Summer
Never in a millionyears did I believe I would think this, but Reid has layers.After our first encounter years ago, I thought it had all been a show.He wanted in my knickers and played the part to get there.It’s another thing I’ve come to know about him though.He doesn’t play the part.With Reid, what you see is what you get.And there isn’t just one level to him.He can be charming, hot as fuck, and so crude he makes you want to smack him even though your panties are wet.He’s so kind and caring,especiallyto his family.He can be devious, cunning, and driven, but they’re also some of many attributes that make him so appealing.His heart, despite his playboy ways, is bigger than he lets people see.I believe that part of him is the only thing he suppresses—or tries to.His altruistic qualities sneak out in moments, like the one he’s having now as he bends to his knees and hands Paisley a plastic container with a sandwich, fruit and crisps inside.
She goes to shake her head, but he pushes it, his words low.Her facial expression, which had been tight with concern, softens.She leans down, wrapping her arms around his neck.
“Are you okay?”I whisper to Milly, who I now have sitting in my lap.
I’m still in awe of the small space Faith has set up.It’s set up like any typical vets.There’s a waiting room, and a reception desk with two doors behind on either side.Reid explained this is her out-of-hours, or emergency, space when we arrived.The other door in the room leads to the kennels, where Faith keeps rescues until she can re-home them.She also has a cattery, which I only got a glimpse of but it looks cute as hell.There were dozens of little tiny wendy houses, big enough for a toddler to walk around.Reid explained they housed strays waiting to be rehomed.
Milly rests her head on my shoulder.“I hope Rex will be okay.”
“Faith has got him.This is her job.I’m worried about you at the moment.That must have been scary for you.”
Roxy, a German Shepherd who belongs to Faith, licks Milly’s face.She tries to fight it but ends up giggling, trying to push him away.
My heart aches as she holds on to him.Faith takes that moment to step out of the back room.Landon gets to his feet, helping Paisley.
“He has two small fractures in his back-right leg.I will be putting a cast on in a moment.His pelvic bone isn’t too bad, but it does have a slight fracture.It will heal on its own.It could have been a lot worse.”
“Can we take him home?What do we need to do?”Paisley asks, clutching Landon’s shirt.
“I would normally recommend keeping him here overnight, but after witnessing his reaction to you earlier, I believe that wouldn’t be in his best interest.He will need strict rest.Activity needs to be restricted.No playing or running.And keep him on a short leash while going to the toilet.You can make a harness to help him along with going to the toilet.I’ll give you a leaflet that will explain what to do.You can use puppy mats too, but I always suggest to try using them as little as possible as it can lead to bad behaviours.I would normally suggest a crate for a few days, but I do believe Rex will let you know if he has issues.”She takes a breath.“Keep the cast clean and try not to let him chew on it.I will give you a collar just in case.He will be a little out of it for a few days from the pain meds, so make sure he eats and drinks plenty of fluids.I’ll come by to check on him every day for a few days.He will need to come back for a few more X-rays, but aside from that, he will be fine.”
“Thank you,” Paisley rushes out, as the duck quacks.“Can we see him now?”
Faith’s lips twitch as she glances at the duck.“Yes.My assistant is just dressing his leg.”
Landon tugs Faith into his arms, and I’m pretty sure he’s thanking her.
Reid walks over, tapping his knuckles lightly across Milly’s chin.“Want to come with me to pick out a dog?”
“You’re getting a dog?”she questions in surprise, then narrows her eyes.“You were totally going to ditch me to pick out a dog, weren’t you?”
I chuckle behind my hand.She sounds so hurt.He rubs the back of his neck sheepishly.“Did you not hear me when I asked if you wanted to pick out a dog?”
“Oh no, I totally heard.I love that for me.What I don’t love, Reid, is the lies.I thought we had an understanding.”
Reid audibly gulps and quickly glances at me.I’m trying to hide my amusement.He picks her up from my lap.“We’ll be back.”
While she tries to wrangle money out of the poor sod, I head over to Liza.“Are you okay?”I ask softly.
She forces a smile, clutching my hand.“I will be.I want my family safe.”
“Hey, you have strong children.They’ll protect each other.”
Her eyes glisten.“I don’t just mean my children.Everyone around us is in danger.The Black family are...”She meets my gaze, and I see pure fear looking back at me.Her voice lowers even more.“They are a family that producers and writers base their thriller movies on.I have encountered hatred.I’ve witnessed anger and how depraved people can be.Until the Black family, I had never encountered evil.They are cruel and deadly, and my children, my extended family, my new daughters and grandchildren...they are in the Black family’s sights.I’m afraid today isn’t going to be the last close call that happens.”I squeeze her hand, seeing she’s barely keeping it together.“If this doesn’t end soon, I’m afraid Black will win.I’m afraid I am going to lose one of them.”
Her description has a shiver running down my spine.“Liza...”I begin, but I have no idea what to say.She has been dealing with this much longer than I have.She’s seen more than I have.Even Malia, who may not have dealt with the Black family until now, has dealt with one just like them.She gets it.This is the first time I’ve ever had to deal with something like this.
Suddenly, a smile lifts Liza’s mouth.“How much do you think she’s had off him so far?”she asks, when I catch Reid handing over money.But it’s not enough for Milly, if I’m reading her body language correctly.She wiggles her fingers whilst still holding out the palm of her hand.
“Honestly, if she saves it starting now, she might be able to live a life of leisure when she leaves school,” I state, making Liza laugh.I grip her hand tighter.“You have amazing children, Liza.I can see where they get their strength from.”
“I’m getting a pussy,” Milly cries, throwing her hands up.
Reid groans, whilst his mum chuckles.
I feel the blood drain from my face.I don’t need a mirror to prove I’m pale.I can fucking feel it.“Nope.No way.”
