Page 12 of Savage Bond

That’s why the police and officials in our little town stay out of the way of the Savage Wolves. They know we’ll take care of the people in this town, even if they’re not members of the club. They turn a blind eye when rival clubs try to creep in on our territory or start crap with us because they know we’ll handle it and get rid of them. Not only that, but if they drove the Savage Wolves out of town, there would be another club to replace us within a few weeks.

That club might be worse than us. That club might participate in worse crimes than we do and handle those crimes within the town limits. A different club could destroy this town and its people.

“What’s going on with you, baby?” Chopper takes the seat Marty was just occupying and leans his thick arms across the top of the bar.

Black ink swirls around his skin, drawing my attention to the designs he’s added over the last few months. He’s covered in ink and even has it crawling up his neck. I'm not sure if he likes tattoos or if he feels like it’s the biker thing to do, but they make him look dangerous and sexy. They draw your attention to his muscles and make you wonder what it would be like to have those arms wrapped around you.

His long blonde hair is tied back into a pony tail and his beard hangs low on his chest. He looks the part of the dangerous biker, but I know he’d never hurt me.

Chopper grew up in the Savage Wolves, just like me and my sisters did. His dad was patched long before he was born and as soon as he was old enough to prospect, he jumped at the chance.

He’s always hung around Dixie, Oakley, and me, but we knew it was most likely out of a sense of loyalty to Dad and less about wanting to spend time with us. What’s better than getting on the president’s good side by protecting his daughters?

“I'm fine. I'm just tired.” I wave him off and continue cleaning up the bar. I have less than thirty minutes until I can close the bar and I'm counting the minutes.

“Are you not sleeping at night?” His concerned gaze narrows on me. He’s examining my eyes, looking for some sort of sign I'm not getting enough rest.

“I'm sleeping, but not well.” I sigh, wishing he’d leave me alone. I don’t like anyone looking at me as closely as Chopper does. He somehow sees parts of me I try so hard to keep hidden from the rest of the world.

“Why not, baby?

“I don’t know. If I knew, I’d fix it.” I glance at the clock again and practically jump for joy when I see it’s time for the guys to wrap it up. “Drink up!” I yell above the noise of the bar.

The men grumble and lift their glasses. They know I won't tolerate them dragging their feet. They need to down their beers and settle their tabs or they’ll have to pay extra. They know I don’t mess around.

“Thanks, Roxy.” One of the club members slaps his money down on the bar before walking out. He’s consistently quick to leave once I give them a ten-minute warning. I’m always happy to serve him since he respects me so much.

Slowly but surely, the men filter out of the bar until it’s only Chopper and me. I raise a brow at him, silently asking why he’s still here.

“I walked over tonight. I assume you’re walking home and I can keep you company.”

“You know you don’t need to walk me home.” I roll my eyes. “It’s like two blocks.”

“Do we really have to have this argument every night? We both know I'm going to win.” Chopper smirks, making me even angrier.

“You only win because you follow me around like a lost puppy. I’d tell my dad if I didn’t think he’d laugh at me and shake your hand. He’d probably somehow promote you within the club.”

“Are you upset that your dad likes me?” His grin widens until it lights up his entire face.

“No, you’re practically the son he’s always wanted. You and Storm.”

“You know you and your sisters are the most important people in that man’s life. He doesn’t care about anyone other than his daughters. C’mon, baby. Let’s go home.”

He holds out his hand as he stands from the stool. He arches a brow when I don’t take his hand right away. I scowl at him, but place my palm in his and walk with him to the end of the bar. When there’s no longer a piece of wood between us, Chopper wraps an arm around my waist and tugs me into his side. He presses a soft kiss to the top of my head and flips off the lights as we pass them.

If someone saw us, they’d probably think we were together. But we’re not. Chopper and I are friends and we’ll never be more.

Chapter 9

Chopper

I want to help her. Anything to make her sleep better and to help her not be so tired.

I'm sure working the hours she does at the bar doesn’t help. She’s staying up until two or three o’clock in the morning five nights a week. That can't be good for her sleep schedule… Though I guess it isn't good for mine either.

I stay late at the bar almost as often as she does. When I can't be here at the end of her shift, I make sure one of the guys or the prospects are there to watch over her. Nothing will happen to Roxy Reeves as long as I'm alive. I’ll always make sure she’s safe and protected.

“Don’t you have to work early in the morning?” She glances up at me.