Page 33 of Savage

“Daddy,” he corrected. “Today, and anytime we are alone, it’s Daddy.” He approached the bathroom door, leaning against the frame. "That's right, baby. You won't need anything else. Now, do you need help taking a shower?”

“No, Daddy.” She said so quickly Savage couldn’t help but laugh. He was correct, she wasn’t ready for him to bathe her yet. He went back into the bedroom and got ready himself. Once he was done, he texted Dax and Lucky with his idea for the conversation between Savannah and Tim. After he explained his plan, he let them know he’d text them an update when they were done.

The sound of running water filled the air as Savannah showered. Savage's ears perked up at the sound of the notification of motion from his security app. He opened the front door, just as Arrow was setting down a large duffel bag.

"Perfect timing," Savage said to his friend. “You’re quick.”

Arrow nodded; his movements efficient as he straightened. “We had most of what you needed at the house. I have a closet with extras, just in case we run low. Everything you asked for is in there. Dolls, pacifiers, coloring books, and a sippy cup." His eyes flickered behind Savage into the house. "How's she holding up?"

Savage's jaw tightened. "She's strong but scared. We’re going to call Tim in a few and then she’s going to turn off her mind and let me lead her today.”

Arrow's expression hardened. "We've got her back. The club protects its own. The Rejects don’t know who they are messing with. Anyway, got to run. Meeting Irish at Corky’s in a ten.”

As Arrow slipped away, Savage brought the bag inside, quickly stashing its contents out of sight. The shower shut off, and minutes later, Savannah emerged, hair damp, the oversized t-shirt hanging off her plump figure, barely reaching mid-thigh. Her cheeks were flushed, and she tugged at the hem, her eyes darting nervously.

"I feel so... exposed," she admitted.

"That's the point, sweetheart. Today, you don't have to worry about anything. I'll take care of you."

Savannah's brow furrowed, her fingers twisting the fabric of the shirt. "But what if?—"

"No buts," Savage interrupted gently, closing the distance between them. He cupped her face in his large hands. "Today, you're my little girl. All you have to do is relax and let Daddy take care of everything."

He felt the shiver run through Savannah. She bit her lip, her green eyes searching his face. "Promise everything will be okay?"

Savage's heart clenched at the raw vulnerability in her voice. "I promise, little one. Daddy's not going anywhere."

He led her to the living room and settled her on the couch while he filled her sippy cup up. He brought it to her, and she looked at it.

“There’s going to be a lot of new things for you to explore today. If you don’t like any of them, simply tell Daddy, okay?”

“Yes, Daddy.” She took the cup and lifted it to her lips. She smiled as she swallowed the apple juice. He sat next to her on the couch, his large frame dwarfing Savannah’s shorter one. He reminded her of the plan she’d heard the night before. He placed the phone on the coffee table, his hand resting protectively on her knee.

"Remember, I'm right here," he murmured. "You've got this."

Savannah's fingers trembled as she hit Tim's contact number, her breath catching as it began to ring. Savage watched her face intently, noting every flicker of emotion.

"Hello?" Tim's voice crackled through the speaker.

Savannah swallowed hard. "Tim, it's me. We need to talk."

“Where the fuck are you, Savannah? Your boss called. You are late.”

Savannah's voice quivered slightly, but Savage squeezed her knee. "Tim, I... I… I did what you told me to do. I’m with Savage. He’s in the shower.”

Tim's response was immediate, laced with venom. "What's he done to you? Did he find out? Did you tell him?"

Savannah's hand found Savage's, squeezing tightly. "No, no. I didn’t tell him. You don't understand. Savage is... he's protecting me. At least he thinks he’s protecting me."

Savage's jaw clenched, his eyes blazing with silent fury as he listened to Tim's patronizing and threatening tone. He couldn’t wait to meet up with this bastard.

"Protecting you? If not from us, then from what, exactly?"

Savannah took another deep breath, her voice steadying as she wove her fabricated tale. Damn, Savage was proud of hislittle girl. She was being so brave. "My ex. I had to come up with something after I came home with a bruised cheek. He was getting suspicious of my behavior. So, I made up a lie about an ex-boyfriend. Savage thinks I’m running from a dangerous man. He’s offered to keep me safe."

Tim scoffed. "And you expect me to believe that? Come on, Savannah, why would he just offer to protect you like that?"

"You don't know anything about him," Savannah retorted, a hint of steel in her voice. "Savage has been nothing but kind and protective. He's not the monster you told me he was."

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