Page 9 of Born Savage

“So, she’s never dated? Does Ray really think he can just keep her sheltered her entire life?” I question feeling an annoyance I hadn’t expected. How can he keep her in this life but not let her be a real part of it? He should’ve put her up in a nice apartment or condo, away from all this shit. He could still keep her safe at a distance and let her live a real adult life.

“No, that’s not it. She had a boy once, but that’s it, he was just a boy. Manny…” she pauses briefly before starting again.

“They started dating as teenagers. They were both so young, and Ray allowed it to develop. Manny was also Sonny’s best friend and a few years older than her, and he had already spent some time around the club. It was clear he had big eyes for the lifestyle, and as soon as he turned eighteen, he started as a prospect. He and Sonny patched in together later that same year, and everything was good for a couple years. But just after Manny turned twenty-one, he had an accident. He had just bought a new bike and went out for a ride when a freak storm came through. The road washed out and he lost control, and we lost him. Scarlett hurt for a while after that, but she was still so young. We all made it through the pain together, as a family. Unfortunately, it’s been hard for Ray and Sonny to accept the fact that she is a woman now and that she might want to move on,” she finally stops and I feel like someone smacked me.

“Shit,” I breathe.

“Yeah, you can say that again,” she smiles back.

“So, why am I getting a double threat? You don’t think that Sonny put the fear of death into me with his warning?” I ask, unable to stop myself from chuckling.

“You’re a different breed from incoming prospects. You know what it’s like to grow up and live in the original charter house. I know this is Vegas, but I’m sure you’ve seen and lived through shit that none of the guys here could even imagine. I’m not sure if anyone could put the fear of death in you. Plus, I saw the way you were watching her,” she offers and I shrug. No point in trying to deny that I was looking.

“But don’t think I’m only coming down on you. She’s been warned too. She’s never experienced anyone quite like you. You’re new and appealing, and you’ve managed to get her attention,” she adds.

“If she knew me, she probably wouldn’t look at me like that. I’m too fucked up for a sweet girl like her,” I say, knowing that it’s true. After everything Scarlett has already been through, I can’t be the guy who fucks her and then leaves her. I might be an asshole sometimes, but I’m not that much of a prick.

“That might be true, but you’re shiny and new and she’s curious. You don’t avoid her or treat her like a child,” she adds.

“In that case, I guess I’ll have to try my hardest to keep my distance,” I grin back at Trish.

And as the words leave my lips, I glance back over my shoulder, catching sight of Scarlett’s long tan legs. I know what I need to do, and what I should do, but I’m just not sure I’m strong enough or man enough to do it. I’m going to need a fucking distraction.

Eight

Shark

Anice cold shower and my right hand helped to ease my mind and my looming urges. I slip quickly into some clean clothes before sliding my cut over the top. The soft leather offers a familiar security that I can’t even begin to describe. Grabbing my Glock from the top of the small dresser, I secure it on my hip before heading back out the door.

“This place is lookin’ good, boys,” I praise the prospects cleaning skills, finding the main room spotless when I re-enter. It’s time to get to know these boys and find some shit to keep us busy.

“What are we gonna do now?” West asks, clearly chomping at the bit. Prospects are always so fucking eager. But honestly, I’m itching to do something too. I hate sitting around all day with nothing to do.

“Is there a shooting range nearby?” I ask. I’d like to see what these kids have for skills, and maybe show ‘em a few things. Plus, shooting some paper targets might help keep my head clear.

“Shit, yeah. There’s a nice one not too far from here,” Miles grins back, and I know instantly these kids are game.

“Sounds like a plan. Grab your pieces and let’s fuckin’ ride,” I order.

???

After two hours at the range, it’s clear that both these kids need some work. They’ve both got basic skills and can definitely handle a gun, but I can tell they’ve picked up shit from movies that doesn’t work in real life scenarios. They also need to realize that shooting at paper targets is a lot different from shooting at real moving bodies. If they want to earn a spot at the table, they need to put in the effort and take the time to perfect the skills they need to be an effective enforcer.

Normally this would be a serious release for me, but today having my gun in my hand seems to be having the opposite effect. I thought I had worked it all out in the shower, but I’ve definitely got some pent-up shit I’m going to need to fuck out of my system. If there is any type of party tonight, I’ll be finding some sweet ass to help take the pressure off.

“Alright, boys. I think that’s enough for today,” I announce once they’ve emptied their clips.

“We should hit up the Kitty Kat,” West suggests and just hearing that name sounds promising.

“What’s the Kitty Kat?” I ask, even though I’m pretty sure I already know.

“Amazing fucking strip joint that Ray owns, just off the Vegas strip,” West grins broadly in response.

“Sounds like my kind of place. Let’s fuckin’ go,” I cock an eyebrow in response and he offers a deep laugh in response.

???

I lean back in my chair, nursing the beer I grabbed from the bar before we found our seats. Music plays loudly through the darkened room, and I instantly feel in my element. Miles and West informed me that Ray keeps this place to pull in extra cash, and I have no doubt that it’s a fuckin’ money maker. Plus, it’s a nice bonus for the boys to enjoy.

---