Page 44 of Born Savage

I glance over at James, watching him take a long drag from his cigarette before the smoke pours back out his nostrils. His eyes are lifted, searching the sky.

“Damn. You’re right. Can’t see a single fuckin’ one,” he says, dropping his gaze to meet mine.

“Come sit with me,” I request.

He stomps out what’s left of his cigarette and drops it in the small can set out beside the grill.

“What’s on your mind, darlin’?” he asks, pulling my hands into his.

The thought of him eventually leaving has been burrowing in my mind since he mentioned his phone call with Ryder. I’ve been trying to ignore it, because I know he’s not leaving yet. But that is the key word –yet. It’s unavoidable. He will leave, and I’ll be forgotten.

“Nothing really,” I answer, not ready to confess my fear. “So, I have to know, where did Shark come from?” I turn the conversation to the origin of his nickname.

“Ahhh… She finally asks. I’ve been waiting,” he grins broadly. “For a time, I was pretty good at the card table. I guess I earned the nickname, but honestly, I haven’t been living up to it lately,” he shares.

“Are you kidding me? You’re in Vegas and you never once mentioned that you play cards,” I stare back in surprise.

“Last time I sat down at the table, I got cleaned the fuck out. And it wasn’t just a couple bucks. I haven’t had the desire to go back. I don’t think my ego could take another loss like that,” he answers honestly.

“I guess I can understand that reasoning,” I offer an easy smile.

“Are you ready to call it a night?” he tips his head and I feel my entire body heat from the look in his eyes.

“Mmhmm…” I hum, biting softly on my bottom lip.

Twenty-Eight

Shark

Ileft Scarlett sleeping comfortably in her bed while I joined the rest of the boys for coffee and breakfast. I was surprised to find most of them already awake because I knew a bunch stayed out pretty late. But then again, every night in Vegas seems to be a party.

“Shark, come sit,” Rays hoarse voice requests.

I set down my plate and cup of coffee as I take the vacant seat beside him at the head of the table.

“How was your night?” I question, seeing the redness rimming his eyes.

“Real fuckin’ fun,” he grins back. “How about you?”

“It was good. Scarlett and I grabbed a bite to eat at a little barbecue joint,” I share, clearly leaving out some of the finer details from last night.

“So, I got a call from Ryder,” Ray says, cocking an eyebrow. Damn, that motherfucker didn’t waste any time.

“And,” I prompt, already knowing what he’s about to say.

“He wants you home for a weekend. I think he wants to make sure you’re still whole,” Ray cracks a grin.

"What would you say if I said that I want Scarlett to come with me?” I question before lifting a strip of bacon and taking a big bite.

“You can’t be fucking serious,” he answers and his eye twitches.

“Yeah. I mean, it’s just a weekend, right? I’d like her to meet my family, see where I’m from. And maybe see a different side of this club,” I try.

“Fuck…” he breathes. “I guess when you put it like that, I can’t really say no.”

???

By the time the end of the week rolls around, our plans are set and we’re on our way to Rock Hill. Scarlett’s excitement has been building all week, which has been amazing to watch. But it’s suddenly hit me that I’ll be back in the presence of my boys again soon, causing my own eagerness to skyrocket.

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