Page 39 of Born Savage

“Nothing. Just trying to figure out what’s got you so happy,” she smiles back. “You need more than coffee. C’mon and eat something, you know there’s always plenty of extra,” she says

I take the plate from her outstretched hand and look at the assortment of food she has laid out. I take a scoop of scrambledeggs, a little fruit salad, and a large blueberry muffin before taking my seat at the island.

“I can help you clean up when I’m done,” I offer.

“That would be really nice. I’m sure those guys are just about finished, and any second this sink is going to be full of dishes,” she answers.

I dig into my eggs, and before I know it, I’ve inhaled half of them. I guess I was hungrier than I realized. I take the muffin from my plate and start picking at the edges, taking small bites of the sweet blueberries.

“Another delicious breakfast,” Pike announces as he steps through the door patting his stomach, his plate empty.

A steady stream of large men, clad in denim and leather follows. It’s a scene I’ve watched many times over the years. James is one of the last to walk through the door and into the kitchen, but he’s the only one who holds my attention.

I watch as he sets his dish in the sink before turning back in my direction. He steps in close behind me and the familiar warmth envelops me as his hand slides around my body, settling gently on my stomach.

“It’s good to see you eating something other than cereal,” his soft words touch my ear. “A bunch of us are heading over to the shooting range. How late are your working today?” he asks.

“I have a few emails to follow up on and a couple orders to place, but most of it is pretty easy. I should be done by early afternoon, maybe around two,” I tell him.

“Good. I thought maybe we could go out and get a real dinner tonight. Why don’t you think about where you’d like to go, and you can show me around this town a little,” he smiles.

“Really?” I can’t seem to stop the question from falling out.

“What in the actual fuck?” Chip’s voice cuts into our moment.

Both our heads lift, finding the entire kitchen full of men now watching us. James lifts, once again standing tall and not lowering his gaze for anyone. His hand stays locked on my body.

“I think that’s a little too close, brother. Back the fuck up off her,” Pike requests roughly.

I feel my eyes go wide. I know these guys have always been protective, but it’s not their place anymore. And now that I really think about it, after everything that came to light about Manny, I’m not sure it ever really was.

“Excuse me?” my small voice breaks the sudden silence and all eyes move from James to me. “Don’t talk about me like I’m not even here,” I say, getting braver.

“Uh… Sorry, Scar. I was just trying to help,” Pike answers.

“I know, but there’s no need. Actually, you all need to hear this,” I start. “And I hope you’re all listening, because I really don’t want to have to repeat this. I’m done with this claim you all think you have on protecting me. Don’t get me wrong, I understand and I’m thankful for everything you’ve done for me while I was growing up. But I’m not a kid anymore. I’m grown enough to decide who I want to spend time with,” I tell them as I slip from me seat, allowing James to pull me in close.

The room falls silent again as all eyes bore down on us. The gazes quickly shift, this time focusing in on my dad.

“It’s okay,” Dad starts, putting up his hand. “I already know, and Scarlett is right. It’s about fucking time we stop treating her like a child. Shark and I have already had a conversation, and he’s well aware of the hell he’ll face if he fucks this up,” Dad offers a light laugh before bringing his hand down roughly on James’s shoulder.

My stomach twists. I understand what he’s doing, trying to appease this group, but that doesn’t make it any easier when you hear that the man you might be falling in love with has been threatened to never hurt you. Not that James would ever beswayed by threats, but just knowing that Dad put it out there has my confidence wavering.

“C’mon, enough of this high school shit. Let’s hit the fucking range already,” Sonny speaks up. And in this moment, I’m actually thankful for my brother, as I watch the guys slowly turn and leave the room without another word.

“Are you okay,” James’s hushed question falls on my ears and I nod softly, my mind still spinning.

“Are you sure you really want to go shoot guns with all of them after that,” I ask with a smile, finally shaking my self-doubt aside.

“I’m not scared. I think I can handle them,” he grins back, cocking his eyebrow. And I instantly have no doubt that he could take them all on and still come out unscathed. “I’ll see you in a couple hours,” he says, placing a soft kiss to my lips before following the crowd.

“Damn, honey, you are one brave cookie,” Trish announces once the room empties around us.

“Uh huh,” Lauren nods in agreement.

“What are you talking about? You stand up to those guys all the time,” I remind her.

“Yeah, but I’m almost twice your age. And trust me, I may have thought I was a tough bitch in my twenties, but I never would’ve dared to challenge one of those guys, forget about a whole room full of them. That took some serious guts, girl. I’m proud of you,” she beams back at me.

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