Page 25 of Savage Possession
ISABELLA
Iwake to gentle sunlight coming through the window and the muffled sound of men talking. Pale light glints off the polished wood flooring, making the room feel like a cozy den of peace. I glide from the bed wondering if there’s anything to pull on. I find the walk-in closet full of clothes in my size. Jeans, T-shirts, and a few sweaters in an array of colors. Panties and bra sets sit in a drawer with tags still hooked onto the material.
Odd. I didn’t hear the truck or even realize Ash wasn’t in bed with me. Sleep took over after we made love and then darkness took over. All the upheaval of the last day took everything I had. I find a note on top of a pair of jeans that tells me the ladies of the compound brought clothes and when I wake there’s coffee in the kitchen.
Well, that explains that then.
I opt for a matching set of black panties and bra before grabbing a pair of jeans. It’s pure bliss pulling them on after that ugly dress I suffered through last night. I look down to find a low heelmid-calf boot and nearly sing praises to the ladies who helped a stranger out.
Now for a shirt. I eye the ones left for me but have a better idea.
A few minutes later I leave the comfort of the bedroom behind and head toward the sound of voices.
I step out of the hallway to find Ash looking out over the awakening bayou, a coffee mug in one hand, and the other running through his damp hair. He hasn’t seen me yet, so I take my time to appreciate his fine form in lounge pants hugging his cute ass. I’m so used to seeing him in biker boots and jeans, the change kind of throws me off in a good way. Come to think of it, both times I saw him before coming here, he was always with his weapon holsters firmly in place.
The sight of him relaxed and in his element is new and I like it. I also like knowing I had a hand in putting him in a ruffled laid-back state.
Off to the left of him a man with long hair, scruff and two mugs in his hand looks at me with a casual smile of welcome.
“Morning. Sorry to wake you so early. We don’t get much sleep around here. Occupational hazard, believe it or not.”
Ash turns at the sound of the other man speaking to me and the smile I receive from him melts my heart into goop.
“The name is Venom, and this is for you. Trust me it’s not poisoned despite my name.”
That pulls a smile from me. “Of course, not. Who would ever think such a thing? Thank you.”
He hands me a steaming mug before heading off to the couch where another man sits. He’s staring off out the large window Ash is currently standing by.
“Oh, good morning.” I walk over and the large man who looks a little older than Ash and Venom stands and accepts my hand with his. He wraps the top with the other hand and offers me a genuine smile that makes me feel like I’ve stepped into some alternate reality where everyone is kind and has no ulterior motive.
“I’m Isabella Fontaine.”
“Reaper. President of the Savages. It’s nice to meet you, sweetheart. Welcome. Ash was telling us about your recent adventure.”
He smells of baby powder and innocence.
That is not how I would describe it, but I get trying to spare me from the dark thoughts of how deeply my father betrayed me. Venom watches me take the first sip of coffee and the other guy picks up a piece of paper that looks like it’s seen the bottom of a wastebasket.
I shake my head. “That’s a nice way of putting it, but it’s okay to label it as what it was. A shit show of epic proportions.”
Ash joins us and wraps an arm around my middle, kissing me on the top of the head. “Morning, sweet angel. Reaper has a way of adding sugar to his words, is all.” Ash leans in and places his lips next to my ear. “I like you wearing my shirt. When the guys leave, I’m gonna love taking it off you.”
Cue a full head to toe blush. I place my hands over his where he is holding me and whisper back, “I would love that.”
Heat of the blush moves into my cheeks, because of course I have to be the shy type. I’m not used to all the show of affection and openly being nice to people, either. Something warm wraps around my heart for the kindness being shown to me. It makes me feel like I’ve found a place where I could actually belong. Which breaks my heart because I can’t stay. I can’t bring trouble to these people when they’ve done nothing but help me. My gut tells me despite feeling like I’m in a fantasy, the glass dome is about to shatter, and the possible magical world I could have lived in is about to collapse around me.
“Thank you. I mean that. From the bottom of my heart I truly mean that. In my world people only help each other for mutual benefit. It’s really ugly, when you think about it. And if your death is in their best interest, well, that is on the table too.”
Venom wags a finger in my direction with pure disgust on his face. “Your family and friends sound like real pieces of work.”
He’s on his feet, moving around the coffee table between the two couches and heading toward the kitchen. He refills his and does the same for everyone else.
“That is the ultimate understatement,” I offer in an embarrassed tone. “I don’t know if you know who I am.” I pause and search for better wording. “I apologize. That kind of sounded pompous, but what I meant by it is that my father is Malcom Fontaine.”
“The shipping mogul.”
I nod, answering Venom’s question.
