Page 125 of Brutal Savage

“Wife?” Camila stares at him open-mouthed right before shooting him a playful glare and slapping him on the shoulder. “And you didn’t invite us?”

“We didn’t actually have a wedding. It was family only.” He snaps his eyes to mine with a chuckle. “Isn’t that right, baby?”

“Mm-hmm.” I play with the ends of my hair.

“It’s a pleasure, darling!” Camila moves over to hug me.

But when her husband kisses the top of my hand, I don’t miss the way Tynan’s jaw flexes. I bite back a smile.

Seems like he has a bit of a jealous streak, and I kinda like it.

“Thank you,” I tell them. “It’s great to meet you both.”

“You as well! I must say I’ve never seen you around. How quick was this wedding?” Then she gasps. “Are you pregnant?” Her voice grows low.

“Camila!” Her husband shakes his head.

“What! I’m just asking.” She rolls her eyes, giving me a little discreet wink.

“Not yet.” Tynan’s arm wraps around my hips, pulling me into his side, his mouth dropping to my temple.

My God, I love when he kisses me that way. Makes me feel so cherished.

“But we can’t wait to have children,” he says. “Right, babe?”

Right. Children. The real reason he wanted me.

“Yes, that’s right.” Anxiety roils in my gut, making me wonder if I truly matter or if I’m just a means to an end.

“Well, I’m so glad to see you finally settle down.” Camila grins. “I was worried for a moment. You’re too good of a man to be alone forever.”

“You sound like my father.”

“Well, you know us parents. We worry. We want our kids to settle down and have lives of their own.”

The more she talks about kids, the more uncomfortable I become.

This isn’t real. He doesn’t really care about me. He just needed me. That’s all.

But the way he touches me. Holds me. Is it just all lust?

Or could there be a chance for more for the both of us?

And is it wrong for me to want that with him? To want this to be real? Because I do. I want it badly.

I want to be loved. I want a man who cares for me. And Tynan makes that all feel possible.

With a sigh, I glance around the room, suddenly freezing in place. He must notice my change in mood, and once he follows my line of vision, he realizes exactly who I’m looking at.

“Would you two excuse us?” he tells the couple. “There’s someone here I need to speak to before they get away.”

“Oh, yes, of course,” Camila says. “You two go have fun!”

“Enjoy yourselves,” he tells them, pulling me toward Vera and her daughter, Stephanie.

“Tynan, I really don’t want to see them again.” My heart races uncontrollably, hands growing clammy.

I don’t know why I’m acting like this. They mean nothing. I shouldn’t care. But something in me still does.

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