Page 65 of Filthy Savage

“I have to. She needs to know she can’t just show up here again.”

“If you think that’s best, but please be careful. Especially with that sketchy guy now living there.”

I swallow past the lump in my throat. He did look scary. He’s probably a drug dealer. She seems to attract them, or maybe use them for drugs. Who really knows with her?

“You sure you’ll be okay with Fia? I won’t be long. Two hours tops, assuming traffic is okay.”

“Of course. I’ve got her. Don’t worry.”

“Thank you.” Grabbing my handbag and phone, I head for the door, giving my daughter one last look. “I’ll let you know how it goes once I’m done.”

“Alright. You’ve got this.”

Blowing out a quick breath, I head out toward my car and get on the road.

The whole time, all I do is rehearse what I’m going to say to her. I doubt she’ll listen, but I need to try. I’ll be honest, with the way she was staring at the house, I’m afraid she’ll show up with her boyfriend to rob me.

The cash Fionn left is mostly still here. It’s a relief to have it, especially while I’m on maternity leave for another month, not making any money while I’m out.

When I arrive at my mother’s, I find her beaten-up Volkswagen in the driveway, but the sedan her boyfriend drove isn’t there. Parking a house down so she doesn’t see me, I give myself a little pep talk, hoping to remain calm and collected while she hurls insults. Because of course she will. I’ve lived through it all.

“Okay, it’s now or never.”

But as soon as I start getting out, I find someone I never expected pulling into her driveway. He doesn’t see me as he struts inside, hands in his pockets. But there’s no doubt it’s Xander.

Confusion mars my features while I try to figure out why in the world my ex is coming to see my mother.

Over ten minutes pass before he returns to his vehicle, and that makes me even more anxious. If he was asking about me, he wouldn’t need to be here that long. But what other reason would there be?

When he drives away, I finally step out, grabbing my phone and texting Emily that I got here and who I saw. She’s just as suspicious, warning me to be careful.

My heart pumps against my rib cage as I start toward the door, knocking until I hear her muttering that she’s coming.

“I thought we were done—” But when she realizes it’s me, surprise fills her eyes. “Oh, you,” she mutters. “What do you want?”

“Were you expecting someone else?” I cock a brow.

“What? No. I thought you were Mark. What is this, an inquisition?”

“I saw him, Mom. I just saw Xander, so why don’t you cut the bullshit?”

“Oh, right.” She laughs dryly, scratching her neck. “He was just here for a minute asking where you live and stuff. Of course, I didn’t say a word.”

She tries to lower her palm to my arm, but I quickly snap my hand away.

“Is that really why he came? Because he was here for a while, so don’t lie to me.”

“Seriously, what the fuck do you want? He doesn’t need your permission to come around.”

“You know what? You’re right. You can keep him. Better yet, make sure both of you stay the hell away from me and my daughter.” I step closer, my breathing shallower, unable to contain this anger she brings out in me. “If I find you anywhere near either one of us, Desdemona, I will ruin your life. So if you like your drugs, I’d leave me alone, or you’ll be rotting in prison.”

She shakes her head, her glare intensifying. “You’d do that to your own mother?”

A wry laugh escapes me. “Just because I came out of you doesn’t mean you’re any more my mother than a random womanon the street.” Turning away, I stare at her over my shoulder. “Remember what I said. Stay the fuck away from us. Forever.”

“Fine! Whatever! Go to hell.”

“Been through all that. Don’t have any plans to return.”

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