Page 38 of Brutal Savage

Then after his death, she sold it to someone else. She didn’t have it in her to work anymore. Of course, being on the run, she would’ve had to sell it anyway or leave it all behind. I’m glad she got the money for it before we had to leave. It helps. Though after the debts she had to pay off, it didn’t leave very much.

Between us both, we’re barely making it work. His home costs ten thousand every month. Money we don’t have.

“Nothing.” I force a grin and pick up my coffee, taking a few sips.

She sighs, grabbing my hand and clutching it, her blue eyes glistening. “You’re worried. I can see it.” She leans in closer into the table. “Don’t be. It will all work out. You’ll see. They won’t find us. Not here.”

“It’s not just that. It’s everything, you know?” A whoosh of a breath leaves me, and my eyes pin shut for a moment. “I hate that we had to run.” An ache hits the back of my throat.

“It’s not your fault.” Her face drops to the side. “None of it is. Your father made that mess.”

She’s right; it is my dad’s fault.

But she doesn’t have the full picture. About Dad’s involvement with Jerry. What they made me do. She thinks Jerry was just a bad boyfriend. Yet she’s never seen the scars I bear because of my so-called father. That he sold me for his sins.

The thought of it all makes my stomach turn.

I force all thoughts of him away.

Can’t think about that now.

I desperately need to go on my run to clear my head.

“You ready to go?” I ask her.

She nods, grabbing her wallet while I leave some cash to pay for our tab. She rises, and I follow her out the door.

As we start back to her place, only a short walk away, I notice a small black-and-white dog running in our direction, her leash dragging behind her, a purple collar around her neck.

“Oh, goodness!” Gran gasps. “Someone must’ve run off.”

“Hey!” I call to the pup, hoping the dog stops so I can help the owner find her. “Come here! Look what I have!”

Kneeling, I pretend I have a treat in my hand, and the dog jumps into my arms.

Well, that was easy.

She starts licking my face, and I laugh, unable to stop her. I can tell there’s something wrong with one of her eyes, and I instantly feel sorry for her.

“You’re excited, aren’t you?” I pet the top of her head, and she won’t stop.

It’s pretty sweet how happy she is to see me. I don’t remember the last time someone was this excited to have me around.

I’ve never owned a dog. My father hated them, said they’re useless creatures. As a little girl, I always envied all my friends who had them. Then I got older and got a job and realized I had no time for one.

“Uh, Elara?” Grandma’s voice drops.

“Yes?” I keep laughing as the dog licks my eyes, my nose.

My goodness, she’s precious. I bet her owners miss her very much.

“Um—” she continues, but a deep voice cuts her off.

“Ms. Hill.”

An inhale stills in my lungs.

Because there’s only one man who can make my heart beat that way.

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