It feels strange to have someone to ask about their day. The foster homes I grew up in were so chaotic, so many people yet so little conversation, and since then, I’ve lived alone.
“Stressful,” he says with a sigh before looking up at me coming down the stairs. “Wow, you look incredible. Is that my shirt?”
I chuckle lightly at his confusion, going over and kissing him lightly on the lips. “It is, I hope you don’t mind?”
“Not at all, you should keep it. I never wear it, and it looks better on you anyway, darlin’. Though I’ve half a mind to tear it off you,” Rex adds seductively, making my pussy twitch. I swear I’m insatiable when it comes to Rex.
“Mm, as tempting as that is, you know we’ll never make it out of the house,” I purr, kissing him languidly before dancing out of his grip.
“True. Okay, give me five to freshen up, and we’ll go,” Rex says before heading upstairs.
I hover awkwardly. Usually, I’d scroll on social media or something, but my phone was another casualty left behind when I fled the Iron Vultures. Another thing I need to sort out soon. Not that there were many contacts in my phone, and it’s been quite nice to have a break from social media. I guess I should consider starting new accounts when I get a new phone anyway. Zeke will easily find me through my old ones.
***
We head to the clubhouse and, as always, everyone there warmly welcomes us. It’s clear that people like and respect Rex, though they’re still a little wary of me. Not that I can blame them, after all, I was affiliated with their enemy for a year. I’m sure some think I’m here spying on them. I wish I could explain how much I regret ever working for the Iron Vultures. Especially now that I have some perspective and have seen how other motorcycle clubs operate, I understand just how bad the environment was.
Rex and I sit in what I’m starting to think of as ‘our booth’ from the few times we’ve been in, and the conversation flows easily. We’ve not long finished eating when Rex’s phone rings and he excuses himself to answer it. Though I can’t hear what he’s saying, he appears tense and stressed. From what he’s told me, things with the Iron Vultures are getting worse.
When he returns a few minutes later, his handsome face is marred with concern. “Sorry, Lena, something’s come up, a work emergency. I’ve got to rush out. I know we said we’d spend the whole night together, but I really can’t get out of it.”
“I understand, you’d better go,” I reply truthfully.
“Want me to walk you home first?”
“No, I think I’ll hang out here for a little while first. It’ll give me the opportunity to make some friends and involve myself in the club more.”
“You’re the best,” he says with a smile. “I’ll be back as quickly as I can,” he says before rushing off, followed by a few other men.
It doesn’t take long for the bitchy woman I met the first night Rex and I hooked up to sidle up to me.
“It’s Lena, isn’t it?” she says, feigning ignorance. “Mary Beth,” we met a couple of weeks ago.
“Yes, hi,” I reply politely as she slides into the booth opposite me.
“I wanted to apologize if I was rude when we first met. I didn’t mean to blame you. I know your situation, and that none of this is your fault. I was hoping to speak to you sooner. I’m surprised I haven’t seen you here more often. I thought you’d be lonely, rattling around in that big old house by yourself.”
I look at her in confusion and with a hint of suspicion. What’s her angle? “I’ve not been alone. Rex has been there.”
“Well, of course, I’m sure Rex has been checking in on you, he’s nice like that. Do you know where you’re gonna go when the guys return tomorrow?” she asks casually, taking a sip of her drink.
“Rex says the other guys won’t mind my being there,” I reply a little cagily.
She raises a finely plucked eyebrow. “Mighty presumptive of him.”
“Well, he lives there too…”
The other eyebrow jumps up in surprise. “Did Rex tell you that?”
“Well, yes, of course.”
“That Asshole! Oh my god, his poor wife! Have you two been sleeping together? I can’t believe he actually did it.”
I feel as though I’ve gone careening over the edge of a cliff. “What do you mean, wife? Rex is married?” I ask in horror, my face giving away exactly what’s been going on between us.
“Yes, he and his wife live nearby. She went with the guys on the trip as she has family nearby. If she finds out he’s cheated the moment her back was turned, and with a teenager no less, she’s going to be devastated.”
“Why hasn’t anyone else told me about this before now?”
