Page 71 of Brutal Savage

But the more I look at him, the more I realize…

“Oh, you’re not joking.”

“Not even a little.” He folds his arms over his chest.

Oh my God. I can’t believe he just asked me to marry him.

“You’re clearly insane. We don’t even know each other. Hell, we haven’t even gone on a date, and you’re asking me to marry you?”

“I am. And I can. Ask you on a date. Would you like that?”

Shivers run down my arms.

Yes. No. Maybe?

I stare incredulously at this lunatic, my pulse drumming in my temples. How do I get out of this conversation?

“That’s not what we’re talking about.” I shake my head with derision curling through my features. “I don’t know what game you’re playing, but I won’t stand for it. I’m here for Brody. That’s it. If you’re looking for a wife, find someone else. I’m sure you’d find many willing participants.”

Please let him find someone else!

“I could do that. But I’m choosing not to.” His gaze narrows. “I want you, Elara Hill, and you will say yes.”

Another swell of laughter escapes me, yet a sinking feeling drops to the base of my gut. Like there’s no getting out of this. Fear crawls up my spine.

“You’re a presumptuous, conceited?—”

“Go ahead. Finish that sentence.” His lips thin, like he’s daring me.

“Asshole.” My face heats up from my irritation.

He chuckles. “As long as you get soaking wet for assholes, I’m happy to stay one.”

I shake my head at his brash behavior, though he only finds it amusing.

I should never have agreed to work for him.

“I won’t marry you, Tynan.”

Why he’d want that in the first place is the question. Makes no sense. What does he get out of it?

“Hear me out first.”

I huff a sigh. “Fine. But it won’t change my mind. So you’re wasting your time.”

“I need a wife for business purposes, and you very much need protection and money.”

“Oh my God…” My jaw goes slack. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”

He ignores me as he continues. “I can give you both. You’ll never struggle again. You’ll have everything. Money, power. I will take care of you and your grandparents. Isn’t that what you need?”

I tug back, unable to comprehend what he’s actually saying. He’s treating marriage like a chess game. Yet…other thoughts start to play in my head too.

Crazy thoughts.

Like the fact that he can actually protect me and my grandparents from Jerry, long enough for me to figure out my next move.

“For how long?”

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