Player Chapter 4

I came in super late last night. The place was mostly empty when I did, except for Gavin, Walker, and Diego, our prospects. They were enjoying the company of three women who must've come after the families and kids went home. That was what typically happened. The old ladies and kids would stay until nine, or so then they'd retire. That was the cue to allow the bunnies and hang arounds who came from town to enter. It was then a matter of deciding who hooked up with whom. The women were always eager for biker cock.

Usually, I would've been right in the middle of it, checking them out and making my selection, but not last night. I hadn't paused to say more than hey before heading straight to my room and locking myself in. I wasn't in the mood for company.

I'd showered and gone to bed, intent on sleeping, but my brain wouldn't shut down and let me. Instead, I was consumed with thoughts of Saylor, just as I had been all day and evening. When I got up yesterday, I'd decided it wouldn't be wise to hang with the club when she came. Something about her bugged me, and I couldn't put my finger on what. Until I knew what it was and could counter it, I was better off staying away from her.

I told Bull I needed to check out a new listing we'd just signed and then get away. I fed him some lines about needing to de-stress and told him I'd apologize to Saylor the next time I saw her. He gave me a look. I couldn't decipher it, but he didn't try to stop me. As club president, if he ordered me to stay, I'd have to do it. Lucky for me, he hadn't.

I left the compound just before noon when she was due to arrive. Vex had left with a smile on his face to get her. His smile irritated me. Why the fuck was he so happy to go? The only answer I thought of was he was planning to hook up with her. Hopefully, she'd be smarter than that. I liked Vex, but he wasn't right for her.

Where I got off thinking I knew who was or wasn't suitable for her was bullshit. I knew nothing about her. I didn't want to know. I did go check out a property. I took my time. Once it was done, I hit the road on my bike. I rode for hours. It was aimless. I can't say I didn't enjoy it, but I didn't as much as I usually would. I kept thinking about her.

I wondered what she was saying and doing. Who did she talk to? Did Vex or maybe one of the other single guys at the club make headway with her? That thought angered me. Why, I had no idea.

Coming back home to lie in bed, wondering all the same things all over again, pissed me off, which was why I was up early and dragging my ass out of bed. I needed coffee stat. My brain wouldn't work without it. Dressing and getting cleaned up quickly, I shrugged on my cut last before opening my door to head to the kitchen. I was closing it when the door across the hallway, the one to Vex's room, swung open. I opened my mouth to say good morning, but nothing came out. It wasn't just Vex coming out of his room. Saylor was with him, along with Freya. Saylor had her head tipped back as if looking at him, and she was laughing. He was grinning down at her.

The realization she'd stayed the night with him, which meant he'd slept with her, hit me like a Mack truck. Instantly, I was pissed off and wanted to punch him in the face. A low rumble escaped before I could stop it. His head turned to focus on me.

His laughter turned to puzzlement. "Hey, morning, Player. Are you alright, brother?"

"I'm fine. Just need my coffee," I muttered before walking off toward the common room which was on this side of the kitchen. You had to pass through it to get to the kitchen. Their footsteps echoed behind me up the hallway.

I was practically stomping ahead of them. I jerked when a cold, wet nose buried itself in the palm of my hand. Glancing down, Freya was staring up at me with her big, innocent eyes as if asking me why I wasn't petting her. I relaxed a fraction. I did love dogs, and she was a beauty. I scratched between her ears. She sounded like she sighed, and her eyes were half closed. I chuckled.

"She loves attention. Let me guess, you scratched or rubbed between her ears, didn't you? She loves that. It turns her to mush if you do it long enough. She's an attention whore, aren't you?" Saylor's musical voice said from behind me.

I didn't want to see her and him, so I kept my eyes forward, but I did answer. Not to do so would be rude. "I did. And she has reason to be attention-seeking. She's magnificent, and she knows it. I bet all the boy dogs come running to your place to see her."

Saylor laughed, along with Vex, the bastard. "She does seem to get the strays coming to the door. I never paid attention, but now that you mention it, the majority turn out to be boy dogs when the owners come looking for them."

"And how many of the owners are men?" I asked before I could stop myself.

There was nothing but silence for several seconds before she answered me. We were in the common room and headed toward the kitchen entrance. There were a few brothers up, sitting around the bar. Hands were thrown up, and greetings called out. Those were for her benefit since she couldn't see them waving or giving chin lifts. She returned them before answering me.

