Page 116 of Filthy Savage

AMARA

“Wait, I don’t understand,”Emily says through the phone. “You’ve not only found Fionn, butmarriedhim? WHAT?!”

Blowing a breath, I hang the last of the clothes Fionn ordered for me, which arrived earlier, including the ones from my house.

“Yeah, basically.” I grimace.

Of course she’s shocked. I would be too.

“Okay, relax,” Lilith throws in. “She’s clearly been in love with him since they met, and I for one think this is romantic.”

“Aww, I agree,” Patricia adds. “I mean, he could be Fia’s father. I think it’s fantastic, and the fact that he’s rich? God, you’re never going to have to work shitty jobs again.”

So I didn’t exactly tell them the truth. Not that I could. What do I say?

Hey, so Fionn is actually in the Mafia and he kidnapped me to prevent me from testifying against him for killing a man. Totally romantic, right?

Yeah. Definitely can’t do that. But Icanpretend we’re in love. That we were always meant to be.

Maybe you were.

“He’s been great to me so far, and he’s so amazing with Fia. He doesn’t even care if she’s actually his.”

“Oh my God, that’s so sweet!” Lilith gushes. “I mean, that’s a man right there.”

“Yeah, he’s special.”

And I mean that. Because I do like him. That part isn’t a lie.

But love? Can I really love someone like that?

“I’m just worried, that’s all.” Emily sighs. “Maybe we can come over to meet him soon.”

“It’s sudden, I get it, but I’m okay. I’m happy.”

“Well, I can’t wait to meet this mystery man!” Lilith says. “Does he have any hot brothers?”

“Uh, yes. Two. Tynan and Cillian, but they’re older and one is married.”

“How old is the single one?”

There’s absolutely no way I can allow my friend to date a Quinn.

“He’s forty, so yeah, way too old for you.”

“Um, you’re younger than Fionn. I mean, there’s how many years between you two?”

“Twelve…”

“Ha! Yeah, definitely need to meet this brother.”

I roll my eyes. “Sure, yeah, we’ll plan something.”

“Perfect!” Her voice laces with excitement. “Well, anyway, I think I speak for all of us when I say congratulations. Right, Emily?”

“Of course.” Her tone grows soft. “I love you, Amara. You know that. And I kinda hate that you’re far away now. I won’t be able to see you all the time.”

Being over one hundred miles away from one another will be one of the hardest things for me, but there’s nothing I can do about it.

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