RoadKill: Savage Hell MC Book 1

by K. L. Ramsey

  Savage walked into the kitchen and stopped to look between the two of them. “Can’t you two take that to your room?” he grumbled. Viv giggled at just how put out he was acting. Savage was constantly touching Dallas and Bowie. She caught the three of them making out on the pool table just the night before.

  “You’re one to talk,” She teased. “As I recall you had no problem getting the eight ball in the corner pocket last night.”

  “Fuck,” Savage swore. “Yeah, well—we thought everyone was asleep and you try being intimate with three kids in your room.”

  “Chloe’s still sleeping in your room?” Cillian asked. Ever since her abduction, she hadn’t left Dallas’ side. Viv worried that running away from their problems wouldn’t ease the little girl’s fears. She needed counseling and they wouldn’t be able to find that for her while hiding away from the Dragons.

  “Yeah,” Savage whispered. “She refuses to leave Dallas and I honestly can’t blame the kid. She’s been through hell and back.”

  “She has, man,” Cillian agreed. “Just give her some time. Once we can go back home, I’m sure you guys will be able to find a family counselor who will be able to help Chloe work through all this.”

  “I know. I just wish we could do something now to help her,” Savage said. He looked between the two of them again and rolled his eyes. “Shit, I’m sorry, Cillian. I went and fucked up your make-out session with my problems. What were you two talking about anyway? Or do I want to even know?” Savage asked.

  “Well, we were just talking about our wedding. We’re going to go down to the courthouse once we get the all-clear to head home,” Cillian said.

  “Hey, that’s great guys,” Savage said.

  “Thanks,” Cillian said. “You want to be my best man?”

  Savage seemed a little choked up, nodding his answer. He patted Cillian on the back and pulled him in for a quick hug. “I’d love to be your best man, Cillian,” Savage said. “Thank you. How about you let Savage Hell throw you a little party after. You know, nothing too fancy, but we’d like to celebrate you two getting hitched.”

  “We’d love that, Savage,” Viv agreed. “Thank you.” Cillian smiled at her and pulled her against his body.

  Thanks, man,” Cillian said. “That would be lovely.”

  _______

  Another week had passed and Viv was bulging out of her regular clothing. She needed to pick up some new pants, preferably with stretchy waistbands, as soon as possible. Convincing any of the guys that it was a necessity and not a luxury wasn’t going to be easy. Enlisting Dallas’ help might have been her finest idea in a damn long time and when she searched the room that Dallas, Savage, and Bowie were sharing, she found Dallas napping on their big bed with Greer and the baby. It was probably the cutest thing Viv had ever seen and she rubbed her little belly. She often wondered if she would be a good mother, especially now that she was around Dallas, who was a fantastic mom, and her kids. Watching her friend with her children had her doubting her abilities and Viv hated that.

  She had always been the type of person to face any challenge head-on, never backing down from one. When her grandmother died, she picked up the pieces and did what was expected of her, taking over the diner and making it her own. She loved that place too, but it wasn’t her original plan. Hell, nothing in her life was as she had planned it to be. It was all better—the diner, moving into her grandmother’s little house and now, meeting Cillian and having a baby together. It was all so much more than she could have ever imagined. But, that didn’t stop her panic at the idea of having to take care of another human being or her worry at not doing a good job.

  “You know, I can almost hear you thinking,” Dallas whispered.

  “Sorry,” Viv murmured back. “I thought you were sleeping.”

  “I dozed off,” Dallas admitted. “But, I can’t sleep with these two in the bed with me. I never was much of a co-sleeping parent. I always worried I’d roll over on the baby and smush her.” Viv watched as Dallas shimmied down the bed, trying to escape her sleeping children. Viv softly giggled and Dallas shot her a look that she was less amused by the whole scene.

  “What’s up?” Dallas asked.

  “It’s more like what’s out,” Viv corrected. She framed her growing belly with her hands, stretching Cillian’s t-shirt over her expanding waist.

  Now it was Dallas’ turn to laugh. “Yeah, I’d love to tell you it gets better but it doesn’t. It gets worse, Viv. So much worse. I wish I could help you out but I don’t have any maternity clothes here.”

