SWNOVELS Brutal Savage: Chapter 22
I didn’t expect Elara not to fight this. Anyone in her position would. I need to give her time. I know that. And luckily, we have all the time in the world. All I needed was to get married, and now my father’s seat will be mine.
I don’t even know why I care about her or why I’m trying so hard to ensure her happiness. When the hell did a woman’s happiness ever matter to me? Yeah, she’s my wife, but not because I want her to be.
She’s a means to an end.
That’s all.
Picking up the phone, I call my personal shopper.
She answers on the first ring. “Sir? How may I help you?”
“I need a new mattress. Top of the line. Soft. Comfortable.”
“But, sir, you already have that.”
“Then get me another. And make it today. Do you understand?”
“Uh, yeah, of course. Whatever you need.”
I hang up and run a hand down my face. I didn’t like Elara telling me she wasn’t comfortable in our bed. Hopefully she sleeps better tonight.
I make another call, this time to my sister Iseult for advice. Not how I wanted to begin my day, but I have to start telling the rest of my family that I’m married.
“Hey, big bro. What can I do for you?”
Blowing out an exhale, I know I’m about to regret asking her. Yet she’s the one person I can go to for this.
“What are the best high-end clothing stores for women in Boston?”
We know many people in the fashion world, but I can’t keep track of what women wear these days.
She bursts out in a laugh. “Now, that is one question I never thought I’d ever hear from your mouth.”
“Just shut it and tell me, will you?”
“Why?” Her voice quirks. “Have a secret girlfriend you’re keeping from me?”
I groan in frustration. “No.”
“I figured.”
“I’ve got a wife.”
Silence. Complete and utter silence.
“Um, what? Are you pranking me? Because that’s a stupid joke.”
“Not a prank. Got married last night.”
She exhales a laugh. “I’m sorry. Back up a second. You married someone and I wasn’t invited? Does Dad know? And who the hell is she?”
I pinch the bridge of my nose. “He doesn’t know. Yet. But he will tonight. I messaged him earlier to come over for dinner. Planned on texting Eriu next. Your text probably got lost.”
“Ha-ha,” she scoffs. “So, who is this woman?”
“Brody’s teacher.”
“Shit… She married you? Willingly?”
“Mmm. Not exactly. I kinda broke in, kidnapped her, and forced her to marry me. I did get a priest, though.”
“Aww,” she gushes sarcastically. “You’re so romantic.”
“Shut up, Iz.”
“I’m surprised she hasn’t killed you yet. I would’ve by now.”
“She’s not you.”
“I can change that. Just give me five minutes with her.”
I can just see a grin on her face.
“She hates me, understandably, but we both needed this.”
“Are you sure about that? Seems like you’re the one who needed it and you’re just using her. Not cool, bro. Not cool.”
“Well, it’s done, so…” I let out a sigh, knowing she’s right about it all. I needed Elara more than she needed me. “I didn’t do it just for me. It was for Brody too. He likes her. She’s got him smiling, Iseult. Can you even imagine that? What if she’s the key to get him to talk?”
Her silence returns, yet only for a moment. “You can’t have a marriage like that and expect her to be happy.”
“I wanna try.”
“You’re so fucked. But I love you anyway.” She laughs. “As far as stores, tell me about her style first.”
“I don’t fucking know. She dresses classy. You know, blouses and knee-length skirts. I mean, she works at a school. I’ve seen her in jeans and tanks when she’s not working. She’s not flashy or anything like that.”
“Okay, so I’d try Carolina Herrera. Call Vera.”
“Thanks. I’ll arrange an appointment.”
“I can’t wait to meet her tonight. We’ll drive in with Eriu and Devlin.”
“Just don’t embarrass me.”
“That’s what sisters are for. Oh, and congratulations. Don’t fuck it up.”
She ends the call while I’m already dreading being around my entire family and all the questions they’re gonna have.
ELARA
All day while here at school, all I can think about is this ring on my hand and what it means for my future.
How will I get away from a man like Tynan, especially with Rogue trailing me?
Staying isn’t an option, but I can’t leave right away either. I need him to think I’ve accepted this life. Until he lets his guard down.
Because someone like that assumes he always has the upper hand. Though I’ve escaped men just as bad and lived to tell about it.
When I’ve dismissed all of the kids, I take Brody with me, strapping him into the car seat Tynan already installed in my sedan.
I had a talk with the principal about my marriage, and he was happy for me, which was strange, because I swear I thought I was walking into my last day here at school.
Rogue approaches my vehicle, his expression tight as always. “Ma’am, Mr. Quinn called and said I am to take you shopping today.”
“He what? Why?”
