Page 20 of Born Savage

Roxy and I sit together at the bar for a couple more minutes, finishing up our drinks.

“You ready? Our Lyft just got here,” Roxy announces and we both stand. She reaches for my arm, helping me stay steady. “You can sleep at my place tonight.”

We settle into the backseat and I lean my head on Roxy’s shoulder, feeling my eyes already starting to close. Thankfully the ride is quick and before I know it, I’m flopped down onRoxy’s couch. She flips on the TV, but I take a deep breath and close my eyes as I curl into the soft blanket covering my body. Some of it might be the residual effect of the margaritas, but for the first time in a long time I feel content. I’ve let go of all the history that was holding me back. Tonight was a fresh start.

???

Peeling my eyes open, I feel a dull ache settle in behind them as my head throbs softly. The scent of coffee catches in my nose and the craving hits strong. I toss the blanket aside and stand from the couch, making my way into Roxy’s small kitchen.

“Good morning. How are you feeling?” she asks as she pulls a bottle of creamer out of the fridge.

“Ugh…” I groan.

“That good, huh?” she chuckles softly. “Coffee?” she questions.

“Definitely,” I answer with a nod and she holds out a mug for me to take.

“After coffee, I can take you to get your car,” she offers.

“Actually, would you mind taking me home first? I think a shower and change of clothes would feel really nice,” I ask. If she doesn’t feel like hanging out, I can just have Trish or one of the guys take me out later to pick up my ride.

“No problem. I’m completely free today. Plus, you know I never pass up the chance to hang out at the clubhouse and see the boys,” she teases with a grin.

“Thank you,” I say.

“So, any word from the boy yet?” she asks, wondering if Alex has reached out yet, like he promised.

“He texted. He wants to meet up later for dinner and drinks,” I share. I had actually been surprised to see his text comethrough so soon. Sure, he had said that he’d call today, but I honestly expected it to be a day or two before I heard from him.

“Just don’t drink as much as you did last night,” she laughs and I feel my eyes roll. “Oh, do you have protection?” her eyes widen.

“Oh my God. There is no way that’s happening. But yes, I have the necessities,” I smile back.

“Well, you never know…” she grins. “Did you happen to mention anything about your dad or the club while you two were talking last night?”

“No. I didn’t really want to bring that up,” I answer.

“Yeah, I guess there’s no point in scaring the boy, unless it turns into something serious,” she adds and I lift my mug to my lips taking a sip of the hot deliciousness. She’s absolutely right. I’m not subjecting him to the club until it’s absolutely necessary.

???

The parking lot is practically empty and the clubhouse is oddly quiet as Roxy and I make our way through to my bedroom. It doesn’t take me long to shower, and I find a new outfit quickly with Roxy’s help.

“That looks perfect. He’s going to be drooling all over you,” she says as I do one last spin in front of the mirror, checking it from all angles. “Are they having a party here tonight?” Roxy’s hopeful tone hits my ears as I run my mascara wand through my lashes.

“Honestly, I’m not sure. But you know how it is around here,” I answer, not really wanting to get into this again. She’s been begging for years to go to one of the Savage’s parties, but I just can’t stomach them.

“Hmmm… Maybe I should stick around to find out,” she teases.

“Oh really? I’d give you about thirty seconds before you feel like you want to puke,” I turn back to look at her.

“Or join in,” she cackles.

“Ewww…so gross. Now I want to puke,” I make a gagging face in response.

“Come on, you have to admit that a couple of them are pretty fucking hot,” she wiggles her eyebrows.

“Nope. Absolutely not. You do realize that those guys are all like family, and two of them are actually blood relatives,” I emphasize the facts that she already knows. But even as I say the words, my thoughts go to Shark. “Well, all except one…” I whisper as a soft pulse radiates through my center, creating goosebumps over the surface of my skin.

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