Page 103 of Brutal Savage

“Of course! Just go past the room and turn right.”

“Thanks.” I start toward that direction while the women enter the dressing room beside mine.

Realizing I forgot my handbag, I take a step backward when I hear them talking.

“I have no idea what he sees in her,” one of the women says to the other. “I mean, she’s not even that pretty.”

Another one laughs. “You’re just jealous he turned you down.”

“Now, ladies, it isn’t our business who he chose to marry,” Vera says. “Though I do agree with you, darling. I don’t think she’s anything special. Not for someone like Tynan, anyway. Clearly, she married him for money, but why he chose her, I can’t possibly understand.”

“Maybe she’s good in the bedroom.”

They all laugh, and my face heats up.

One of the women snickers. “Or maybe he’s an idiot. He could’ve had me, and he settled for her? God!”

“Well, sweetheart, I doubt it will last long between them. Then you can have your chance. We’re always attending many of the same events. I’m sure you can seduce him.”

Anger radiates within me, and I force my feet to move, wanting them to hear me approaching. I’m no longer interested in this dress or anything they have to offer.

When they register my footsteps, they dart out of the room. Vera’s face turns as red as the lipstick she’s wearing. She clears her throat while I try to control the tremble in my hands.

How dare they speak about Tynan and me that way?

“There you are.” Vera scratches her temple. “We’ll be right here when you need us.”

My mouth lifts at the corner, my eyes narrowing. “Actually, I’ve decided I no longer like any of these clothes. But I will be keeping this dress, and the shoes too.”

Vera’s brows shoot up. “Uh, that’s all you want? B-but we have all these fabulous items lined up for you to try on.”

I step up to her, almost face-to-face, and that younger woman who was scowling earlier, the one who wants my husband…well, she looks terrified now.

I stare at Vera with a tight glare. “I wouldn’t want someone like me tarnishing your wonderful clothing.” Her face pales. “It seems like you ladies had a lot to discuss when you thought I couldn’t hear you.”

“I…ugh, I’m…I’m so sorry, Mrs. Quinn! Please forgive us. My daughter, she’s just jealous that Mr. Quinn didn’t want her and?—”

“Mom!”

“You hush. You’ve done enough damage.”

“I’m not interested in your fake apologies,” I tell her. “I’ll be going now, and you won’t be charging me a dime.”

She grabs my arm. “Please don’t tell Mr. Quinn about this!”

I laugh, throwing her hand off of me.

“Please. I’ll do anything you want.”

“How about go to hell?” I take my things from the dressing room and head toward Rogue and Brody, my heartbeats exploding in my chest.

Once Rogue sees my expression, he straightens his back, his eyes narrowing, staring behind me at the women. “What happened?”

“Nothing much.” I raise my chin and pretend their words hold no power, yet that’s a lie. “They were insulting me while they thought I was in the bathroom. I just wanna leave.”

A muscle flexes in his jaw. “Let’s go.”

I grab Brody’s hand, who glares at them, and if my heart didn’t love him already, this just did it.

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