Savy

“Nice to see you too, little bird.”

Standing with my mouth hanging open, I can’t get my brain to register that Diablo, President of Havoc MC, is standing in front of me, talking directly to me.

Me!

I have dreamt about this man since seeing him in Donny’s office many weeks ago. Most nights are filled with nightmares, but when I have a moment of peace, it is Diablo’s beautiful black eyes I see.

Diablo places his finger under my chin and slowly closes my gaping mouth.

“I–It’s nice to see you again. I’m sorry I almost ran you over, but I have to get going.” Trying to step around his massive frame, Diablo grabs my upper arm and stops my progress.

“Why are you running, little bird? I saw what you did in there. I’m impressed. And I have to tell you, I’m also proud.”

Oh god, someone please shoot me.

Diablo, Hot Level 1000, just saw me go ape shit on my ex in the middle of a bar, albeit a laid–back bar, but we are in public for fuck’s sakes! I’m sure I’ll never step foot in Jake’s again. Now that I’m thinking about it, I should have waited until after dinner to throw my drink at Tyler. I’ll never be able to eat here again. I’m so embarrassed by what happened.

I should have–

“Ahem.”

“Oh god! I’m sorry. I get lost in my head sometimes,” I say blushing.

Diablo is staring at me like I’m amusing him. “That’s okay, but it can be dangerous in there.” He taps his temple indicating his head. “Be careful,” he says with a raised eyebrow.

“Trust me, I know.”

“Look who’s the slut now!” Turning my head to see Tyler stalk over to where Diablo and I are standing just inside the door. “You throw a drink at me and walk away, and now you’re chatting up some, some biker? I thought I knew you, Savy,” he spits with venom like Diablo is beneath him.

The air in the room stills.

No one ever claimed that Tyler was the brightest. You would think the cut, would have been an indicator that you do not speak to Diablo this way. Tyler didn’t get that memo. The entire bar knows you do not talk to or about Diablo, or any member of Havoc, this way, this is clear because the bar has become an eerie quiet. I hear the blood rushing in my ears, and feel my heart pounding in my chest, my fear taking over my mind and body. I’m rooted to the floor, unable to move from where I stand. I don’t want to see what happens when you disrespect the President of Havoc.

“What?” I say. My face is burning with embarrassment, and fear. Fear for Tyler, fear for myself. This day couldn’t get any worse.

“I asked you here so we can get back together, Lady Bu–”

“DON’T!” Forgetting my fear as my anger resurfaces.

A look of utter disbelief sits on Tyler’s face. I glance at Diablo who is now leaning on the door looking like he hasn’t got a care in the world. I lied, this is worse. I knew for sure Diablo would beat Tyler to a pulp for what he said, but no. He’s completely relaxed.

What the fuck is going on?

I have to deal with this later. I don’t have the energy to go for round two with Tyler while the man I have been lusting after for weeks is here watching me try to put Tyler and another fucked up piece of my life behind me.

“Don’t you ever fucking call me Lady Bug again,” I grit out. “You don’t have that right. You lost that right the minute you fucked another woman. Call me Savy from now on.”

“Lady Bug, I–”

“Tyler! Are you deaf? I said you could call me Savy. Not Lady Bug. You lost that right the moment you stuck your dick in another woman and put your hands on me.”

Uh oh.

Diablo moves so fast I almost don’t see it. One minute he was leaning against the door relaxed without a care on the world, and the next he has Tyler dangling in the air by his neck. A sick satisfaction slithers up my spine. Someone is finally teaching Tyler a lesson, though I don’t want the lesson learned in front of so many witnesses.

“No,” I say. Reaching out to grab Diablo’s thick bicep. “Please, you might get in trouble. He’s not worth it. I’m not worth it.”

Diablo’s face is a rage filled scowl. He continues to look the now purple Tyler in the eyes as Tyler claws at his neck, trying to get air.

“Don’t you know, little bird? You are worth it.” His dark eyes never leave Tyler. His message is clear. Tyler is an idiot for what he did, but so much more. Diablo is the first man to step into a situation on my behalf, ever. This is the second time he saved me in just a few weeks, and it makes me nervous. He is still a dangerous man who lives an unhealthy lifestyle. I have Ena to think about, and I would never put her in danger, no matter how much I want to be with Diablo.

