Page 34 of Heartbeats & Highways

Next to me.

My heart stumbled with nerves, but a delicious coiling of desire swirled through me, too. Savage was irresistible.

Me

Come over.

A moment later, I heard a knock. I climbed out of bed and went to the front door. I peered through the peephole to see Savage standing at the threshold. I undid the chain and lock.

“Were you—were you standing outside my door this entire time?”

“Yup.”

“How did you know I was going to let you in?” I demanded.

He lifted a paper bag. “I didn’t want to take any chances, so I brought you a bribe.”

My smile softened. “I don’t need a bribe. You’re enough.”

His expression froze for a moment and then his grin deepened. “Wait ‘til you see what I brought.”

I stepped away from the door frame and stood back to let him inside. His gaze skated down my body in appreciation.

“Fuzzy socks,” he commented.

“My feet get cold.”

“Adorable.”

He set the bag onto the counter and reached into it. “I brought you tacos.”

“Tacos? At ten o’clock at night?”

“Why not? I got them from our spot.”

“Our spot, huh?” I asked, unable to hold back my grin. Bubbles of happiness ballooned in my chest, making me feel light and carefree for the first time in years. “So, that reminds me, Brielle asked me how we met today. I sort of lied and told her it was at the taco truck. I remembered what you said about people not knowing about the fighting.”

He pushed a wrapped taco toward me. “You’re right about that. I told Roman the truth, though. That we met at the illegal ring.”

“What?” I gasped. “You did? Why?”

“Relax,” he said. “Roman won’t tell anyone. And that includes his brothers.”

“Why wouldn’t he tell them?”

“Because I asked him not to.”

“But won’t Homer and Virgil be curious?”

“Well, sure. You’re basically a stray. But the club helps a lot of strays.”

“Stray?” I repeated. “You pity me.”

“What?”

“This is charity work for you, isn’t it? What am I to you?” I asked, a wave of anger rushing through my veins. “Am I just part of a motorcycle club charity outreach program or something?”

His eyes widened. “Evie, no, I didn’t mean?—”

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