Page 72 of Brutal Savage

“What do you mean?”

“How long will I have to remain your wife?”

His mouth dances with a wry smirk. “For the rest of your life, Ms. Hill. This arrangement will be permanent. I have no intention of letting you go.”

My pulse quickens, and I shudder at being his for the rest of my life.

“So you mean to tell me I’d have to be your wife forever just so you can get some deal?” I stare at him in disgust. “You have some nerve!”

He leans closer to the desk, dropping his elbows over it and staring intently at me. “I’m not him, Elara. I won’t hurt you. And you’ll get a large check for every year we’re married, and a bigger one for every child we make together. And at all other times, I’ll leave you alone if that’s what you want.”

“How romantic.” My stomach churns. “I hope you know I’d never sleep with you.”

He coughs a laugh. “That’d be difficult, since having a child is the point of all of this.”

I stare wide-eyed at this delusional man. “You’re clearly crazy. I won’t let you touch me or treat me like some vessel to create your future generation.” I jump to my feet. “No, Mr. Quinn, absolutely not. And don’t you dare ask me again, or I’ll stop working for you. And I don’t want to do that to Brody.”

His nostrils expand and his irises narrow.

I turn and start to walk away, not caring how angry he is. I’m the one who should be angry.

His voice looms behind me. “You’re making a very big mistake, Ms. Hill.”

Fear drips down my body. Rearing around to face him, I spring forward and grip the edge of his desk.

“Maybe you’re not used to hearing no. But I’ll gladly be the first person to tell you. No, Mr. Quinn. And that’s final.” My brow hikes in challenge. “Now, excuse me. I have to get back to Brody.”

With my body buzzing, I storm out of there and shut the door behind me with a bang, hoping that’s the end of it.

But with men like Tynan, I know better.

A couple of hours later, and I can’t get over what happened. He didn’t say a word to me while I was with Brody, which was a good thing. I was bound to make a scene.

How dare he? I’d never marry a stranger, let alone a man like him. A dangerous man. No matter how much money he throws at me.

I know the Mafia isn’t made up of nice guys. They’re brutal. I won’t be stuck to one for the rest of my life.

How did this even happen to me? First, my father’s betrayals, then being forced to get engaged to Jerry. Now this? What the hell did I ever do to deserve any of it?

“You okay, sweetheart?” Grandma asks from across the table.

She came for dinner after we visited Grandpa, but I could barely eat. I was already struggling with my appetite, though after today, it’s gone. Being on the run, constantly glancing over your shoulder, makes it hard to stomach anything.

Grandma keeps staring at me curiously, and I release a sigh, needing to talk to someone, and she’s all I have.

“What’s troubling you?” She tucks my fingers into her palm while I stare up at the ceiling for a brief second before peering at her.

“Do you remember the guy from the café?”

“Of course. Who could forget him?” She looks at me flirtatiously, and I roll my eyes.

“I’d personally love to.”

“Oh, come on. I saw the way you were checking him out. He’s a good-looking man.”

“Seriously?”

“What?” She throws her hands in the air. “I may be old, but I’m not blind. So, what about him? Did he do something?” She instantly grows concerned.

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