  “I figured. Can you help me convince the guys to get me some? I’m pretty sure that they’ll think I just want to go on a shopping spree but I feel like I can’t breathe in any of my clothes. It’s getting to the point where I just want to walk around naked.”

  “Lead with that,” Dallas offered. “Tell Cillian that you’ll prance around naked and he’ll take you out shopping.”

  “I do not prance,” Viv protested. “But, I see your point. That might just work.”

  “I’ll back you, Viv. Just say the word and I’ll push Savage and Bowie to support you,” Dallas promised.

  “You just don’t want me walking around naked in front of your guys,” Viv grumbled.

  Dallas giggled and nodded. “True,” she admitted. “But, I also remember just how miserable it was at the stage you’re in. You can’t fit in any of your clothes and you just want to cry and eat ice cream. Am I right?”

  “Yeah,” Viv sighed. “Exchange ice cream with cookies and you have me pegged.”

  “What if we persuade the guys to let you shop online and have everything delivered? That way you wouldn’t go out, putting yourself in danger. I could help you pick some stuff out,” Dallas offered.

  “I’d appreciate that, Dallas.” Viv turned to leave the room. “And, if that suggestion fails, I can still walk around naked to solve my problem.”

  Cillian walked into Dallas’ room, as if on cue. “Here you are,” he said. “I was starting to worry that you snuck out. Everything all right?” He looked past Dallas and Viv to where the kids were napping and smiled. “They’re so cute when they sleep,” he said.

  Dallas barked out her laugh, “So, what are they when they are awake?” she teased. Cillian looked a little flustered, causing them both to giggle. “Don’t look so serious Cillian,” she said. “I was just teasing you.”

  Cillian blew out his breath and chuckled. “So, what are you two up to, you know, besides busting my balls?”

  “Well,” Dallas said, looking over at Viv. “Your baby is growing like a weed and Viv needs some clothes that fit her.” Dallas patted Viv’s belly for good measure.

  “I get it,” Cillian said. “I can’t let you go off on a shopping spree right now. It’s just not safe.” Viv could feel herself pout and she knew she wasn’t playing fair. “Don’t give me the bottom lip, Viv. You know it’s just not right to go out now. We don’t know where Dante is. He could be close and I won’t risk you or our baby.” He cupped her tummy and she swooned. Viv hated that she sometimes had the reactions to Cillian she had. It would be so much easier if she was able to stay mad at the man, but that was nearly impossible.

  “I guess you are going to have to go with plan B,” Dallas offered.

  “What’s plan B?” Cillian asked.

  “She’s going to prance around naked,” Dallas said.

  “I told you I don’t prance,” Viv huffed. “But she’s not wrong. I’m running out of options here, Cillian,” She said.

  Cillian looked her up and down and nodded. “Fine,” he agreed. “You and I go out alone and you don’t leave my fecking side. We’ll have Repo follow behind but keep his distance, just in case we have a tail. You will have one hour, at one store. Deal?”

  “Yes,” Viv squealed. Greer stirred on the bed and they collectively held their breaths, watching as the toddler settled back down to sleep. “Sorry,” Viv breathed.

  “That was a close one,” Cillian agreed.
/>
  Dallas giggled, “You two have no idea. That was nothing—just wait, you’ll see.” Viv and Cillian groaned in unison and the baby woke up crying.

  “Shit, sorry,” Cillian grumbled. “How about we head out to get what you need and leave Dallas here to get some rest.”

  “That ship has sailed,” Dallas mumbled. “But, go get Viv what she needs. Send Savage and Bowie back—they can take a turn with these two so I can grab a shower,” she said. “Mama needs a break.”

  CILLIAN

  Repo agreed to shadow them for their little shopping trip and having him tag along made Kill feel a little more at ease about the whole situation. Honestly, he hated having to leave the safety of Repo’s cabin and possibly put Viv and the baby at risk, but she was determined to get some clothes that fit. He wasn’t opposed to the whole keeping her naked idea but in a houseful of people, that might not work out so well.

