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.
The stranger continued to study me, his expression far too close to amusement.
My thoughts drifted, noticing just how handsome he was. Just thinking about the way his arms had felt while holding me and the unmistakable feel of huge erection brought a blush to my face.
He gave me what was likely the same heated look I was giving him. “Open the door.”
With a huff, I threw open the passenger door, struggling until I could fold the front seat forward. “Be careful with him.”
“I am being careful.” His voice was deep and gravelly, driving a shockwave through my body. Not exactly menacing, but something close. He was also challenging me with every ounce of his being.
“No, you’re hurting him.”
He stopped short even after slowly bending down to grill me with his eyes once again.
The clearness and definition in them brought an instant wave of desire and irritation.
The combination was mind-boggling. They were ice blue, almost silver.
My mind envisioned his eyes were the perfect replication of a sensual vampire just moments before he sank his teeth into my skin.
Draining my life’s blood.
Without the sun creating shadows, I was able to see his features more clearly.
The man was handsome in a GQ way, strong features including a chiseled jaw with the hint of dark stubble matching his thick ebony hair. Everything about him was perfect, including his aristocratic nose. A true specimen of a man made by some sculpted god.
Blinking, I forced myself to look away. Getting caught up in his handsome features was ridiculous.
“I’m doing the best I can.” Maybe he was. Very gently he placed Indiana in the backseat, even taking a few seconds to brush his hand down Indy’s back. “You’ll be okay, buddy.”
“He better be.” The threat hung in the air as if I had any method of follow through. At least he had the good graces not to laugh.
The stranger hung his head before rising to his full height, even throwing it back and closing his eyes. Too bad if he was frustrated or if I’d interrupted his day. He’d caused this. He’d hurt my baby.
“Fine. Get in the car.”
His deep voice drew me from my misery, the clear order he’d provided forcing me to grit my teeth.
I rubbed Indy’s head. “We’re going to be fine, baby.
Mommy isn’t going anywhere.” Thank God, he was thumping his tail.
Since he’d moved all four paws, I was hopeful he didn’t have broken bones.
The internal injuries were what I was worried about.
He didn’t hesitate jumping onto the driver’s seat and revving the engine, tossing me a not-so-subtle look indicating his irritation with me had taken a stronghold just like mine.
Too bad.
“Where are we going?”
“Just drive. I’ll direct you.” After struggling with the seatbelt, I twisted to try to keep my eye on Indy. Unfortunately, that forced me to have a direct line of sight with the stranger.
He had broad shoulders filling out a sharp-looking suit that likely cost more than I made in a year. Strong fingers wrapped around the steering wheel and hands the perfect size for cupping my…
Holy shit. What was I thinking?
I couldn’t be attracted to the man. Not only were the lurid thoughts inappropriate, but they were also an insult to everything I stood for.
He hadn’t touched the music and while I adored Disturbed, right now everything was driving me crazy. Without thinking, I reached for the stereo system, shocked when he snapped his hand over mine, squeezing my fingers.
The electric shock tore through every muscle and tendon, rendering me breathless with stars floating in front of my eyes. My reaction was slow in coming, yet when I realized that my nipples were suddenly aching, my core throbbing, I recoiled and managed to jerk my hand free.
I’d be damned if he didn’t laugh in a deep, extremely husky sound that sent vibrations dancing across my skin.
“I wasn’t going to hurt you. I’m rather fastidious with my vehicles.”
“Meaning no one gets to touch your stuff,” I said, laughing, the filthy spell broken. Thank God.
His shrug brought my eyes to his muscular body once again, except when my gaze fell to the thick bulge between his legs, heat threatened to overwhelm me. What was I doing?
“Something like that. Let me turn down the volume.”
As soon as he did, I was able to hear my baby’s rapid yet even breathing. I bit my bottom lip and stared out the passenger window. It had been a long time since I’d been this uncomfortable around anyone, including a powerful man. And there was no doubt he at least considered himself to be powerful.
The clothes.
The fancy roughneck sports car.
The onyx and diamond ring on his pinky.
The watch that easily cost eighty thousand dollars.
And his entitled attitude.
“Take a right up here,” I directed.
“Yes, ma’am.” His retort was just as I would have expected. Challenging.
“Do you always tear through park-lined streets on your way to whatever very important appointment you have?”
He shook his head. “I wasn’t tearing through the streets.”
A strange thumping sound caught my attention and I immediately glanced out the window. “What was that? And you were driving way too fast.” The hard pound sounded as if it came from underneath the car. “Please tell me you didn’t just blow a tire.”
The way he was rubbing his finger across his bottom lip shouldn’t be so attractive, but it was. It had obviously been way too long since I’d had sex.
Not that I’d done so often.
I had very little interest. Between the long hours and my… past, passion wasn’t a priority.
“I assure you that I didn’t blow a tire.” Now there was an edge to his voice. No, more than an edge. He was unhappy I’d heard the sound.
His jaw was clenched and that was the moment I reminded myself I was in a stranger’s car.
A series of prickling sensations smashed the earlier desire.
Suddenly, I found myself debating whether to force him to pull over.
What then? I hadn’t lied about being able to carry Indiana.
Even if I could deadlift one hundred pounds, his condition was too fragile to even consider it.
I shrank back in my seat. “Turn right.” My voice was surprisingly calm while I yanked my fanny pack closer, slowly unzipping. Hoping he didn’t notice. At least I carried mace and my phone. If he made a false move, I’d spray his face and dial 9-1-1.
What then?
He was going at least forty miles per hour through crowded streets. The chance of him being able to pull the car to a safe stop was negligible.
Damn it.
This wasn’t a position I’d ever wanted or had placed myself in. I was cautious with whatever I was doing, even careful who I called my friends. I hadn’t realized I’d secured the can of mace in my hand and pulled it out in the open until he chuckled.
With a snap of my head, I noticed he’d lifted an eyebrow. “If I wanted to hurt you, why would I have agreed to you hijacking my vehicle?”
“Hijacking? You created this problem. Not me. Keep that in mind, buster.”
“Ah. Of course. I guess accidents don’t happen in the city.”
“Rarely. What I’ve learned is that there are far too many dangerous and corrupt people in this world. Which one are you?” At least he’d made the turn.
He seemed amused, chuckling under his breath. The sound was surprisingly both calming and addictive. His voice reminded me of a fuzzy blanket sliding tenderly across my naked skin. Goodness. The analogy was as ridiculous as getting into the car with him without at least learning who he was.
“If I’m forced to choose, I’ll say dangerous. But not to women and broken dogs. I draw the line somewhere.”
“How comforting. Take a left at the light and the vet’s office is four blocks down on the right.”
Once stopped at the red light, he allowed his gaze to drift down from my face to my hands, the mace can still clutched in my fingers. Then ever so slowly he lowered his eyes to my legs before shaking his head. “For the record, I’m very sorry about hitting Indiana. I’ll pay for the veterinary bill.”
So much of me wanted to scream at him that he would or else, but I finally forced myself to accept he hadn’t intentionally run down my fur baby.
The moment was awkward, more so than before because I had no idea what to say to him or even if I should.
We were two strangers and soon he’d be on his merry way while I suffered with Indiana.
Another thump was followed by a second.
Very slowly we both turned our heads at the same time to stare into the back of the car.
Toward the trunk.
A chill trickled through me. “Do you have something in your trunk? Maybe something heavy?”
“Just some items I picked up at Lowe’s.”