“Please,” I beg.

Diablo lets go of Tyler’s neck just before he passes out.

When Tyler collapses to the ground, gasping for breath, I see fury flash across his face. He struggles to stand, but quickly gains his footing and his breathing begins to return to normal.

“Savy,” he says. Sounding pained, Tyler tries to plead with his eyes. I’ve never seen him this way before. The Tyler I know would never grovel in public, especially with so many witnesses.

“That’s enough, Tyler. We are over. Your choice, remember?”

“Ready to go, Lady Bug?”

With eyes the size of saucers, I turn to see Diablo extending his hand toward me. I can’t believe he said that! What is he thinking? He is going to make this so much worse. Turning back toward Tyler, he is glaring at Diablo like he wants him dead. Pure rage and a promise of revenge is plastered across Tyler’s face. He doesn’t attempt to hide it.

The last thing I need is two grown men fighting in public, fighting over me no less. I can’t deal with this right now. I don’t want to deal with it as I feel a massive migraine coming on.

With a huff, Tyler rushes past Diablo, taking care not to touch him. He is moving faster than I’ve ever seen before. I guess he thought twice about taking on Diablo. Tyler is lean and agile, and no match for Diablo. Diablo is what I like to call the Double D. Dangerously Dark. He is 6’3” with long black hair and pure black eyes. It’s obvious that he works out every day because his muscles are noticeable as they roll under his tattooed skin. He is yummy in every way, but I need to remember to keep away from him.

Turning to face Diablo, I say, “Why did you do that? Are you crazy? Or are you trying to start a fight?”

“Yes.”

“Yes, you were trying to start a fight. Or yes you’re crazy?”

The corner of his delightful mouth turns up, but he never answers the question.

I want to lick his mouth.

Geez!

I need to leave before I throw myself at him and embarrass myself even more.

“Well, it was nice running into you. Bye.” Trying to step around him again, Diablo stops my exit by grabbing me by my upper arm once more. The way he’s holding me isn’t forceful or painful. His grip is just tight enough that I know I won’t be getting away until he wants me to. But gentle nonetheless. Despite knowing the power simmering in his grip, I somehow know he would never hurt me.

Do I know that? Or am I just hopeful? Stupid Savannah, you can’t let him in.

“There you go running away from me again.”

“I’m not running.”

“You are.”

“I never ran before.”

“You did, the first night I saw you. You ran to the bar, not because your shift was starting, but because you needed to get away from me.”

The bastard is too smart for his own good. I know I won’t be winning this argument, so I keep my mouth shut, mostly because he is right. I am running. Running from the man that visits me in my dreams each night. I can’t get involved with Diablo. He’s the President of a motorcycle club.

What the hell would he want with me? Other than sex.

I stand silently pleading with my eyes for him to let me go so I can go home and analyze this whole crazy night.

“Those doe eyes won’t work on me, little bird. I want to see you again without the crazy ex–drama.”

YES! God, I’d love to see him again.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Diablo. As you can see, I just got out of one crazy relationship. I won’t be getting into another one any time soon.”

“Little bird, I want you. I’ve wanted you since the moment I laid eyes on you. And you want me too.” His black eyes roam my face. “You’re the most beautiful woman I have ever seen.”

“Yeah, sure. I bet you tell all the sweetbutts those same words,” I say. My eyes never leave his. “Sorry, honey. I can’t do this. Please let me go, Diablo.”

I’ve been doing research on bikers and talking to Cherry and Joss, who oddly has a ton of knowledge on bikers. I wanted to learn everything I could about Havoc MC, so I Internet stalked them at Joss’ house. There’s not much online about the ins and outs of Havoc. I found a dictionary of biker terms, and some documentaries on other clubs, but the information on Havoc is pretty much non–existent. They have a two-sentence Wikipedia page. That’s it.

“I don’t tell the sweetbutts shit. They know their place in the club. They get passed around to all the brothers, why would I want them?” he asks.