I already have all my things. What else do I need? Maybe some more underwear…
“I don’t know. Should we call him?”
I release a frustrated sigh. “No, it’s fine.” I look down at Brody. “We’re going shopping, bud. Isn’t that exciting?”
He shrugs. Basically how I feel about shopping. I much prefer to buy things online and return what I don’t like.
“You can follow me, ma’am.”
“Okay. Yeah, sure.”
I head to the driver’s side, securing my seat belt and fixing my mirror before I start after Rogue. I probably should’ve asked him where we’re going, but it doesn’t matter to me. I’ll just grab a few things and be done with it.
When he stops at an unmarked warehouse building, I grow concerned. What the hell is this? It’s not a store. That’s obvious.
He gets out first, and I roll my window open.
“Where are we, Rogue?”
“This is a commercial building owned by Mr. Quinn. He asked the owner of the store to bring all of their clothes here for you to try on.”
“Oh… Did he say which store?”
“Carolina Herrera, I think. Hope I pronounced it right.”
My mouth goes slack and I swallow down my shock. “Could you give me a minute to speak with him, please?”
“Take your time, ma’am.”
I call him immediately, and he answers right away.
“Have you gotten to the store yet?”
“You mean some shady-looking warehouse? Yes, I’m here.”
“Why do you sound mad?”
“Because,” I whisper-shout. “I told you I don’t need things, Tynan. I have everything I need already. I can just imagine how much this stuff costs.”
He blows out a frustrated breath. “You don’t seem to get it. You’re my wife now. That means something not only to me, but to the outside world as well.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means you have to dress the part and act the part. Do you understand?”
I glance down at myself. “Is there something wrong with my clothes?”
“No, babe. I like your clothes. In fact, after what I saw, I much prefer you out of them, though when we’re in public or social events, when other women are wearing designer shit, I don’t want them thinking I’m not taking care of you.”
I scoff. “I don’t care what they think. But fine, I’ll play your game, since I don’t have much say in anything, it seems.”
He groans. “Of course you do, Elara. But you have to give a little. It’s just how it is now.”
“Fine. I’ll go spend a ton of your money.”
“Our money. How’s Brody?”
“He’s absolutely fine. Just as excited about shopping as I am.”
He chuckles, knowing I’m being sarcastic. “Alright, well, try to enjoy yourself. I’ll see you at home. Oh, and before I forget, you’re meeting my family tonight.”
“Great! One big, happy family. How exciting.”
“There’s that feisty mouth I enjoy. They’re gonna love you, don’t worry.”
“I’m not worried about them loving me. Will I love them is the question.”
“Guess we’ll find out. Have a good time shopping.” His tone turns husky. “Can’t wait to see what you get.”
And when we’re talking this way, it almost feels as though this is an actual relationship.
“I’ve gotta go.” I shut my eyes and breathe in slowly, overwhelmed by all my emotions: hating him, liking him, wanting him.
“Call if you need me. Anytime.” Then the line goes dead.
“Okay, Brody, seems like we’ll be going inside.”
He undoes his seat belt and jumps out, while I get out and shut my door.
“Thanks for coming with me. I definitely wouldn’t have fun if you weren’t here.”
His small smile grows.
“Come on, let’s go.” I grin, grabbing his hand and walking over to Rogue, who takes us inside the building.
“Hello there!” An older woman, maybe in her fifties, greets me.
She looks like one of those highbrow kinds of women, dressed in a white blouse that probably cost more than my weekly paycheck, her blonde hair coiled up in a perfect bun.
“I’m Vera, and you must be Mrs. Quinn. It’s a pleasure!” She takes my hands in hers and air-kisses both sides of my face.
“Thanks. Nice to meet you too.” I glance around the large space with shiny marble flooring, a glistening chandelier overhead, and racks of clothes, bags, and shoes all around us.
“We have arranged a wide variety of items, per Mr. Quinn’s request. You may follow me so I can show you some of the pieces we have waiting for you in the dressing room.”
“Sure.” I glance back at Brody, sitting near Rogue.
“I’ll watch him, ma’am. Don’t worry.”
“I’ll be out in a sec, okay, buddy?”
Brody nods, looking a little sad.
My heart sinks. I hate leaving him, but it’s Rogue and he works for Tynan, so I know he’s in good hands.
When she takes me back there, I expect to find a tiny dressing room; instead it’s huge, with so many outfits waiting for me.
“Mr. Quinn mentioned you would need not only work attire, but casual and evening wear as well.” She picks up a long black silk gown.
I don’t even want to look at the price tag, yet I find myself grabbing it.
Holy fucking shit.
$9,990.
I mean they could’ve just rounded up. Ten thousand dollars for a single dress? I can’t even fathom that sort of money.
