Page 137 of Filthy Savage

Emily

Kick ass today!!! I’m so proud of you! Can’t wait to see you graduate. With your permission, I would very much like to rub your certificate in Desdemona’s face.

Amara

I think we can arrange that.

Emily

It’s a date! Now go! Then call me and tell me all about it.

Amara

I will! Thank you, Em. I love you.

Emily

Back at you, mama! Talk later! XO

Amara

XO

Before I can place the phone back in my pocket, another text comes in.

Fionn

I’m proud of you, baby girl. Good luck today.

My body grows warm. It’s nice to have someone other than Emily tell me they’re proud of me.

Amara

Thank you for this. I hope you realize how much it means to me.

Fionn

Anything you want, I’ll make it happen.

My heart swells. Things have been good between us in these last few days. We’ve spent time as a family—going horseback riding, playing with Fia, going on walks with Max.

It all feels real.

And though I’ve tried my hardest to forget what he does and what I saw at Caellach, it’s still difficult for me to pretend he isn’t two different people: the man he is with us, and the man he is to the rest of the world.

Placing my phone back in my bag, I turn to Roy. “Okay, I’m off. I’ll see you when I’m done?”

“I’ll be right behind you, ma’am. I’m instructed to go wherever you do.”

“Oh.” I form a tentative smile as the surprise sinks in. I didn’t realize that. “Well, then follow me, I guess.”

“I’ll do my best not to disturb you.”

“Will you be in the classroom too?”

Please say no.

The last thing I want is to draw unnecessary attention to myself.

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