Page 156 of Filthy Savage

“You forgot this.” He smirks, dangling a black card with my name on it, one that’s connected to his account.

“Oh, right.” My pulse races.

When he handed me the card on the first day of school, I was taken aback. I’ve never had a credit card before.

“Please treat all your friends. And as I said before, there’s no limit.”

“Wait. Like, no limit at all?” Lilith whispers behind me.

He chuckles. “That’s right.”

His eyes burn into mine, and as they do, I’m overwrought with emotions. I’m not used to having all this. Even going to dinner with friends used to be painful, but now I can breathe a little easier, not worrying about how I’ll pay the bills. So many people take that for granted—just surviving—but I know I never will.

Throwing my arms over his shoulders, I whisper, “Thank you.”

An inhale swells in his chest, and his mouth drops to my forehead. “Never have to thank me for treating you like a queen. Because that’s what you are.”

His gaze grows heavy-lidded, a thumb tracing my lips before he lowers his mouth to my ear. “Better go before I decide to keep you all to myself.” His jaw tightens. “Have fun, ladies. Roy will be with you at all times.”

At that, they glance behind them, finding my bodyguard ready to take us to an Italian restaurant in town.

“Bye, Mama!” Fia waves. “I love you.”

“Me too.” I reach up to kiss her, and he lowers her into his arms.

“Bye, pretty girl!” Emily waves and the other girls follow suit.

“Be good for Daddy, okay?” I tell her.

“Daddy promised me ten s’mores if I eat dinner.”

“Did he now?” I quirk a brow, fighting a laugh. “She’s all yours if she’s too high on sugar tonight.”

He grimaces. “Alright, princess. I think we’re sticking to five.”

“Okay, Daddy.”

He gives me a smug look, and my stomach flips.

I instantly wanna kiss him. So I do. I clasp his strong jaw and lean real close, rising on my toes and smashing his lips to mine,forgetting why being the wife of a man who belongs in a world more dangerous than I’ve ever known is wrong.

And in its place there’s hope. Hope for the future. Hope for a family of my own. Hope for something much bigger than I ever dreamed was possible.

Because with him, those dreams seem like a reality.

ONE WEEK LATER

The girls haven’t been able to get over how amazing Fionn was that day. They’ve been gushing about him nonstop. Emily even said how much she adores how well he treats me and fully approves of this marriage now. Not that I needed her approval, but it’s still nice to have it.

My stomach turns to knots as we near the restaurant where I’m supposed to be meeting Julius.

After I spoke to Fionn about it, I told Julius I was happy to grab lunch. But with every day, I’ve gotten more nervous. What if he hates me once he gets to know me? What if his parents find out and stop him from seeing me anymore?

My chest grows tight. I need to stop thinking negatively. It’ll be fine.

“You okay?” Fionn squeezes my thigh as he eases the car into the parking lot of the restaurant, and my pulse quickens.

“I don’t know. I’m just nervous, I guess. He’s the child my father wanted, and I was nothing.”

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