Doolittle

By Harley Wylde

Minnie -- The Reckless Kings told me it was pointless to pine after Satyr. I kept offering myself to him, hoping he’d see me as something more. I was a fool. All that man will ever see when he looks at me is a club girl. I’ll always be trash in his eyes. So when the President offers me a chance at a new life, I grab on with both hands. It might mean living with yet another club -- the Devil’s Fury -- but once I meet Doolittle, my entire world turns upside down. I’d thought myself in love with Satyr, but I was so very wrong. Doesn’t matter. Same situation, different man. I might be starting my life over, but Doolittle knows what I am, what I’ve been… and he’ll never want someone like me as his old lady.

Doolittle -- Beast asked a favor and I gladly agreed. I have no problem with a woman who wants a fresh start. Before I even met Minnie, I’d offered to let her work at my clinic. I don’t know what I expected. But the stunning woman who shows up leaves me tripping over myself. I’ve never met anyone like her before, and the instant connection between us is startling. Just one problem. Well, three. The first is Meredith. The girl won’t take no for an answer and is determined I’ll be hers. The second is that Minnie feels unworthy of being mine. I’ll just have to prove her wrong. The third I never saw coming, and it just might change everything.

WARNING; Doolittle is part of the Devil’s Fury MC romance series and contains bad language, violence, and adult situations. You’ll also find entirely too many adorable animals, no cheating, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Changeling Press
• Release date: Jan 14, 2022

Book preview

Prologue

Minnie

Three Months Ago

I stood on the porch of the Reckless Kings’ clubhouse and breathed in the night air. Changes had arrived, along with Forge bringing home a wife. Whisper had taken one look at the club girls and seen women in need of help. She’d ensured they got whatever they needed to start their lives over. Since then, every one of them had moved on. Except me. The only thing I wanted she couldn’t give me. Satyr.

I’d been watching that man with stars in my eyes for over a year now. He was the only one who ever touched me, even though I didn’t think he realized it. Brick would let me sit on his lap if Satyr wasn’t around, just so it would look like I was occupied. Didn’t fool the brothers. They all knew I was over the moon for Satyr and had eyes only for him.

Tonight things were different. He’d arrived around his usual time, then he’d walked right past me and gone up to one of the new girls. I hadn’t fooled myself into thinking the man never touched anyone but me. Seeing it was a different story. The times I was here, Satyr had always spent his time with me. The nights I wasn’t around or left early, I had no control over what he did. But this… this was different. It had felt like he’d ripped my heart out and stomped on it. Even worse, the other men had watched it happen and looked at me with pity.

Right about now, Satyr was probably screwing the new girl, if not all of them. And I stood out here, wondering what the hell I would do now. I could go back in and wait to see if he noticed me. Then again, I could go home and order a pizza, curl up with my favorite book, and pretend tonight didn’t happen.

I felt a hand land on my shoulder, and I looked up at Copper. He gave me a soft smile and tipped his head toward the door. You heading back in?

Before I’d met Satyr, I’d slept with Copper a time or two. It had been nice, but… I shook my head. I think I’m going home.

He sighed and backed up, letting me go. Right. Satyr’s girl.

No, I’m not. He’s proven that tonight.

I have no idea why you seem to think he has a magic dick, but I’ve kept my distance, knowing you only wanted to be with him. I just thought maybe things had changed. The guy is an asshole. He might be my brother, and I’ll have his back in a fight, but when it comes to women, the guy has a heart of stone. I’m sorry if seeing him like that hurt you.

I know, Copper, and I’m sorry. It’s not you. I promise.

He waved me off. No worries. I’d enjoyed our time together and thought maybe I’d have a shot now. I think we both know you weren’t made for this life, Minnie. Being a club whore isn’t what you really want. Beast has looked the other way, letting you hold out for Satyr, but sooner or later you’re going to have to admit he’ll never love you.

Ouch, I muttered.

Sorry, Minnie. Just telling it like I see it. Hell, everyone knows but you.

You’re right. I faced the parking lot again, knowing it was time to leave. I’m just a piece of ass to him. It’s all I’ll ever be. But, Copper, don’t pretend you’re any different. I could go inside and give you what you want. We’d probably both enjoy it. Then tomorrow you’d be balls deep in someone else. If you even waited that long.

