Page 213 of Brutal Savage

And as far as who I am—Evelyn or Elara—I’ve decided to keep my name. My new name. I need to stay Elara. Because Evelyn? She was someone else entirely.

“I love you, Mom. I’m sorry. I wish I’d been there to stop him.” I wipe tears from my eyes. “I’ll come back next week. I promise.”

Tynan told me we could fly here whenever I wanted, that I could see her anytime I please, and that gives me some comfort.

With one last look, I turn around to join my husband and my son. Though I don’t ever expect Brody to call me Mom, I will always love him like one.

Tynan and I told him he can call us his aunt and uncle, that we’re both okay with that, and he seemed to like that idea.

“You ready to go home?” Tynan gazes at me through adoring eyes.

“Yeah, I am.”

In these past few weeks, it feels as though I’ve shed a part of me and replaced it with something stronger. That I’m stronger than I ever was before. I hate that it was because of all this tragedy, but if it makes me stronger instead of weaker, I guess that’s all I can ask for.

“I love you,” Tynan whispers, knuckles brushing down my cheek, completely undoing me. “I love you so damn much, and I’m sorry you’re hurting.”

“I love you too, Tynan. But I’m okay now. I swear.”

Brody hugs me tight. “It’s okay to cry. I miss my mommy and daddy all the time.”

His own tears gather, and I kneel before him. “I want you to know you can talk about them any time you feel like it. Because there’s nothing I want more than to get to know the people who made such an amazing little boy.”

He throws his arms around me and sniffles.

As I close my eyes and hold him close to my heart, I make a promise to myself to always love him unconditionally.

Because that’s what love truly is.

TYNAN

Fionn offered to have Brody over for a sleepover at his place so Elara and I have a night to ourselves. He didn’t mind. He’s good with kids. They all seem to gravitate toward him. But I’m still grateful for his help.

I even gave Ruby the day off, and the nurse on duty is in a different wing of the house.

I wanted everything to be perfect and without distraction.

Elara sits at our dining table, votive candles glistening in the center, the room dimly lit as I bring out a tray of saffron rice and curry chicken that I made.

“My God, Tynan, this looks amazing. I can’t get over how well you can cook.”

I smirk, placing the food down before cupping her chin and kissing her softly. She melts into me, moaning into my mouth, her nails raking up the back of my head.

Damn, does that feel good.

My lips stroke hers. “If you keep kissing me like that, we may not get through dinner.”

She peppers kisses across the outline of my jaw. “That’d be a shame.”

I clench my teeth, reluctantly separating from her, needing it all to go as planned. “Let me bring out the rest of the food so we can get to dessert quickly.”

“And by dessert, do you mean…” She pops a mischievous brow.

“No, I actually meant dessert. I made a souffle. But wow, Mrs. Quinn, what a dirty mind you have.”

“I learned from the best.” She tips up her jaw. “Now hurry up…”

Her fingernails roll between her breasts, the slinky black dress she’s wearing so thin and tight, I can make out every line and curve of her body.

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