Page 83 of Brutal Savage

“I’ll see you tomorrow, buddy.”

Before I can head to the car, he squeezes his arms around my hips.

“I love you too.” My hand brushes over his head, and I kiss the top of it, my heart squeezing so painfully I might cry.

But this is for the best.

I have to leave.

As I glance up, Tynan is there leaning against the doorframe, face haunted by demons, the same ones that live in his heart.

He’s not a good man, no matter how he treats this little boy. No matter how safe I feel when I’m around him. It’s all a well-crafted lie.

He lives a life of crime. He murders people. I won’t become his wife, a mere puppet for him to command at his whim. Someone he can abuse and cheat on and throw away like trash when his needs aren’t met.

An ache pushes up my throat, and instead I smile at Brody, refusing to look at the beautifully harsh man staring at me. He’s in a simple white t-shirt now, gray sweats hung low on his well-built hips. Shameful heat pulses in my core, knowing I have to leave before I fall into temptation.

Sleeping with him is the last thing I should do.

Yet the one thing I want.

“I’ll walk you to the car,” he says.

A chill sways over my limbs, like a premonition of what’s to come if I remain here.

“Okay.” I say goodbye to Brody one last time before Tynan is beside me, standing too close.

He turns to me. “See you tomorrow, Ms. Hill.”

“Yes.” My smile fades as soon as we make eye contact.

Knots tighten in my stomach.

His fingertips brush faintly over mine, and tingles erupt over my skin. Treacherous things. Reminding me that my body craves him more than my mind ever could.

“Ready to go?” Rogue asks, already waiting in the spacious driveway.

“I am.” I get in the passenger side. “Goodbye, Tynan.” I give him one last glance.

Something curious crosses over his face, but it only lasts a second.

Shutting the door behind me, I find him watching intently, as though he can see me through the tinted window.

Does he suspect I’m planning to leave?

No, of course not. I haven’t even figured out where I’ll go or how I’ll do it.

I have the money he’s given me so far. I can pay for my grandfather’s home for a few months, and the rest I can use. That’ll give me enough time to find a place to live and get a job so I can send more money for him.

Sorrow builds in my chest. I hate leaving my grandparents. I can’t tell Grandma anything. Not until I’m long gone. It’s better that way. I don’t want her to try to convince me to stay. She’s already told me she thought marriage to Tynan was a good idea.

As soon as I get home, anxiety builds. I have to go. Tonight. Tynan will make me marry him if I don’t. I’m not sure how he’ll do it, but he will. He’s said it in so many words, and I refuse to be his pawn.

Locking the door, I peek out the curtain, seeing Rogue sitting in his car. He’ll be here all night. But around four a.m., he leaves and returns an hour later. That’s when I’ll go.

I head upstairs and take out one piece of luggage, the largest I have, and start adding my clothes, shoes, and anything else I need into it until it’s completely full.

I’ll sleep for a few hours, and wake up at three in the morning. Then, as soon as Rogue’s gone, I will be too.

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