Page 58 of Born Savage

“Ryder and I, actually all the boys, we got you a place to stay,” Pops offers, holding up a set of keys.

My eyes go wide, instantly recognizing the Harley-Davidson keychain he’s dangling in front of my face. It was my dad’s. But I haven’t been back to that house in years. I tried once, right afterwe lost him, but I just ended up breaking a bunch of shit and then storming out. I’ve felt guilty since, but still couldn’t bring myself to go back and clean it up.

“I can’t… I mean, it’s all fucked up. And no one has been there in years. It’s probably all rundown and full of mice or some shit,” I say.

“It’s not,” Pops replies matter of factly, and I feel my eyebrows pinch in question. “I cleaned it up a while ago and I’ve been keeping it maintained for the right time. Ryder sent a couple of the boys over last week and we replaced a few things, and Cora and the girls were over there yesterday stocking it with groceries and putting clean sheets on the bed. Plus, they left a gift card so that Scarlett can go and get some stuff to make it her own,” he announces and my chest instantly burns.

“But why would you guys do all that?” I question, my breath still stuck in my throat.

“You can’t have Scarlett living here. I know she’s used to Vegas, but this is supposed to be a fresh start. You two need to do it right. Plus, your dad would want you to have it. He’d be proud to see you living there,” Pops answers, and as he says the words, I know he’s right.

“Thanks, Pops,” I express, feeling the emotion welling in my chest, threatening to break free as I reach out and he drops the keys into my open palm.

My fingers curl around the metal as I turn back to Scarlett. Her beautiful blue eyes are glassy and a bright smile fills her face.

“You ready to go home, sweetheart?” I ask and she bites her lip, enticing me as always, before giving me a nod.

“Thanks again, boys,” I offer. “We’re gonna go check it out, but we’ll be back later to grab the rest of our shit,” I tell them as I swing my leg over my bike, climbing back into the saddle.

I watch as Scarlett gives Ray a quick hug before turning back in my direction and sliding in behind me. Her arms move around me, clutching my body, and I bring the bike to life. I rev the engine and a warmth comes over me as we start to ride. There's nothing better than being on my bike in South Carolina, with the wind in my face and Scarlett’s curvy body pressed against mine.

This is home, and it’s fuckin’ perfect.

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