"Most were men, but I don't see what that has to do with anything."

I snorted. We were in the kitchen now. No one else was in there at the moment. I went straight to the coffee pot. I swore if it was empty, someone was about to die. The rule was if you took the last cup, you automatically started a new pot. Some of the guys were lax about doing it. Today was not the morning for any of them to forget to fill it up. They were lucky. The pot was three-fourths full. I grabbed a cup from the cabinet above and poured a large mug. I took a huge sip, burning my tongue, but the caffeine hit to my system was worth it.

"You mind moving so the rest of us can get some?" Vex asked with a slight snap to his tone.

Saylor prodded me as I slid down the counter, and he stepped up. "What did you mean by the remark about the owners being men? You made a snorting sound as if you were objecting to something."

I faced her. I tried to ignore how lovely she looked. Even without a speck of makeup, she was a knockout. The way her jeans and her top were hugging her body made my hands itch to run down her whole length.

"I just can't believe you're so na?ve as to think it's a coincidence that dogs seem to find their way to your door, and the ones coming to get them tend to be men. They're doing it on purpose. It's a way to meet you. They're hoping it'll get them in your pants," I told her bluntly.

"Player, enough," Vex hissed.

"Why would you say that, Player? Is that something you'd do so you speak from experience?" she asked simultaneously. There was a bite to her tone.

"I don't need to play games or use ruses to get women. They come to me, not the other way around."

She rolled her eyes. "And that's the sound of an egotistical manwhore right there. No wonder your road name is Player. You just confirmed how you got it. You know, not all women chase men, and you might be missing out on something special because you won't put any time or work into pursuing a woman. What if your special someone is out there, and you miss her?"

"You assume I want someone special. I don't. I love my life the way it is. The others around here might want that and kids, but it's not for me. Let me ask you. Did you sleep with Vex last night because you think he might be that special someone for you? Did you chase him, or did he chase you? Or was he just a way to blow off steam until you find someone? Because if it's the latter, I'm available for a night if you're looking?" I said it even though I was telling myself not to. I was being a jackass. She didn't deserve to have me act this way.

Vex let out a snarl. He was coming at me. I was surprised when she put an arm in front of him and moved between us. "Stop," she commanded him. He halted. Her sightless eyes drilled into me as if she could see clear down to my soul.

"Whether I fucked Vex or not last night is none of your business. As for your delightful offer to screw me, I'll pass. You're the last man I'd fuck. I've had my fill of conceited assholes who think they're God's gift to women. Been there, done that, got the scars to prove it. Don't worry. As I work my way through your single club brothers, I'll make sure not to knock on your door," she said with a sneer before she turned to Vex.

He was seething, and I could see he was dying to punch me. I didn't blame him. Our voices attracted others in the common room, and they were now standing in the kitchen, looking less than happy with me. What the hell got into me?

"Vex, I'd like to go home. Thanks for the bed and a great night, but I have things to do. Everyone, thank you for yesterday. It was wonderful. I had so much fun."

Those there murmured things back to her as she went to the door. I wanted to call out and stop her to apologize, but I couldn't. The words were stuck in my throat. Throwing one more glare at me, Vex went with her. I stood there with my cup of coffee, which was getting cold. I wasn't able to drink it or leave the kitchen. I had no idea how long I stood there until Loki snapped me out of it.

"That was fucked up, man. I don't know where you were yesterday and last night, but I'm glad you weren't here if this is how you would've acted toward her the whole time. Saylor is a goddamn fine woman in every way. Your words were insulting. You're lucky she didn't punch you. I don't know what's crawled up your ass but get rid of it. The way the club was with her yesterday, she's gonna be around a lot more. Whether that's with Vex or one of us doesn't matter. You keep your fucking mouth shut," he snapped before he stomped out. The others gave me disgruntled looks before they streamed out after him.

Well, fuck me. No doubt, it would be all over the club in no time. I knew Bull would be calling me on the carpet for it. The kicker was, I didn't hold Loki's speech against him, nor would I hold the ass chewing I had coming from Bull against him. They were right. She didn't deserve my disrespect. Who she slept with was none of my business. I walked out and went back to my room. As I did, the thought that kept running through my head was my shot at having her was gone, and it plagued me.

???

I made it two hours before I got the summons from Bull. During those hours, I sat in my room, reviewing what I said and growing madder at myself. No one bothered me. I expected Vex to return and pound on my door before he tried to pound on my face. I might deserve it, but there was no way I'd stand there and let him do it. Those hours gave me a glimmer of insight into why I acted the way I did. The truth terrified me, and I slammed the door closed on it. Bull's text was to the point.