Minnie, the clubhouse isn’t the place for you to find true love. You’ve met the old ladies here, and even a few from other clubs. Did you notice anything about them?

What? I asked, feeling tired and just worn out by life.

None of them are, or were ever, club whores. You came here willingly, spread your legs for us, and not one brother in that room will ever forget it. It’s shitty, but it’s just the way things are. No one wants a club whore for an old lady. Never have, and never will.

Since the only man I’d ever wanted was Satyr, I guessed it didn’t much matter. The guys in town wanted one thing from me. The men here were the same. I’d either have to embrace the changes, or… I didn’t know what else I could do.

I’ll see you later, Copper. I stepped off the porch and went to my SUV. My life sucked ass, and I didn’t know what to do to change it. I wasn’t like the girls Whisper had helped. I had a job, even if I hated it. Had an apartment, even if it was crappy. I wasn’t trying to take care of kids or running from anyone. I’d just made bad choices, and now I had to live with the consequences. Whatever those might be.

If I came back here, I’d have to become a club whore for real. No holding out for Satyr. No special treatment. Could I do that? Did I want to?

I rubbed my forehead, feeling a headache building. Maybe instead of ordering pizza, I’d stop and get some wine. I needed alcohol more than food right about now. If wine didn’t make things better, then I was screwed.

Chapter One

Minnie

I should have left the Reckless Kings long ago. If not back before Whisper came here and shook things up, then definitely after my talk with Copper a few months ago. Instead, I’d decided to stick it out. I’d been with Satyr a few times, but he mostly went to the new girls. I’d known Satyr would never see me as more than a convenience. The others had tried to tell me, and I’d seen their pitying looks on multiple occasions. I’d ignored all of them, holding out the hope that one day, Satyr would look at me and realize I was more than just a club whore.

The nights he hadn’t wanted me, I’d had no choice but to be with someone else. Brick wasn’t always around. Since his grandson came to live here, there were nights he didn’t come to the clubhouse. Most of the guys gave me a wide berth, but that wasn’t always the case. Aside from Satyr, only Copper wanted my attention. The others knew I didn’t really want them, and they left me alone. For whatever reason, Copper seemed to like me. Not enough to make me his, but it didn’t stop him from using me when he could. By being at the clubhouse, I’d given my consent to partying with the members.

The only reason I even came to the Reckless Kings was because of that infuriating man -- Satyr. But tonight, I’d had enough. Satyr had walked past me, immediately started pawing one of the new girls, and after he’d fucked her in front of everyone, he’d moved on his new favorite -- Kelly. She hadn’t seemed to mind sharing him and hadn’t batted an eye. The fact he’d ignored me all night had been more than I could handle.

In the last three months, I’d been with Satyr a handful of times. I’d been coming here less and less. If it weren’t for Brick requesting my presence tonight, I probably wouldn’t have come. When he’d asked me to join him for a drink, I hadn’t been able to say no.

Brick reached out and grabbed my hand. I know this isn’t how you wanted things to end. We were all hoping Satyr would pull his head out of his ass.

You’ve all been warning me for a while now. Everyone knew he’d never want me as more than easy pussy. It was stupid for me to think he might change his mind.

Minnie, he’s my brother and I have to side with him, but… I think he’s missing out on something special with you. It’s been clear from the beginning you’re different from most of the women who come here. Brick patted my hand. Which is why Beast would like to run an idea by you. Head on back to his office. He’s expecting you.

I stood and went down the back hall and knocked on the President’s door. I’d wondered why he was here on a party night. Ever since he’d claimed Lyssa, he’d started heading home when things heated up at the clubhouse. I couldn’t blame him. His wife was wonderful.

Come in, he barked.

I opened the door and stepped inside, leaving it open so no one would get the wrong idea. He sighed and rubbed at his eyes.

Brick said you wanted to see me, I said.

He nodded. I know things haven’t worked out well for you here. You plan on staying in town?

I shrugged a shoulder. I have a job and an apartment, but… I really don’t want to see Satyr around town if I can avoid it. There’s nothing holding me here. My job isn’t exactly fabulous.

I heard you have some experience with animals, he said.

