Page 152 of Brutal Savage

“Phyllis,” Iz calls the sales associate. “We’re gonna take a bunch of these suits. Which colors do you think he’d like?”

“Hmm…” I purse my lips to stop from laughing. “I think the yellow, the green, and that bright purple would really make his eyes pop. Don’t you think?”

“I think I do.”

“Phyllis, we want all the colors. You have my brother’s size on file, yes?”

“Yes, ma’am.” She nods, not even a bit fazed.

“I think Tynan will approve of your lavish spending habits, sister-in-law.” She bumps my hip with hers.

“I think you’re right.”

“I wish I could see the look on his face. Any chance you can record it?”

“I’ll see what I can do.”

He’s gonna hate this, and I’m giddy with excitement.

I never realized how exhilarating torturing one’s husband could be.

CHAPTER 32

TYNAN

While the girls are out shopping, I spend the day with Brody and my brothers, playing basketball, ordering takeout, and hanging out by the pool while Bubbles runs around the lounge chairs, stealing my damn leather sandals.

I’ve given up on her tolerating me. I thought Elara would be the last to break, but it seems like the dog is stronger than I thought.

At least Elara has warmed up to me. She doesn’t look like she wants to kill me anymore, which is quite the turnaround.

The conversation with Iseult plays in my head. Could I really be in love with Elara? I’m crazy about her. She has to know that by now.

But love? I don’t know what that looks like. I’ve never experienced these feelings I have for her. Not with anyone. And I wish I could say they’re not terrifying, but they’re scaring the shit out of me.

Brody grins, rushing up to me holding a book Fionn gifted him when he got here. I don’t know much about books since I don’t read, but the kid loves them, and I love that he does.

“That looks cool, bud. Is that from the same series Elara got you that other book from?”

He nods, stars in his eyes. He smiles so freely now, I’m afraid to say it out loud so as not to jinx it. Feels like at any given moment, the rug will be pulled from under my feet.

If he can smile, then maybe there’s a chance he’ll talk soon. I just have to be patient. Though patience has never been my strength.

“You look like you need a beer.” Cillian hands me one as Brody leaves the book on the lounger and joins Ruby in the pool, Bubbles jumping in after him.

“Thanks.”

Fionn joins us, his face tense as he places his cell in his shorts pocket. “Heard back from our guys just now. They killed six of Jerry and Isaac’s men. Left their headless corpses at Jerry’s doorstep.”

A grin spreads on my face. “Any of them talk?”

“Nah. They were loyal.”

“That’s too bad. But this should get them to make contact. If they don’t in the next couple of days, we’ll kill more of their guys until there’s none left.”

“We should expect a war with them,” Cillian adds. “It’s their style, though we’d squash them easily.”

“Let them come.” I keep watching Brody play. “We’ll be ready.”

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