Page 14 of Heartbeats & Highways

“I’m good,” Savage said, his tone bland. “I’m sure some of my brothers can help you with the party you’re wanting.”

Without another word, Savage tugged me past them and all but dragged me up the stairs.

“God damn, she’s lucky,” one of the women said as we retreated.

Bile crept up my throat as their voices faded from existence.

We made it to the second floor and Savage pushed open a door. I stood at the threshold, refusing to go in.

“This is a bad idea,” I muttered, declining to look at him.

“Why?”

“Why?” My gaze snapped to his, my brows furrowing. “Because you clearly had other . . . plans. Plans that didn’t involve me. I’m ruining your night.”

He sighed. “If I wanted to be at the party with those women, I would be. But I’m not. I’m here, with you.”

I continued to examine him. His expression was relaxed, but his body was coiled tight, like he was ready to spring.

Finally, I nodded and went into his room. He came in behind me and closed the door.

The room was small, but tidy. A double bed was pushed up against one wall and there was a nightstand, a three-drawer dresser and a meager closet.

“The bathroom on this floor is communal. Don’t worry,” he smiled, “it’s cleaned every day, so you don’t have to worry about it looking like a frat house.”

He went to his dresser and pulled out a pair of boxers and a T-shirt and handed them to me.

“Uhm. Thanks,” I said, taking them. “But can I take a quick shower? I’m covered in beer.”

“Sure.” He went to his closet and reached up onto the top shelf and grabbed a clean towel. “Come on, I’ll show you where it is.”

He led me out of his room and traveled down the hallway to the bathroom. “The lock works,” he assured me. “Take as much time as you need. I’ll be in my room.”

I nodded.

“You hungry?”

I shook my head.

“All right.” He rubbed the back of his neck, appearing agitated. “Look, Evie, I—fuck, I don’t know what to say. I didn’t think. I just brought you to a place where I knew you’d be safe. Those women?—”

“You don’t owe me an explanation,” I stated. “It’s done.”

He looked at me for a long moment and then he nodded. “Enjoy your shower.”

When I got back to Savage’s room, my eyes widened in surprise.

“What are you doing?” I asked.

He gestured to the pallet on the floor. “I’m sleeping down here. You can have the bed. I changed the sheets for you.”

“I can take the floor.”

“You’re shitting me, right?” he asked. “What kind of gentleman would I be if I made you sleep on the floor and took the bed?”

“You’re a gentleman?” I teased.

“My version of a gentleman, anyway.” He’d removed his leather cut and motorcycle boots, but he was still in his jeans. “How was your shower?”

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