Page 65 of Brutal Savage

Her long, dark lashes fan as she steps out, and when she tries to snap her hand from mine, I tighten my grasp.

“It’s nice to see you, Elara.”

She clears her throat, glancing to the back of Rogue’s head, who walks before us.

“Don’t say my name like that!” Her voice is low and raspy.

“But you’re so fun to toy with.” My words rough across her ear.

She scratches there, and I chuckle. I don’t know why I like setting her off as much as I do. Don’t remember having this much fun with a woman before.

She pushes past me and heads toward the kitchen, greeting Ruby while I stand behind her, unable to stop my gaze from wandering down her sinful curves.

No matter what I told myself before, she has to be the one I marry. She’s the perfect choice. She not only needs money, but protection too. I can offer her both in exchange for staying with me. Divorce wouldn’t be an option.

The thought of getting her pregnant makes my cock throb. She’d object, but I’d make her fall in line. Just need to approach this delicately. Make her think this is a good idea for the both of us.

And if she doesn’t agree…well, there are other ways.

She heads off with Brody, who brings over a board game for them to play in the dining room. I stare at them from the doorjamb. He looks genuinely happy with her being here, and it’s only day two.

The puppy sleeps at their feet while they play Monopoly. When she looks up at me and gives me one of her real smiles, something in me snaps, coming undone until I’m lost to the feeling of her eyes on mine.

My hand curls, and I force myself to walk away. This isn’t meant to be anything besides a mutually beneficial relationship.

I’ll give her the chance to agree willingly. But if she doesn’t…well, let’s just say this woman’s already my wife. She just doesn’t know it yet.

But just because we’re married doesn’t mean we have to love each other. Plenty of loveless arranged marriages in my circle.

We’d just be one of many.

With great sex.

I know it will be.

Besides that, besides making a baby, I don’t have to see her much or spend time with her. Not unless it’s for Brody’s sake.

We’ll fuck enough to make children, then we’ll live separate lives. Hope that works for her. Because it will for me. I told myself long ago I wouldn’t get attached to a woman.

I won’t let myself feel something real because that shit only leads to pain.

Images of my mother storm into my mind. Her body ignited by flames while she screamed tied to a chair as Sergey laughed until her voice died.

Until she died.

I suck in a rough breath.

No. I won’t love her. I can’t.

Love is something I can’t afford.

Scrubbing my face, I settle onto the stool in the kitchen while Ruby cuts up some romaine lettuce for the salad she’s prepping.

“She seems nice.” She glances at me with a knowing smile. “Don’t you agree?”

“Don’t do that, Ruby.”

“Do what, sir?” She gives me her back, grabbing some peppers, probably busting out a grin she doesn’t want me to see.

---