  The got to the mall just as it opened and he looked at his watch. “You have about an hour, Love. Let’s make this fast. Where to first?” he asked. Viv looked like a kid in a candy store the way she eyed all the stores.

  “I read online that they have three stores for expectant moms,” she gushed. “I even downloaded the map for the mall on my phone.” She showed it to Kill and he couldn’t help but feel her infectious excitement. It was nice to be out of the house. “I think we are here,” she said, pointing to the phone screen.

  “Yeah,” Kill agreed. “Looks like the closest maternity store is this way.” He grabbed her hand and started in the right direction. They quickly found the store and the sales clerk looked up and smiled, eyeing Viv’s bump.

  “Looks like you’re ready for some new maternity clothing,” the woman said. Viv covered her belly with her hands and giggled.

  “Yeah,” she agreed. “We’re kind of bursting at the seams now.” The woman smiled and nodded.

  “If you’d like some help, just let me know,” the woman said.

  “That would be great,” Viv agreed. “I know you want to keep a lookout,” Viv whispered to Kill. “I’ll be fine and I promise to hurry.”

  Kill kissed the top of her head. “I’ll be just out front,” he promised. “Yell if you need me.” Kill walked out of the small store and looked over the very empty mall. He didn’t believe that Dante would show up there, of all places, but he wouldn’t take chances. Kill pulled his cell phone out to text Repo, wanting to find out where he was. Repo immediately responded that he was sitting in the parking lot watching their truck and keeping an eye out. Kill texted his thanks and peeked in on Viv. She was handing the sales lady items faster than the poor woman could put them in the dressing room for her and he laughed. His woman was a force.

  By the time Viv had tried on half the store, Kill was starting to get antsy. His phone rang and he recognized Savage’s number. “Hey man, everything okay?” Cillian asked.

  “Yep,” Savage said. “Sorry, maybe I should have texted first. I didn’t mean to worry you. How’s your shopping trip going?”

  Kill smiled. “I had no idea women could shop so much. Viv gives new meaning to ‘shop til you drop’,” Kill said. Savage chuckled into the other end.

  “Listen, man,” Savage said. “The guys and I have done a little something for you and Viv and I don’t want you to give me any shit about it.” Cillian knew he wasn’t going to like what Savage was going to say just by his tone.

  “What did you do?” Kill asked. He sounded more like he was accusing his friend of something.

  “We got you and Viv a little pre-wedding gift,” Savage said. “At least, that’s what Dallas told me to call it. I know things are tough and we wanted to help. So, I’ve contacted the jewelry store on the second floor of the mall. Go there and they’ll explain the rest.”

  “I’m not going to like this, am I, man?” Cillian asked. He hated handouts and Savage had done enough hand-holding and supporting him, to last a lifetime. Kill knew that telling his friend no wouldn’t do him any good. When Savage was determined to do something, no one stood in his way. Savage had taken Kill on as his little pet project and there would be no stopping him.

  “Whatever it is, I’m going to pay you back,” Kill insisted when Savage didn’t answer him.

  “No,” Savage barked. “You won’t. You’re just going to have to accept that you’re family now, Cillian. I have something else I want to talk to you about privately, but it can wait until things calm down. Helping you is just going to happen man—like it or not, Cillian. You saved my daughter. I owe you everything and I plan on following through.”

  Viv came bouncing out of the store, holding a bunch of bags. He took them from her. “Who’s on the phone?” she asked.

  “Savage,” Kill said. “He wants us to run a little errand for him. You good?” Viv nodded.

  “Hungry but good,” she agreed.

  Cillian laughed, “I’ll do what you asked and then I think I need to feed my woman. We’ll be back soon and you and I are going to have a little chat, Savage. You might think you owe me but that’s just not true.” He ended the call before Savage could get another word in, knowing he’d pay for that later.

  “Let’s go,” Viv said. She wrapped her arm around his. “The sooner we run Savage’s errand, the sooner I can eat.”

  _______

  “You want to say that again?” Kill asked the young, pasty salesclerk who was trying to explain to him that the guys at Savage Heat along with Savage had paid for wedding bands for him and Viv.

