Page 38 of Born Savage

“One, you’re God damn right it is, and two, don’t ever fuckin’ talk about her pussy again,” I growl in response.

“Shit, it is real. Just had to test you, brother,” he says. “So, when are you bringing this chickie home?”

“Not sure if that’s gonna happen. Ray mentioned the possibility of a future here in Vegas, so I’m considering my options,” I share.

“Oh, fuck no. You belong in Rock Hill. This is your fucking home,” Army’s response is immediate and intense, and I feel it too.

“I know, but it’s easier said than done. It’s Scarlett… Ray’s daughter,” I finally tell him.

“No fucking way. And Ray is okay with that shit?” he asks in complete surprise.

“He is, but I’m not sure if it’s contingent on me settling here. And you’re sworn to fucking secrecy with this. Don’t go blabbing this shit around the clubhouse or I’ll be on the next flight out to kick your ass,” I say.

“Got it. I have faith you’ll make the right decision,” he lays the guilt trip right on me.

“Thanks. Take it easy, brother. I’ll talk to you soon,” I end the call, slipping my phone back into my pocket before stomping out my butt.

Stepping back inside, her blue eyes light up as she looks up at me from her seat at the kitchen island. “I got you a bowl,” she smiles, holding up the box of Lucky Charms and shaking it in the air.

“Thanks, darlin’,” I offer, taking the empty seat beside her and dropping a soft kiss to her bare shoulder.

“Important call?” she asks.

“Nah, just one of the guys back home,” I answer.

“Oh,” she says, and I catch her looking up at me from the corner of my eye before her gaze drops back quickly to the marshmallows floating in her milk.

And I’ve done it. I’ve said the one word bringing full attention to the reality of our situation –home.

I bring my hand to her thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze. She turns back to look at me, but her eyes are wide and glassy. Fuck.

“Sweetheart, I have no intention of leaving you,” I tell her, and I mean every fucking word. Nothing else matters in this moment. I need Scarlett to know that I’m hers just as much as she is mine.

Twenty-Five

Scarlett

The hot water rains down over me as I relax and let my mind flash back, remembering the details of the past few days. This time with James has felt like a dream. It’s still hard to believe that any of this is real.

Today it’s back to work and back to real-life, where other people actually exist around us. He was up early, and left me, to go and eat breakfast with the rest of the crew. But I couldn’t sleep once he was gone, so I decided to shower and get ready for my day in the office.

I finish and turn the water off, reaching for a soft towel to wrap around my body. After taking a few minutes to dry myself, I open my closet and grab clean clothes to slip into. I lean down to slide my feet into my heels, and I catch sight of my reflection in the mirror, seeing the way the bodysuit and pencil skirt hug my body. I stand and move closer to the mirror, staring at my reflection.

It seems completely crazy and I feel silly even thinking it, but I feel different after being with James. I take a minute, examining my face. Nothing has visibly changed, but I can feelit. It tingles on the surface of my skin, over every inch of me that he’s touched. And I feel it deep inside, twisting in my stomach like a nervous school girl. But what scares me the most is the way I feel it in my heart, the way it speeds up, beating out of control at just the thought of him. Without a doubt, being with James Dawson has changed me.

???

I hear the raucous laughter spilling into the hallway from the dining room, and I’m sure the guys are having fun reliving their exploits from the weekend, and busting each other’s balls like they do on a daily basis. They were all so preoccupied over the weekend that none of them seemed to notice that James and I were spending time together. Although we didn’t really flaunt it, most of our time together was spent secluded.

I move into the kitchen, finding Trish and Lauren both busy at work. I feel slightly guilty that I haven’t been helping out as much around here.

“Good morning,” I offer as I reach up into the cabinet for a sturdy travel mug to fill with hot coffee.

“Morning,” Lauren answers brightly as she pushes through the dining room door, holding a platter piled high with bacon and sausage.

“Good morning,” Trish echoes, but I feel her eyes examining me.

“What?” I ask, feeling a soft heat spread in my cheeks.

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