Page 164 of Filthy Savage

“What the hell is going on?” I try to keep my composure, pacing in the hallway like I’ve gone insane, imagining what could possibly be wrong.

“She’s ill. Coughing badly and throwing up.”

Fuck. FUCK!

I had a feeling she was getting sick. But this sounds way worse than just a cold.

“I’m on my way home.”

“Okay. I’ll tell her.”

“No, don’t.” I glance over as Gavin, one of the investors, approaches. “I don’t want her upset that she somehow ruined my meeting.”

“Okay, sir. We’ll see you soon.”

“If she spikes a fever, call our doctor. I’ll be home in a few hours.”

As I slip the phone into my pocket, Gavin grins.

“Leaving already? I hope we weren’t boring you.”

“No, nothing like that. And please extend my apologies to the others, but I’ve had an emergency at home that needs my attention. I hope we can reschedule this.”

He adjusts his tie, looking smugly at me. “Well, I’m sure we can come up with another date, though it’s not a guarantee.”

I know what he’s trying to say: either stay or we won’t see their money. Right now, I don’t give a shit.

“I understand. But sometimes family is more important. Good day, Gavin.”

I don’t give him another look as I hurry out of there, going to where I’m needed most.

AMARA

My lungs ache, and I keep coughing and throwing up. I don’t know why.

Louise called the family’s doctor, who should be arriving soon. Hopefully he gives me some strong meds.

“Try to eat a few more spoonfuls of the chicken noodle soup.” She’s babying me, and I hate being babied, but I’m too weak and too cold to fight it, huddled under a fluffy comforter.

“Okay.”

I sit up as she feeds me. As soon as nausea hits, I try to fight it.

“This is terrible. You may have the flu, honey.”

“That’s what it feels like.”

She places a hand on my forehead. “I think you may be starting to get a fever. I’m gonna get you some more meds.”

“Where is she?!”

I gasp when his voice booms in the distance, footfalls thundering up the stairs.

“You called him?” I stare at Louise just as he rushes in, his jaw tight, looking crazed.

But as soon as he sees me, his face falls. “Fuck, baby, you look like shit.”

A laugh falls out of me, but then a cough catches in my throat.

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