Page 13 of Filthy Savage

“How old are you?”

“Thirty-one. Now, what were you saying?”

“Oh, it was nothing.”

“Here you are.” The waitress returns with our plates, placing them before us.

The steak looks perfect, with a medley of garden vegetables and mashed potatoes with some sort of yellowish sauce. He stares at me as I start to slice off a piece, popping it into my mouth, and as I do…

“Holy shit.” I let out a moan.

I don’t think I’ve ever tasted anything this good. It’s so tender, practically melting on my tongue if that’s possible.

He chuckles. “Good?”

“Amazing!”

That has him smirking, cutting into his own.

He continues to watch me eat, like he enjoys it. His eyes radiate with so much gentleness, I wonder if I’ll ever meet a man who treats me this nicely.

Then I think about how Xander was at first, and my happiness deflates.

“So, how about you?” I ask, needing to stop him from staring at me so intently. It’s hard to eat when he watches me like this. “Are you in business? Heard you say you own this hotel.”

He nods. “Yeah. My family and I run restaurants, hotels, bars, a farm too. A little of everything.”

“Ah, so you really do have money…”

Shit, why did I just say that? Need to learn how to keep some thoughts to myself.

A rugged half-smile tilts up his face, and my body coils with need. “A little.”

“Lucky you,” I whisper, wishing I had just enough to survive on without wondering if we’ll eat the next day.

“Hey…” A crease forms between his brows. “Do you need money?” He reaches for me again, clasping my fingers tight from across the table, his thumb drawing circles on my skin. “I can write you a check, no questions asked. Just give me a number.”

I jerk back with a small laugh, and my hand slips from his, feeling instantly cold. “No. My God, I’m sorry. I’m so embarrassed. I didn’t mean to sound like I was asking you for money.”

“You weren’t.” He reaches for me again, placing his palm over mine. “It was just an offer.”

My body warms at his touch.

Slipping out of his grasp, I pick up my drink, sucking in huge gulps. Of course I could use the money, especially because I need to buy a plane ticket back home.

I’ll have to call Emily and ask her to lend me some cash. I won’t accept this stranger’s money.

“You’re sweet for offering, but I’m fine. I swear.”

“If you change your mind, let me know,” he throws in casually, continuing with his meal.

“I won’t.”

He lowers his fork, locking his gaze with mine. “Look, I know we just met and you have no reason to trust my intentions, but I want nothing in return. I just wanna help you.”

My eyes water, and I peer down at the table. “I do appreciate that, but I’ll be okay.” My lips pinch tight as I return my attention to him. “I’m not looking to be your charity case, Fionn.”

A muscle in his jaw pops. “Is that what you think?”

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