Page 23 of Filthy Savage

She’s got the wrong idea here. Fionn and I will absolutely never sleep together. It’s pretty obvious he has no interest in me, not really.

Scratching the side of my neck, I glance nervously at him.

“Ignore her. She lives to mess with us.”

“Yeah, I gathered that.” My mouth pinches into a melancholy smile.

I want that so badly. I want a family. A real family.

We make it to the various buffet stations and Fionn grabs us two plates, while I’m still full from the steak. But the food here looks amazing and I kinda want to try everything.

“It must be nice to have siblings,” I say, finding him peeking over as he hands me my plate. “I have none, and let me tell you, it sucks. I hated not having anyone to play with as a kid, and as an adult, it’s been crappy not to have someone to confide in, you know?”

“I’m sure.” He nods. “We were all close growing up, and as much as my sister fucks with me, I’d kill anyone who hurts her. Who hurts any one of them.”

“That’s what I mean.” My mouth forms a thin line. “It’s nice to have that.”

His eyes go to mine, raw emotions painted within them. His hand reaches for me, knuckles brushing over my jaw, his gaze landing on my lips.

“I’m sorry.” His voice whispers across my flesh, like a slow-moving flame licking across my skin.

I see it now, the way he wants me. I can almost feel it.

Yet he does nothing about it. Like he isn’t sure if he wants to be attracted to me at all.

He lets out a harsh breath before turning away, and a heavy feeling pummels in my gut. He’s never going to kiss me, is he?

“Why do you do that?”

I’m not even sure why I’m asking. But I’ll never see him after today. Who cares at this point?

“Do what?” He places more food on our plates.

“Never mind.” I head toward the first empty table I find, and he’s right behind me, pulling a chair beside mine.

Ignoring him and the thundering way my heart beats as he places a palm on my knee, I stuff a baby tomato into my mouth.

What else is there to say? No matter what he’s said, I know I’m not really his type. He’s probably embarrassed that he’s even remotely into me.

“Emily…” His thumb massages my skin, and I grow weak. Pretending I am Emily. That I’m someone else, someone he truly desires.

I know I shouldn’t care. But a part of me wants something to happen. Maybe he can be the guy who actually shows me how good sex can be.

“Don’t.” I attempt to push his hand away, but he keeps it there, cupping my knee tighter.

He sighs. “Look…you’re young. I can’t. I’d break you.”

Age? Is that what this is about?

“Maybe that’s what I want.” I hold his stare as he clenches his jaw. “Maybe I need someone who’ll break me in half, then put me back together.”

Who is this person talking like that? I’m suddenly braver than I’ve ever been, and I like it.

“Don’t fucking say that to me, little rabbit,” he grunts, grabbing my chin as he drops his mouth nearer, lips roughly stroking mine.

Shivers spread down my arms.

Oh God, this feels too good.

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