Bull: My house. Now.

I texted back.

Me: On my way.

Leaving my room, I hurried down the hall and outside to go to his house. It sat not too far from the clubhouse, just far enough the noise wouldn't bother him or his family. The front door opened as I approached the porch, and he stood there waiting for me. The expression on his face wasn't a happy one.

"I know what you're gonna say, Pres. I get it," I started before I made it up the stairs.

He stepped back, so I was able to squeeze past him. His sour expression didn't change. "Save it for my office," he said gruffly.

I passed him and didn't waste time taking off my boots. I knew better than to track through Jocelyn's house. She could be the sweetest thing on earth until you ticked her off. Tracking dirt and mud in her house was guaranteed to make her angry. We'd learned that long ago when Ace did it. He was her son-in-law, but it didn't save him from a tongue-lashing. As I passed through the living room to go to his office, I saw her out of the corner of my eye. I looked at her. She was in the laundry room. When she saw me, she shook her head and gave me a disappointed look. It stabbed me worse than if she'd yelled at me. None of us enjoyed making Duchess upset. And if Duchess was upset, you were assured Bull would be even more pissed off.

When I entered his office, I stood by the chairs in front of his desk. He came in behind me close to a minute later and closed the door behind him. He was studying me as he went behind his desk and sat. I remained standing. He didn't say anything for several long moments before he broke the uncomfortable silence.

"Sit your ass down."

I dropped into the chair closest to me. His tone and expression were not encouraging. I kept my trap shut. It was best to let him vent first. Generally, he was a pretty even-tempered guy. For those of us who knew him before he met Jocelyn, we knew it was all due to her influence and that of their children and grandchildren that had mellowed him. However, make no mistake, he was called Bull for a reason, and being targeted by his figurative horns wasn't enjoyable when it happened.

"What the fuck has gotten into you, Player? I have never heard of you being such a prick to someone who wasn't deserving of it. Sure, there are bastards out there we've dealt with who get that kind of treatment, but someone we consider a friend hasn't and shouldn't be the recipient of your attitude."

I opened my mouth to respond, but he held up his hand. I knew that meant he wasn't finished. I closed it.

"Yesterday, when you came to me and gave me your bullshit excuse for why you wanted to miss Saylor's first visit and introduction to the entire club, I chose to let it go. Something was clearly bothering you, and I thought I'd give you time to work it out. Saylor arrived, and she was a delight. Everyone ended up loving her. She fit in like she'd been a friend for years. The old ladies, the kids, and our brothers all think she's great. We had such a wonderful time that she relaxed enough to drink. Something she admitted she doesn't do." He paused, but I knew he wasn't finished.

"That woman has been through hell, and I'm not just referring to the incident that took her eyesight. The way she talked yesterday, I know she's been through stuff some would consider worse, although she didn't tell us specifics. Jocelyn and I were so happy when she was able to relax like she did. She ended up staying the night, as you know. What went on in that room between her and Vex is between them. It's none of our business.

"For her to be subjected to what you said is unacceptable. She's a guest of the club, and on top of that, who knows, she may just be Vex's future old lady. Or one of our single brothers' women. What the hell were you thinking? You made it sound like it was wrong for her to have been with him, then you offered to fuck her if she wanted to play!" His voice got louder the longer he spoke. I winced.

"You're goddamn lucky Vex didn't bust your head. He still might when he finally comes back. He took her home and must've stayed. It spread like wildfire to everyone who wasn't there what you said. Jocelyn is beside herself. She's taken to Saylor, and so have all the other old ladies. If you made it too awkward for her to come here, they'll lynch your ass."

When he paused, I waited again, but he didn't continue. I raised an eyebrow. He gave me a chin lift. I took it as permission to speak. I just wasn't sure what to say. I gave him the basics.

"I know that I was out of line. I shouldn't have said those things to her. I'll apologize to her repeatedly until she forgives me. I'll make sure she knows she can come here anytime she wants, and she won't have to worry about me saying or doing anything to upset her again. I'll apologize to Vex as well."

"That's all fine, but I want to know what in the hell caused you to do it in the first place. Why blow off the day and be the only one who didn't hang around to greet her and make her feel welcome? Do you think she didn't notice you weren't here? She did. She might not have said anything, but it was noticeable. We all kept our mouths shut, trying not to draw attention to it.

