidden his feelings toward Suki. I don’t know how deep they run, but I do know he’s always trying to get her to spend time with him. No idea where Suki’s at with all that, but that’s their deal. What’s now pissing me off isn’t Pigeon and Suki. It’s Toes and where his eyes keep landing when he looks at Taja. God didn’t give her that ass for his eyes to enjoy.

Striding to the bar, I lean in between Toes and Horse, facing Toes. Our faces are close and his eyes widen at my sudden appearance. I glare at him without saying a word. I know I’m confusing him, but I don’t care. He needs to get gone. Now would be a good time for that to happen.

“There a problem, Vex?” Pigeon asks quietly as he steps up to my side.

“No. Toes has decided he wants to drink some place different tonight. Right, Toes?” I growl while staring Toes down.

“I do?” Toes exclaims while proving why the club members have been hesitant to patch him in. He’s not always the quickest on the uptake.

“We both do. Let’s hit the road, Toes,” Horse states while standing up. Horse catches on quickly and will make a great club member someday soon.

After Horse and Toes walk out the door, I turn around to find several pairs of eyes on me. I ignore the looks and sit my ass down on Horse’s vacant stool. Suki plops a beer down within reach at the same time Pigeon and Freddy take the stools on each side of me. Taja and Suki move away to fill orders while Pigeon and Freddy sit quietly, waiting patiently.

“You two can stand down. Everything’s fine,” I bark.

“Never seen you so angry all the damn time before, Vex. Makes me nervous,” Freddy says.

“What’s going on, brother?” Pigeon questions.

“Not a fucking thing,” I answer calmer now that my anger is disappearing. I set my beer bottle down, stand up and leave them sitting there.

-*- -*- -*- -*-

“Did you really think you were going to slip out tonight without talking with me?” I ask Taja as she slides onto her car seat.

I grin a little evilly at the squeal of fear that leaves her perfect mouth. I also grasp her forearm before she can bolt back out of the car. I wait until she settles down and then take her keys from her hand. I pocket them and wait for her to speak.

“What the hell are you doing in my car?” she screeches at a level I’m sure only dogs can hear.

“I broke in. That’s not important. Here’s how this is going to go, Taj. I’m going to talk. You’ll listen and answer appropriately when, and if, I ask you something. Nod your head if you understand,” I say.

“You broke…” Taja starts to holler before I lean over and slam my mouth down on hers. My kiss is harsh, but it stops her from speaking.

I continue tasting her until I feel her body relax. I slowly pull my head back and enjoy the look on her face. It doesn’t last near long enough, though, before her eyes narrow at me.

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