Page 18 of Savage Keepsakes

“Yeah, I’ll get everything ready. Thank you, Billy.”

“Anytime, Lou.”

I leave her and head down the stairs to open the door for the delivery guys. It’s a quick in and out, and I tip my head to them, handing them each a twenty-dollar bill.

Once they are gone and I lock the front door again, I head back upstairs and help her make the bed.

Crossing the room, she looks up at me, and I press my lips together. My fingers ache to touch her, and a sudden warmth fills me.

“You still like working with the animals?”

“Pays the bills, eh? Shop is small, and sometimes I have to turn away customers from the lack of space, but it’s life.” I fluff up the pillows and lay them on her bed.

Lucy steps forward and wraps her arms around me, leaning in for a hug. I pull her tighter, and her luscious curves press against my body.

“I wish I could make it better for you,” she says.

“It’s all good, darlin’. I’ll take care of fuckface and then we’ll work on the house. Walk me out?” I drop a kiss on her head as I pull away.

As Lucy leads me down the stairs, her hand is soft in mine. We make it to the front door. I turn to look down into her mossy green eyes, not having any illusions that she’ll fall for me once I take care ofMiles. I’m willing to devote as much time as it takes to make her love me.

“Goodnight, Lou. Get some sleep.”

“Goodnight, Billy.”

“Be good and call me whenever.” I tuck a silky strand of hair behind her ear.

Lou whimpers, and it makes my dick throb. She pulls away, angling her chin up, and I bite back the growl and kiss her forehead.

“Darlin’, you’re killing me. I’ll be back. Go to sleep before I break the bed in right fucking now.” I swallow my growl as I run my fingers over her jaw and wink at her.

Her eyes widen, and she bites her lips before breaking contact with me. “I’ll call you when I wake up,” she says.

“Sweet dreams, Lou.” I spin around and walk out to the car.

The sun has started to set by the time I pull into the garage and park in the spot next to Miles’s car. I runmy fingers through my hair and fix my hat. It won’t be long now.

My stupid grin widens. Not only is the shop ready for this fuckwad, but tonight I’ll get the chance to try out a brand-new technique.

Waiting has never been a favourite of mine, and I tap the dash with my fingers and slouch in the seat. My phone dings with a notification, and I check my email. My black market connection confirmed my reason for taking a break from taxidermying the dead loved ones of the wealthy.

Stuffing and mounting a professor’s favourite college students with usable holes was a little much, even for me.

Glancing up as I slip my phone into my pocket, I watch Miles saunter over to his Honda Civic, wearing white joggers and a black hoodie.

When he puts his bag into the trunk, I exit my car, walk over, and lean against his hood.

“Can I help you?” Miles asks.

“Heya bud. I didn’t know how else to reach you. We need to go. There’s been an accident with Lucy.” I clasp my hands together.

His eyes widen, and he turns to his car.

“Better come with me. It’ll be easier.” I gesture to the Cruze.

“Of course, let’s go.” He rounds the front of my car and jerks on the handle of the passenger door.

Sliding back into the driver’s seat, I hit the button for the locks. I reach behind his seat as he settles in and run my hand over the emergency safety hammer.

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