Page 40 of Heartbeats & Highways

I wanted to ask Virgil to expand on his comment, but his cell rang, and he answered it, effectively ending our conversation as he left the room.

Why did the idea of Savage claiming me make my insides flutter and desire pulse between my thighs?

While there was a lull, I texted Savage about the invite to hang out with the Jackson brothers.

Savage

Yeah, let’s go with them. We’ll have our date another night.

I hadn’t meant to invite him along, but I wasn’t going to try and explain that through a text.

“I hear you’re going out with us tonight,” Roman said as he entered the front room.

“Yeah, is that okay?” I asked quietly.

“More than okay,” he assured me.

“Is it okay if Savage comes?”

“Sure thing.” He paused, looking like he wanted to say something. “Do you like peanut butter crackers?”

I blinked. “Yes.”

“Hang on, let me get some and then we’re going to have a talk.”

I looked in the direction Virgil had gone.

“He’s on the phone with our mom. Trust me, it’ll be a while.” Roman left the room to grab the snacks and then returned.

“What do you know about the Tarnished Angels?” Roman asked, opening a package of crackers and handing them to me.

I smiled at his fraternal instincts and took the package. “Uh, not much. Just that Savage is part of the club.”

“Look, I don’t normally get involved in other people’s business, but you work here. And I knowhowyou came to work here. And as the oldest, my big brother instinct is strong.”

I shifted on my feet, waiting for him to continue.

“They don’t operate within the normal bounds of society. They’rebikers.”

“Who live a certain kind of life that most people wouldn’t resonate with?”

“Something like that, yeah.” He frowned. “Not too long ago, they were involved in some really bad shit. And bad shit doesn’t just go away because you decide it does.”

I swallowed, thinking of my own past. “You’re warning me to stay away, aren’t you?”

“No. I’m too late for that already. I see how Savage looks at you. I’m just saying be careful. Tread lightly.”

I pondered his words. “Thanks for looking out for me.”

His smile was easy. “Sure.”

“I’ll think about what you said.”

“No, you won’t.” He shook his head.

“I won’t?”

“Nope. You’re already involved with Savage. They say when you stop looking for a relationship, that’s when it happens.”

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