Page 24 of Savage

I stayed buried deep.

Because I wasn’t done.

I’d never be fucking done.

10

TAMARA

Waking up wrapped in Talon’s arms was almost as good as the orgasms he gave me. Each time we had sex, it somehow managed to top the last. Last night was no exception.

He’d gotten in late. I’d almost convinced myself he wasn’t coming back until morning. But the second the door opened, everything inside me settled. He hadn’t said much, just kissed me like he was drowning. Then he sank into me as though I was the only thing keeping him alive.

There had been less dirty talk than usual, but I didn’t need words when I had the weight of his hands and the raw heat in his eyes. And the powerful thrusts as he buried himself inside me over and over again. It hadn’t been slow or soft, and I could still feel where he’d been this morning.

Now I lay tangled in Talon’s arms, the early morning light filtering through the slits in the blinds. His breathing was slow and steady, and he had one heavy arm wrapped around my waist, anchoring me against the comforting rhythm of his chest as it rose and fell.

I slowly twisted in his hold so I could peek at him. His face was softer in sleep, less guarded, with the sharp lines of his jaw relaxed. I couldn’t stop staring at him.

Everything with the clinic was still a mess, but here in his arms, I felt safe. Like I wasn’t in this alone.

My phone buzzed on the nightstand. I froze for a second, reluctant to move and risk waking Talon. He hadn’t stirred yet, and I knew he needed the rest. But not answering could just as easily disturb him, so I reached out carefully and snagged the phone, slipping it out from under the charger and easing away from the warmth of his body. Then I padded to the bathroom and shut the door behind me before swiping to answer.

“Hello?”

“Tamara? I’m so glad you answered.”

I didn’t immediately recognize the voice because it was out of context. She had been friendly enough at work when we were on the same shift but had never had to call me before. “Marcy?”

“Yeah, I…um…wasn’t sure if you’d be able to talk wherever you are.”

Her fear was obvious, and my stomach dipped. “What’s wrong?”

I sank onto the closed toilet lid, my heart thudding. “Did something happen?”

“I’ve been trying to convince myself the weird things I noticed were just administrative screwups or maybe incompetence. But then you left, and I couldn’t stop thinking about what scared you enough to walk away without saying goodbye. It’s been eating me up inside ever since you didn’t show up for your shift on Wednesday.”

“I’m sorry for scaring you.” I closed my eyes. “You weren’t wrong to be worried, though. Somethingisgoing on, and it’s bad.”

“I figured.” Her voice wobbled. “I snooped around a little and asked questions I probably shouldn’t have. Then today, I heard something.”

“What was it?”

Her voice lowered as she answered, “Barbara was on her phone and said something about how they have another trial run scheduled in a few days.”

I stilled. “Do you know what it’s for? Did she say anything else?”

“No. And not that I heard. I was too scared that I’d get caught eavesdropping to stick around. But whatever this is…it’s not above board. I can feel it in my bones.”

I let out a long, slow breath. “Thanks for telling me.”

“I’m scared, but not saying anything felt wrong,” she whispered.

I understood the feeling. “You did the right thing. I promise I’ll do something with the info. Just…stay out of it now, okay? Don’t go back to the clinic. Get out of town if you can and let me handle it.”

“I didn’t know who to call, but I hoped you didn’t just disappear. That maybe you were braver than me and found someone who could help.”

I hesitated for half a second. “You were right to call. The people I’m with know how to make this stop.”

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