His words cause the vice to tighten. I don’t want those sluts touching Diablo, let alone, having sex with him. Too bad I have no claim on him. Hell, I shouldn’t even be around him.

“I’ll let you go right now, little bird, but you won’t be running forever. I will see you again. I always get what I want.”

Not this time, buddy.

He lets my arm go and I rush out of the door like the devil is hot on my heels. I guess he is.

Ha!

I almost trip on my semi-run down the street. “What the fuck just happened?”

* * *

Savy

The school year for Ena is over, so I have more time with her. I’m still tired from working last night, but I am happy to be spending time with my baby. I know she’s not technically mine, but she is mine. I’ve been the only mother figure in her life and I raised her. I brought her from a certain hell and death, to the sweet bubbly girl I know today. I can’t imagine what she would have been, had I left her to be raised by The Monster. The girl I know today wouldn’t be living even if she still walked the Earth.

“Savannah, can I ask you a question.”

My defenses go up. Ena only calls me Savannah when something is wrong.

Not one to bull shit, “What’s wrong, McKena?” I ask. Throwing her full name back at her, she knows I know something’s up.

“Do you have to act so suspicious?” she asks. Scooping a spoonful of oatmeal into her mouth, she chews and swallows.

“Yes.”

“Can I spend the night at Ashleigh’s tonight?” Biting her bottom lip and not looking me in the eye are my first signs that she is nervous.

Oh yeah, something’s up.

“What’s up?” I ask again, allowing more irritation to enter my voice. I don’t like when Ena’s sneaky. I’d rather her come right out and talk about whatever is going on.

“Nothing. I know you don’t want me to work, but I got a job.” She bites her bottom lip again. It’s her nervous tick. Anytime Ena worries about something, she bites her lip.

“What?”

“Please don’t be mad,” she rushes to say. “It’s just for the summer. Ashleigh and I will be babysitting kids in her neighborhood.”

Taking several minutes to think about this news with a rational mind, I stare at Ena and she continues to bite her lip.

I pause for dramatic effect, but I’m not mad. “You should have talked to me first. It’s just for the summer, McKena. Don’t get any ideas, when school starts again you’re done. I’m serious.”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you, Savy. I can give you some money to help with bills too.” She rushes over to wrap me in a tight embrace.

“No, Ena. Any money you make is yours. I want you to save for when you go to college, okay?”

“Okay. Thank you, Savy.” She is bouncing in her seat, her oatmeal now forgotten.

“You’re welcome, brat. Now, eat up.” My heart warms. I love this girl more than I knew I could. A smile stretches across my face. With so much new in my life lately, I’m glad Ena is getting to do the things she loves.

Where the hell did this kid come from? I don’t know what I did to deserve her, but I love her to pieces and I will do anything to protect her, even if it means sacrificing my own life.

* * *

“Jack and coke.”

Turning around, Diablo is standing on the other side of the bar top, a sexy smirk on his face. I knew it wouldn’t be that easy. Telling Diablo to leave me alone was like an invitation for him to speak to me whenever he gets the opportunity.

“Sure thing, sugar,” I say. Turning my back to him as I grab the Jack Daniel’s from the back counter.

After last night, Diablo is the last person I want to see, but here he is looking sexy as sin. Diablo has been coming to the club more, and the atmosphere of the club has been different. With Havoc around, Donny hasn’t been harassing the girls as much. We are all thankful for that, but I’m embarrassed that Diablo saw me have an outburst on Tyler and he saw my encounter with Loco.

Perfect name too, the motherfucker is crazy.

Composing myself, I move to grab a glass and pour the amber liquid. I look to the man to his left. “What can I get you, darlin’?” I lay on the southern charm while working because it brings in higher tips. That’s the only reason I work in this club.

Tips.

The Jungle may be a shit hole, but it’s the only strip club on this side of town that pays well and has tipping customers. Horny men, and sometimes women, come here to get his or her fantasies fulfilled. The law says no touching the dancers in strip clubs, but the unwritten rule at The Jungle is, if you have enough money, then you can do whatever the fuck you want.

It’s a disgusting rule written by Donny, but I learned at a young age not to ask questions, so I don’t. I don’t ask because I don’t want to know. I don’t judge either. The girls that fulfill those fantasies have to live with their decisions. Plus they are here for the same reason as me, money. Who am I to judge someone for doing what they think is right for themselves?

