Page 60 of Filthy Savage

“Great. I’m aware. Now you can get lost.”

I curl a fist at my side, my anger simmering. “You’re more than welcome to take a paternity test. In fact, I want you to.”

“Of course you do.” He tightens his arms around her. “Because you’re a damn whore.”

His chest rises and falls in quick succession, his face twisting with his own rage. I knew he’d react this way. That’s fine. I’d rather him stay away from us both.

Reaching into his pocket, he retrieves his wallet. “You need money?” He removes a bunch of twenties. “Here ya go.”

He tosses them at me, caught in the wind before settling on the ground.

My eyes burn, but I don’t cry. “Fuck you, Xander.”

“Please! Don’t pretend that’s not why you came. You wanted money. Like a damn leech. Well, there ya go. Get on your knees and get it.”

The woman’s mouth pops a little, shock riddling her features. But she only shows it momentarily.

Good. Glad she sees the real him. Maybe if she’s smart, she’ll leave him.

Turning around, I leave the money on the ground and walk away with my dignity intact.

I did my part, and now it’s over.

For good.

CHAPTER 15

AMARA

SIX MONTHS LATER

The last fewmonths have been hard. I’m still working two jobs, though not at the café anymore.

After I was fired for being sick too much, I needed something new.

It so happened I found a stray cat and brought her to the nearby vet. When I did, I noticed that they were looking for a receptionist, and the rest was history.

Working two jobs while pregnant has not been fun, but I’ve been able to save some money of my own for when the baby comes and I’m out on maternity leave. Both places have agreed to give me two months off after Fia is born.

Fia.

I love her name. It was intentionally close to Fionn’s because in my heart, I know she’s his.

Maybe one day when he finds us, he’ll know I wanted him to be a part of our lives. Or at the very least, her life.

Then this sudden thought hits. Maybe I want something that’ll never happen. That not only is she Xander’s, but that Fionn wouldn’t want us because she isn’t his.

“When are you due?” an elderly woman asks as I tour her home, hoping I can rent it. It’s in a nicer part of town, and I still have Fionn’s money.

“In about three months.” Rounding a hand on my small belly, I grin. “It’s why I’m looking for a bigger place.”

It’s been a rough pregnancy, and Mom still thankfully hasn’t even noticed. I throw on a baggy sweatshirt and have managed to hide it from her. For all I know, she’ll kill me if I tell her—or do something to the baby. I can’t risk that.

“What a blessing. And where’s the father? Will he not be joining us?”

“Um…”

“He’s working. Making all the big bucks,” Emily offers, grabbing my hand in reassurance.

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