Page 133 of Brutal Savage

“I don’t think you’ve ever told me what’s wrong with your grandfather. Anything I can do?”

As though my heart didn’t already beat for him, he just made it hammer even faster.

“No.” I shake my head. “You’ve done enough. The money helps. He has severe dementia, so he needs round-the-clock help. And neither Gran nor I can do it on our own.” My shoulders sag, and his brows instantly furrow. “Makes me feel so guilty because he’s my grandpa, you know? I should take care of him. He was always there for me growing up, and I feel as though I’m abandoning him by leaving him there.”

He tugs my hand into both of his. “No, babe, don’t do that. You can’t expect to do everything yourself.”

I shrug. But I want to. I should be able to do more for my grandfather.

“Anyway, thank you. Like I said, the money helps. I was drowning with having to pay for that place on my teacher’s salary.”

“If you need more, you just tell me.”

I nod.

He releases my hand, and tingles remain there. I don’t expect them to go away anytime soon.

“Brody has a baseball game later, by the way,” he says. “You don’t have to come if you’re too tired after your day out, but if you do, you’re more than welcome.”

“Of course I’ll be there.” I peek over at Brody, whose eyes twinkle with excitement. “I’d never miss Brody playing! When is the game?”

“You have time. The game is at four.” Something passes in his eyes—something like concern. “Make sure you stay close to Rogue.”

“Of course.”

He’s worried about me. And here come the tears I won’t shed.

With Jerry still being out there, I’m worried too. I just really hope whoever chased me wasn’t him. Though I know I’m just fooling myself.

“You have the credit card I gave you, right?”

“I do.”

“Good. Make sure you actually spend our money this time.”

“It’s not our money. It’s yours.”

He releases an exasperated sigh as he rises over to me. He grasps my jaw, his thumb brushing over my lips.

“It’s ours, Elara. You’re my wife.” His mouth descends toward my ear, lips lingering, breaths warm. “Didn’t I remind you of that last night, or do you need me to do it again this morning?”

I clear my throat, shivers running through my entire body as he rights himself, arousal growing in his gaze.

“I’ll be sure to spend as much as I can.”

He kisses the corner of my mouth. “Good.” His heavenly lips lower to my ear once again. “Think I got you pregnant yet?”

I don’t know why, but that made my breath still in my lungs. “I…I don’t know.”

“Then we should keep trying.” His voice—rough, yet smooth—is a deadly concoction of sin.

“I…uh…should go get ready if I want to make that game.”

Yes, talk about anything else just so you can stop being so turned on by the idea of him getting you pregnant.

“It won’t be a far drive. The store will bring items to the same warehouse for you to try on.”

“What store this time?”

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