Page 110 of Brutal Savage

“That’s sweet,” I offer.

“She’s never sweet.” Tynan glares at her.

“Well…” She tilts her chin. “On the way here, Eriu told me that just the other day you said, and I quote, ‘I’d rather suck on a cactus than get married.’ Well, here you are. Enjoy it.”

She winks while he shakes his head with complete irritation.

“You did not say that!” I stare at him with my mouth wide open. “And here I thought you were in love with me the moment you met me. I may have to file for an annulment now.” I feign being insulted, and Gio chuckles.

Tynan, though? He’s not laughing. In fact, he looks like he’s about ready to kill us all for torturing him. He deserves it, though.

Before we can torture him some more, the bell rings again. Tynan practically runs to open it, causing me and Iseult to fall in a fit of laughter.

She moves over to me, whispering, “I enjoy torturing him.”

I stare at his ass as he opens the door. “I think I’m gonna enjoy torturing him too.”

“Oh, we’re gonna get along so well.”

“I think you’re right.” My mouth curls as I glance at her before heading toward Tynan, finding Gran there with Fionn and Cillian.

Though I have met his two brothers when they stood as witnesses at our ceremony, I don’t exactly know them at all.

“Elara, sweetheart!” Gran gives me a big hug, whispering in my ear. “Is that a ring on your finger?”

“Yes?”

“Oh my goodness!” she exclaims. “Congratulations, you two!” She hugs me tightly before embracing Tynan. “You take care of my girl, you hear? She’s special.”

“I will.” He nods. “I promise.”

Her eyes fill with moisture. “Such great news!”

The rest of the family greet her before Tynan says, “How about we head to the dining room? Dad and Fernanda are already there.”

We shuffle after one another while Gran slides her arm through mine, both of us the last to go.

“You were smart to marry him.” She glances around the foyer, beautiful paintings of mountains and nature on both sides.

“If you say so.” When my eyes wander toward the far left corner, something magnificent catches my eye.

A large vase with red poppies stands at the center of a side table.

I stare at it, my heart filling with so many emotions, I can’t contain it.

“Weren’t those your mom’s favorite?” Gran whispers.

“They were.” I sniffle.

He must’ve had them put here today. My heart warms at the care and thought he put into this. It may seem simple, but it means so much to me.

“Isn’t that sweet? I knew he’d take care of you. I knew it from the moment I met him.”

My lashes flutter as a smile stretches to my face. “I’m sorry I couldn’t invite you to the ceremony. It was sudden and it was just us.”

She throws a dismissive hand in the air. “As long as you’re happy and he’s good to you, then I’m happy.”

I hate keeping things from Gran. I want to tell her the whole truth of how I really got married. But telling her wouldn’t help matters. It would just make her worry that he’s going to be cruel. Yet so far he’s been…well, good to me.

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