Page 177 of Filthy Savage

“What?” he growls thickly, dropping both elbows on his knees, face turning tight and enraged.

“I know. It’s wonderful news, isn’t it?” Konstantin’s mouth curls. “I did tell you I would move on from you, yes? Of course, I had to mourn the idea of joining both our wonderful families together.” He sighs dramatically. “But I didn’t want to push you anymore. You know? Call me a softie.” He chuckles. “But yes, she will be married, and I do think she’ll be much happier too.”

Cillian’s nostrils flare.

“He’s the son of one of my other associates. The marriage will, of course, benefit me.” He laughs humorlessly. “But he will be a very good husband to our girl, I assure you.”

His features turn dark, but Cillian’s turn even darker. He hates this. He’s fucking crazy about her.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to use the little boys’ room.” His cold sneer grows. “I do hope to see you at the wedding.”

Getting up, he heads out the door, while all three Marinovs stare hard at Cillian like they’re ready to kill him. He glares back with equal disdain.

Probably not a good idea to have them all pissed at each other with these weapons lying around.

AMARA

“Come here, Max!” I whisper as he chases a ball down the long corridor. “Max, come!”

But he completely ignores me, continuing to sprint toward the ball while I grow nervous following him.

Fionn’s study is the last door on the right, and I know he’s having a meeting, which I don’t want to disturb.

“Max!”

Just as I rush after him around the corner, I bump into an incredibly tall man, his body hard as stone.

“I’m so sorry!” I have to force my head back just to look at him.

“That’s okay, daragaya.” The man with a thick Russian accent hits me with a half-grin, but it’s the dangerous and wicked kind.

One that turns my veins to stone.

Is he who Fionn is having the meeting with?

Max sits beside him, wagging his tail while peering up at him, as though waiting for his command or maybe an ear rub.

“What a good dog. Beautiful, too.” He scratches the top of his head. “It’s very important to surround yourself with loyal peopleandanimals.” His mouth tips higher. “And I can see this dog is very loyal, aren’t you…” He looks to me for a name.

“Max. His name is Max.”

“Ah, Max. I have a cousin named Maxim. Very loyal too.” His grin spreads. “Tell me, who are you? We have never had the pleasure of meeting.”

Without an invitation, he picks up my hand and kisses it.

“I—I’m Amara, Fionn’s…wife.” I don’t know why that was hard to say.

“Ah…so, you’re the one he was looking for?”

“You know about that?” Shock tramples through my words.

“Oh, maya milaya, I know everything about everyone. It’s part of my charm.” His grin widens while an icy chill remains on my skin, like my head knows he’s one to fear. “That man wasscouring the entire state of Massachusetts looking for you, so I heard…”

His intense stare causes me to shiver.

“Are you not thrilled about your marriage? Is he not up to your standards?” He continues to stroke Max, and for a second, I wonder if this man is some kind of witch, controlling my dog the way he is.

His eyes hold mine, and my gut rolls with absolute terror. He’s dangerous. I can feel it.

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