Chapter 8
CHAPTER EIGHT
Titus stepped out of his cabin into a very warm night. September in Florida could go either way, warm or very warm. He wiped the sweat from his brow and sighed.
It’d been a long week of babysitting a wannabe rock star who was living the big life off his parents’ money.
The venues were small. The audience even smaller. However, the wannabe singer had a larger-than-life ego, hence the paid security.
Did the guy need security? Hell no.
Titus didn’t care. It had been a straightforward job and more money in his pocket.
The campus was silent, except for distant frogs croaking near a small pond. Birds, owls or bats whizzed overhead. Clouds covered the sky. No stars tonight.
He walked to the front door of the building and punched in his code. The Brotherhood was meeting tonight to go over some under-the-table security issue. The door opened, and he entered the front hall, which was dark except for the occasional night-light casting shadows on the walls. He heard voices coming from down the hall.
Judging from the vehicles parked out front, everyone was there. Only Ford McCallum, Zach Rogers and he lived on the campus grounds.
Titus enjoyed living in his cabin. The cabins were spaced far enough from each other, ensuring privacy and preventing anyone from looking into their neighbor’s window. Each patio provided a peaceful view of a secluded area surrounded by trees.
It had everything he needed for the time being—an open floor plan with a kitchen, living room, and dining area, a front porch and a big bedroom with a king-size bed and an attached bath.
Chase had thought of everything. The cabin included all the furniture, linens and kitchen equipment. Titus only had to unpack his clothes and personal items.
It was perfect for now, but Titus was looking for his own place. He debated renting or owning a condo or house, and the location—close to the gym or farther from town?
Titus didn’t know Zach’s story, but he was sure Zach suffered from PTSD and wasn’t ready to leave the comfort of his cabin to live in town. Maybe one of these days he would, but no one was pushing him out.
Zach functioned well. He didn’t take on security jobs, but he installed and maintained the security cameras, did odd jobs, and was in love with Melissa Doherty, the director of the Paws for Caring program—not that anyone mentioned it. Zach had no idea everyone knew, including Melissa.
However, Titus sure wasn’t stepping into someone else’s love life since he didn’t have one of his own.
As for Ford, Titus didn’t see him often, even though they started at the same time, and didn’t know what his story was.
Titus followed the voices and noticed the hidden library door was open. Since the building was closed, discussing under-the- table jobs posed no issue. Chase sat at the head of the long table, talking to Ryker and Will.
Next to them were Colt and Finn. Dexter, Zach and Ford rounded out their merry band of men.
“Glad you could make it,” teased Zach. “Especially given the long journey you had to make.”
“Fuck off.” Titus reached out and clasped Zach’s hand. “How are you, man? I know we live close, but I never see you.”
“I’m good. Busy.” Zach shrugged. “You know how it is.”
Chase let out a whistle that caught everyone’s attention. “Let’s get this meeting going. Naomi will have dinner on the table shortly, and I want to eat it while it’s hot.”
“I just bet you do,” quipped Finn. Everyone laughed.
“You guys are a bunch of teenagers.” Chase shook his head but smiled at them. “Titus, you’re up. How did the security detail go?”
“Humph.” Titus shook his head. “The guy was a jerk with an enormous ego. However, there were no problems.”
“Good. How about you, Ford?” asked Chase. Everyone turned to look at the dark-haired man.
Ford took his time answering. “I got the mom and kids out of their situation and safely to the shelter. The director helped settle them in.”
“No problem with the dad?” asked Chase.
“Nope. He might have a case of swollen balls for a while.” Ford smirked. “But he finally saw the light.”
Good. Titus knew that some of the abusers thought they were all that and a bag of chips. They needed a lesson in pain and humility.
“This meeting will be short and sweet. Titus, you and Colt are up next for a paying gig. The CEO of a big company is coming in and already received threats.” Chase paused to look at his computer. “Will and Dex, Penny needs your help. So, touch base with her.”
Chase slapped the table and stood. “I’m off. Keep in touch.”
The guys stood to leave, too.
“Hey Titus, I saw your girl Darcy the other day. How are things going with you two?” asked Finn.
Darcy.
Titus hadn’t given her a thought in a month.
After Chase’s party, she insisted that Titus avoid bringing her to any more parties and to spare her from encountering the women again. Then she got very possessive, and Titus asked her not to return to the gym. Awkward.
“We broke up. She was too much for me. Too much drama, if you know what I mean,” he replied. “I don’t need drama in my life.”
“I hear you, bud,” replied Colt. “Although when you find the right woman, you won’t consider it drama if she has problems. You’ll want to do everything in your power to protect her and help.”
Titus shook his head. “Not happening.”
Colt smirked and walked out.
Will closed and locked the library door.
Titus had some time to think about Darcy and women in general. He loved women.
He wanted to be with that special woman. But she had to be drama-free. He’d had enough drama in his life for a lifetime.