“Rum and coke.”

“Sure thing.” I add a little wink, and Diablo narrows his eyes at me. I don’t think too much about it while I make the other man’s drink.

Stepping further down the bar to help other customers, I keep an eye on Diablo. Uncontrollable feelings of possession overtake me whenever one of the dancers comes over and rubs her body on his arm, trying to get him to buy a dance. It’s like I have an invisible string tying me to him, and I don’t want other women to even look at him, let alone rub their body parts on him. It’s strange because every instinct in my body tells me to run as fast as I can in the opposite direction, but I’m drawn to him.

I know it’s crazy, but I never claimed to be sane.

As the night wears on, I check in on the two bikers who have been sitting at the bar for the entire evening. Several other bikers have stopped by to talk to Diablo and Skull, the other man in the office the night I first saw my hot, but untouchable biker. One person I don’t see is Loco. Maybe Diablo kept his promise. Hopefully Loco never comes around again, but if he ever comes near me, I will put a bullet in his head.

I keep my gun on me since the night Loco grabbed me. The only exception is when I’m working. It’s tucked away in my locker whenever I’m at The Jungle. Alcohol and guns don’t mix.

At around midnight things take a turn for the worse.

Of course.

A couple of college kids have been harassing the waitresses for a while. Bo is head bouncer, and has already warned them once, but Donny has another dumb ass rule, warn rowdy customers and never kick them out straight away.

“Always give a warning first,” he says. Now the group has parked themselves at the bar a few seats down from the bikers, and they are making a ruckus. They have had a little too much to drink and keep getting handsy with the waitresses and dancers that walk past. I decided to cut them off, and they didn’t like it.

As I’m collecting the empty beer bottles in front of the group, the blond, a beach boy surfer type, who I presume is the leader of their little posse, grabs my wrist and squeezes while twisting it savagely.

“Give me another beer, fuckin’ bitch.” The sneer on his face would tell me he’s pissed off if his death grip on my arm didn’t.

What he doesn’t know is, I’ve had to deal with a ton of assholes in this bar and the countless others I’ve worked at before The Jungle. His hold on my wrist is hard though. It will leave a bruise.

Before he can react, I reach up and grab his hair, gripping his blond tresses in a tight hold. With as much force as I can muster, I slam his head down on the bar.

Not once.

The fucker didn’t let go until I slammed his head three times. After he lets go, I see both bikers have moved behind the group of kids, Diablo gripping the surfer tightly on the shoulder as Bo makes his way over to the bar.

“Didn’t your mother teach you to keep your hands to yourself?” Blood is gushing from his nose. “Look at the mess you made.” I toss him a towel. “You better fucking clean that up. And never touch me again. Or you will regret it.”

Bo pulls the asshole off the bar stool and I give him a sharp look. I’m not happy about having to bust this asshole’s nose. “What the fuck, Bo?”

“I’m sorry, Diamond.” His ferocious eyes gentle as he looks at me and apologizes. He wanted these assholes out of here too, but he needs this job and kicking out paying customers without warning is a fireable offense.

Donny is a dick.

After the surfer cleans up his blood, Bo walks the entire group out of the club with instructions to never return. If they ever come back, they will know what real pain is. Not just a busted nose.

“Bo,” Diablo’s low grumble rings out like a shot and Bo stops in his tracks. “Wallet.” Reaching into Blondie’s pocket, Bo pulls out his wallet and hands it to Diablo who opens it and pulls out the surfer’s driver’s license.

“Samuel, it looks like you made a huge mistake tonight,” Diablo taunts a now wide–eyed Samuel.

“I’m–”

“No,” Diablo says while shaking his head and slipping the license into the pocket of his cut. “Your time to talk is over.”

With one nod to Bo, the group is led out of the club, Samuel audibly sobbing. I kind of feel bad for Samuel, but he needs to learn to keep his hands to himself. Once they leave, I let my mask fall. My wrist is throbbing. I won’t be able to keep pouring drinks for the rest of the night. But what choice do I have?

I need the money.