He scoffed. “I think her exact words were, ‘Due to a personal tragedy, the animal hospital is closing indefinitely, and details can only be released to immediate family members.’ What the fuck happened? What I saw that night was...” He shook his head. “And why is a veterinarian from New Hampshire slinging beer in a hole-in-the-wall in rural Wisconsin? What are you doing here, Laina, besides trying to sabotage my club?”
“Shh.” She brought her finger to her lips. “No one can know who I am.”
His eyes narrowed to slits. “Explain.”
Her thoughts darted, searching for some shred of truth she could share with him, although why it pained her to lie was beyond her comprehension. “I can’t go into details,” she said slowly, “but it was a domestic violence situation. I’m in hiding.”
“Husband or boyfriend?” His voice broke as he asked the question.
“Neither. An enemy of my family. It’s a long and twisted story. He’s very powerful, and my survival depends on concealing my identity. I did what I did to your club because Monty would have thrown me out if I hadn’t. I’m sorry. I’ll do whatever you want to make it up to you.”
She’d stepped in closer without even meaning to, her lids drooping low as she breathed in his scent. Her wolf had forgotten all anger and fear and was panting, tongue out in his direction. Oh, how she wanted his hands on her body, his mouth on hers. He was so close now, she could feel his heat, smell the cedar and pine scent that seemed to follow him everywhere. Had he moved that last inch, or had she?
“What do you have to offer me that would make up for the deception you pulled last night? You could have ruined my business, Laina.” His hands landed on his hips, and she looked up at him through her lashes.
Wolf whimpering, a vivid fantasy played out in Laina’s head. She’d drop to her knees, unzip his pants, and take him between her lips, showing him exactly what she had to offer. With all the willpower left in her, she forced herself back a step. Her knees turned to liquid, and her ass landed on a crate of vodka.
“Hey, are you okay?” Kyle rested a hand on her shoulder, suddenly concerned.
She shook her head but didn’t elaborate. “Kyle, I’m sorry. I think you know this wasn’t my idea, despite what Monty says. He knows my secret and blackmailed me into it. What can I do but beg you not to get the Sable Creek PD involved? I’ll do anything. Anything you want. But please keep my secret.”
He tipped his head in agreement, and relief flooded her body. Tension she didn’t even know she was holding eased. She blew out a deep breath.
“I won’t tell anyone,” he said softly. “On one condition.”
“What?” she asked. “Money?”
He made a face as though she’d insulted him. “No, I don’t want your money.”
“Sex?” she whispered.Please let it be sex.
“No,” he said curtly. “Jesus, Laina. I would never extort sex from you or anyone else.”
She hung her head and forced her wolf, still trying desperately to show her enthusiasm for sex, down deeper into her psyche. “Then what can I give you?”
“I need you to train my dog.”
Not what she was expecting. Her brows lifted. “Milo?”
“Yes, Milo. He’s not adjusting well to the change in ownership. He’s made quite a mess of the place. I need you to come and stay with me for a while. Figure out what’s wrong with him and teach me what to do.”
“You want me… Wait, you want me tolivewith you while I train your dog…full time? Monty will never allow it. I have a job here.”
“Oh, Monty will allow it, or Monty will need a lawyer. I’ll talk to him.” He pointed a thumb over his shoulder.
She swallowed. Even now, one look from Kyle made her squirm. How would she survive sleeping in the same house with him?
“Yes or no, Laina? Considering what you did, I don’t think I’m asking too much here.”
For a moment, she flipped the idea over in her brain. “I have an obligation to fulfill to my brother who is hiding here with me. Is three days from now soon enough for me to start?”
He nodded and offered her his hand. “It’s a deal.”
As they shook on it, he hoisted her from the crate and her momentum brought her flush against his wide, muscular chest. Her lips parted. Their eyes met and held.
“I was disappointed we never had that date,” he murmured.
“Me too.”
