Page 136 of Brutal Savage

“I won’t forget this.”

“You take care.”

He ends the call, and all I can see is that scar on Elara’s stomach, wondering how the hell she got it.

Blood blisters in my veins.

I need to get rid of them all. It’s the only way she’ll feel safe.

And I won’t rest until that happens.

ELARA

After dropping Grandma back home, I bring my bags to our bedroom, trying to act as though nothing happened. Like Jerry or his people never got close enough to somehow slip a note in one of my bags.

I still don’t understand how he could’ve done it. Unless he passed it to someone who works at the store, pretending he’s a friend. He was always charming when he needed to be. I can see someone innocent falling for his bullshit like I did when I thought he worked for my father.

“How did it go?” Tynan appears behind me, strong masculine palms stroking my arms.

I grow rigid, swallowing harshly, nervous that he’ll somehow find out I’m keeping a secret.

“It was fun. Gran had a great time too. She told me to thank you again.”

“I like your grandma.” He spins me around, tilting my chin with the back of his finger, and every nerve in my body explodes. “You ready for the game?”

Shit. The game. I completely forgot.

“Of course.”

He takes a step back, gaze running down my body over the tight jeans and black tank top. My skin heats up from his perusal.

“I feel so tiny compared to you when I’m not wearing heels.”

He examines my tennis shoes and shoots me a smirk. “I like you being short. Easier to toss you around and do with you as I please.” His arm curls around my back until his body meets mine, and he kisses me. “You smell nice. We should go, though,” he husks. “Or I’m bound to make us late.”

His lips feather with mine, and I let out a little moan just as the door creaks and Brody is there, staring at us.

Crap.

“Hey, buddy!” I push Tynan off and rush over to him. “You look so great!”

He’s adorable in his blue-and-white uniform and matching baseball cap.

“Ready to kick some butt?” Tynan asks.

He nods, grinning wide.

Together, we start heading out, Brody beating us down the stairs.

“I’ll never get used to him smiling again.” Tynan sighs, grabbing my hand. “Thank you, Elara.” Emotions stitch up his voice, and my eyes get lost in his.

“He loves you, Tynan. I swear he does.”

He nods, looking uncomfortable, and for the first time, I feel sorry for him. Truly sorry.

He releases a sigh and leads us out the door, locking it behind us.

After Brody hops into his booster and straps himself in, we’re ready to take off. Tynan keeps his right palm on my thigh, using the other to maneuver the wheel, bringing us to the park about fifteen minutes later.

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