She gives me a concerned look. “If you don’t like anything in this assortment, I have plenty more for you to try on.”
“Oh…” I laugh nervously. “It’s not that. I’m just not used to all of this.”
Her mouth forms a tight line. “Understandable, but you’re a lucky girl. Now why don’t you start trying things on, hmm?”
“Okay, sure. Thanks.”
She exits and shuts the door while I look around at all these clothes hanging around me.
My mother never wore designer, and neither have I. I’ve always felt it was crazy to spend so much on something you wear, but now, looking at the beautiful pieces, I can’t help wanting them. What does that make me?
I start removing my clothes and slide into a black pencil dress that would be perfect for work. When I look at the price tag, my pulse spikes. Two grand. For one dress. I mean, better than ten, but still…
So much good could be done with this kind of money. I feel almost selfish for buying this stuff.
Except when I put it on and look at myself in the mirror…it’s beautiful. A pair of nude pumps lies on the floor beside ten other pairs of shoes, and I slip into them before exiting the dressing room.
“Wow!” Vera gushes. “Look at you!”
She’s not alone this time. Two other store reps stand beside her. One, though…she doesn’t seem to like me, unless that scowl is just her face.
“Thank you.” I run my hands down the soft material. “I’ll definitely take this one.”
“Great!”
“Will you actually show me where the bathroom is?”
Probably should take this dress off first before I dirty it, but I don’t think I can wait.
“Of course! Just go past the room and turn right.”
“Thanks.” I start toward that direction while the women enter the dressing room beside mine.
Realizing I forgot my handbag, I take a step backward when I hear them talking.
“I have no idea what he sees in her,” one of the women says to the other. “I mean, she’s not even that pretty.”
Another one laughs. “You’re just jealous he turned you down.”
“Now, ladies, it isn’t our business who he chose to marry,” Vera says. “Though I do agree with you, darling. I don’t think she’s anything special. Not for someone like Tynan, anyway. Clearly, she married him for money, but why he chose her, I can’t possibly understand.”
“Maybe she’s good in the bedroom.”
They all laugh, and my face heats up.
One of the women snickers. “Or maybe he’s an idiot. He could’ve had me, and he settled for her? God!”
“Well, sweetheart, I doubt it will last long between them. Then you can have your chance. We’re always attending many of the same events. I’m sure you can seduce him.”
Anger radiates within me, and I force my feet to move, wanting them to hear me approaching. I’m no longer interested in this dress or anything they have to offer.
When they register my footsteps, they dart out of the room. Vera’s face turns as red as the lipstick she’s wearing. She clears her throat while I try to control the tremble in my hands.
How dare they speak about Tynan and me that way?
“There you are.” Vera scratches her temple. “We’ll be right here when you need us.”
My mouth lifts at the corner, my eyes narrowing. “Actually, I’ve decided I no longer like any of these clothes. But I will be keeping this dress, and the shoes too.”
Vera’s brows shoot up. “Uh, that’s all you want? B-but we have all these fabulous items lined up for you to try on.”
I step up to her, almost face-to-face, and that younger woman who was scowling earlier, the one who wants my husband…well, she looks terrified now.
I stare at Vera with a tight glare. “I wouldn’t want someone like me tarnishing your wonderful clothing.” Her face pales. “It seems like you ladies had a lot to discuss when you thought I couldn’t hear you.”
“I…ugh, I’m…I’m so sorry, Mrs. Quinn! Please forgive us. My daughter, she’s just jealous that Mr. Quinn didn’t want her and—”
“Mom!”
“You hush. You’ve done enough damage.”
“I’m not interested in your fake apologies,” I tell her. “I’ll be going now, and you won’t be charging me a dime.”
She grabs my arm. “Please don’t tell Mr. Quinn about this!”
I laugh, throwing her hand off of me.
“Please. I’ll do anything you want.”
“How about go to hell?” I take my things from the dressing room and head toward Rogue and Brody, my heartbeats exploding in my chest.
Once Rogue sees my expression, he straightens his back, his eyes narrowing, staring behind me at the women. “What happened?”
“Nothing much.” I raise my chin and pretend their words hold no power, yet that’s a lie. “They were insulting me while they thought I was in the bathroom. I just wanna leave.”
A muscle flexes in his jaw. “Let’s go.”
I grab Brody’s hand, who glares at them, and if my heart didn’t love him already, this just did it.
I know I shouldn’t let those women get to me, but is that how they see me? Some ugly gold-digger? Not that I think I’m ugly, but their words still hurt.
The whole ride back, I try to get what they said out of my head and focus on preparing to meet Tynan’s family tonight.
Is that how they’re gonna see me too?