Page 124 of Brutal Savage

“Tynan?”

I turn to her, admiring her flushed and sexy appearance.

“Can I ask you something? And please promise to tell me the truth.” Worry grows in her eyes, and that has me standing straighter.

“What is it?”

“Well, I caught the news today, and I saw something. I don’t know if it was you or…”

Ah, so she did see that. Good. Now she knows.

“You want to know if I burned down the store.”

She nods.

“Yes, Elara…” I stalk toward her, clasping the back of her head. “It was my doing. I ordered it.”

Her mouth parts, and her eyes enlarge.

“And I’d do it again. I’ll hurt anyone who hurts you.”

“Why?” Tears appear in her eyes.

“Because you’re mine, Elara Quinn. And no one hurts my wife. Does that answer your question?”

She swallows thickly and nods.

“Glad we worked that out.” I kiss the tip of her nose.

She stands there, awestruck, while I head for the bathroom, hoping she realizes I meant every damn word.

CHAPTER 27

ELARA

We arrived by private jet to an airport twenty miles outside of Boston before a limo took us to a luxurious hotel in the heart of the city.

Of course a man like him has his own plane.

Music plays in the background as we walk into the grand ballroom. Gold ornate ceiling, a white marble floor, and tables with gold Chiavari chairs are set for at least three hundred guests.

The décor is the epitome of class. Wouldn’t expect anything less.

Tynan’s hand clasps mine as we make our way toward the bar, women ogling him at every turn. I tug him closer, and he glances down at me with a smirk.

My belly flip-flops. It’s not enough how handsome he looks in that black tux, but he has to smile at me like that too? My God, this is going to be a torturous night.

Images of him yanking my dress up and fingering me flood my mind until I’m clearing my throat, trying to move toward the bar as fast as I can.

But right before we get there, an elderly couple approaches us.

Of course…

“Tynan,” the woman gushes, grabbing his forearm and kissing the side of his face. “We’re so pleased to be here. You always manage to pull off such a beautiful event.”

“Yes, this event is my favorite every year,” the man says, his eyes darting to me. “And who might this be?”

Tynan tugs me closer to his side. “Bernard, Camila, I want you to meet my wife, Elara.”