Page 77 of Rex

“I heard from a little birdie that our big, bad president is afraid of getting his boy parts snipped,” Axel interjects. “And that’s why he’s been an ass to be around lately.”

Gunner throws the gavel at Axel’s head but misses, and it only makes Axel laugh harder. Dropping his head and staring at his feet, Gunner admits defeat and lets the comments come at him. Everyone has something to say, poking fun at him, and I have to admit to being petty enough that I enjoy it. After a few minutes, the men start to quiet down again, except for an occasional laugh.

“Are we done discussing my dick yet?” Gunner asks.

“For now,” Trigger states before laughing out loud again.

“We’re done, period,” Gunner says.

“Speaking of periods, does getting snipped make one’s periods more painful?” Pooh asks the room and causes another round of laughter.

Turning to look at me, Gunner asks, “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“Yes, very much,” I answer honestly.

“I deserve that from you. I’ve been a dick, Rex. Sorry,” Gunner says, and I can tell he means those words.

I nod, acknowledging them. We’re square, but he’ll have to fix things with Chubs on his own.

Me: You didn’t come to the clubhouse today. I missed you.

Aria: My brother’s a little angry with the club so we decided to have a family day at moms instead. I miss seeing you, though. Are you at home?

Me: Sorry he’s mad but I get it. Did he tell you we spoke?

Aria: Yes, he did. He’s very happy about it. So is everyone else.

Me: I’m not at home. I’m at the office. I made it home for a few hours last night though. Not the same without you there. Chubs find anything yet?

Aria: No but he will. I meant what I said, Rex. Don’t do anything more on my behalf. I have brothers and we’ll get it sorted. I don’t want to piss off the big guy any more than I apparently already have. I certainly don’t want you to get in trouble because of me.

Me: Gunner was being an ass because of an issue with Ava but we’re cool now. He won’t say anything more about it.

Aria: That’s good but I still don’t want you working on my crap.

Me: It’s not crap, Aria. It’s about your safety and it matters to me.

Aria: Please just let it go. I’ve struggled from the beginning of moving here with the club and how things are done. I don’t understand all things biker club, I know, but sometimes it seems the differences between the club and other people seem like too much.

Me: Are you saying it’s too much for us to be together?

Aria: No, but it’s making me wonder about it. Sorry, but the rules and the repercussions from them are a lot for an outsider to understand. I didn’t even realize I’m scared of riding until the other day. How do I date a biker and not ride? Is that even done?

Me: It takes time to get used to the rules and stuff. Maybe riding with me isn’t that important or maybe you’ll get over the fear? Just don’t give up on us yet. We deserve a shot, don’t we?

Aria: Yes, I think we do. I just don’t know if I am cut out to be a biker’s woman.

Me: Talk with Lucy. Maybe she can explain things better than me. Or Ava, Bailey even. Give us a chance, Aria.

Aria: I will but please know ahead of time, I’m not cool with your president. I think he’s an oversized cock face and I’m not a fan of being talked to like that. Barking orders at me like he has the right. I’m not a member so he can go fuck himself because I didn’t sign up for his attitude. I didn’t say anything because I knew he’d take it out on you or my brother, but I can’t promise to bite my tongue the next time. He’s clueless about how hard you work and it irritates me.

I laugh out loud at her cock face comment because it was true in that moment.

Me: I don’t expect you to stand silent if you have something to say. I can handle Gunner’s attitude so don’t feel like you have to put up with something on my behalf. We’ll be okay, Aria. You be you and I’ll just stand behind supporting you. Yeah?

Aria: Yeah, okay. Will I see you sometime this week?

Me: I will do everything in my power to make it happen. Are you going home tonight? Miss you.

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