Page 3 of Born Savage

“Nah, brother. I’m good,” I answer knowing that I need to keep my shit together. Plus, Vegas is bound to be a non-stop party.

“Okay. Then you can leave tonight or tomorrow morning. Your choice,” he says before turning and walking back out.

???

I watch my brothers file in and take their seats as my knee bounces under the table. I know Ryder won’t share that this is at my request, but I still feel shaken leaving my boys. This clubhouse is my home, I grew up here. I can handle a week-long trip here and there, but to be leaving this place and my brothers for what could be months, is a different fucking story.

“I’ll keep this brief,” Ryder announces once all asses are planted in seats. “The Vegas charter just lost Tex. Apparently he decided to start a fight with someone he shouldn’t have. Ray told me that he’s going away for three years. There’s a chance he could get out early, but as it stands, they’re down to one enforcer. They’ve got a couple prospects who look like they could fill the position, but they need a little more hands-on training. Ray needs someone in Vegas to help cover the next few monthswhile they get these boys ready to go,” he explains and I notice a few wide eyes around the table.

“Fifty, I know you’ve been out on a couple runs recently. Plus, I know you just got your girl back, and your mom still needs you around after her accident, so you’re out,” he says before shifting his focus to Billy. “Billy, I see you chomping at bit, but kid, you just aren’t ready. Vegas would eat you alive. Let’s get your dick wet here first and then we’ll see about the future,” Ryder continues and a chuckle goes around the table.

“I’ve already decided, I’m sending Sharky-boy,” he finally announces and all eyes fall on me. “He’ll help out with getting their prospects up to speed, then he’ll be back. Any objections?” he asks. The table stays quiet as all seem to be in agreement with the plan. But I feel my eyebrows raise, noticing a slow grin growing on Army’s face.

“What the fuck is it, Army?” Ryder growls, catching it too.

“Going away party tonight?” he questions hopefully. Ryder doesn’t give an answer, instead he nods in my direction.

“Feel free, brother, but I won’t be here. It’s a long ride to Vegas. I’m gonna hit the road tonight,” I share. After a few goodbyes and a bunch of brotherly jabs, I’m back in my room packing my shit.

Three

Shark

My arms and ass are fucking aching by the time I pull into the lot at the Vegas charter clubhouse. Don’t get me wrong, my girl offers a smooth fucking ride, but being in the saddle for almost three days straight would be rough on anyone. I climb off and reach my arms up over my head, feeling the muscles stretch down my back.

“Fuuuck,” I breathe out.

I reach into my pocket, pulling out my pack of cigarettes and quickly lighting one up. I can already feel the desert heat as my leather clings to my torso. This climate change is going to take some getting used to.

A black Audi with tinted windows swings into the lot and comes to a stop. The passenger door opens and a pair of long tan legs steps out. A pair of strappy stilettos hit the pavement and my eyes lift to find a short dress clinging to dangerous curves. I go a little further, and find a pretty face flashing me an ultra-watt smile.

“You must be the new guy,” she observes and I tip my head.

The driver’s side door opens and a kid steps out, his leather matching my own. “Back off, Destiny. Let the man breathe a little before you try to sink your claws in,” the kid grins.

“Fine. I’ll be out by the pool,” she offers, letting her heels carry her away.

“Shark?” the kid questions, stepping forward and offering his hand. I grip it firmly, catching the V.P. patch on his chest.

“I’m Sonny,” he offers. “My old man told the table about your arrival. I guess word got out,” he smirks. “C’mon inside. I’ll show you around.”

“Sounds good, brother,” I reply, stepping in line with him as we move toward the door.

Walking inside, the cool air conditioning hits me in the face and it feels amazing. I let my eyes move around the room. The setup is familiar, but not quite the same. I find warm wooden surfaces, a large bar, pool tables, and large leather furniture. One corner holds two silver poles mounted floor to ceiling. It figures that the Vegas charter would have built in stripper poles.

“Stop fucking following me. I told you already, he took me to my appointment. If you have a problem with it, take it up with Sonny,” a huffy response comes from the girl I just met in the parking lot. She’s quickly switched out her dress for a barely there thong bikini, but her heels still hold her feet.

“What’s going on?” Sonny steps up.

“Your girl won’t stop badgering me. I just want to take my ass out to the pool and lay in the sun, but she thinks I’ve been taking advantage of you all afternoon,” the girl named Destiny explains and I can’t stop the smirk from curling on my lips. Clubhouse drama on day fucking one. I love this shit.

“Go on to the pool, Des. Mara, you know I had to take her today. The rest of the boys had shit to handle, so stop stirring up shit that doesn’t exist,” he fumes.

“Fine. I’m going to the grocery store. We need food around here and someone has to help Trish out,” she stomps away, slamming the door without another look back.

Cackling laughter breaks in the corner and a pair of boots move closer. “Shit, brother,” a hand falls heavy on Sonny’s shoulder but the eyes meet mine. “Damn, you must be Shark. I’m Pike,” he offers his hand and I take it.

“Fucking A. Every woman I so much as glance at, she instantly thinks I’m fucking them,” Sonny breathes.

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