Page 45 of Born Savage

“You’ll get to see more tomorrow,” I promise her as we drive.

The sun had already set by the time our flight landed, and I can tell she’s a little disappointed that it’s too dark and she can’t see much as we make our drive towards the clubhouse. She was fucking adorable on the plane. It’s been years since I flew, but watching the delight in her wide eyes as she stared out that tiny window made giving her the window seat completely worth it.

“You’re real quiet over there, sweetheart. Is everything okay?” I question, reaching over and letting my palm cover her thigh, giving a gentle squeeze.

“It’s just…” she starts but pauses, letting out a deep breathe. “What if they don’t like me?” she finally releases in a whisper and I feel my eyebrows lift.

“Is that what you’re worrying about? Trust me, darlin’, everyone is gonna love you. They’re not going to want to let you leave. Me, on the other hand, they’ll probably be ready to ship my ass back to Vegas within twenty-four hours,” I chuckle. “Trust me, they’re going to want to keep you,” I tell her.

“Really?” her voice is soft in the dark cab of the truck.

“I guarantee it,” I answer, knowing that it’s true because it’s how I feel. “Now, I know it’s late, but I’m really fuckin’ hungry. How about we grab a bite, then I’ll take you home.”

???

It’s quickly apparent how hungry we both were. We’ve managed to inhale an entire large pizza in less than fifteen minutes. I need to do a better job taking care of her, it’s just not something I’m completely used to yet.

“I’m not sure what the scene will be like at the clubhouse tonight,” I warn, knowing that we don’t have much longer to drive once we’re back in the truck.

“It’s okay, James. How quickly you’ve forgotten where I grew up,” she reminds me with a smile.

I know she’s used to the scene, but I honestly don’t want that to be the first impression she gets of my home and my family.

“C’mon, let’s hit the road,” I say, dropping some cash on the table and lifting from my seat.

Within minutes we’re pulling into the lot at clubhouse. And as happy as I am to be here, it feels wrong to be driving into the yard in a rented pickup. Tomorrow I’ll be pulling out my spare bike and getting her fired up and ready to go.

A few bikes are lined up outside, and as I walk around the truck to meet Scarlett at the passenger side door, I take a closer look. A few are obviously absent, but then I spot two that Iwouldn’t normally expect to see on a Thursday night. Ryder and Kane’s bikes are parked side by side. Normally they’d both be home with their women; I hope nothing serious is going on with both the Pres. and V.P. here at this hour.

Stepping inside, I inhale deeply, pulling the warm scent of home deep into my lungs. I feel my chest swell. I fuckin’ love this place, and I missed it more than I want to admit.

“Well, I’ll be God damned. Look at this sneaky motherfucker. Rollin’ up in practically the middle of the night,” Kane’s voice hits me and I turn to find his broad grin.

“Good to see you too, brother,” I reply. “Boys, this is Scarlett,” I introduce her as we move closer, my arm wrapped around her back.

“Nice to meet you,” Kane tips his head in her direction.

“Scarlett, it’s good to see you again,” Ryder offers. I had forgotten that he had met her before. He hasn’t taken a trip to Vegas in a few years.

“Thanks. It’s been a while,” she offers softly as her eyes start to roam around the room, taking it in.

“What the fuck are you two doing here this late? Your ladies finally kick you out?” I question with a laugh.

“Fuck off,” Kane instantly snarls back.

“Cora and Ayla are having a girl’s night. You know, dinner, wine, chick flicks, all that shit. We came here to play a couple rounds of pool and have a drink,” Ryder clarifies. “Grab a couple glasses and come join us. That had to have been one long-ass flight,” he adds.

“Sounds good. Let me just throw these bags in my room. We’ll be back in a second,” I say, reaching for Scarlett’s hand. The fact that both Kane and Ryder’s eyes instantly drop to focus on my gesture doesn’t go unnoticed.

I lead Scarlett down the hallway, towards the bedrooms. I stop at my door, reaching inside and flipping on the light beforeholding the door open for her. Her eyes widen as she steps inside.

It’s clearly bigger than the room they gave me in Vegas, plus it has much more of a personal touch. This is my room, I’m not just a guest here. But what she doesn’t realize, is that this is a first for me. I have never invited a woman into my room, and honestly, it’s nothing I ever expected to happen.

My bedroom has always been my sanctuary, a place for me to sleep and be alone. I won’t deny I’ve had my share of women, but anytime I wanted to fuck I took them somewhere else. Usually to the dark room, our designated room for quick hook-ups and shit like that. I never brought them here. I wouldn’t trade the sanctity of this space just because I wanted to get some.

I drop my duffel on the floor and Scarlett steps up to the edge of my king-sized bed, setting hers down carefully. Her hand runs over the surface of the dark gray comforter. I definitely didn’t leave it this clean.

“It looks like Carrie must’ve come in and put on some clean bedding for us. I’ll have to remember to thank her tomorrow,” I think aloud.

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