Page 5 of Savage

“Ho—How can they be brothers but not siblings?” Her voice was barely more than a whisper.

The stranger tilted his head and watched her for a moment as if trying to figure out what she was thinking or what might be wrong with her.

“I think of them as brothers of choice. You can be blood with anyone but what matters is the ones who look out for you, who treat you like they care. We’re an MC. They’re my brothers.”

She must have looked confused because he continued.

“Motorcycle club. I’m part of a motorcycle club.” He looked at her like he wasn’t sure what else she could be thinking but he hadn’t been through what she had.

Relief washed through her. If he was part of a motorcycle club, then the group she’d just escaped from hadn’t sent him. They thought bikers were part of what they called the unholy and misguided. But weren’t bikers supposed to treat women horribly? She’d been through enough of that to last her a lifetime.

“I don’t know what’s going through your head, but it doesn’t look good. I can promise you we’re not what you probably think. We’re a little rough, but we don’t hurt women. If you come with me, you can meet us then decide. If after breakfast, you still want to find a shelter, I’ll help you find one.”

Donna stared at him for a moment, trying to decide what would be the best option. Her stomach rumbled, reminding her she needed to eat and just because she was hungry wasn’t her only reason.

“All right. I’ll go for breakfast, then decide,” she said, straightened her back and resumed walking.

“Good. I’m glad to hear it. I’m Savage by the way?”

“Savage?” Donna couldn’t help the way her voice squeaked, and only hoped he didn’t notice. Maybe this wasn’t her best decision after all. He winced. No, he’d definitely caught her squeak.

“It’s my last name. I got used to it when I was in the service.” He lifted one shoulder and let it drop. “Now it’s just normal to me.”

She continued walking, wondering if she should give him her name, she needed to tell him something, but should it be her real name or a fake one? The fake name would make it easier if she decided to go to a shelter here, but what if she decided to take him up on his offer to get farther away? Then it would become awkward.

“I’m Donna.” She wondered if she should offer her hand but decided he hadn’t so there was no reason she should. And now he had a name. Yes, it was her real name, but it was just her first name and Donna was common enough. Well, it used to be. It wasn’t so common for people her age as maybe for her mother’s age.

She wondered what her mother would think about her now? She used to think about her mother every day, but she’d lost her so long ago, and more recently, she’d struggled just to get through every day. Donna couldn’t remember the last time she’d thought about her mom.

“It’s nice to meet you, Donna. When we get to the motel, I’ll see if any of the women are around. We’ve got five along on the trip. I’m sure they’ll be happy to meet you.”

She nodded but didn’t say anything as they continued to walk.

“There’s the motel. We’re almost there.” His voice made her look ahead. There was a large chain motel about a quarter of a mile ahead of them. Good, she could keep walking for a bit longer, but she was starting to get tired. That happened more often than it used to. She’d been working hard to hide it, but Savage wouldn’t know any different. Still, she could make it to the motel without trouble. But it would be hard to get much farther without at least resting a bit. Even better if she could get something to eat soon.

7

Savagecouldn’thelpbutwonder about Donna’s odd reactions. She was obviously scared of something, and he thought she was trying to get away from someone, but he had no clue why. He did what he could to reassure her, but between the dark circles under her eyes and her thin dress, he just wanted to make sure she was fed and warm. For some reason it was important to him that she was taken care of. He didn’t understand it but trusted his instincts.

They made it back to the motel, he checked the row of motorcycles and found they were all still in place, none missing. That was good, it meant the women would be around and more than likely one or more would be willing to spend a little time with Donna.

“Come on, they’ve got free coffee in the lobby, let me see if any of the women are there,” Savage said as they approached the building. Thankfully, the lobby had a large glass front, and he could see no one other than the clerk was there without going inside. He wasn’t sure how they might take someone coming into the office without a shirt, and he didn’t want to cause problems. “Nope, let me check with our VP first.”

He led her to the door of Sadist’s room and knocked. He heard movement on the other side, so he waited. He fought the desire to reach out and take Donna’s hand. He barely knew her, and something told him she wouldn’t be comfortable with it. Still, he thought a touch as innocent as that might help, but he held back. She needed to know him better first.

The door opened a few inches. Savage looked up to find Sadist standing in the opening, wearing a pair of jeans that were zipped but the button open, and it appeared nothing else, glaring down at him.

“What?”

“I’m sorry to bother you, but I’ve got someone with me who needs some company for a few minutes while I shower and get dressed. I thought Beth might be willing, if she’s free.”

“Sorry, she’s busy.” Sadist’s gaze flicked from Savage to Donna then back again. “Try Dumbass. Jailbait is probably closer to her age.”

“Will do. You know what room he’s in?”

The VP gave him a room number then closed the door. Savage heard the lock click into place and grinned as he shook his head.

“Come on. He’s right. Jailbait is closer to your age, though Beth’s not that much older.” He had no doubt what Beth was busy doing, not that he’d even tried to look past Sadist. He had more respect for the women of the club than that.

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