The human variety or the furred type? I asked.

He smirked. Probably both, but I meant the kind with feathers, fur, or scales.

I do. I worked in the kennels at a boarding place during high school. I mostly dealt with dogs and cats though.

There’s someone with the Devil’s Fury arriving here tonight. Goes by the name of Doolittle. He’s bringing a puppy for the kids. Someone tossed it into a sack and tried to drown it. I wasn’t sure what that had to do with me. Was he asking me to pet sit whenever he went out of town? I must have looked as confused as I felt because he smiled and leaned forward, bracing his elbows on his desk. The Devil’s Fury are down in Georgia. Doolittle isn’t just one of their patched members, but he’s also a veterinarian. Owns a local practice. I mentioned your situation to him, and he’d like to help.

Help how? I asked.

Meet with him and hear him out. He’d like to hire you to work in the kennels at his clinic, but also to help with the animals he takes home. He has an entire sunroom filled with all sorts of critters that need attention. Sound like something that might interest you?

I nodded. It does. Not sure trading one club for another is the smartest idea though.

You wouldn’t be a club whore there, Minnie. It’s a fresh start for you. No one in town will know your past, except the Devil’s Fury officers and Doolittle. None of them are going to say a damn word to anyone. Even though some of their other members have been here a time or two, I know you didn’t spend time with them. I doubt they’d remember seeing you here. Just think about it.

What time is he getting here? I asked, fingering my lacy tank top. Think I have time to go home and change?

Doolittle isn’t leaving until the morning. Go change and come back here within the next hour or two. He should be here by then and have the puppy unloaded at my house. I offered him the guest home for the night. Just ask whoever’s on the gate to point the way. I’ll make sure they know you’re permitted to go over there.

Thank you, Beast. This has to be the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me, I said.

He waved me off. You’re a good kid, Minnie. Satyr yanked you around, and I let it go on too long. I knew you weren’t interested in anyone else here. Should have sent you home long before now.

I’m a grown woman, Beast. I made my own choices, and now I get to live with them. But I’d really love a fresh start, even if it’s down in Georgia. It would be nice to not have the locals sneer at me, knowing I spread my legs here at the clubhouse. It shouldn’t matter. It was my life, and I should be able to do what I wanted, as long as it wasn’t illegal and didn’t hurt other people. Sadly, that wasn’t the case in a small town like this one.

I realize that, Minnie. Doesn’t make me feel any less like an asshole. If you decide you want to move to the Devil’s Fury territory, their President has already agreed to letting you use one of the small apartments until you can save up for a place of your own. Beast leaned back in his chair. Now get out of here. I don’t want to see you back in the clubhouse unless it’s by invitation of an old lady.

I gave him a nod and left his office. I hadn’t really gotten to know the new girls, so I didn’t bother telling them bye. But Brick was another matter. I gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

If I’d been smart, I’d have fallen for you, I said.

He winked. I’m too old and set in my ways for someone like you. There’s a guy out there who will worship the ground you walk on. Just keep looking.

I hugged him again. I hope you find your woman, Brick. Anyone would be lucky to have you. Even if your daughter did come in and turn this place on its head.

He grinned. She definitely did. Can’t say I’m disappointed in how it all turned out. As much as I’ll miss seeing you around here, I’m glad you won’t be mooning after Satyr anymore. Get out of here, girl. It’s time you find a bit of happiness.

I walked out, refusing to look back. Brick and Beast were both right. I had a chance to make a big change in my life, and I needed to take it. I only hoped Doolittle really did want to hire me. Even if the job didn’t pay much, as long as the Devil’s Fury gave me plenty of time to build a little nest egg, I’d still accept the offer. If I stayed here, things would remain the same. It wouldn’t matter if I never came to the clubhouse again. The town had already labeled me a harlot, and yes, I’d had more than one person call me that to my face.

When I got back to my apartment, I looked around and realized I hadn’t accumulated much over the years. Everything but the furniture would fit in my car. If the apartment I’d be using at the Devil’s Fury compound was intended for guests, it likely came furnished and had the basics covered for the bathroom and kitchen like towels and cookware. It wouldn’t be hard to have everything packed and ready to go by morning.

I stripped off my clothes and started the