Page 155 of Ruthless Savage

The Palmers are no longer a threat. Anyone who was loyal to them was taken out too, including Karen’s twin brother. With them gone, there’s no one left. We’re free of them.

My cell rings, and I glance down to find Iseult calling.

“Yeah?” I answer.

“Is she doing any better?” Concern weaves in her tone.

“No. She needs help, and I don’t know how to give it to her.”

She sighs. “She keeps dodging me too. Dad still wants to have her birthday party in two weeks. Think she’ll wanna come?”

“I’ll try to get her there. I’ll tell her it’ll mean a lot to your father.”

“Not sure if that’ll do anything. She’s been rejecting his calls too.”

I rub a palm over my face. “We’ve just gotta give her some time. This is hard for her.”

“I know that. I just wish I could do more.”

The water in the bathroom shuts off, and I know I have a few more minutes while she’s drying her hair.

“Look, I’ve gotta go. She’s done with her shower, and I don’t want her thinking we’re talking about her behind her back.”

“That’s literally what we’re doing.”

“Yeah, genius, I know that. Going now.”

The door starts to open, and I immediately end the call and drop the phone on the bed beside me.

Eriu comes out with a towel wrapped around her body, her brows pinched tight. “Were you just talking to someone?”

“Aye.” I scratch my temple. “Just work stuff for your dad.”

“Oh, okay…”

She starts for the dresser, and I breathe with relief. I hate lying to her.

My eyes linger on the backs of her bare legs and my cock swells, missing her, craving and needing her. I haven’t attempted to touch her, merely content with holding her as she drifts off to sleep. When she’s ready, I’ll know.

She slips off the towel, still facing the dresser and starts getting dressed.

“Do you want to go out for dinner tonight?” I ask, my fist curling, everything in me snapping.

I’ve never felt this helpless.

“Sure.” She gives me a wide grin over her shoulder.

But I know better. She’s hurting, and I can’t fix it.

“What do you wanna go for?”

She shrugs, avoiding my eyes now. “Whatever.”

“Eriu…”

“Yes?” She clears her throat and starts refolding some of her shirts in the drawer.

“Talk to me. Talk to someone.”

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