Page 100 of Brutal Savage

“I don’t fucking know. She dresses classy. You know, blouses and knee-length skirts. I mean, she works at a school. I’ve seen her in jeans and tanks when she’s not working. She’s not flashy or anything like that.”

“Okay, so I’d try Carolina Herrera. Call Vera.”

“Thanks. I’ll arrange an appointment.”

“I can’t wait to meet her tonight. We’ll drive in with Eriu and Devlin.”

“Just don’t embarrass me.”

“That’s what sisters are for. Oh, and congratulations. Don’t fuck it up.”

She ends the call while I’m already dreading being around my entire family and all the questions they’re gonna have.

ELARA

All day while here at school, all I can think about is this ring on my hand and what it means for my future.

How will I get away from a man like Tynan, especially with Rogue trailing me?

Staying isn’t an option, but I can’t leave right away either. I need him to think I’ve accepted this life. Until he lets his guard down.

Because someone like that assumes he always has the upper hand. Though I’ve escaped men just as bad and lived to tell about it.

When I’ve dismissed all of the kids, I take Brody with me, strapping him into the car seat Tynan already installed in my sedan.

I had a talk with the principal about my marriage, and he was happy for me, which was strange, because I swear I thought I was walking into my last day here at school.

Rogue approaches my vehicle, his expression tight as always. “Ma’am, Mr. Quinn called and said I am to take you shopping today.”

“He what? Why?”

I already have all my things. What else do I need? Maybe some more underwear…

“I don’t know. Should we call him?”

I release a frustrated sigh. “No, it’s fine.” I look down at Brody. “We’re going shopping, bud. Isn’t that exciting?”

He shrugs. Basically how I feel about shopping. I much prefer to buy things online and return what I don’t like.

“You can follow me, ma’am.”

“Okay. Yeah, sure.”

I head to the driver’s side, securing my seat belt and fixing my mirror before I start after Rogue. I probably should’ve asked him where we’re going, but it doesn’t matter to me. I’ll just grab a few things and be done with it.

When he stops at an unmarked warehouse building, I grow concerned. What the hell is this? It’s not a store. That’s obvious.

He gets out first, and I roll my window open.

“Where are we, Rogue?”

“This is a commercial building owned by Mr. Quinn. He asked the owner of the store to bring all of their clothes here for you to try on.”

“Oh… Did he say which store?”

“Carolina Herrera, I think. Hope I pronounced it right.”

My mouth goes slack and I swallow down my shock. “Could you give me a minute to speak with him, please?”

---