Page 15 of Savage Keepsakes

“Lou, what do you want? What do you need?”

“I need help. He’s been a fucking idiot and… he’s moving his stuff out. I just don’t know if he’s gone for real, ya know? It’s okay if you can’t help. I just didn’t want to put my friends in danger and he’s been a real piece of work.”

“Gotcha. Send me the address and I’ll be there as soon as I can,” he says before he ends the call.

I walk down the stairs, looking around as the steps creak beneath my feet. The sound of his muffler gunning away from the house makes me breathe easier.

Padding through the main floor, I make sure the front door is locked. Once that’s done, I lean against the door and let out a shaky sigh. I’m one step closer to being safe… well, safer.

Looking down at myself, I wince at the rumpled pajamas, and when I sniff my shirt, a raunch odour hits my nose. I should at least have a quick shower before Billy gets here.

I rush to the bathroom, toss off my clothes, and get under the water, taking half a second to cherish the warmth before cleaning up.

Once I turn off the water, I grab a towel to dry myself off before changing into leggings and an oversized sweater. After the wild start to my day, I need some comfort.

After putting on my Vans, I flick off the lights and lock the door behind me as I make my way outside. With a quick glance around the property, I see Miles and Leah have left and nothing is amiss, except for the trampled grass beside the house.

I put my hands in my pockets before a revving engine catches my attention. A familiar charcoal grey Chevy Cruze sedan with the windows down pulls into the laneway.

Billy parks and swings the door open before getting out of the car. He’s clean-shaven except for his moustache, and his smile is wide as he locks eyes with me.

His tall, muscular frame is accentuated by the striking display of tattoos adorning his arms. The bold letters of his dark T-shirt proclaimdown with the sickness.He sprints across the space between us, wrapping his arms around me as he pulls me in tight.

“Hey, Lou,” he utters.

I wrap my arms around his waist and melt in his arms as the scent of amber and vanilla fills my senses.His chin sits on top of my head as I look down, noticing his ripped jeans are covered in bleach stains.

“Did you come from work?”

“Something like that.” He laughs. “Wanna go for a drive?”

I pull back, my gaze locking with his dark brown eyes. I can’t help but notice the playful pop of hot-pink hair peeking out from under his hat. It’s ridiculously handsome on him.

“Yeah,” I whisper.

He grabs my hand, his tattoo-lined fingers wrapping around mine. He has his septum pierced like me, and a new eyebrow piercing glints in the sun.

Once we reach the car. I don’t waste any time getting into the passenger seat, buckling in before we’re off.

“Where are we going?”

“Anywhere you want, Lou. What’s going on?”

He taps the steering wheel rhythmically with his fingers as he drives. I stare out the open window, the gentle breeze against my face. The lull of the car makes me want to fall asleep, and I enjoy the comforting silence.

“Miles cheated, and yes, I’m sure of it. He’s been an absolute bitch since I called him out on it. When he admitted it, he also told me what a horrible human I am. Blames me for everything. I’m so fucking tired. He claimed he couldn’t possibly beattracted to me because of my appearance and the state of the house. I regret him moving in,” I ramble.

“I asked him to leave, I’ve demanded, but he just won’t go… Well, until today.” No wonder no one wants me. I barely make any sense talking, let alone venting like a lunatic.

Billy slides his arm around the passenger headrest, checks over his shoulder and, with a quick motion, we’re on the side of the road.

“That cum stain won’t be the one who messes with your head. He’s the load his mother shoulda swallowed. Tell me what you need me to do.”

My eyes widen. Hearing the truthful words from someone else means a lot. “I want him to leave me alone, and I need help fixing up the house.”

“Alright, I’ll help you out.”

“How?” I whisper as cars zoom by us.

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