Page 98 of Brutal Savage

“Well, if you do, I’ll know about it.” His mouth curves, and my God, he’s so sexy. Especially when he smiles like that.

I take the card just to get him off my back and place it in my wallet. Releasing a sigh, I glance down at my plate, before leaning into him, lowering my tone so that Brody doesn’t overhear.

“Is there any chance you would reconsider?”

“Reconsider what?”

“This!” I gesture between us with a hand. “Please, Tynan,” I implore with every ounce of my being, dropping my mouth closer to his ear. “I can’t be your wife. I can’t do this.”

He cuts a piece of bacon and places it into his mouth, staring at me with indifference. I know I shouldn’t talk about any of this in front of Brody at all, but I’m desperate. I need him to let me go. To stop this madness once and for all.

“Eat before your food gets cold.” He continues to act as though I’ve said nothing at all, and that only enrages me further.

Pushing his plate back, he rises, giving Brody a kiss on top of his head. “I’ll see you after school, buddy.” He gives me a quick glance. “Can you take him to school with you?”

I nod.

“Thanks. And, Elara?”

“Yeah?”

“I know this seems like the end of the world right now, but you’ll see. It won’t be so bad.”

Then he’s walking away, leaving my soul aching and bruised.

Because this is not what I want, and he doesn’t seem to give a shit.

And for that, I can’t forgive him.

CHAPTER 22

TYNAN

I didn’t expect Elara not to fight this. Anyone in her position would. I need to give her time. I know that. And luckily, we have all the time in the world. All I needed was to get married, and now my father’s seat will be mine.

I don’t even know why I care about her or why I’m trying so hard to ensure her happiness. When the hell did a woman’s happiness ever matter to me? Yeah, she’s my wife, but not because I want her to be.

She’s a means to an end.

That’s all.

Picking up the phone, I call my personal shopper.

She answers on the first ring. “Sir? How may I help you?”

“I need a new mattress. Top of the line. Soft. Comfortable.”

“But, sir, you already have that.”

“Then get me another. And make it today. Do you understand?”

“Uh, yeah, of course. Whatever you need.”

I hang up and run a hand down my face. I didn’t like Elara telling me she wasn’t comfortable in our bed. Hopefully she sleeps better tonight.

I make another call, this time to my sister Iseult for advice. Not how I wanted to begin my day, but I have to start telling the rest of my family that I’m married.

“Hey, big bro. What can I do for you?”

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