Anthony came into my life like a grief-busting tank, sweeping me onto his bike and into his life when I was so lost and so alone that all I wanted was a break from the sadness. I had no idea how to judge good from evil back then.
I am still all alone, but I don’t feel that way. I could open the door to my room or send a text, and I believe in my heart that within five minutes, someone—Stella, Poppy, even Phantom—would be at my door with their arms, wallets, and hearts wide open.
And then of course, there is Savage. Who did all of that and more for me. Whether or not I’m naïve, I believe that he would do anything I asked and that we’re truly safe. That no harm will come to me while I’m here under his protection and under the roof of the Hurricane Heat.
I hardly seeSavage over the next week, but the time passes quickly. Stella visits me every morning, and Poppy stops by a couple times to chat. Shadow’s wife Violet comes by and brings me an e-reader she’s not using, and she sets me up with a digital library card, which is amazing.
Day by day, my eye heals, and my heart begins to think about what comes next. I miss seeing Savage and start to feel the urge to get out of my room. Aurora and I haven’t been outside since the day we shopped, and other than showering and eating in the compound kitchen, I am already feeling a little anxious to get out in the world again.
I don’t know where I’d go, though, or what I’d do.
Then I get an idea.
I grab my phone and send Savage a text.
Me: Sorry to bother you, but do you think maybe Tank or someone could give me a ride today? I was thinking about going someplace to do some work on my laptop.
His reply comes back in minutes.
Savage: Never a bother. How soon will you be ready?
I’m ready now. I already packed up Aurora’s new diaper bag and slipped my laptop inside, so I tell him we’re good and we can go anytime.
Me: Anytime. Whenever it’s convenient.
Savage: I’ll come get you.
A few minutes later, there’s a knock at my door. I nearly launch myself toward it with a stupid grin on my face. “Hi,” I say, holding the door open with a foot while I grab the diaper bag.
Today, I’m wearing my long hair loose. A black one-piece jumper may not be the most practical outfit, but after wearing those cutoff shorts for so many days, I don’t even want to think about putting on shorts again. The top of the jumpsuit has tank-top-style straps that look like they are tied with bows, but which are sturdy enough that Aurora can grab on to my shoulders and not yank them down.
Savage’s nostrils flare as he looks at my outfit from shoulders to toes. Then he locks his eyes on mine. He opens his mouth to speak but then says nothing. Just clamps his jaws together.
My stomach sinks. I feel like I’ve made him mad, and my confidence starts to waver.
“I’m sorry,” I say. “Did I?—”
He holds up a hand. “Don’t apologize. You look fucking beautiful. Your eye is healing well. Your hair…” He shakes his head and runs a hand through his own hair. “I’m sorry. I’ve been staying away to give you space, and I’m sorry. I think I needed space too.”
I try to gather up the pieces of my confidence.Whatever is going on with him has nothing to do with me or anything I’ve done wrong.
“Are you okay?” I ask. “If you needed space, is it because I did something to upset you or stress you out?”
I prepare myself for whatever the answer is. I don’t want this guy I hardly know to be mad at me. He’s done so many things for us that maybe the money he’s spent and the fact that Aurora will need new diapers soon is all getting to be too much.
Before he can answer, I move Aurora to my other arm and meet his eyes. “I’m going to start looking for a job,” I tell him. “Aurora will need more diapers and baby food soon. I plan to get on my feet so I’m not your problem anymore. I want you to know that.”
His eyes shift, and he looks at me with something that feels raw and vulnerable. I brace myself for what’s coming. He’s going to ask us to leave, or…
“You’re not my problem,” he growls, his words coming from a place deep in his throat. “Never fucking think that way.”
A hot flush creeps its way along my chest. I feel my face go bright red. “Oh, um…” I don’t know what to say. I’m not sure what he means. I’ve been nothing but trouble, at least financially, for him since the day he saved me. How could I not think that way when these people have done nothing but give and I’ve done nothing but take?
“Hey, boss.” A voice from behind us breaks themoment. Tank nods at me and waves at Aurora. “Hey there, sweetheart.”
Savage startles and gives Tank a murderous look, but Tank throws up his hands in a surrender motion. “I was talking to the baby?” His eyes are wide, and he says it like a question. I mean, of course he was calling the baby sweetheart. Did Savage think Tank was talking to me? Was Savage jealous?
Savage’s shoulders visibly relax, and he barks, “What is it?”
