Page 74 of Rex

“Why does everything have to be so difficult with you fuckers?” Gunner asks exasperatedly while running a hand over his face.

“Why are you here?” I ask, refusing to get sidetracked and determined to get an answer. “Because if you’re only here to criticize how I get my job done, then I have better shit to be doing. At any point, if you want to take over running point on theintel gathering, be my guest. I’d fucking love to work a normal eight-to-five job like most of you do.”

“You’re in a pissy mood,” Gunner states.

“Yeah, I am. I’ve clocked well over a hundred hours so far this week, Gunner. Have you had the pleasure of tucking your kids into bed each night? I hope so because I haven’t even seen my home in three days. Have you gotten to spend time with Ava? Yeah? Great, because while you’re doing that, I’m here looking for intel to keep you off my fucking back. Have you gotten to ride your bike or watch a television show? I’m guessing you’ve gotten to do both. I haven’t because I’m here working, and yet you’re here again to bark at me about how it gets done, and yet you have no fucking clue what all goes into it. So, I’ll ask again before I give up and walk the fuck out the door—why are you here?” I reply in a near shout.

I watch and don’t give a single flying fuck as Gunner’s eyebrows raise in surprise. Without looking, I know every other guy’s face is showing surprise or shock, too. Planting my hands on my hips, I wait impatiently for an answer.

“I’ve been waiting days for that intel, and you know I have to get it to the Morales family,” Gunner replies, but his tone has cooled considerably.

“I’ve sent you everything we’ve found so far. I told you I would send it as I find it, and I have,” I respond instantly, irritation clear in my voice.

“Being honest, I don’t feel like you’ve made this your top priority. You’ve been distracted lately,” Gunner states.

“I told you the other day it was a priority, but so was finding Aria’s stalker. That’s why the guys and Marti came in to help today,” I say. “So more than one task could be completed.”

“My sister’s safety matters. I haven’t stepped in on it much because I trust Rex. You have a problem with Aria’s safety, Prez?” Chubs asks while walking to stand shoulder to shoulder with me, watching Gunner closely.

“No, you know I don’t. But it seems the club is spending a lot of time on it when there are other things that need to be done too,” Gunner replies, stubbornly standing his ground.

“I’ll tell you what, Prez. I’ll take a leave of absence from the club, effective immediately, and I’ll take over my sister’s issue, and that’ll leave Rex taking care of yours,” Chubs says in a low tone before turning to me. “Show me what you have, and then stand down, Rex. I’ll handle Aria, and you handle him.”

Looking at Chubs, without thinking, I blurt, “I’m going to be dating your sister, and I hope you’re okay with that. If not, we can hit the ring.”

“Thank fuck. I was beginning to think you were never going to tell me. Yes, I’m fine with that. Shit, Rex! There’s no one I’d rather see her with than you, brother!” Chubs states loudly before giving me a one armed manly type hug.

“So that’s why you’ve been so distracted? Really?” Gunner asks in a surprised tone.

“First, I haven’t been distracted. I’ve been working my ass off like I always do for you and for the club. Second, you have the nerve to stand here and say really to me? After all the shit the entire club went through for Ava? Really, asshole?” I bark.

“Well, fuck, Rex, you never told me you were into her,” Gunner mutters.

“Well, fuck, Gunner, it’s none of your business. I don’t remember you coming to me and saying, ‘I’m really into Ava,’ either. Club rules—I have to speak with Chubs about it, not you.”

“Meant what I said, Rex. I couldn’t be happier than you and Aria together. My whole family will love it, in fact. You got a file on her stalker?” Chubs asks, and I nod before moving to my desk.

“Jesus, Prez. It’s usually me that fucks up this big, not you,” Axel says.

“I didn’t fuck up,” Gunner insists.

“Yeah, you have. Basically, you’ve been riding Rex’s ass when we all know he works hard for the club, and none of us can do his job. You were fine with Aria, a club member’s sister, being a lower priority. Even though if that were Ava, she would have been the only priority. You’ve managed to piss off Aria and Lucy, terrify Marti, get a club member to take a leave of absence, and nearly push our tech guy into quitting in less than half an hour. What’s your next move? Roast Gee for dinner?” Axel says with a smirk.

“Fuck you, Axel!” Gunner says in a low growl.

“Everything Axel just said is true, and you know it. Maybe instead of treating everyone like shit, you should just go home and talk with your wife. It’s her you’re mad at, but it’s us you’re taking it out on. Well, not me because I’m out for a while,” Chubs states in a hard voice before calling for the pets and leaving the office.

“Pissing off Chubs is an even bigger crime,” Pooh mutters.

Reeves gives Gunner one more look before leaving the room.

“Anything you need, or can I get back to work?” I ask sarcastically.

“No, he doesn’t need anything else. Come on, Prez. You’ve done enough damage for one day,” Axel states.

After they leave my office, I slump in my chair, rubbing my face with both hands.

“Hey! What’s Ava mad at him about?” Axel whispers from the door.

---