Page 43 of Vex

Chapter 19

Taja

After grabbing some clothes, I ride with Toes to the Devil’s Angels clubhouse. Vex got to hold me for a quick moment before we left, and it helped slow the shakes I had. I’m not ashamed to admit I needed his strength because mine had vanished. I feel like I’m missing a limb, and my mind is numb.

“We’ll get her back, Taja,” Vex vowed before giving me a hard kiss and walking back into the house to help make plans.

It’s dark and silent when Toes guides me into the clubhouse. I follow him to the bar area and take a seat. Toes sets a beer and a shot of something in front of me. I’m not a drinker to speak of, but I shoot the shot and then chase it with a large chug of beer. My eyes water and my throat burns, but I still feel numb inside. Instant regret swamps me when I remember I could be pregnant. I’ll never make that mistake again.

“Follow me. I’ll show you to Vex’s room,” Toes mumbles as he turns to walk off.

“Is there a reason why this is the first you’ve spoken to me tonight?” I ask him.

Toes hesitates before turning back to face me.

“Vex has made it very clear you’re his. He’s never done that before as far as I know. He’s a great guy but not someone to cross. Not if breathing’s important to you. And if you get on the wrong side of Vex, you’re on the wrong side of Pooh. Another great guy but he can be fucking deadly when crossed. I’m a prospect hoping to get voted into the club, so I can’t have those two against me if that’s ever going to happen.”

“I’m pretty sure Vex wouldn’t be upset with you for speaking to me,” I tell him confidently.

“Vex saw me checking out your ass at Dreams. Yes, I’m guilty of it. I’m a guy so, yeah, I do that shit. Since that night, I’ve been placed on shit duty. Literally, shit duty. My new job is to make sure the compound has no animal shit anywhere, and Ava has a bunch of pets. Craig even has a skunk. Have you ever had to clean up skunk shit? Vex handed me latex gloves to use to pick up the bird shit. Like, with my fucking fingers! I now spend my days walking the compound on fucking Poo-Poo Patrol. Horse said it’s no coincidence that my new duties took effect the morning after I looked at your ass. So, please Taja, understand I’m not angry with you. It’s not that I dislike you. It’s that I fucking hate spending my days dealing with shit. No ass is worth that!” he explains before turning away again. I silently follow him to Vex’s room, having absolutely no clue what to say to all of that.

After Toes leaves me in Vex’s room, I take a seat on the unmade bed, exhausted in mind and body. After a moment, I get back up and make my way into his bathroom. I wash my makeup off, brush my teeth and return to the bedroom. I rummage in his dresser until I find a t-shirt to sleep in. I have this urge, this need, to have Vex close but this is the best I’m going to get tonight.

Looking around, I see a set of folded sheets in a laundry basket next to the dresser. I strip the bed, remake it and climb in. My mind is whirling, and I doubt sleep’s going to come, but I need to try. I toss and turn for what seems like hours before giving up. Sitting up, I place my back against the headboard and pull my knees to my chest. I pick up my phone and send off a text.

Me: Any news?

Vex: Not yet. You at the clubhouse?

Me: Yeah, in your room

Vex: If it smells bad, it’s Pooh’s fault.

Me: It does. He needs cologne or soap/water

Vex: I’ll let him know. Miss you baby

Me: Missing you too. I want you and Tessie back here with me

Vex: Working on that. I’ll bring her back

Me: Please do that but be safe. I can’t lose anyone else, Vex. I really can’t

Vex: You’re not going to. Kitchen is stocked. Eat/drink anything you want. Get some sleep. I like knowing you’re in my bed. Take care of yourself and our little one

Me: Possible little one but I will. Promise

Vex: Gotta go. I’ll keep you posted

Me: Thx

I pull on a pair of yogo pants under Vex’s shirt and leave the room. I find the kitchen and get to making coffee. I fill a mug, planning on returning to Vex’s room, but find Toes in the doorway.

“Vex said to make sure you eat something. Cupboards are stocked and the fridges are full.”

I stop myself from smiling at the latex gloves he’s wearing, along with a frown, and nod my head. I set my cup down and rummage up a light breakfast. Taking everything back to Vex’s room, I climb back into bed and start eating a bowl of fresh berries and yogurt.

It’s only a few minutes and I hear a scratching at the door. Curious, I walk to the door and pull it slightly open to peer though. An extremely large ball of fur pushes itself through the door with an angry meow, and I realize it’s a cat. A very fat cat. I watch in awe as he struts across the room and jumps onto the bed. The bed actually bounces a little before the cat settles down. I find myself facing one large, pissed off kitty. I’d just leave him be, but he’s between me and my coffee. That’s a no-no. I approach slowly and hold the back of my hand out to him. He stares balefully at me without so much as a blink.

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