Page 90 of Ruthless Savage

I shake my head. “You forced the doctor to clear you, didn’t you?”

“Aye.” Tenderly, he cups my cheek, and his brows knit. “You know me so well, Eriu Quinn.”

“I’ve aways known who you really are.” I grasp his wrist, his gaze softening.

And my heart does what it always does with him: it beats to a tempo meant just for him.

With a long drag of air, he curls an arm around me and drops his forehead to mine. And every time he does, it feels like I’m home. Like this is what forever feels like.

But tonight, I’m going to have to give a part of myself to someone else just to avoid marrying a monster.

And I already hate myself for it because it won’t be him.

CHAPTER 21

ERIU

“Are you sure about this?” Karen asks as we finish getting ready for the club in her room.

No. I’m not sure.

Fear clenches its teeth around my chest. How will I ever get through tonight?

What if I get hurt? What if I can’t go through with it? Will they force me?

Oh my God. I need a drink. Need something to numb my thoughts.

“Weren’t you the one telling me I had to do this?” My foot bounces, shifting to the edge of her bed.

“I was. But now that it’s happening, I’m nervous for you.”

She runs her fingers through her long pinup curls, walking over to me. Her black gown cuts low in the front, beading sequins running up the sides.

Mine is bloodred, thin straps, and a sweetheart neckline. It’s tight around my curves and sweeps out, hitting the floor. The curled ends of my hair annoy me, tickling across my bare back. I fling them over my shoulder and huff a breath.

She lowers beside me and throws an arm around my back. “I hate that you have to do this.”

“Yeah, well, like you said, I don’t have a choice.”

“It’s too bad we couldn’t throw Mason over a bridge.”

I grumble. “I may need some shots before I do this tonight.”

“We’ll get some drinks once we get there. I’ll have you buzzed enough not to run off the stage.”

I slap a hand over my face, not even caring that I’ll ruin the makeup Karen spent an hour doing.

She gently tugs my wrist back and peers at me through concerned eyes. “It’ll be okay. It’s just sex. Means nothing, unless you want it to.”

“That’s right. Just sex.” I straighten my spine and prepare for the hell waiting for me.

She slips her fingers through mine and gives me a reassuring squeeze.

As we pick up our handbags and head out the door, I try not to think about the man I’m in love with and how this will break his heart.

And mine.

We arrive at the club with Adam in tow. I can’t believe he’s going to witness what I’ll be doing. The whole thing is mortifying enough without adding that to the mix.

---