Total pages in book: 46
Estimated words: 45371 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 227(@200wpm)___ 181(@250wpm)___ 151(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 45371 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 227(@200wpm)___ 181(@250wpm)___ 151(@300wpm)
He breathes a sigh of relief, though it’s not as if he’d face execution as he would with the Italians. I pay my men well, and they’re right to be concerned about their position.
I walk down the hallway. The receptionist says nothing as I push the door open, probably knowing who I am or at least sensing I can go where I want, especially when my Archie needs me.
Pushing open the door to the examination room, I find a man in a white jacket with his sleeves rolled up. Archie is sitting on the table, tongue hanging out and panting. He tries to leap at me when I walk over.
“Easy, boy,” I say, softly touching him. “I’m the owner.”
“Mr. Baird?” the vet says.
“Yes.”
“Excellent. Listen, the little guy’s going to be okay. I’ve given him something to relax him. As far as I can tell, he hasn’t got a serious infection. I understand he was only in the water for a short time?”
“Yes,” I say. “Then my girlfriend rescued him.”
Girlfriend.
The word comes out so easily, so truthfully. It feels like a fact already.
“That’s fine. I will give you a prescription for more relaxants, but otherwise, keep an eye on him, and I’m sure he’ll be okay.”
I tickle his side softly, leaning down and looking him in the eye. “Hear that, boy? Nothing to worry about.” He licks the end of my nose.
I turn at a knock on the door. It’s Bonnie, standing at the small window, peering in. I gesture for her to come inside, and she rushes over to the table. Archie yaps softly and turns to her. Bonnie cradles his face, stroking gently.
“You don’t hate me, boy? I’m sorry. I’ll never let that happen again.”
“You can collect your medication at the front desk,” the vet says. “I’ll give you a moment.”
He leaves the three of us alone. Bonnie turns, staring at me, her hand working gently at Archie’s fur.
“I can’t believe I let that happen,” she says.
I cradle her cheek with my hand. She turns toward the touch as if needing the warmth, savoring it. “It’s not your fault. You didn’t know.”
When I lean in for a kiss, she turns her face at the last second, giving me her cheek instead.
“Remember what I said?” she whispers. “No more kissing until I get the truth.”
I step back, biting down.
“Is that the game you want to play? Trying to resist each other? I remember how badly you wanted it.”
“Do you want to talk about this here?” she snaps, nodding to Archie.
She’s right.
“Thank you for saving him,” I say. “I’ve still got business in the city. Dorman will drive you home. If you run, I’ll cancel the payment I’ve arranged for your dad.”
“Ah, awesome,” she says, with conflicted emotion in her voice.
It’s like she wants to melt for me, wants us to return to the closeness, but she’s also determined to stay as pissed as she can.
“We’re back to normal. Threats and blackmail and kidnapping.”
I leave the room, glaring at Dorman, my temples pulsing. I’m supposed to control my woman, but she’s like a force of nature, chaotic and captivating.
“Get her and Archie home.”
Malcolm follows me outside.
“You good, boss?”
“Any news of Cameron and his gambling?”
“Not yet, but we’re digging.”
“I want to help him,” I say, “but not if it means fueling his addiction. Find out.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Bonnie
“If it weren’t for you, I would’ve run,” I tell Archie, wondering if I mean it or trying to convince myself.
I’m sitting at the corner table of the second living room. It has a stone hearth with a shield over the fire and a Scottish flag pattern. The rugs are plush and thick, and the whole room throws me back in time, especially with the setting sun clashing with the ornate-style lamps.
Archie lies on his side on one of the rugs. It’s interesting how his black fur mixes with the brown of the rug. It makes sketching him an interesting challenge, though I’m not sure if I will include the rug. I’m focusing on him for now, on his stretched legs and his mouth open. His chest rises and falls softly.
“I need to take care of you,” I go on.
He blinks one eye open, his lip twitching as though he’s smiling.
I’ve spent the day not doing much of anything. I tried the door upstairs again, the one with the shrine, but it was locked.
So then I sat with Archie in my arms, watching TV until that got boring, and I decided to use the art set. The moment my pencil touched the page, the second it made a soft tsk noise, it grabbed hold of me, the art, the need to turn this touch of the pencil into an entire image. I didn’t expect this rush of purpose and positive feelings.
Archie is a good subject since he’s so relaxed by his pills. We work together until the sun completely sets, my belly beginning to rumble. I grab lunch in the kitchen and find the fridge and cupboards well-stocked. We could stay here for a few weeks and never need to leave.