Page 13 of Savagely Scarred

“Love you too, Mom.” I hang up and set my phone down.

I turn in Liv’s arms and look down at her outfit. Light blue spandex pants and a matching sports bra.

“Going for a run?” I guess.

“Want to come with me?” She smiles up at me.

“Hmm, no.” I yank on her ponytail and grin. “My thigh hurts from last night."

“And whose fault is that?” she teases.

I lean down and kiss her before whispering against her lips, “Worth it.”

She kisses me again and then turns to fill up her water bottle from the fridge.

“Are either of the guys going?”

She gives me an incredulous look over her shoulder. “Are you kidding? Dorian is probably hungover and Enzo is most likely sulking in bed,” she quips and I laugh.

She’s not wrong.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take Sadie.”

I nod my head. “Just be careful. I’m going to lift in the gym for a few hours. Wanna meet up for lunch?”

“Oooo street meat date?” she asks excitedly, her eyes widening.

“Absolutely.” I chuckle.

“Okay! Text me when you’re on the way.”

She whistles for Sadie and they both leave through the garage door. I chug the rest of my lukewarm coffee and start walking towards the gym.

Fucking her didn’t help to relieve any stress.

Maybe lifting weights will.

Chapter Four

Kyle

You couldn’t pay me to live in this wretched city.

The noise level is overstimulating and makes my eye twitch with disdain. The pungent hot garbage lining the streets. The disgusting, filthy subway I refuse to use. And the people.

There are entirely way too many people here. It makes it too easy to lose someone among the crowd and escape your line of sight.

But there she is.

Her hair is pulled back into a ponytail. Sweat glistens on her skin, trickling down her bare chest. Her breathing is steady. Blue eyes locked forward. So sure of herself.

So alive.

She runs like she’s free. But freedom is a lie. She left me behind with the dust and dead leaves at that cabin. But she can’t escape me. Not forever.

As she gets closer, I notice it. The tattoo nestled under her left breast, delicately engraved along her ribs. I laugh silently.

She covered it up.