Page 39 of Savage

“I’m fine. I just need to use the restroom. I’ll be right back.” She couldn’t help repeating herself as she glanced around and found the sign pointing the way. Finding the way she headed in that direction, barely paying attention to the people around her as she focused on getting to the bathroom so no one saw her tears.

After using the facilities, then washing her hands and her face, she felt much better. Or at least more able to control her emotions and face the world. She was on her way back out to the table and Savage when she spotted him. She knew the moment he spotted her too.

It took everything in her not to let her panic take control and freeze her in place. Instead, she forced herself to keep moving and headed straight for Savage.

“We need to go,” she said when she reached the table. She didn’t sit, but instead reached in and grabbed the little purse she’d brought, looping it over her head like he’d shown her.

Savage looked at her for a moment. She didn’t know what he saw in her face, but his gaze immediately swept the room.

“Who?” he said.

“It doesn’t matter. We need to leave.”

He slid out of the bench and took her hand. “I won’t do anything, babe, but it does matter. I need to know who, so I know what face to watch out for.”

Donna forced herself to take a deep breath and be patient despite her brain screaming at her that she needed to get as far away as possible. Once Savage made it to his feet, she gave him directions to find the man she’d recognized.

“Is he your ex?”

“No. But he’s one of the men of the commune. From the look when he spotted me, I have no doubt he’s looking for me.”

“No worries, I’ll take care of you. Any idea if they’re willing to make a scene or get violent?”

She watched his face as his eyes scanned the room again, stopping in the direction she’d seen Brother Jacob, then continuing. She wasn’t sure if he was looking for anyone who might be with them or just taking in the room.

“I don’t think they’ll make a scene, but I’m not sure. They won’t get violent as long as there are witnesses. But once there’s no one around, all bets are off,” she said, still watching his face. He wouldn’t let them take her. She knew that like she knew her own name.

Savage’s gaze came back to her face. “Come on, let’s go.” He took her hand and led her to the register. After he paid for the ticket, they went out to where they’d left the bike. “Anything else you’d like to do in town, or you want to head back to the ranch?” he asked as they approached the motorcycle.

“Let’s just go back.” Her enthusiasm for the excursion gone.

“I’m sorry they ruined this for you.” Savage turned to face her, used the hand he still held to tug her closer then cupped her face in his other palm. “I’d hoped for a day of fun and just getting to know each other better.”

“I’m sorry.” She tried to look away, but he didn’t release her face. “I’m causing trouble because of them.”

“No. They are the ones causing the trouble. They have no reason to be hunting for you like this. They had no right to try to keep you from leaving. They don’t own you and as much as I think of you as mine, I won’t try to hold you if you want to go. I hope you know that.”

A knot formed in her throat at the tender look on his face. “I do and thank you.”

He watched her for a moment longer then released her as he turned to the bike to pull out their helmets. He handed her the one he’d bought her at the last stop they’d made, then put on his own.

Donna had pulled on the not yet familiar helmet and was struggling with the chin strap when a voice startled her.

“There you are. Whoring around with a piece of trash, I see.”

Donna didn’t turn to see who it was, she didn’t need to. She recognized the voice as belonging to Brother Jacob. Savage would keep her safe, she reminded herself. All she had to do was finish with the helmet, then get on the bike behind her and he would make sure she was safe.

Instead of giving Jacob what he wanted, her attention and fear, she kept her attention on Savage. But he turned to Jacob, the visor on his helmet still flipped up, his face and the ire there clear.

“Are you talking about me?” Savage’s voice came out as little more than a growl.

“Yes, but I was talking to your little whore,” Jacob said.

Donna didn’t turn, she didn’t want to look at him. It took everything she had to stand tall in front of Savage, and not bow her head and cower. She knew if she were close enough, and there weren’t any witnesses, Jacob would backhand her at best, or maybe use his fist. It wouldn’t be the first time for either. She stood, frozen as Savage stepped toward Jacob, moving so he was between the angry man and her.

“You don’t get to talk to her. If you have something to say, you can say it to me. If it’s civil and not just a regurgitation of what a piece of shit you are, I might repeat it to her. But you and your rudeness have lost all right to talk to her.”

“Did your whore tell you she’s married?” Jacob snarled.

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