Page 46 of Rex

“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.

Chapter 10

Aria

While the guys attend Church, several of us are playing a loud and boisterous game of Uno. I don’t have proof, but I’m pretty sure the Aunts are cheating, and I’m guessing Lars knows they cheat because he refused to play when they joined the game. Terry accuses them of it often and loudly. Watching from nearby, Lars is keeping Liam, Cash’s son, entertained while talking quietly with James’ mom and sister.

Bailey walks past, holding her ever-increasing-belly, with little Alex skipping alongside her. The twins are chatting Taja’s ears off while Tessie is playing peek-a-boo with her tiny niece. Trudy has Ava and Gunner’s son against her shoulder as she sways slightly in place, rocking him to sleep. Luke and Craig are in a corner with the large dogs, signing and laughing about something that would most likely scare the adults.

Looking toward the bar, I see Bella behind it, and it appears she’s taking an inventory. Looking at each shelf, she stops occasionally and writes something in a notepad before moving further down the bar. Mac and Prissy are standing on the bar but at opposite ends. Prissy is bobbing her head and stomping her feet while Mac stares silently at her. I realize it’s one of the few times I’ve seen Mac being quiet. It’s kind of spooky.

Candy, sitting alone in the middle of the bar, appears to be deep in thought. Her presence seems to be maintaining the peace between the birds. Several of the other women are sitting at a nearby table, playing poker. By the sounds of it, Ivy’s cleaning them out.

I never would have guessed I’d ever be playing Uno in an MC clubhouse while an adorable skunk naps in my lap, but here I am. I definitely never thought my mom would be caught dead sitting on the floor, chatting with a jiggly little pig, either. It’s amazing how fast and completely your entire world can change. It only takes a single moment or one decision, and boom. You find yourself living in a world that’s foreign yet fascinating to you. Now that I’ve been here for a while, I can’t ever imagine returning to my old life. It seems boring in comparison to living on the edge of an MC.

“Whenever you’re done having dirty thoughts about whoever is causing that smile on your face, it’s your turn,” Lisa says as she slaps my arm.

Looking at Lisa, I suddenly realize I’ve never had a better friend. Sure, I had friends in Chicago, but no one I would ever go to war with. Or one I’d help take revenge on a shit boyfriend for. But Lisa? Yeah, I’d do all of that. Grinning at her, I slap my card on the table and watch her eyes widen in dismay.

“I can’t hold any more cards, bitch! My hands aren’t the size of Gunner’s!” Lisa shouts.

“Glad she nailed your ass with that one and not mine. Come on, Lisa. Draw from that deck so I can shout Uno and kick all your asses!” Lola crows in delight.

The men start filing back into the main room, and my eyes automatically search for Rex. Seeing his face, I wince in sympathy. I wince again when he tries to nonchalantly wink at me and can’t due to the swelling.

“Are you having a seizure?” Tessie asks him as she grips his forearm, bringing him to a halt.

“What? No. Just blinking to clear my vision. It’s been doubled ever since you decided to end me,” Rex jokes, then quickly reaches out to hug Tessie when her face crumbles. “Not mad at you, girl. It was an accident.”

“I’m so sorry. I really am,” Tessie says in a mumble since her face is smooshed against Rex’s chest.

“I know, Tess. We’re good. Yeah?” Rex asks.

“Yeah. Thanks, Rex,” she answers before releasing him and walking away.

When Gunner shouts for everyone’s attention, the room goes silent. The large man explains briefly about the club and Candy’s new role, and I grin when I see Bella’s whole face light up. She fist-bumps Candy and shoots a thumbs-up gesture at Gunner. The room explodes with congratulations and ‘you go girl’ comments, and I watch Candy squirm a little with being the center of attention. Face red, she nods to the crowd of people before ducking her head in embarrassment.

During this, Axel picked up his daughter, hugged her tight, and turned to watch Candy’s reaction. Seeing an opportunity, I stood and moved up tight behind him. Hands on hips, I wait silently for him to turn and find me in his space. When he finally sees me, I give him an evil grin and narrowed eyes. He jerks back instinctively and turns his body to protect his daughter.

“Damnit, Aria! You creeped up on me, and that’s just wrong!” Axel states indignantly.

“Oops. Sorry,” I say without an ounce of sincerity.

“Uh, what’s this about?” Trudy asks as she takes Axel’s daughter out of his arms now that Ava has reclaimed her son. Trudy completely ignores his glare at her.

“Axel called me fat,” I answer loudly. “Now he’s worried I may take revenge for that comment.”

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