He hums. “All I’m hearing is there will be a next time.”
I sigh and shake my head, stepping away and putting my knife back in its sheath. “Let’s just get this over it.”
Javi sighs and shakes his head, as if he's sad that I didn’t actually stab him. He starts opening cages and getting cats and kittens out, so I do the same, hoping by giving in that it’ll go faster.
Afucking hour and a half later, Javi finally settles on a tiny orange kitten, and a less tiny, but still small, grey and white Siamese kitten.
We put all the cats back in their cages, following the pictures on the outside doors, then Javi makes me hold the two he chose while he goes hunting for their paperwork in the shelter’s office.
“Can we go now? Hollis is probably losing his mind; we’ve been in here way too long.”
“Such party poopers,” he says just loud enough to be heard.
“Next time, he’s going to insist you wear an earpiece.”
Javi shudders in disgust.
As quickly as we entered, we leave the shelter, Javi locking the door behind us.
“Can you order some supplies to get these two cuties and their new owner started while I drive?” Javi asks. “Or better yet, you drive, I’ll order and hold them.”
Javi takes the keys out of his pocket and holds them out in exchange for the kittens.
When we’re securely in the car, I remove my phone and send a “we’re out and safe” text to Hollis, so he doesn’t call the cavalry on us.
“Home now, Pazzo Papero?” I ask.
Javi doesn’t look up from his phone as he types one-handed, using the other to pet the orange kitten. “Yep!”
Thank fuck.
Next time, I’ll send Nario, or even Antonio. They’ll appreciate Javi’s brand of crazy more than me… Though, fuck, if he flirts with them, I’ll probably have to kill him… Which he apparently takes as a fucking come on.Fuck. My. Life.
My eyes widen at the sight entering my medical room. Javi is in his normal, uh…interesting outfit. My gaze lingers on his bowtie and suspenders. They match this time, which wouldn’t be odd, except the pattern is kittens. All different types with a dizzying color of yarn. I shift my gaze to the person standing next to him, who is just as much of a standout, but more put together.
My heart takes a hit when I notice the man’s gorgeous makeup. It makes me wonder what’s going on with Benjamin, and the guilt from not checking up on him swamps me. In addition to the makeup, he’s wearing dark-blue khakis and a baby-blue polo. At least, it’s matching, and quite honestly, it's appealing.
“Lio, I’d like you to meet Anderson. He’s here to begin your therapy.” Javi watches me carefully, but I keep my face blank.I’m not sure what to think about this, but I know if I don’t do it, Roman never will. Fuck. My back is against the wall.
I nod in acknowledgment, unable to get any words past my lips. Anderson gives me a bright smile, the type that’s meant to relax a victim—it doesn’t. If anything, my heart rate climbs higher as I stare in horror at the way-too-put-together man. I guess I’ve gotten used to the comfortable clothes lately, so Anderson is…overwhelming.
Anderson turns to Javi, claps his hands and says, “I’m sure Lio and I will get along fine. Didn’t you say you had coffee coming for us?”
Javi scowls, but he murmurs something under his breath that sounds like an agreement. In a louder but gentle voice, he reassures me. “If you need me, you can call, or even just text. For now, I’m going to step out so you can talk.”
“Don’t forget the coffee!” Anderson calls as Javi leaves, before gesturing to the chair next to the bed. “Do you mind if I sit?”
I shrug, unsure what to say to him. Instead, I watch him warily as he sits next to me, that annoying smile on his face. I’m not sure if he’s waiting for me to say something, but the stretching silence screams louder than any words I can throw out.
Glancing down at the bandages covering my wrists, which are not nearly as thick as they used to be, shame slams into me. I peek at Anderson, who seems perfectly content to enjoy the quiet.
There’s a knock at the door and he stands up gracefully, calling for whoever it is to enter. I’m not surprised to see the maid with her push cart. The heavenly aroma of coffee soothes the ragged edges of my mind, and I take a deep breath, letting it wash over me. Of course, there’s a basket of baked goods togo with it, which makes me smile, even if it stirs a complicated feeling inside me.
“Oh! These look delicious. Any particular pastry you’d like?” Anderson asks as he examines the artful display of deliciousness.
I shake my head, but accept the cup of coffee he hands me. Anderson sits back down, crossing his legs to where he can balance a plate on his lap. It’s actually impressive. He nibbles at the apple turnover, his eyes widening in pleasure.
“Wow, your chef is amazing.”
