Page 73 of Brutal Savage

“No, nothing like that.”

“Oh, good. I was ready to shoot the bastard.”

I release a laugh. “Oh, Gran, I love you.”

She pats my hand as I go on.

“Okay, so don’t laugh, but today after work, he…uh…” I don’t even know how to say this out loud without it sounding ridiculous.

“Yes?”

“He asked me to marry him.”

“What?” She rolls back into the chair, her eyes flaring.

“I know, right? He’s insane. Clearly needs some heavy medication.”

“Why would he do that?”

I shrug. “He didn’t give me too much detail except that he needs a wife for some business deal. If he thinks I would accept such a ludicrous proposal, he’s out of his mind.”

She stares silently, scratching the side of her gray hair.

“I told him about Jerry, saying I had to leave because of the abuse. So he used that against me, telling me he’d offer protection and money in exchange, like I’m some desperate little girl who needs him to save her.”

“Hmm.” That’s all she says.

“What?” My voice turns irritated.

“Nothing.” She clears her throat, though I can tell she wants to say more, and I know I’m not going to like it.

“Oh my God. You’re crazy too!”

“Just hear me out for a moment.”

I drop my face into my palms, shaking my head. “Unbelievable.”

“Look, sweetheart, I’ve heard about his connections. And, well, I think he may not be so bad for you, considering our situation.”

I narrow my gaze as she goes on.

“I told you. You need a strong man to stand up to the likes of the people we ran from. Throw Jerry on top of that, and…” She sighs. “What kind of man do you think could do that? Some random fella? They’d run before they’d save you.”

It’s like she’s repeating the same thoughts I had when he offered the marriage proposal. But I didn’t want her to actually agree with that rationale!

“So I marry a stranger? Give up my life to be a mobster’s wife? Is that what you’re proposing?”

“Your grandpa was a stranger to me when I married him.”

“What?” I settle deeper into my chair.

That’s news to me.

“Yes. We were arranged to marry, and look at us!” Affection grows in her eyes. “That man is my whole world. So the truth is, sweetheart, you never know what will work out in the end.”

“This is crazy.” I laugh incredulously. “The fact that you’re telling me to consider it is unbelievable. He’s dangerous.”

“Look at the life we’re living! We’ve been running from those people who will probably never stop chasing us. Don’t you remember what they did to your father and your mother?” She shuts her eyes for a second before she’s looking at me again. “So you have to decide what’s better. That, or marrying a man who could keep you safe.”

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