Page 38 of Savage Hate
Lennon
I wake up half past six the next morning after tossing and turning for hours. I don’t really know what to think of what happened last night—of the guys, the party, and especially Jude. Just weeks ago, I would’ve found what he did insulting. But I’m not the same person now. I don’t know Jude very well, and I don’t think many people see all sides of him, but last night felt illicit in the best way possible. The way his corded arms looked as he gripped his shaft, the intrigue of his piercings… it was all new to me, but I wanted to know more.
I make myself a cup of coffee and open my computer. The first thing I do is count the cash I’ve accumulated since working at Savage Ink, adding it all up to estimate a monthly salary. Then, I begin to build a reasonable budget and savings plan. All of my subscriptions, insurance, and payments came out of my joint account with Wright, so I log in and remove his access to it, even though there’s less than $100 left. I make a mental note to stop by the bank later to deposit my cash.
Last, I begin to search for apartments in Greythorn and the surrounding areas. My first priority is getting out of this place and into my own rental. I remember Lola mentioning last night that they lived in some condo complex in Greythorn, so I send her a text asking her to let me know if she sees anything open in the near future. I scan the other listings, but most of them are rooms in giant mansions. Sighing, I shut my computer and stand to get ready for the day. I clean my tattoo and shower, and by the time I’m done, it’s nearly nine in the morning. I throw on a pair of shorts, a cropped tank, and sneakers, then head outside.
The morning is hot as I make my way to Romancing the Bean. It was my favorite place to go as a teenager—a cute café with delicious pastries and coffee. I order a chocolate croissant and a coffee, then head into the central park to eat and people watch, choosing a bench that faces the trees. I stuff my face with the warm croissant, and then I smile when I think of last night, catching myself before I look like a fool.
Ten years ago, I never could’ve imagined enjoying my time with Silas Huxley, Damon Brooks, and Jude Vanderbilt. Especially not afterthatnight. I always wanted to reach out, wanted to ask if they were okay after I went home. But I never worked up the courage to do so. I just assumed I’d never see them again, but here we all were, back in Greythorn and working together.
I walk home slowly, finishing my coffee and basking in the warm sunshine. It’s humid, and I’m already sweating profusely, but I can’t help but love summertime. New England can be so dreary in the winter, so I really try to savor the sun whenever it comes out in the summer months. I feel a small smile starting to stretch my lips, when someone shouts my name from across the street.
I hardly recognize him at first, and it takes him crossing the street and jogging up to me for me to realize it’s the man from the bar on Friday. In the daylight, he seems younger somehow, with black and silver-tinged hair, tan skin, and green eyes. He must be at least fifty, and as he gets closer, I see that his forehead is uneven and scarred. I didn’t notice that in the dimness of the bar. His eyes twinkle as he takes me in, and I cock my head and keep my smile in place as he saunters up to me.
“Lennon,” he muses, grinning as he continues to check me out. “The mystery girl from the bar.”
Listen, Lennon. You need to be careful. Those guys are unhinged.
A sudden wave of protectiveness washes over me, and I take a step back. “Yep, it’s me,” I say, trying to keep my face neutral.
“Still working for those psychos at Savage Ink?” he asks.
I look up at him, shielding my face from the sun. “Yup.”
He takes a step forward, and I’m instantly uncomfortable. Outwardly, he seems very nice—warm voice, soft eyes… butsomethingabout him gives me the creeps.
“Come work for me instead,” he offers, holding out a business card. “I can pay you double what those scumbags are paying you.”
I open and close my mouth, unsure of how to process what he’s offering me. I take the card from him and look down at it, but it’s only a name and a number.
Liam James.
I hand the card back. “I like working at Savage Ink. Thank you for the offer, though.”
His eyes flash with something that makes me stumble back a step. My instincts aren’t wrong, then.
“You’re making a mistake. Take it from me, I’ve known Silas Huxley his whole life. He got mixed up with bad people from a young age, and so did his brother. I’m trying to help you before you make the same mistake.”
A few people stare at us as they walk by, and I narrow my eyes at Liam. “Howdo you know Silas?”
He stands up a bit straighter. “I was good friends with his parents.”
I think of Lola’s words from last night.They got wrapped up in some freaky cult, completely lost it, and went totally mad.
I study the way his shirt is too neat, too tidy, and the way he continues to encroach on my space.
“I’m sorry. I should get back.” I’m suddenly aware that he might see where I live if I walk home now. I’m only a block away.Please, let someone be at Savage Ink…“Nice to meet you, Liam.”Not.
He doesn’t say anything as I walk back toward Savage Ink, my hands shaking slightly from the encounter.What the hell is his deal, and why does he hate Silas and the guys so much?
I don't look behind me as I walk up to Savage Ink, and the door is propped open. I breathe a sigh of relief and walk inside.
“Hi,” I say breathlessly, looking around. But there’s no one here. “Hello?”
Goosebumps cover my skin when I see Liam walk by slowly. His eyes meet mine for a second as he, too, realizes that I’m alone in here. I give him a quick smile to appease him, and he just stops and watches me as I pretend to sort the business cards.
“What the fuck is Liam James doing here?” Damon asks from behind me, making me jump two feet in the air.
