Page 28 of Devil's Due

“Not getting involved with another bitch before I’ve extricated myself from the one I’m still, unfortunately, with. Maybe never again. Kind of reminded me why I stayed single for so long.”

He laughs, but it sounds dutiful. “I was like you. But it turns out I was waiting for my one. Now I’ve found her? Well, have to say, the grass is fuckin’ green and tender this side of the fence.”

“Glad to hear it, Prez.” But I doubt it’s for me.

A considering look comes my way, then a grin slowly slides onto his face. “Well, you won’t go wanting. Got five sweet butts here who’d be interested in a new cock.”

That’s all I’ll be to them. For a moment I do miss having a woman to call my own. Problem is, the girl who I have in mind doesn’t yet have a face, and certainly isn’t called Sally. Which reminds me. I offer an explanation in advance. “Can’t do that just yet, Prez.”

His eyes sharpen. “You got the clap or something?”

“Nothing like that,” I say fast. “Fact is, I promised Sally…”

“Oh man,” he gives a deep belly laugh, “you’re so fucked.”

He’s right. I am.

His observation marks the end of our conversation. I leave his office feeling slightly adrift. I don’t know what the members think of me turning up here, nor yet understand the dynamics of the club. In Tucson I wouldn’t have hesitated, knowing what to say to whom, and where each brother’s interests lay. Here, I’m a stranger among strangers.

It would be easy to gravitate to Pal and spend time updating him on shit going down in Tucson. But mindful I need to get to know the brothers not only to make my life easier, but also as I’m here to make my own assessment of whether one just needs a nudge and encouragement to step up to the VP spot. The job Drummer assigned requires me to mingle and get to know the men as well as I do those back home.

Glancing around I notice Pyro, Buzz, Skull and Bomber have a card game going on. Seems as good a way as any to while away a few hours on a Sunday afternoon.

I saunter over to their table. “Got space for one more?”

Bomber gives me an assessing look. “Don’t know you, do we? Might be a fuckin’ card shark for all we know.”

“Don’t know you either. Could be dealin’ from the back of the pack, old man.”

“Now that settles it.” He glares. “You ain’t joining in. No way I’m fuckin’ old.”

Grinning, I note he didn’t refute he could be cheating.

“You looked in the mirror recently, Bomb?” Skull, the youngest, asks with wide eyes, his head shaking side to side.

Buzz kicks out a seat, he’s chuckling like everyone else. “Tucson’s money is the same as ours. Don’t mind taking a load off you, Brother.”

I keep my face impassive as I eye the pile of bills in front of the treasurer.He’ll be the one to watch. I’ve played with Rock for years, lost more than I can count to him, but also have learned a trick or two. It will be interesting to see if any of those can be applied here. Strictly above board, of course. When it comes to my brothers I don’t hold with dishonesty, in any form.

A couple of hours later I glance at my phone as the current game comes to a close. Bomb starts to deal the cards again, but I hold up my hand, indicating he should leave me out.

His brows meet. “You’re taking the money and running? Not giving us a chance to win it back? Just starting to get a feel for you, man.”

Which means it’s a good time to go. Before they recognise my tells.

It’s Pyro that comes to my rescue. “Yeah, you’re going to take that bitch to see her dog. Or,” he frowns, “feel him I suppose.”

“Yeah. Picking her up soon.” Just need a piss then I’m ready to go.

“Say hi from me. Hope the dog’s no worse.”

Standing I place my hand on his shoulder. “So do I.” My response is heartfelt. The afternoon’s entertainment has cleared Stevie from my mind, but now she, and her problems, return. I hope that dog’s okay. If it’s not? I don’t know what the fuck she’ll do.

Beside hers, Sally’s problems pale into insignificance. Sure, Sal was upset when she’d been forced to return to her abusive husband, but she’d not had long at his side until he had been exposed for the fraud he was. She’d stayed on the compound, sheltered from all the media attention, then had me by her side when she started to build a life for herself in Tucson. Marcia had helped her get the schools arranged for her kids, I’d got her a car. She was fine driving to the shops by herself, taking the kids to school and all the household chores. While I was out working for the club, she’d get on just fine.

Except.

What we should eat, what brand of fucking toilet paper we should use? Which store we should go to? Even what clothes she should wear became a topic. At the start I thought she was just learning my preferences, but it went on and on. Not one decision would she make for herself. I know there are some men with a dominant personality that like a personal slave, but I’m not one of those. I don’t even insist on the dominant role in bed, in fact, I find it sexy when a woman turns the tables on me.

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