Page 23 of Savage Protection (Kings of Ruin #1)

Hailey

The blender roars as I finish making a pitcher of margaritas—the final touch for my over-the-top snack spread for Savannah’s visit.

Max helped, of course, before heading out.

He has a lot of work keeping him away today, so instead of anxiously waiting for his return, I invited Savannah over for an afternoon by the pool.

It’s usually pretty cloudy here, so I try to get outside as much as possible when the sun’s shining.

I take a bite of a chocolate chip cookie, enjoying its perfect texture and sugary goodness.

Leaning back on the counter, I realize how at home I feel.

It’s not just the sex we’ve been having for weeks making me feel warm and fuzzy.

It’s his attentiveness, the way he truly cares in a way no one has before, and how we laugh together, developing inside jokes that would sound insane outside our bubble.

I lick chocolate off my thumb as the doorbell echoes throughout the house and Rosie barks in the foyer.

I bounce over, tell Rosie to sit, then let Savannah in.

Her skin’s tanned, hair freshly dyed blonde.

She raises her sunglasses, beams at me, Teddy pressed against her chest. “Hey, girl!” She greets me, setting her dog down to say hello to Rosie.

He jumps and barks for a minute, as if he’s Rosie’s size, then calms.

Savannah sniffs as we walk to the kitchen. “It smells nice. I don’t often come here, but it always smelled like... man? I can tell you’re improving the vibe of the place.”

“Thanks,” I laugh.

“And thanks for this!” She throws a chip in her mouth, scanning the counter.

“It’s distressing what these guys eat without a woman around.

I think Nick lived off canned ravioli for a week once.

” She grins, spotting the pitcher. I’ve tried some wine since I escaped and realized I liked it now.

I know Savannah loves margaritas, so I’m trying those out today.

“But I’m just kidding, they have enough on their plate. ”

“Max helped with this. I’m pretty useless in the kitchen, honestly.”

She pauses with a jalapeno popper an inch from her mouth. “He can cook?”

“He loves it.” I trail off, confused how she doesn’t know, but if she mostly sees him at work or large family events, I can understand why.

I pour drinks and plate food as we go outside to a sunny spot. We banter about the guys and catch up. The sun kisses my skin, reflecting off the pool, as Savannah tells me about standing in a recent wedding in an ugly black dress. Her old high school friend is in a late-life goth phase.

“But enough of that.” She sips her drink, giving a sly smile. “How’s it going with Max?”

“Fine.” Heat rushes to my cheeks. I laugh. “Okay, more than fine.”

“Are you still sleeping in a guest room?”

“No...”

“I knew it!”

I sit up, feeling judged initially. I’m used to hiding important things for fear they'd be used against me, especially romantic feelings. Not that I had many before, working nearly a hundred hours a week. “Aside from things going well with Max, I’m doing better away from the cult.”

“Of course,” she says. “Nick showed me that documentary—it seems intense. Good on you for getting out.”

“I hope they leave me alone after that drama.” I grab a chocolate-dipped strawberry. “Sorry about that, by the way. Finding that man must have been terrifying.”

“It was. But it’s not your fault. I expect crazy things in my job and social circle.”

“Right.” I laugh, feeling a light alcohol buzz.

I stare at the pool as Savannah lets the dogs out and pours more drinks. The dogs run around the grass, then relax in the sun. I miss Max briefly but am grateful for Savannah's company. She’s easy to talk to and it feels like talking to an old friend even though we haven’t known each other long.

“We should do this again,” she says.

“I’ll call the next time Max and Nick are busy.” I smile, happy to expand my social circle.

“Thanks.” She smiles back. “I never had problems making friends, but now that I’m in my thirties, everyone’s married with kids. I feel left out.”

“That’s tough. Do you want to settle down?”

“I can’t,” she clips. “But I don’t know if I’d be a good mom. Teddy’s enough.” She smiles at the dogs but with a hint of sadness.

“What? You’d be great with kids.”

She snorts. “Me? It’s a wonder your boyfriend’s alive. You know I was his babysitter for a bit when we were younger. Always lost track of them. The worst was after the Fourth of July. His brother convinced me...” she winces. “Hey, did he tell you about him? He doesn’t like discussing it.”

I nod.

She sighs in relief. “Good. Anyway, Jack convinced me to light off some leftover fireworks. Let’s just say… the fire department was called. Big mistake.”

I laugh. “Well, aside from pyrotechnic mishaps, I think you’d be a great parent. You just need to love them and want the best for them.” My voice bites at the end, thinking about my own parents .

“I know what you mean.” Savannah sips her drink, looking distant.

“Does Nick want kids?”

Normally I don’t pry, but tequila lowers my filter. I hope I didn't cross a line. She’s focused on the dogs, I can't tell if she's upset.

“He does. But that’s not the only reason why we’re casual. My dad ranks lower than him. He’ll probably get married off to someone with a higher status soon.”

“Married off.” Her words sink in. I turn to her. “Will that happen to Max too?”

Her eyes widen, mouth opens. Savannah is speechless for once.

I put my sunglasses back to hide my feelings. He hasn't warned me about anything like this. But he’s going to be the boss one day, maybe he has more of a say in who he marries because of that.

“You’re so young,” Savannah says. “I wouldn’t worry.” I fake a smile, panicking inside as doubt floods my mind.