Page 178 of Filthy Savage

“No, he’s great.” For a moment, I shift my stare to the floor, needing to avoid his intensity.

“Oh…” He shakes his head disapprovingly. “Lying is not one of your strong suits, I’m afraid. So I ask again, why do you not want to be married to him? He’s not a bad man, and believe me, I know bad men.”

“He does bad things, though…” I suck in a breath immediately.

How could I have said that out loud? And to him!

“Ah, I see. You’re not from our world.” He takes a step closer, and Max follows him. “You must understand men like us, Mrs. Quinn. We do what we must for those we love. For those who matter to us most. And you, I’m sure, matter a great deal to him.” His eyes turn deeper, even though they’re already dark. “He will do everything in his power to make sure you are safe. It’s how it’s done in our world. And who can fault us for that? Can you?”

He pauses for a moment, as though waiting for me to reply. Instead, he continues.

“If you had the power, wouldn’t you protect the people you love at all costs? Would you kill for those you love or would you let them be killed because of your own morality?”

I consider what he says, and part of me can see his point. People like Fionn don’t see things like the rest of us do, where if someone does something bad, they get arrested.

In his world, they die.

And maybe Fionn was right. Maybe the professor would’ve done something worse to me if I had said nothing. What if he already did that to some other girl? What if Fionn stopped him?

“I’m sure you are scared,” he goes on. “And you don’t yet understand how people like us do what we do, but I promise you, maya daragaya, the rest of the world is just as bad. While we may kill with our bare hands, they kill in other ways. It’s just much easier to stomach that for people like you.”

The corner of his mouth twists, and even though he’s frightening, I find some comfort in his words because he’s not wrong. Us humans, we hurt each other in many different ways.

“I’m certain he loves you very much, and love is a powerful emotion.” He scoffs. “One that corrupts while it empowers. It’s why I don’t want it.” He quirks a brow. “But he does, and you’re lucky for that.” His dark gaze bores deeper. “Because with him, you’ll always have someone who will make sure you’re protected at all costs. Not many people have that.”

Before I can reply, he gets set to go.

“I hope you have a wonderful day, Mrs. Quinn.” He glances back. “I do hope to get to know you better.”

He starts down the corridor, and I find myself staring after him, wondering if I just had a conversation with the devil.

FIONN

As we get ready for bed, I watch her in front of the vanity, putting her hair up in a messy bun, my white t-shirt rising up to her upper thighs.

She catches my gaze in the mirror, my cock practically jutting out from my boxers. It’s been over a day since I’ve fucked her.

Over twenty-four hours of her being mad.

I could’ve just taken her, but I wouldn’t do that. I want her to want it. To want me.

She lowers her arms and flips around to face me, her nipples beaded beneath the thin fabric. Grinding my jaw, I force myself to look at her instead of that sinful body I constantly crave.

Every time I think back on those years we were apart, how riddled with obsession and anger I was, I’m grateful to have her. Even while she’s pissed.

“Can we talk?” she asks, tugging on the hem of the shirt, her glance bouncing between me and the floor.

Relief hits me. Talking is good. I can do that.

“Sure.” Stepping close, I curl my palms around her hips. “What do you wanna talk about, little rabbit?”

Her eyes fall to a close before she’s gazing up at me, and what I find within them gives me some damn hope that she can forgive me.

“I had some time to think…”

“Hopefully good things.” I smirk, but she doesn’t return it. “This is killing me, Amara.” I grab her jaw. “I love you, baby. I love you so fucking much.” I lower my hand to her growing belly. “I love our baby too. I love our family. I don’t like feeling like we’re breaking.”

Her brows bow, emotions treading in her features. She places a palm across my cheek, staring deeply into my eyes, and I feel it everywhere.

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