Page 120 of Brutal Savage

“Why? Are we going somewhere?”

“Yes. We have a charity event tonight at six. I completely forgot about it.”

“Oh. What charity?”

“It’s one I started years ago. For childhood cancer research.”

My eyes widen.

“You look surprised.” He laughs dryly.

“I just…”

“Didn’t think someone in the Mob gave a shit about a bunch of sick kids?”

I nod.

“Well, this one does.”

My husband has a heart.

“Uh…” My face grows hot at what I want to bring up, but it feels like an elephant in the room.

“What is it, Elara?”

“Um…” I pick up the mug, my hands growing warm around it. “About last night. It was nice, but…”

But I’m terrified of how good it was.

He drops his coffee on the counter and comes over to me, cupping my face in his hands. “I’m not here to push or make you uncomfortable. I just got distracted by how gorgeous you looked in our bed. It won’t happen again unless you want it to.”

I want it to…

“Okay.”

He removes his hands from me, and I want them to return so badly, I ache. He starts to head out instead.

“Tynan…”

“Yes, babe?”

“Where do you work?”

“We own a corporation, which handles all our business. I run it. Lots of paperwork.” He hits me with a lopsided grin.

I’m sure it’s more than just paperwork, but I don’t say it aloud. I don’t want to know what he actually does. The people he certainly kills.

“Have a good day at work, then.”

He nods. “Enjoy your day too.”

Then he’s walking away, and when the door shuts, I kinda wish I’d kissed him goodbye.

Hours later, after Brody and I have had a fun day swimming in the biggest pool I’ve ever seen, we decide to watch a movie. He chooses Toy Story, which was always a favorite for Mom and me.

At the thought of her, tears brim in my eyes. I miss her so much. I wish she was still here to talk to. With a sniffle, I wipe under my lashes, and Brody’s alarmed expression turns to me. He places a palm on my cheek, and when those sweet eyes land on mine, all it does is make me cry even more.

I hug him tight to me. “I’m okay. Just thinking about my mom. I miss her very much.”

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