"Why the fuck would you comment on someone staying the night with one of your brothers? As far as I know, you've never cared. As long as it doesn't affect you getting your cock wet, you go along your merry way. Hope you don't think you'll get to dip yours in Saylor after this morning."

His crass remark, although not any different from mine earlier to her, angered me. "Don't say that about her," I snapped.

"Why not? She's just another hole to you, right? Maybe you should ask Vex if he's only hitting it to get a taste. If he is, then you can try to charm your way into her panties. It should be easy for you. Hell, maybe we shouldn't think of her as a friend but instead offer her a club bunny spot," he said snidely.

The thought of her as a bunny had me bounding to my feet. I slammed my fist on his desk. "Don't fucking say shit like that!"

He came to his feet and leaned over the desk toward me. Our faces were a foot apart. Fire was in his eyes, but I knew it was also in mine. "Why not? It's what you said."

"I never said she should be a bunny!"

He stared intensely at me. I was breathing hard, and the urge to punch my president in the face was strong. The fury that was pumping through my veins was unbelievable. He slowly sank back into his chair. He gestured for me to do the same. I did it, but reluctantly.

"Player, I've known you for a lot of years. You've been a member of this club since you were twenty-two. I've never said a word about how you conduct yourself personally. You've always had a way with the ladies, even more than the other guys, hence your road name. However, this attitude, or whatever you call it with Saylor, isn't like you. Sure, you don't see women as more than playthings, but you've never spoken to any the way you did her. If you have, no one has heard it. I'm worried about you. Talk to me."

"Bull, there's nothing wrong with me. I let my tiredness and something on my mind overrun my mouth. It won't happen again. I will say this. Everyone seems to be on the let's settle down, claim an old lady, and have kids train. Hey, if that's what you want, then go for it. I just don't like that it feels like we're all expected to do it. What if you're thrilled with the way you are and don't want those things? Why isn't it alright to stay that way?"

"Player, no one is pressuring you to do anything. If you're feeling that way, I'm sorry. I'll speak to them if you tell me who's doing it. If you're completely happy sleeping with a different woman when the mood strikes, living in the clubhouse, and not having children, then so be it. I think why you hear so many touting the opposite is because the brothers who're now settled, for the most part, were at one point like-minded to you. They were shown there was a better life out there for them."

I opened my mouth to argue, but he held up his hand, so I subsided.

"That being said, you may be one who isn't meant to have an old lady or kids and still be content. If that's true, more power to you. I'll ensure no one is pressuring or building an unrealistic expectation, but no more taking your displeasure out on others, especially guests and friends. You have to make up for this with her and Vex. You don't want bad feelings between you and a brother or his old lady. I think there's a good chance Saylor will end up an old lady to someone in this club. If that happens, I don't want bad blood."

His remark about Saylor becoming an old lady made me sick to my stomach. I wasn't sure why. I wisely kept my mouth shut. I was in enough trouble. "There won't be, Bull. I promise. I'll make sure Vex and Saylor know I'm sorry for what I said and how I acted. It won't happen again."

"Good. And if you need to talk, I'm here. I'll be a neutral ear. I just can't have you fighting with your brothers."

"I appreciate it. I'll keep it in mind. Was there anything else?"

"Yeah, don't be surprised if the old ladies are a bit cold toward you until they get over being mad at you." He gave me a rueful look.

I groaned. "Shit, just kill me," I muttered, and he chuckled.

Before I left, he asked me how my day had been yesterday and if I had enjoyed my ride. I told him a little about it before we were interrupted by Corinne and Caeden looking for their daddy. That was my cue to leave. At the door, we shook hands, and then I set off to the clubhouse. The first thing I had to do was find Vex and patch things up with him. Then I'd figure out the best way to make up with Saylor.

As I walked back, I was struck by how ironic my current situation was. When Jayla came to the compound looking for me a few years back, no one knew that she and Payne had met at the House of Lustz, the sex club he was a part of, and they had hooked up. When he saw her with me, he'd gotten pissed and said some ugly things to her. I'd almost knocked his head off for it. Now, here I was, acting essentially the same, except for one thing. My reason wasn't his. He'd been all crazy for Jayla and was jealous, thinking she and I were involved. My feelings weren't based on jealousy. Maybe I was having a mid-life crisis early. Whatever the reason, it would pass. Until it did, I'd keep a low profile.