CHAPTER 55
Nina walked along the rows of kennels, brushing the cold metal bars with her fingertips, studying the dogs’ faces.
They reached for her, pushed their noses between the bars, some even bared their teeth—but she didn’t feel afraid.
These animals, for all their wildness, felt understandable to her.
Simple. Honest in their emotions. And lonely, just like she was.
She stopped in front of one enclosure. A large German shepherd stood inside, beautiful and well cared for, watching her without moving.
“Hey,” Nina whispered, leaning closer to the bars. “What’s your name?”
The dog slowly rose to its feet, its gaze never leaving her. Without really thinking, Nina reached out her hand.
“Sorry, I didn’t bring any treats,” she said with a small, apologetic smile, leaning in a bit more. “Maybe next time—”
The shepherd lunged without warning. Its massive body slammed into the bars, teeth snapping inches from her hand. Nina gasped, jerking back, losing her balance. The world tilted, the ground dropped out from under her, and she was already bracing for her head to hit the concrete—
Strong arms caught her at the last second.
Warm. Solid. They wrapped firmly around her waist, stopping her fall. Nina sucked in a sharp breath, her heart pounding, and looked up.
It was Jasper.
He stood so close she could feel his breath against her skin, the heat of his body, see the way his eyes scanned her face, checking for injuries. His fingers tightened instinctively, and Nina grabbed onto his forearms without thinking, just to steady herself.
His mouth was far too close. She unconsciously wet her lips—and noticed his throat bob as he swallowed.
Dangerous.
Way too dangerous.
For several seconds, neither of them spoke. Breathing felt difficult.
“You okay?” he asked finally, his voice low and tight.
Nina shook her head quickly, heat rushing to her cheeks.
“Yes—sorry—I just… I didn’t expect that.”
Jasper released her slowly, but his hands lingered a second longer than necessary. Then he stepped back, as if realizing how close they were. His fingers were still slightly unsteady, though he tried to hide it.
“That shepherd isn’t very friendly,” he said shortly, straightening and looking away. “Better not touch her. She had a bad history with her previous owners.”
Nina nodded, keeping her eyes down, feeling the blood thrum in her temples. She didn’t understand what was happening to her—or why a single touch from him threw her so completely off balance.
“You sure you’re okay?” he asked again, studying her face.
“Yes,” she exhaled, taking a step back as her knees threatened to give out. “Where’s Lynn?”
Jasper nodded toward the corridor leading to the cat enclosures.
“She decided to pick out a kitten,” he said, sounding a bit more relaxed now, though his gaze remained guarded. “Come on.”
They walked down the narrow hallway together. Nina was acutely aware of how his hand occasionally brushed her elbow as they passed close to each other.
At the cat section, Lynn was already crouched by one of the cages, reaching her fingers toward a tiny gray kitten with huge eyes. Veronica stood beside her, clutching a clipboard to her chest, enthusiastically pointing from one kitten to another as she talked.
“This little gray one is the most energetic,” Veronica was saying, tilting her head so her red curls fell over her shoulder. “But he’s also the most affectionate. And this tabby—he’s a born hunter. If you’ve got mice or feather toys, he’ll adore you.”
Lynn smiled and slipped her fingers between the bars. The gray kitten immediately latched on with tiny claws, nibbling and licking her hand with enthusiasm. Nina couldn’t help smiling at the sight—Lynn’s face lit up, her eyes shining with pure delight.
Jasper stepped closer and stopped beside Nina. She felt his warmth at her side, as if he were deliberately staying close. Or maybe that was just her imagination.
“You picking one?” he asked Lynn.
Lynn looked up at both of them, grinning.
“I don’t know,” she said, still petting the kitten. “They’re all adorable. But probably this one. He’s hilarious—look, Dad!”
Jasper leaned down to peer into the cage. Nina watched his expression soften as he gently touched the kitten’s paw.
“Good choice,” he said with an approving nod.
Warmth spread through Nina’s chest as she watched them together. For a moment, they looked like a real family—the kind she’d always longed for.
Veronica smiled too, observing the scene. But when her eyes met Nina’s again, that smile faltered slightly. As if she suddenly remembered Nina didn’t belong here.
Nina ignored it. She was here for Lynn.
“We’re planning to grab lunch after this,” Jasper said suddenly, straightening and glancing at Nina. “You coming with us?”
Nina hesitated for a heartbeat, her pulse quickening. She wasn’t sure if it was the right thing to do—if she was getting too close, too fast. But it was a chance to spend more time with Lynn.
“Yes,” she said softly, forcing calm into her voice. “Why not?”
Immediately, she felt Veronica’s sharp, almost hostile stare. Her eyes flashed, bright and furious—like Nina had just taken something that rightfully belonged to her.