  The poor guy looked about ready to run to the backroom to hide. “How about you go easy on him, Cillian?” Viv asked. Putting her hand on his arm. “He’s just the messenger. Your friends are trying to do something nice for you—for us.”

  “Right,” Cillian growled. “But, it feels like a handout. I can do this kind of shit on my own.” He would too, someday. Right now, he was busy getting his life back and every cent he made went into his account to save for the shop he planned on opening. Kill paid his way and he found that he didn’t need much. He was able to put most of his paycheck in the bank but at the rate he was going, it was going to take him forever to get to the point of realizing his dream.

  The whole time he was behind bars, he dreamt of opening a garage. He had earned his mechanic’s certificate while he was away and honestly, a day spent under the hood of a car was a pretty fucking fantastic day. He just wished he could get to the point of being able to afford all the things in life he wanted. All the stuff he wanted to give to Viv and now their baby.

  “I understand that, Love,” Kill almost whispered. He pulled her against his body and wrapped his arms around her. “I just wanted to do this for you. Savage has already done so much for me.”

  “He loves you, Cillian. Savage considers you a brother and I’m sure that if you refuse this, you’ll insult him and the other guys. I, for one, think this is a perfect wedding gift. We don’t need a toaster or dishes. I already had all that stuff. Wedding bands are very meaningful. It’s a symbol of our lives together,” she said.

  “Well shit,” Cillian grumbled. “When you say stuff like that, how can I stay mad?”

  “You can’t,” Viv teased. “I’m pretty irresistible and very persuasive when I want to be.”

  Cillian chuckled, “That’s true, Love. How about you look around and find what you want and I’ll stop yelling at poor—” Kill stared down the salesclerk and when he made no move to give his name, Viv giggled.

  “I think what my fiancé is trying to say is that he’s sorry and he’d like to know your name.”

  “Oh—well, it’s John,” the salesclerk admitted.

  “Okay, John,” Kill said. “Let’s find my woman a ring and I promise not to yell at you anymore—deal?” John nodded his agreement and led the way over to the case that held the wedding bands.

  “They are all so beautiful,” Viv gushed. Watching her weigh her options was pretty damn cute. Kill liked the way she bit her bottom lip into her mouth every time she asked the salesclerk to pul
l one from the case. She’d look at how much the band cost, make a face and then slip it onto her finger. Kill could tell as soon as she found the one she loved and when she told John to stick it back in the case, the kid looked at her just as baffled as Kill felt.

  “Wait a minute,” Kill protested. “You love that one, don’t you?”

  “Cillian, it’s too expensive,” she protested. “It doesn’t leave much money for your band. We should split the gift. I won’t hog it.” Kill rolled his eyes and smiled.

  “John,” he said. “We’ll take that one and—” he looked over the men’s bands and pointed to a black one that had caught his eye earlier. It was plain and probably didn’t cost very much. It was perfect for him. He’d be able to wear it to work, even when he was stuck under the hood of a car, elbow deep in oil and dirt.

  “That one,” Kill said, pointing to the band he wanted.

  “No, Cillian,” Viv protested.

  “It’s what I want, Viv. I’ve told you that someday, I’d like to open a garage,” he said. Viv nodded.

  “Sure,” she said. “What does that have to do with choosing a wedding band though?”

  “This material is perfect for a man who works with his hands—especially dirt and grease,” John piped up.

  “What he said,” Kill agreed. “It’s perfect for me—just like you’re perfect for me, Viv.”

  “Okay, now you’re just saying shit to butter me up and get me to agree with whatever you want,” Viv complained.

  “Is it working?” Kill asked.

  Viv giggled and nodded. “Yeah,” she admitted.

  “Great,” Kill breathed. “Wrap them both up for us, John. I’ve promised my woman some food and then we have to finish shopping. We’re running out of time, Honey. The last thing either of us wants is for Savage to send out a search party.”

  “No,” Viv said. “Thanks, Cillian,” she said, going up on her tiptoes to kiss him. “I’m not sure how I got so lucky finding you,” she said.