Page 126 of Ruthless Savage

But I won’t allow history to repeat itself. I will protect her like I couldn’t protect him, even if I pay the ultimate price to do it.

ERIU

We arrive at a steakhouse on the Upper West Side, a sparkling chandelier hanging brightly above. A beautiful place for a first official date.

He said he wanted me to stay with him for a while, so earlier, he brought me to my dorm so I could gather some clothes and toiletries. I grabbed my things as quickly as possible, taking some extra clothes to sleep in, not knowing how long I will be there.

I hope it continues. I’ve loved waking up beside him, seeing those blue eyes play with a smirk when he sees me first thing in the morning.

He even gave me space in his closet for my things, like it’s already our place.

His hand is tight around mine as we’re led by the maître d’ to a private corner table. As we pass, a man gawks at me, looking down my body, cloaked in a tight ruby-red knee-length dress. Devlin just about rips his head off, casting him a terrifying glare, and the man’s eyes shoot up before he turns back to the woman he’s with.

What a pig!

“A waiter will arrive shortly to take your orders,” the maître d’ announces, his thick black mustache jerking.

“Thank you,” I say as Devlin pulls out a chair and waits for me to sit before he takes his spot across from me.

“This is nice.” My eyes glance around the lavish restaurant.

I never in a million years would’ve thought we’d be here, together. I’ve dreamed of it for so long, it’s hard to believe it’s reality.

“I’m glad you approve.” Above the candlelight, his eyes shine brightly and I wonder if people like us truly can have it all.

Once the waiter arrives and takes our orders, I excuse myself to the restroom. But, of course, he follows me.

“You know, this isn’t necessary.” I hook my arm through his. “I’ll be fine.”

“Not leaving you alone for a moment. I’d follow you inside if I could.”

I roll my eyes. “Come on now. That’s ridiculous, don’t you think?”

He grabs my nape and presses his forehead to mine. “You don’t understand how much you mean to me. If anything happens to you…”

“Nothing will.”

He exhales. “Go before I change my mind and take our food to go. This was already a risk.”

He finally lets me go, and with a shake of my head, I strut in through the double doors, the floor gleaming beneath my feet as I find an empty stall and head inside.

But before I can even shut the door, someone pushes it open.

A man in a ski mask.

Fear claws at my throat, my chest heavy.

His hand clasps around my mouth to keep me from screaming.

“Shh.” He places a finger across his mouth. “Don’t scream, or I’ll kill you before he knows I’m even here.”

My pulse rips through my neck, terror like I’ve never known simmering in my gut.

I nod frantically, tears rolling down my cheeks.

“I need you to send Devlin a message. Or should I call him Scott?”

I recoil, needing this man to go.

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