Page 170 of Filthy Savage

I did my digging on him. Married with no kids. Nothing to indicate he’s been inappropriate with his students. But that doesn’t mean shit. He could easily hide all that.

“Daddy?”

“Oh. Sorry, princess.” I glide a hand down her hair. “I’ll get you some milk.”

My chest tightens with this immense sense of devotion I have for her and her mother. No one will survive if they ever do anything to harm them.

I pour some into a paper cup and place it before her on the kitchen counter. She sips on it, watching a show on her tablet.

Staring at her, I wonder if I’m her father. Her biological father. Because shit, I wanna be. I deserve to be. She’s mine.

This strange feeling gnaws at me, though. Like it’s telling me the paternity results won’t be good. It’s why when Troy called today telling me he has them, I told him I don’t wanna know yet. I’m not ready.

When I register the front door opening, I know it’s Amara.

“Can you keep an eye on Fia?” I ask Louise, who’s cutting up some zucchini for dinner later.

“Of course.” She waves me off. “Take your time.”

“I’ll be right back, baby.” My mouth falls to the top of Fia’s head before I’m marching to the foyer, just as Amara removes her backpack and shoes.

“Hey, little rabbit. Did you have a good day?”

Her lips tremble. She can’t even fake a damn smile.

That son of a bitch. If he touched my wife, I’m gonna string him up and cut off every single one of his limbs before I kill him.

“Yeah,” she says rather enthusiastically. “Absolutely great.”

My jaw clenches. “Don’t lie to me.”

“What?” Her eyes round, gaze bouncing between Roy and me.

“Yes, he told me.” I stalk closer, tugging her chin in between my fingers. “Roy doesn’t keep anything from me.” My thumb rolls over her mouth. “We’re gonna go upstairs and have a talk.”

Her bottom lip quivers. “Okay.”

That voice comes out so small, I can’t help but hold her to me, breathing in heavily.

“I’m not mad at you, baby. I just wanna know what’s been going on.”

“Okay.” Her small fists clutch the back of my shirt.

Pitching back, I stare into her eyes, palms cupping her face. “I want you to know you can tell me anything. You’re safe with me, baby girl. I’ll always protect you.”

Tears fill her gaze. Taking her hand in mine, I bring her fingertips to my lips, kissing each one before we climb the stairsand enter our bedroom. When I shut the door, she wipes tears from under her lashes.

When I lead her to the chaise, she sinks into it, running a hand down her face, while I stand there waiting for her to start talking before I lose my fucking mind, imagining the worst.

“I shouldn’t have gone into his office that second time. I didn’t know if what happened the first time was even on purpose.” She shakes her head, blinded by her tears. “I wanted to think it was a mistake and?—”

“Amara…” A pulse pounds in my head, a fist curling at my side. “I need to know what the hell he did, because I swear, baby, the shit that’s going through my head right now isn’t healthy.”

“He touched me…”

The rest flashes like a blur, every detail just making me grow infuriated.

“I’m so sorry!” She grabs my wrist, her face ashen, body visibly shaking.

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