Page 21 of Born Savage

“What was that look?” Roxy sits up quickly from her relaxed position on my bed.

“What look? It was nothing,” I try to brush her off, but I can already tell she’s not going to let it go.

“Are you sure you really want to go out with Alex tonight?” she asks.

“Yeah…yeah. I think a date outside of this house is exactly what I need,” I tell her, but even as I say the words, it feels more like I’m trying to convince myself.

“Okay, if you’re sure, because that look that you’re claiming was nothing really looks to me like you’d rather be with someone else,” she says, being way too insightful.

“I’m sure,” I confirm as I slip into a pair of heels. “Shark was never really an option. He was just fun to think about,” I add feeling my face get hot.

“Oh really?” excitement fills her voice as she practically begs for details.

“I mean, he kind of made some comments in the office about the skirt I was wearing and what it makes men think about. Hearing him say those things was kind of hard to forget,” I admit, chewing lightly on my lip.

“Holy shit! I told you he wanted to fuck you,” she practically jumps off the bed.

“I know, we’ve already covered that. But honestly, you know how those guys are. It’s all fun and flirting until they get what they want, then they’re done,” I say. I’ve seen it happen way too many times to count, and I refuse to be another victim in the cycle.

“I don’t know. If I were you, I’d ditch Alex and let Shark take me out to the office for some fun,” she laughs.

“I can’t. Alex seems so nice. I have to at least give him a fair chance. Plus, we already made plans,” I remind her.

“I’m just saying, if it was me, I’d go with the one who gave me that rush, not the one I felt lukewarm about,” she offers.

“And who gives you the rush? Who would you drop everything for and go running?” I ask half-jokingly. Roxy has never had a real steady boyfriend. She’s definitely had her fair share of fun, but nothing long term. I think they all give her the rush she’s talking about.

“I’ve already told you about a billion times, I’m holding out for Ray,” she smiles brightly.

“Not my dad, that’s just wrong,” I shake my head.

“What? I can’t help it. I don’t care how old he is, he’s totally hot,” she cracks herself up and I reach for a small pillow from the chair beside me and toss it at her.

“Come on, let’s go,” I say as she continues to laugh.

Roxy has definitely joked a few times about my dad, but I always brushed her off. I don’t know what it is about tonight, but I’m starting to wonder if there’s more to it.

Stepping back into the main room, we find that some of the guys have returned. Sonny appears in front of me and I have the urge to slap him, but I bite it back. I haven’t seen him since the truth came out.

“Hey, Sis; Roxy,” he smiles in acknowledgement. “You two look like trouble. Where you headed?”

“Out,” I offer a clipped answer.

“No shit. You feel like expanding on that?” he questions.

“Not really,” I say, trying to step around him, but he moves to block my path.

“I get it, you’re obviously pissed at me. I’m sorry, okay? And I’m really sorry for the way you found out, but I was just a fuckin’ kid when all that shit went down. And he was my best friend…” he starts to trail off.

“Is that supposed to be an apology?” I ask, feeling even more annoyed.

“Sonny, leave her alone. This isn’t the time or place,” Dad steps up, pointing out the fact that we have an audience.

“Fine, later then,” Sonny looks from our dad back to me before stomping away. I know he cares about me, and I’m sure he is really sorry, but it’s still going to take some time to forgive him for this.

“Roxy, do you think you could give us a minute?” Dad asks and I see his eyes drop, raking over my best friend as a fresh wave of nausea hits me.

“Of course,” Roxy coos back, flashing him a smile before walking over to the bar to flirt with Miles and West.

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