Page 99 of Filthy Savage

How am I supposed to resist that face? It’s criminal, really. The way she can make me do just about anything with that pout.

Shaking my head, I succumb to her adorable ways. “We’ll see, okay? We’ll ask Fionn about it later.”

“Yay!”

“I’m sorry,” Louise murmurs. “I shouldn’t have said anything.” She continues working on my hair.

“Don’t be. She was bound to discover them anyway.” I laugh as Fia entertains herself, making faces in the mirror.

Louise glances at my girl fondly. “I remember my daughter at that age.” Her face falls.

“I know. They grow up fast, right?”

She nods. “Too fast.”

“How old’s your daughter now?”

Her hands still for a moment, her body visibly shaken. And I know right away I should’ve never asked.

“She would’ve been twenty-six this year.”

The back of my throat stings, and I clasp her forearm. “I’m so sorry, Louise. I really am.”

“It’s okay. I don’t mind talking about it.” She sighs deeply before continuing to style my hair. “She was going to prom, and I was doing her hair just like yours.”

The pain in her voice tears at my heart. I can’t imagine losing my Fia.

“Her boyfriend was driving drunk and killed them both.”

Moisture fills my eyes, and I blink past it. “Oh God.”

“Geez, I’m sorry for bringing this up right now,” she scoffs. “I’m terrible. Today is a happy day.” She forces a grin. “I’m really glad for you and Fionn. He’s a really special man.”

“Right.”

Special… I guess it depends how you see him.

She finishes with the last section of my hair and unplugs both tools. “I know what they do, and I’m sure that’s scary for you, but behind that, they’re a wonderful family who takes care of us.”

“What exactly do they do?”

Her brows shoot up. “I should really not be allowed to speak. Constantly putting my foot in my mouth.” She shakes her head.

“No, I—I just wanna know what I’ve gotten myself into.”

She releases a weighty exhale. “Well, I think you should talk to Fionn about that. Because it’s not my place. But I will say one thing.” She places a palm on my forearm. “I don’t know the circumstances of your marriage, and it’s none of my business, but I really mean it when I say he’s a really good man, and I can already tell how taken he is with you.”

I swallow past the thick knot in my throat. “Thank you for the hair.”

“Of course.” She brings everything back into the bathroom, heading toward the door. “I’m going to go check if Fionn is ready.” As she starts to head out, she gives me one last look. “I’m really happy you’re here. I know we just met, but I like you already.”

Before I can thank her, she’s gone.

And I’m left with her words long after.

CHAPTER 25

FIONN

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