Page 17 of Savage Keepsakes

He lowers the windows, turning up the music as we drive back to my house.

Five

Billy

Spending the afternoon with Lucy has made my heart full. Being her hero makes me think I could conquer the world. Her touch sends tingles through my body. Glancing over at her, she’s passed out, the car lulling her to sleep.

As I turn into her laneway and park next to her car, I stroke her soft cheek, and she doesn’t flinch. I could sit here and watch her all day.

Pulling out my phone, I flick through my emails. Letting her have some rest seemed like the best idea, but after a while, I’m bored and getting antsy. It crosses my mind to throw her over my shoulder, but that would be an awful way to wake up.

“Lou, wake up.” I unbuckle her, and the clunk of the seatbelt jolts her upright.

“Shit, I’m sorry.”

“Sorry for sleeping? Don’t apologize, you’re exhausted. The mattress store said they’d be here thisafternoon. Let’s get your room ready.” I hop out of the car and circle the front to open her door.

Lucy rubs her eyes and takes my hand when I offer it. Her warm touch makes my nerves buzz under the skin. “I’m thankful for your help today.”

“Lou, I haven’t done anything yet. Which room do you want the bed in?”

We walk across the porch, rotting wood covered by plywood creaks under our weight. “I don’t want the primary bedroom, I just… It’s fucking stupid.”

“Nah, can’t be. Lay it on me.”

She unlocks the door, and we walk to the spiral staircase. As she climbs them, I check out the way her hips sway before following behind.

She takes a deep breath as I open the first door. An empty room aside from some trash in the corner greets us. “This one?”

“It’s just memories. They linger… It wasn’t even that bad. I should just get over it.”

I grit my teeth, taking a step toward her. Gripping her chin, I tilt her head for her to make eye contact. A flash of fear zips over her face, and she turns to me.

“Just because some people have had worse, doesn’t make your experience less valid. Whatever you think is gonna make your life easier is what we’ll do.”

Lucy shuts her eyes, but nods as I let her go.

I close the door and follow her to the next bedroom. Blankets lay on the ground, and I clench my fists before shoving them in my pockets.

Fuckface had her sleeping on the floor like a dog. But I’ll fix him.

“Grab a broom. We’ll get this place cleaned up, eh?” Lou nods as she goes to find one.

I wander around, picking up bottles of water and setting them on the old dresser. I’m going to revamp her house with the money from my last weird gig. She deserves the best, and I’ll be the one to bring it to her.

“Do you think this’ll be the last of Miles?” she asks as she enters the room.

I grab the broom and start sweeping. “Maybe. He might poke around or try to get you back. Slimy bastards do that kinda thing.”

“I feel like an idiot. I should’ve broken up with him a long time ago.” Lou grabs the old bottles of water and heads out through the door.

I grit my teeth together. Once fuckers like him dig their claws into someone, they’ll never let go.

She might have seen the red flags, but abusive losers like that know how to play their victim.

Finishing sweeping, I move the dresser to the corner to make room for the movers.

The loud vibration of a truck exhaust filters through the window. “They’re here. You got sheets?” I ask.

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