The manager, hands clasped in front of his tummy, explained in his most professional tone that the store policy was service animals only.
“Fuck off,” Connor spat.
Liam let out a haggard sigh. He straightened and walked to the mess. “What seems to be the problem?”
The manager repeated himself.
“The pup is sleeping. It’s a baby.” Liam bent, getting right in the manager’s face. “And I don’t like your tone.”
Connor snickered.
The other guards crept forward until a circle of large, tattooed mobsters surrounded the manager.
“O porca miseria,” I muttered under my breath.
These idiots were going to get the cops called on us. I liked this store, liked the freedom of shopping for whatever I wanted. And I liked being with Liam, maybe even a little too much.
If he was banned from the premises….
I rushed forward, pushing past Connor and another guard named Sean. “Excuse me, I’m so sorry. We didn’t know.”
I placed a hand on Liam’s arm, giving the solid flesh a warning squeeze.
“We’re first-time pet owners—well, I am at least. It’s my dog. I thought you could bring them inside if they were puppies. I’ll take him outside,” I rushed to add. “Not a trouble at all.”
The manager gaped at me.
The hard tone cracked behind me. “No.”
I squeezed Liam’s arm harder. “Sorry for the confusion. You’re doing a great job—” I read the manger’s nametag “—Russell. The customer service industry sucks balls.”
Shock rippled around me, and a few of the guards snickered.
“I was a manager too, so please, forgive us.” If I smiled any brighter, my face would shatter.
Russell fidgeted, looking around at the guys. “No problem, ma’am. Just doing my job.”
Liam opened his mouth, but I gave his arm a tug before spinning about and going to the puppy, whose head popped up as if sensing the commotion.
“Connor, take the bleeding pup outside,” Liam barked before I could pluck it free.
I faltered. “It’s my dog, I can take it outside.”
Liam’s voice was ice. “Connor will do it.”
The guard was already walking away, whistling a tune.
A hard hand fell on my shoulder. Liam guided me back to the cart. His hot breath fanned against my ear. “You’re playing a dangerous game, little bird. Careful, or I’ll swallow you whole.”
His teeth grazed my ear.
I should have been frightened. I just stood up to a mobster in front of his men. But Liam didn’t shout. Didn’t hurt me. Which was why the shiver racing down my spine wasn’t fear. It was desire.
***
What the hell am I doing?I yawned.
Storm was asleep in Liam’s armchair after a dinner of fresh food, which was supposed to be healthier than kibble, and plenty of treats for going potty outside.
