Page 64 of Filthy Savage

“What are you doing here?”

My eyes take her in. A pair of jeans and a loose black t-shirt. Her eyes are bloodshot, like she’s just taken something.

But she’s not alone. I glance at the man beside her, his eyes glassy and dark hair combed back. Probably a new boyfriend.

“Well…I came to see my grandbaby, of course.”

“You can’t. I want nothing to do with you. Do you understand, Mother?”

She huffs, glancing up at the guy she’s with. “Can you imagine ever treating your mom this way?”

He shakes his head, but doesn’t say a word.

“Who’s he?”

I probably shouldn’t have asked. It doesn’t matter to me, but he’s in my driveway, so I have a right to know.

“Oh, this is Mark. My new boyfriend. He actually lives with me now.” She rounds her arm around his tall frame, glancing up at him while he stares at me like I’ve just killed his beloved cat. “After you abandoned me and left me with no money, I met this beautiful man, who has helped me more than you ever did.”

“I’m happy for you.” My voice is completely monotone. “You can go now. Hopefully to hell. I think you’d find it cozy.” My mouth thins.

“Oh…” She pouts. “Don’t be like that.” She peers over at my home. “Seems like you’re doing well for yourself to be able to afford this place.”

My heart races. “I know what you’re trying to do. I don’t have money to give you, nor would I if I did.”

Her laugh is like a cheese grater to my ears. “I wasn’t asking for money. Mark is loaded. Right, babe?”

“Mm-hmm.”

I bet he is…

“How did you find me?”

We haven’t spoken since the day I left. I haven’t so much as called her. She probably could’ve looked me up, though she’s not the best with the internet.

“Oh, I followed that rich bitch the other day. Saw her with some toys she was lugging into her car, so I figured she wasgoing to see you, and of course, I was right.” She grins, looking proud of herself.

Rage causes my pulse to quicken. “You need to go, and don’t ever come back. You understand me?”

“Right. Well, let’s go, Mark. Maybe we can catch her in a better mood next time.”

“There will be no next time!”

“Whatever you say, darling.”

Bitch.

Before I can reiterate that neither Fia nor I will ever have a relationship with her, they’re driving away.

And all I can do is watch her go, hoping she never comes back.

“I can’t believe she followed me!” Emily shakes her head with disgust. “I’m so sorry. If I knew…”

Placing a hand on her shoulder, I try to quell her guilt. “It’s not your fault. That’s just who she is. She would’ve found a way to get to me without you.”

She sighs, staring down into her mug of coffee. Fia sleeps in the portable bassinet beside us in the kitchen.

“Are you sure you wanna do this?”

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