Page 132 of Filthy Savage

“You said you wanted to go to college. Now you will.”

“Oh my God.” My nose stings, eyes blinking past the myriad of tears already filling them.

I read the words over and over.

Congratulations, Mrs. Amara Quinn, on your acceptance to Tomley University.

“I—I don’t understand. How?” I choke on my words.

This is one of the best schools in the state, and not too far from here. I can’t believe he did this for me.

“The dean is a personal friend of the family. He made an exception because your grades, up until the time you left, were exceptional. And why?” His palm lands across my cheek. “Because I’m your husband and it’s my job to make you happy.”

Tears leak down my face, and I’m unable to stop them even if I tried. How am I supposed to not fall for him?

“Mommy? Why you crying?”

I grab her hand. “They’re happy tears, I promise, baby. Thank you,” I tell him, curling my arms around him and pressing my cheek to his chest. “Thank you so much.”

“Always, mo ban dia.” He drops a kiss to my temple. “Now let’s take this Royce on the road and see how fast she can go.”

“Uh…” I back away slowly, brows knitted. “I think we’re going to stick with the speed limit.”

“Probably safer.” His smirk widens.

“I think so.” I nod, my lips winding. “You’re a father now. Safety is important.”

“I am.” He gazes down at Fia with stars in his eyes. “Best thing you could’ve ever given me.”

The pure sincerity and love within his voice…it sends a pang to my chest. Because this right here feels like the forever I’ve always been searching for.

CHAPTER 32

FIONN

“No! Come back!”Her low cries wrestle me out of a deep sleep.

I’m not sure if I dreamed it until she cries out again, begging someone for help. When I flip the bedside lamp on, I find her still asleep. Her face is twisted in pain, her mouth open in horror.

“Baby, wake up.” My knuckles stroke her face, but she remains asleep, trembling as I continue to touch her, not wanting to scare her. “Amara, wake up.”

“No, stay! Please, stay.”

Who the hell is she talking to?

I know it’s just a nightmare, but fuck, I wanna help her.

“Amara.” I gently shake her, hating to witness her going through any kind of pain. “Am?—”

“What?” She instantly pops her eyes open, her labored inhales growing shallower.

When she finally concentrates on me, she whooshes a quick exhale.

“Did you have a nightmare?” I prop myself on my elbow and look down at her, my fingers grazing her arm, hoping to relax her.

“Yeah.” She drops her forearm over her face.

“Want to talk about it?”

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