Page 82 of Filthy Savage

A questioning brow arches as I stare at a stricken Amara. “We need to talk after she goes back to bed.”

She nods.

The child is four… Could she be mine? The math adds up. But she could also be that bastard’s kid.

My fingers curl around my gun, completely hidden from the child’s view. If I didn’t have a reason to kill that asshole before, I just found another.

It doesn’t matter whose blood weaves through this girl’s veins, though. She’s mine because her mother is.

“Go get her that water, Amara. I’ll stay and keep her safe.”

My reassurance does nothing but cause her to fear me even more. She grabs the sippy cup, and as she moves toward the door, her shoulder brushes with mine.

“Please don’t do anything to hurt her. She’s all I have.”

Her tears are like daggers to my heart. And when she places a hand on my chest, I slowly unravel.

“I know you’ve already made up your mind about me, but I’d never hurt either one of you. I swear. Trust me.”

She laughs brokenly as she swipes under her eyes. “I’ll be right back.”

When she rushes out of the room, I’m left alone with the little girl who doesn’t even look remotely tired now.

“You have to go back to sleep so you can get big and strong.”

“Mama says I’m big and strong already. Look!” She flexes her biceps, snapping her teeth as she giggles.

I can’t help but chuckle. “Wow. I think yours are bigger than mine.”

Her laughter is innocent and pure, and that voice is so damn cute. “You’re silly.”

“There you are, baby!” Amara returns and hands her that cup, smiling at her daughter.

Ourdaughter.

Let her try to fight me on that. That child is mine, whether she wants her to be or not.

CHAPTER 21

FIONN

“Bea good girl and go to bed, okay?” Amara tells her.

“Goodnight, Fionn.” The child grins, waving goodbye.

“Goodnight, sweetheart. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“You will?” Amara’s face weaves with shock.

“Sure will, little rabbit.” I tug her to my side and she shivers. “You have lots of explaining to do.”

She gulps, laughing dryly. “Okay. We’ll, uh, see you tomorrow, baby.”

“Okay, Mama.”

Holding her hand in mine, we exit the room, and Amara gently closes the door. As soon as she does, she turns to me, her anger returning.

“What the hell do you mean, you’ll see her tomorrow?” She snaps her fingers out of my grasp. “I told you I need you to go. I willnotmarry you.” She blows an exacerbated breath. “This is just nuts!”

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