And she was already eager and ready to crucify me.
The brief few seconds we glared at each other, she dared drag the tip of her tongue across her bottom lip. Not in any way to indicate interest. The slight action was solely based on her continued agitation.
“You fucking son of a bitch. Indy pulled away from me because some asshole had music blaring from his car.” She threw the Charger another nasty look. “He adores Disturbed. His favorite music. He always reacts even though I’ve tried to keep him from bolting. Goddamn it. This can’t be happening.”
Her rage was slowly being eaten by anxiety and concern.
“I am sorry. Maybe you’re right in that I wasn’t paying close enough attention.”
“You’re damn right. You’re going to take me to the vet.” The flash of her gorgeous eyes could cut a man to ribbons.
“I’m afraid I can’t do that.” I wasn’t going to take the risk of her realizing I had a body in the back of my trunk so I could do my good deed for the day.
“You can and you will. I can’t carry him. He weighs almost a hundred pounds. This is your fault and you’re going to fix it.”
Exhaling, I knew there was no other choice. I had a feeling if I tried to leave, she’d successfully chase me down.
There were worse things than to be hunted by a beautiful vixen.
As I looked at the pup, I could swear with our eyes locking he was reading me, connecting with me.
“What do I do?”
“Do you have a backseat in that… thing?”
“That thing is a two thousand twenty-five Scat Pack Charger. You have no idea the horsepower.”
“Then you’re going to use your muscle car and testosterone booster to get me to the vet quickly. Now, pick him up in your arms. Gently.”
I’d never had a single person in my life, other than my father, who’d barked orders like I was some wet behind the ears private. Especially a woman. Fuck. I commanded a room when I walked in, including garnering unconditional respect. What in the hell did she think she was doing?
Even with the irritation, I found myself scooping the heavy dog in my arms, doing what I could to be very gentle. He whimpered and I froze, peering down into his soulful eyes and saying a small and very silent prayer that nothing happened to him.
Even in death she’d haunt me.
This was the last thing I needed.
CHAPTER 2
Josette
My beautiful boy. He was my whole life, his love and attention finally dragging me out of the darkness. The heavy anxiety had almost pushed me into a panic attack. Thank God, Indiana was focused, his tail wagging. No thanks to the jerk who hadn’t been paying any attention. Just some rich guy who couldn’t care less about anyone else but himself.
Men.
I hated them.
All of them.
They were arrogant and self-serving, acting as if they owned the world and everyone in it. I’d been forced to deal with his type before. All brawn and no brains, using charm and intimidation to get what he wanted. Not this girl. I was tough because I had to be.
Everything about the man screamed of power and precision, his aura that of a ruthless man used to getting his way. Even the razor-sharp tailoring of his suit screamed of wealth and control.
But it was the piercing look in his eyes and the devastatingly cool smirk that had captured my attention. Which I loathed.
I was also aching inside, my heart thudding. If anything happened to Indiana, I wouldn’t be able to survive. He was my rock. My furry everything. He’d managed to keep my mind spiraling into a darkness that I’d never recover from.
He’s okay. Just breathe.
