Page 6 of Savage Hate
She nods once. “That’s the one.”
Silas Huxley.
The guy I humiliated in front of our classmates on graduation night. The guy I nearly killed, if the rumors were correct.Guys.I nearly killed all three of them.
And Damon Brooks? Jude Vanderbilt?Fuck.That’s who I saw last night? I begin to piece it together—the recognition on their faces, the anger, telling me to fuck off…
It all makes sense now.
“I knew them in high school,” I mumble, looking around the parlor. “I never would’ve pegged them as tattoo guys…”
She laughs again and resumes her seat behind the desk. “They had a place in Boston. It was famous—they’re the best in the area. But Silas had to move back home after… well, you know.”
I shake my head. “What?”
I don’t know much about Silas—not really. He had a younger brother, and his parents were total freaks. He was constantly ridiculed in high school, especially since anyone who visited his home also knew about the creepy chapel in the basement. That tall, muscular man with crystal blue eyes, the man I saw last night…thatwas Silas? The last time I laid eyes on him, he was no taller than me, skinny, and small. He’d had thick black glasses and his pants were always too short. My heart clenches when I think of what I used to do to him—what I used to say to him.
Get the fuck out of here.
No wonder he hates me.
“His parents aren’t doing so well.” She looks me up and down. “Were you all… close in high school?”
I bark out a laugh. “Not at all.”
She gives me a soft smile. “What brings you back to Greythorn?”
I look at her before my eyes skim the rest of the shop. Metal jewelry is laid out neatly in glass cases. A brown chesterfield sits near the front desk, and all kinds of taxidermized animals line the walls, which are covered with gorgeous skull and flower wallpaper. There are Victorian portraits in gilded frames, old fashioned sconces, and three black leather station chairs for the tattooing. I wonder if all three guys are tattoo artists? Jude didn’t have any tattoos… that I could see.
“It’s a long story,” I answer, glancing over at the front door and then back at her as I sigh. “You wouldn’t happen to know of any job openings anywhere, would you?”
Lola perks up. “Actually, I do. We’re hiring a full-time receptionist. I’m only here on Friday’s now, and the guys can’t keep up. They need help most nights with things like scheduling, paperwork…” She looks me up and down. “It’s easy, and I can train you.”
I swallow as I take in her inked arms and septum piercing. She’s gorgeous, with long black hair, golden skin, brown eyes, and the most alluring lips I’ve ever seen.
“Do I need tattoos to work here?”
She bursts out laughing and shakes her head. “Absolutely not. Jude is one of the artists and he has zero tattoos, so there’s already a precedent.”
I laugh. “I’ll think about it.” I take a few steps backwards. “Thank you, by the way.”
She nods once. “You’re welcome, Lennon. It’s nice to meet you. Just drop your resume here later, okay?”
I nod. “Okay. Thanks again.”
I head upstairs, smiling and shaking my head. Working at Savage Ink? With Silas Huxley, Damon Brooks, and Jude Vanderbilt?
What could possibly go wrong?
five
Damon
“Youwhat?” I ask, seething.
Lola looks between the three of us. “I—I offered her the receptionist job?”
“And why,” Silas asks slowly, his jaw ticking, “would you ever do that?”
