Page 16 of Born Savage

I manage to finish cleaning up the office, tossing the empty water bottles into the recycling bin before shutting down my computer and finally locking up. Music is playing loudly and the crowd is already growing as I walk across the lot towards theclubhouse – my home. I push out a deep breath as I reach for the door and pull it open.

I do my best to keep my head down as I move through the room, trying to avoid seeing Shark with someone else perched in his lap. I don’t care about all the other raunchy shit that I’m sure is going on in this room right now, but if I had to see that in this moment, it might break me.

Thankfully I get through the room without seeing him and without being noticed by anyone. Stepping into the empty kitchen, I pull open the fridge door and reach for a container of strawberries. It looks like Trish was busy in the kitchen today. I honestly don’t know how she keeps up with it. The amount of food these guys consume is a close second to their alcohol intake.

The sound of obnoxious giggling moving in my direction causes my eyes to roll. I don’t want to deal with this tonight. I just want to have a little snack and then disappear into my room. My brain can’t handle much more tonight.

“But the real question is, how did he compare to Manny?” a syrupy voice asks with clear implications.

“Yeah, was he bigger?” Another voice laughs out in question.

“Oh, he was definitely bigger. But I can’t really compare how he uses it,” a voice I recognize as Sierra’s starts to answer, but stops abruptly as they step into the kitchen and her eyes lock with mine.

Somehow, I managed to block out the memory that she and Manny had a brief relationship before we got together. Now she works at the Kitty Kat Lounge. She’s a stripper at my dad’s club. I’m sure if Manny was still alive that he’d have some regrets about that decision.

“Oh, shit… Sorry,” Sierra cracks a grin but I just shrug in response. I’m not going to let her get to me.

“It’s no big secret that you and Manny were together in high school. But, you know, he probably wouldn’t appreciate youmaking comparisons between him and another club member,” I point out.

“Wait. I thought you were with him the night before the accident?” the blonde on her left questions and my eyes widen. A smug smile creeps across Sierra’s face and my chest tightens.

“Oops. After all this time, I really thought you knew,” her words hit me like a stinging slap. “Manny would still come to see me when he was…in need.He said you were practically afraid of the dick and just couldn’t handle it the way he needed it. You were just the piece he used to climb the ranks, so he and Sonny could lead the club together one day,” she adds with an evil grin.

“What?” my voice cracks and my throat goes dry.

“Let me make it clearer for you, honey,” she says stepping closer. “Manny didn’t want your dry-ass pussy. When he wanted to get sucked and fucked like a real man, he found me and I took real good care of him. Just ask Sonny. He was there to watch, more than once,” her words slice through me creating a wave of anger like I’ve never felt before

My nails bite into my palms as my hands ball into fists and my body starts to shake. Before I can even think, my body reacts for me. I feel myself lunging forward and her eyes go wide in shock. But I can’t reach her, a pair of thick arms are around my waist, pulling me back.

“Easy there, kitten,” Shark’s deep voice is soft against my ear and my body responds immediately.

“OUT!” Dad’s loud voice echoes through the kitchen and somehow Sierra’s eyes manage to get even bigger.

“But…I…” she stutters and he quickly cuts her off.

“I said, get the fuck out. I heard every word you said to my daughter. This is her house, not yours. Remember your fuckin’ place. Now get out. You’re no longer welcome here. And take these two with you,” he spits out angrily, his darkened eyes glaring daggers at her and her two cling-ons.

Sierra’s head drops as she slowly turns to exit the room. My body goes limp in the strong arms still holding me tightly. Warmth radiates from his body, offering a sense of comfort. Dad steps in close and his hand lifts my chin.

“I’m sorry you had to hear all that shit. I never wanted you to know,” his voice is a soft whisper compared to the commanding sound only a few seconds earlier.

He knew. He and Sonny both knew and they let me keep believing that Manny was some kind of perfect prince. Why would they keep his secret? I never thought it was true, but maybe it really is club before family.

“I’ll take her back to her room,” his words are directed to Shark, and I feel the strong arms release me. I instantly crave them, wanting them back. But my father’s hand touches my arm instead, guiding me from the kitchen.

My breathing slows and hot tears roll down my cheeks as we walk in silence. As we approach my bedroom door, I finally find the courage to speak.

“You knew…” I breathe out, lifting my face to meet his saddened expression. He clears his throat and offers a single nod.

“I didn’t find out until after he died, otherwise I never would’ve let him get near you. The boys never would’ve allowed him to patch in. But after… I figured there was no sense in hurting you more and ruining the happy memories you had,” he tries to explain.

“But holding on to those memories is what kept me from moving on,” I stress.

“That’s not what I wanted either. I just, I couldn’t bring myself to tell you. You were already so hurt, and watching you fall apart was unbearable. I was afraid that knowing the truth would break you,” he tells me.

“But I deserved to know,” I express.

“I know and I’m sorry. But you’re my daughter and I was trying to protect you,” he answers. “Do you want me to send Trish?” he asks, but I don’t want to talk to anyone. I need time.

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