I hate that she still blames me for what happened to her and Vinnie, but there is nothing I can do to change her mind; she is stubborn and set in her ways. My reasons for leaving were valid and that is all that matters to me.
“I don’t want her dead, brother, but if it is me or her, or someone innocent, then I will do what needs to be done,” I promise.
The look that crosses Savage’s face tells me he is happy with my answer.
“I knew that you were more than a pretty face and a sexy ass. You have a touch of darkness in you, Crash, I cannot wait to see it.” He winks.
I thump the fucker on the shoulder, making him laugh.
“You need to get laid, brother, if you are thinking of my body knowing that you won’t get to touch it.” This time I wink, making him laugh harder.
“Never say never.” His grin is full of mischief. “Plus, I get laid plenty, ask the assistant coach over at the high school. That man may look like a fucking bear, but he loves having his ass pounded.”
Shaking my head at him I sit back, sinking into my seat more and enjoy the rest of the party. Later into the evening the kids are put to bed, and then the party really amps up.
The Rugged Skulls MC sure knows how to party.
CHAPTER TWO
STEVIE
Adding a layer of lip gloss across my lips, I do one last check in the mirror, messing with my bangs, then pack my things away in my locker.
I am on the morning shift at the hotel where I work. It is like my second home; I love working alongside the people I see as a second family.
Living with my Aunt Cassandra, or Cass for short, is a whirlwind all on its own. She is a free spirit, loving herbal teas and creams. The house we live in is filled with potted plants, rainbows, wind chimes, and throws. She makes her own soaps and creams from home. So you get the idea.
Here at the Continental Sun Hotel, all staff are seen as family. We are a four-star hotel but we are not stiff like some other posh hotels are.
Stepping out into the lobby, I smile and greet guests as they walk past me. Service with a smile as they say.
“Good morning, Katie.” I greet the other receptionist on this shift with me.
“Good morning, Stevie. How are you this morning?” Katie is a sixty-four-year-old woman who lives for her kids and grandchildren. “How is Glory after the whole wood incident?”
She is like another grandmother to me.
“I am good; I actually slept last night. No late-night murder documentaries for me.” I chuckle. “Glory is good. They removed the piece of wood from her gum, thankfully no stitches were needed. She is back to being her sassy self.”
“Well, I have dog treats for her for you to take home. Remind me when we finish.” I nod and touch her arm.
“She does love the treats that you make her.”
Glory is my four-year-old Siberian Husky, and yes, she is as sassy as the videos on the internet. She throws toddler tantrums if I make her leave the dog park, or if I refuse to give her more treats. She is a sucker for anything peanut butter.
Sometimes with her, I feel like I have my own teenager living with me. Aunt Cass loves it. She says that Glory was a sassy diva in her past life.
“Hi, I would like to check in.” A guest approaches the front desk and I slip into work mode.
I advise guests throughout the day on what to see and visit while staying here for a mini vacation.
Talking about some of the places they should visit makes me think of old friends.
Taking my break out in the Phoenix heat, I’m thankful we have air conditioning outside in the break area, and I let my mind wander to the past few years.
Valarie and I were best friends from the age of six, and all through high school were as thick as thieves. Where there was one of us, the other was close by.
We did everything together, from dating silly crushes to working summer jobs.