Page 29 of Savage

“Grace, come with me,” he murmured gently.

“Savage, I’m not leaving my kids,” I replied, suspicion present in my voice.

“I swear on my life, they will be fine. Look, Lindsey, Silvie, Autumn, Vivie, and Nova are still here,” Savage said, trying to calm me.

Panic was swirling in my gut as I gazed at Savage and Drake, full of fear and doubts.

“It’s been three years since they acted like their old selves. I don’t want that progress ruined,” I whispered.

Understanding lit Drake’s eyes, and he nodded as he rubbed his chin.

“I’ll make them clean the mess up as we chip the Legacies free. Then all of them can pick up every piece of plaster,” Drake said, eyeing the children.

The youngsters looked delighted until Drake continued.

“And you will use chopsticks to pick up the small pieces.”

“Aw shit, Eddie,” her twin complained.

“Worth it,” the girls chorused, including my two.

As I tried to decide what to do, Savage placed a hand under my shoulder and pulled me away.

“Trust us,” Savage murmured as he walked me from the clubhouse and towards the far end of the land.

I was vaguely surprised at how big it was. “The club owns this?”

“Yeah, we bought the surrounding buildings, tore them down, and made it safe here for the kids. The previous land we had was dangerous, and one of the youngsters nearly got hit by a car. I know we’re in the middle of town, but this is ours and a great space for the children,” he replied.

Savage sat me on a bench, but I immediately rose to my feet.

“No, I can’t see the kids,” I blurted wildly.

“They are fine. What happened to you?” Savage asked bluntly.

I froze on the spot, my eyes widening in denial, and Savage shook his head.

“Pretty obvious how you react around people and the girls, Grace. Nobody here will judge you for anything. I’m reaching out as a friend,” Savage stated.

“A friend doesn’t kiss you like you did,” I mumbled.

Savage let a smug smile but didn’t allow me to distract him. He reached out and grasped my hand, his thumb idly rubbing my wrist.

“Tell me,” he murmured.

“I’m Grace Neville,” I stated.

Savage cocked his head in confusion.

“The Leg of Lamb Lady Killer,” I said. That hit home.

Savage’s eyes widened, and his lips parted slightly. “Grace Neville?”

“Well, I go by my maiden name now, but Neville was my married name.”

“Damn,” Savage grumbled.

“That’s it?” I asked, surprised.