Page 17 of Born Savage

“No. I just want to be alone,” I tell him before stepping into my room and closing the door behind me.

It was all a lie.

Manny never really loved me, at least not like he claimed he did. He just wanted sex and a seat at the table. He was just like all the rest.

I feel like I should be sad, but my tears have all dried up and I refuse to waste any more on him. I’m hurt and angry and the memories have soured. I know my dad was trying to protect me, but he’s robbed me. He’s stolen my time. All the days…months…years that I spent mourning someone who never really cared about me. If I had known the truth, I could have let go so much sooner.

Thirteen

Scarlett

It’s only been ten minutes since my dad left me alone. And I’ve been sitting on the floor for eight of those minutes debating my next move. I peel myself off the floor and head straight for my closet. I’ve done enough wallowing for a lifetime. Tonight, I’m going out.

Within fifteen minutes I’ve got the perfect outfit laid out on my bed. Stepping into the bathroom, I turn on the sink and splash a little cold water on my face before reaching for my make-up bag. I take my time and use a light touch to apply just the right amount before heading back into my bedroom to get changed.

Glancing in my full-length mirror, the reflection staring back is a completely new woman. I take a deep breath before finally turning away, reaching for my keys and phone. I toss them in a small clutch and slowly emerge from the safety of my bedroom.

The music has only gotten louder in the short time since Dad left me. I’m sure he’s already in a haze and forgotten all about what happened. I decide the easiest way to get out withoutanother scene is to avoid the party altogether and leave out the back.

Other than the sound of my heels clicking, it’s quiet as I move quickly through the empty kitchen. I’m able to slip out the sliding door unnoticed, before moving around the edge of the pool to open the back gate. I walk through the dark, around the side of the building, avoiding the light as I make my way around the front and start to move across the parking lot.

Sliding into the driver’s seat, I finally release my breath, feeling my chest and lungs relax. I can’t help but release a soft laugh. I feel like a teenager sneaking out, which is completely ridiculous given the fact that I’m an adult. Unfortunately, it’s necessary.

Tapping my phone, I type a quick message to Roxy.

*I need a night out. I’m coming to visit. See you soon.

Starting the car, I leave the parking lot without another look back. The beeping sound of an incoming text interrupts my music as I drive toward the Vegas strip. I tap the button on the dash and listen to the text from Roxy as it’s read through my speakers.

*It’s about time! I can’t wait!!

After finding a spot in the self-parking lot, I make my way inside. The sounds of the casino fill my ears as I take a seat in the section where I know Roxy usually works. She comes around the corner in her tiny uniform, but I know she really loves it. I can’t even imagine how much she pulls in each night in tips just because the men keep buying drinks so she’ll keep coming back to serve them.

I watch her smile at an older couple, making small talk as she hands over their drinks before her eyes fall on me. She lights up instantly, practically bouncing across the floor in my direction.

“I can’t believe my eyes,” Roxy grins as she takes in my outfit. “Damn, girl. What’s going on?” she asks.

“I just needed a night away from the clubhouse and the neanderthals,” I try to explain.

“Seriously? You know I’m gonna need a little more than that,” she says, knowing that there’s more to the story.

“No biggie, just found out that Manny was a cheater. Not to mention that my dad and brother both knew about it and never bothered to mention it to me. And to top it all off, the new guy is really starting to get under my skin,” the words come out rushed and angry as they spill from my lips.

“Wait, what new guy?” her eyebrows raise in question. It figures that she’d focus on that tiny piece of information.

“Jesus, Rox. Don’t you ever listen to me when I tell you stuff?” I laugh out. “It’s the guy from the South Carolina charter. I told you he’s staying for a few months to get the prospects up to speed. Anyway, he’s just…” I pause, unsure how to explain Shark. “He’s fucking gorgeous. And when he looks at me… I don’t even know,” I stutter, feeling my skin flush just at the thought of him.

“Hmmm,” she hums. “Sounds promising.”

“I don’t know what it is, but he doesn’t look at me like some little girl. He looks at me and my whole body feels it,” I share.

“That’s because he’s looking at you like he wants to fuck you,” she offers a broad smile.

“Well, yeah, he’s kind of made that clear. But there’s something more than that. He gives off the protective vibe, but it’s not like the other guys. They all have this need to keep me safe like my dad or brother, but he barely knows me. I can’t figure him out,” I say feeling the puzzle of Shark twist in my brain.

“Maybe he wants more than a casual fuck,” she offers with a shrug.

“Definitely not,” I laugh out. “He doesn’t seem the type to settle down or make any type of commitment. Believe me, he’slike the rest of ‘em,” I tell her, remembering the night I found him getting sucked off in the pantry.

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