Page 124 of Filthy Savage

That has Patrick’s thick brows rising in surprise as he glances at Fionn for a moment before he extends his hand to her. “It’s nice to meet you, sweetheart.”

Everyone greets one another while Fernanda curls her arms around me.

“It’s been so long. I never thought we’d see you again. How have you been?” She grabs my shoulders, her gaze searching mine. “Wherehave you been?” She steps in closer, whispering, “Are you okay? I haven’t stopped thinking about our talk that day.”

“I’m okay. I promise.”

“Good.” She squeezes my fingers.

“Her name is actually Amara.” Fionn smirks, and she gives him a curious glance.

“Seems like there’s a story there.” Her mouth tightens with a smile. “Either way, it’s so good to see you, and to meet this darling little girl. Right, Pat?”

She runs a hand down Fia’s head, who smiles brightly at the woman.

“It is.” Fionn’s dad peeks at my hand, noticing the ring on my finger. “Wait a minute. Did you two get married?”

Fionn slices his fingers through mine, kissing my knuckles. “Yeah, Dad.” He glances at his whole family, some I don’t yet know. “Amara is my wife as of yesterday, and Fia is my daughter.”

Patrick scoffs. “What’s with my boys getting married without me there? I’m starting to get offended.” He gives Cillian a stern look. “You better not pull some crap like this, son. Ya hear?”

“Mm-hmm.”

“You talk funny.” Fia giggles at Patrick.

“That’s not nice!” I scold, blowing a breath.

“Oh no, she’s right. I do.” He peers down at her, cocking a thick gray brow. “You know…” His face lights up. “I bet you like ice cream, and they have a lot here.”

“I do!” She gapes. “How’d you know? Are you a wizard?”

She plops a hand on her hip, and the room erupts in a laugh.

“Now that I think about it, you’ve got this whole wizard thing happening.” Fernanda’s eyes slide up and down his frame.

“Maybe we should get you a wizard hat.” Fionn chuckles.

“Ha-ha, you’d all better stop poking fun at a nice old man.” Patrick’s voice fills with mirth.

“It’s okay, Dad.” Elara comes out carrying a tray of biscuits. “I’ll protect you.”

“Aww, see? Now that’s love.” He saunters up to her, taking the tray and placing it on the table. “Everything looks wonderful, darling.”

It’s sweet that she calls him “Dad.” He must be good to her.

My chest stiffens as I think of my own father and how he could just walk out on me like that. Tears burn my eyes, but I ignore them.

As Fionn and I are about to sit down, a door opens in the distance and multiple footfalls come closer.

When I look to see who it is, I find none other than Iseult and a tall man I assume to be her husband. Her eyes flare as she finds me there, before the corner of her mouth hikes up.

“Well, well…” She struts in, past everyone else, stopping just short of me, black thigh-high boots over skintight jeans. “Look who’s returned.” A single thick brow arches. “You finally put my brother out of his misery, huh? He was hell-bent on finding you. Did he tell you that?”

Slowly, I turn to Fionn, who smirks wickedly.

I didn’t know he tried so hard to find me.

My heart gives a little thump.

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