Page 72 of Filthy Savage

I hate to leave her, but one day I hope she realizes how hard her mom had to work to give her the kind of life she has.

“Love you, Mommy.”

My heart swells. “Mama loves you too. Be good for Auntie Lilith.”

“Okay, Mama.” She grins, flashing some of her little teeth.

I turn to Lilith, who waves me off.

“Go! We’ll be fine, I promise. I’m used to babysitting. I have a lot of younger cousins.”

Blowing a breath, I grab my handbag. “Okay, thanks again. I owe you. I know it’s a long day.”

She’s going to be here until I return from the hotel tonight.

“No, you don’t. Have a good day at work.”

“Thanks.” I give them one last look before I’m in my car and rushing to the clinic, knowing I have to find a new sitter ASAP.

Once I’m done with the clinic, I check in with Lilith before arriving at the hotel, thankful I have this job. The pay isn’t all that great, but it’s work. I’m able to afford living on my own and supporting my daughter. That’s enough.

“Hey, Amara,” John, Lilith’s father, greets me.

“Hi, sir.” I smile timidly.

He’s a nice man. Treats everyone well.

He marches past me as I rush to change into my uniform, grabbing a cart filled with towels and supplies before heading for the top floor. I’ve been instructed to clean all the rooms that have no occupancies. We need them spotless for check-in tomorrow.

Opening the first door, I grab some towels and new sheets, pushing the cart down the hall before scanning the card and walking inside. Keeping the door propped, I make my way past the living area and toward the bedroom. The suites up here are much larger, and there’s more to clean. As soon as I rip off the stained sheets, the main door clicks shut.

“Damn it,” I mutter.

How the hell did it not stay open? It’s fine. Not as though anyone’s coming in here anyway.

As I continue, I wonder if this is all my life will be. The dream of one day going to college, working as a paralegal, is still something I envision. Maybe it’s ridiculous to think a woman like me could ever attain something like that, but here I am dreaming anyway.

I want not only for Fia to one day be proud of me, but to prove to myself that I can do it. That I can go out there and chase my dreams.

But as nice as that sounds, I need to work. With a deep sigh, I ignore my dreams and focus on the task at hand. A few more hours until I get to go home and cuddle my sweet girl.

As I start for the bathroom to give it a good scrub, I jump back, my heart racing when I hear voices. Men’s voices. Coming from the living room.

“Get him inside.” A deep tone laces up my skin, the familiar sound causing every cell in my body to awaken.

Because for a moment, it sounded like…like Fionn.

No. Obviously that’s not possible. Of course he isn’t here. Why would he be?

My mind is playing tricks because I haven’t been able to forget him. Not for a moment.

A chill prickles up my back, because it only just hits me. Whoever is out there isn’t supposed to be.

Fear clutches around my throat. They could be dangerous. They could hurt me.

Oh my God.

As soon as I tiptoe toward the door to find out who’s out there, a man’s muffled scream stops me dead in my tracks. My eyes pop wide, body trembling in bathed terror.

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