Page 126 of Avenging Azalea

Naji laughed out loud as he started the vehicle. “I could’ve told you that. So do we need a clean-up crew?”

“No, I didn’t kill him for being a decent person. But I sure as hell wanted to,” I grumbled, and crossed my arms.

“You really worried that Fawn is going to leave you for this guy?” I remained silent, not wanting to voice my fear that she should, not that she would. If something happened to her…

“Fine, don’t answer me, but we both know she loves you and isn’t going anywhere.”

Whether she stayed or left, both terrified me for different reasons. It was like standing on the very top of a mountain peak, and no matter which way you fell, you tumbled to your death. The only difference was that as long as she was with me, I’d protect her with my dying breath.

Chapter

Forty-One

FAWN

I honestly didn’t know it was possible to be this happy. It was like walking on clouds, and suddenly that old cream cheese commercial was running through my head. Titus sitting on a cloud with only a pair of wings on his back was hot as hell to imagine.

“I’ll pick you up at five?”

“Actually, I’m only working a half day. Steph and I are going shopping. I wanted to get a few new things, including a dress for dinner tonight.”

Leaning closer, I did something that I’d never been allowed to do in the past. I breathed in deeply, loving the rich scent of his cologne, and under that, his addictive body wash. He chuckled and cupped my cheek when I went to pull away.

“Normally, only my dogs sniff me for betrayal,” he said, smirking.

“Have you betrayed me?”

His lips hovered over mine. “Never, you’re the only woman I want.”

Little butterflies stormed around my stomach in a wild torrent of excitement as we kissed. Every time was the same. The rush, thrill, and blood-pounding need that engulfed me as time stood still.

“Alright, I’ll see you tonight,” Titus said, his voice soft as he broke the kiss.

Smiling, I got out, hitched my bag up onto my shoulder, and waved. I’d left Sheba and Winston at home today since I’d made the arrangements with Steph. She would’ve let them in her car, but we only had a couple of hours to shop, so it saved time to head straight to the stores.

Doreen’s car was in the parking lot, so I used the front door of Little Paws. The smiling older woman greeted me warmly.

“Well, hello there, dear. How are you today? You look like someone lit you up from the inside with a thousand-watt bulb,” she said.

Heat crept up my neck, and I was sure I was blushing.

“I’m doing amazing and so is Winston.”

Doreen clasped her hands together.

“That is great news. God bless you for taking him. He really needed a loving home.”

“Although that’s true, I think the biggest influence on him has been the other dogs. When he stepped into the house and all five of the girls welcomed him into their pack, he just turned a corner.”

“That boy knows when he has a good thing…he has himself a right old harem,” Doreen said, making me laugh.

“Is Dr. Taylor in yet?”

Doreen nodded. “Sure is. He was here before me, but he’s been in the back the whole time. Real quiet today. I’m not sure if something is wrong or not. He’s definitely not himself.”

“Okay, good to know. I hope he’s okay,” I said, but swore in my head. I had a feeling that I knew exactly why Matt was out of sorts, and it was all my fault.

Walking into the back, I put my stuff into my locker and then went on the hunt. Matt was in his office at the computer. I knocked on the door and lifted my hand in greeting.