Page 11 of Savage Bond

Oakley liked having a chance to handle her own life. She wanted to prove to herself that she didn’t need other people, but when push came to shove, she’d let us step in without complaining. Or if she got bored with the situation, which happened quite often, she’d call us and ask for help.

Roxy on the other hand… It pained her whenever we stepped in. She didn’t want our help and she’d get irritated at us when we did. Over the years, I’ve learned when to step in and when to leave her alone. Some days are harder than others though.

I’ve been in love with the woman since we grew up together. We were always around each other and it’s been drilled into me to be there for the triplets. The protector instincts in me make it difficult to stand by and watch, even if that’s what she wants. Especially because I don’t think that’s what she really wants. I think she wants to be taken care of and treated like a princess, but she doesn’t like to feel weak and vulnerable.

One day, I’ll get her to drop the walls she’s built around her heart for good and let her see it’s ok to be vulnerable. It’s ok to ask for help and let others handle things for you.

Until then, I’ll be in the shadows, prepared to step in whenever she needs it.

Chapter 8

Roxy

I slam my hand down on the bar top, making the man in front of me jump in his seat. He stares up at me with unfocused eyes and sways to the side slightly before he can right himself.

“Roxy, baby, why are you giving me such a hard time?” Marty slurs. He’s a regular around Savage Saloon and has never really given me a problem before, but tonight something is different.

“It’s time for you to call it a night,” I say sternly.

I'm done with everyone tonight. I just want to go back to my apartment and slip into a hot bath. I want to close my eyes and forget I'm a Savage princess. I want to forget all about the motorcycle club I was born into and pretend I'm just an average girl relaxing after a shift at work. Pretend I didn’t have to be this tough biker chick and just get to be myself.

“What’s going on?” Chopper’s gruff voice pulls me away from my thoughts of being someone else and brings me back to the present. He leans his forearm on the bar top and keeps his attention on me, though his body is positioned to deal with Marty if need be.

“Don’t worry about it, Chopper. I can handle myself,” I sigh and turn my glare on Marty again.

“Yeah, I know you can.” Chopper nods his head like he’s really listening to me. “I’ve seen you take full grown men to the ground many times… but that doesn’t mean you need to handle everything yourself all the time.”

I glance over at him and find so much sincerity in his green eyes, it has me swallowing hard. I know Chopper will always come to my rescue, but I don’t want that. I hate how he views me as weak and always wants to swoop in to save me.

“Can he leave?” Marty aims a thumb in Chopper’s direction, making me chuckle.

“No, he can't leave,” Chopper growls. “He is protecting his woman.”

“Oh my gosh! I'm not your woman and I don’t need protecting! Marty’s harmless. He’s just drunk and needs to go home!” I huff as I plant my hands on my hips and glare at him.

“Uh oh, you upset the honey badger,” Marty singsongs.

I turn my glare to him and raise a brow. He did not just call me a honey badger. It’s been a joke around the club since I was in high school. I was the honey badger because I'm strong, fierce, and tough. I don’t take crap from anyone and I'm not afraid to go toe to toe with men much larger than me because I'm fearless.

My sisters, Oakley and Dixie, got much kinder names. We’re triplets and the daughters of Porter Reeves, the president of the Savage Wolves motorcycle club. He’s one of the most feared and respected presidents in the area and he doesn’t take crap from anyone. Apparently, I got my personality straight from him.

Dixie’s always been called Little Fox. Her husband named her that when we were little because she’s smart and curious, but she’s also ambitious and driven to succeed. I think Storm also called her Little Fox because she’s cute, shy, and tiny.

Storm is the vice president of Savage Wolves and even though the entire club was warned to stay away from the Reeves triplets, Storm didn’t listen. He’s lucky he’s still alive. I'm shocked Daddy didn’t kick him out of the club when he found out Storm was dating Dixie. I was even more shocked when he encouraged Storm to give Dixie his property patch.

Everyone knows a property patch is equivalent to getting married, yet Storm wanted that too. He wasn’t stopping at anything until Dixie was his in every sense of the word. I'm sure now that they’re married, Dixie will be popping out his babies soon enough.

Oakley, on the other hand, was nicknamed Tiger. Dad agrees it’s a fitting name for her because she’s quick-tempered and intense when she’s angry, but can be playful and funny when she’s calm. She’s fearsome and doesn’t give up no matter what and is way too confident for her own good. Plus, she’s more of a loner than I am. Half of the time we don’t even know where Oakley is.

I think my sisters’ nicknames are fitting and they don’t mind them one bit… But why do I need to be a honey badger? They’re so tiny and ugly. They’re not someone you want to be around. Is that really how people see me?

“Get out of my bar, Marty,” I growl, getting right in his face.

“I thought this was a saloon.” He tries to turn around to look at the sign on the wall, but he’s too drunk to do it without falling off his stool. He grips the edge of the bar like it’s the only thing keeping him upright, and honestly it probably is.

“It’s a bar because I say it’s a bar. Now. Get. Out.” I slam my fist down on the slick wood again and this time my flesh stings with the force. I grit my teeth, never letting anyone know I just hurt myself.

Marty scrambles off the stool and falls four times trying to get to the door. Chopper whistles to grab the prospects’ attention and motions to Marty. Jasper and Morris nod their heads and follow him out. They’ll make sure Marty gets home safely and doesn’t put himself or anyone else in danger.