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It was better than the beaten down woman she was on the outside, gaunt and bruised and broken. After my shower, I made a call to Jameson for a ride out to the Ashby's place to pick up my bike.
“No need. It’s already in your driveway.” His laughter sounded before the call ended abruptly, like maybe he wasn’t alone. Hmm… Madison? Was she even legal?
Good, Jameson needs to get laid.
I made my way to the clubhouse and rode to the rear entrance, hoping to avoid the eager gazes and hands of the Reckless Bitches, who seemed to be around more than ever these days. It was a pointless hope since two of them were smoking on the back patio, leaving me trapped.
“Hey, Mr. President.”
“Ladies.” I did a drive-by smile and wave, hoping to end it there.
Another fruitless hope.
“Where you off to in such a hurry?” Sherri’s voice was thick and full of mischief. “The junkie you’re hiding in your room?”
I turned just in time to see Chickie elbow her in the side. “Sherri!”
“What? It’s just a question, a fair one at that.”
I folded my arms and stared at her. “I’m sorry, when did I start having to explain myself to you?”
Sherri’s eyes went wide, and she stood, stamping out her cigarette. “That’s not what I meant, Charlie.”
“No? Then tell me what you meant by questioning me?”
She shrugged. “Just…we’re all wondering who the hell she is and why she’s here. That’s all.”
“Keep wondering. When it’s your business to know something, you’ll know it.” My gaze shifted to Chickie. “Is that clear?”
“Crystal clear. Sherri is just over-tired and feeling a bit possessive of our new Prez, that’s all.”
“Let’s hope that’s just all it is.” Chickie gave a nod of understanding and I made my way inside to my room. To Savannah. “Open up!” I knocked hard and waited patiently for the door to open.
It didn’t.
“Savannah, open the goddamn door.” Another minute passed, and the door didn’t open, but no sounds came from the room either. I started to worry.
“Goddamn, you stubborn woman.” She had to realize I had keys to my own fucking room, so this didn’t make any damn sense. And that only made my blood pressure shoot skyward.
“Savannah!” I shouted, angry now. She’d barricaded the door with a chair and engaged the chain lock that was meant to slow down intruders who tried to attack the clubhouse.
I pulled my booted foot back and kicked the door in. Savannah was lying in the damn bed, wide awake and staring up at the ceiling.
“I’m not begging you for sex or drugs, Charlie. So what the hell are you doing here?”
Her tone wasn’t the usual snark. She put real bite and anger to her words that I didn’t understand.
“What’s wrong?” I said, truly puzzled. I’d done nothing but try to help her since I literally found her ass by the side of the road. And I hadn’t asked for a damn thing for my trouble. What was up with her?
She barked out a bitter laugh and sat up, swinging her legs around the side of the bed, skin and clothing soaked through like she’d just broke through a fever.
“Nothing. Just happy my savior has arrived. Finally.” The snark was back.
Her legs wobbled underneath her, but when I stepped forward to catch her, she held up a hand to stop me. So damn brave and strong, even when she didn’t feel it on the outside.
Wait. Why was she packing her things into a black trash bag?
“Talk to me, Savannah. What’s wrong?”
Something clearly had happened while I was at the wedding. Now I felt like even more of a prick for forgetting about her. “Well?”
She disappeared into the small bathroom for a few minutes and when she returned, she’d slicked her hair back and rinsed her face, but her damp clothes still clung to her body.
“Well, nothing. If you can spot me some cash and drop me off at the train station, I’ll be on my way.”
What the fuck? “Just talk to me, Savannah.”
“I just did. What’s the fucking problem?” Arms folded across her bony chest, she stood there, the picture of defiance. “Well, are you gonna help me out or not?”
When I didn’t answer fast enough, she brushed past me with a shoulder check and left me standing there.
“Wait!” I caught up to her and grabbed her arm, yanking her back. “What the hell happened?”
“Ow!” She turned and pushed at me with a growl. “Get your fucking hands off me!” The words were barely out when she clutched her side and cried out in pain. “Don’t. Touch. Me.”
“Okay, fine.” I held my hands away from her and took a step back. “Talk to me.”
“Just get me enough cash to get the hell out of this town, and we won’t ever have to talk again.” She shook her head as though it was bound up in cobwebs and turned to walk away. Again.
