Chapter 10 #2
She’d pegged me a bad guy. She was right, but not necessarily for the reasons she believed.
“I don’t know. Her fur is matted. She’s so skinny. Does anyone recognize this baby?” She asked the question loudly.
One of the employees shook his head. “A stray.”
“Don’t you have any decent animal activists on this island?” Her anger and determination matched what little I knew about her. “What about a vet? Do you have any vets here?”
The poor kid looked at me for help.
“Why don’t we get the dog inside and I’ll see what I can do.”
“She needs a bath. I don’t have a bathtub.”
“Come on. We’ll go to my cottage.” I grabbed our shoes, half laughing at myself for being out of shape. At least she didn’t argue with me, although I had to admit to myself at least that I had no idea what the fuck to do from here.
Sure, I loved animals like the next guy, but I hadn’t come on this trip expecting to rescue and harbor one.
Still, I’d all but promised Fallon I’d help. When I tried once again to take the dog from her, the look she gave me was as full of venom as any I’d seen from a woman.
I remained quiet, rubbing sweat from my face with my arm as we headed down the path leading to the cottages. I moved ahead of her, sliding the keycard into the lock. She nuzzled the dog, hesitating to come inside. When she rubbed her face against the dog’s head, the pup finally licked her cheek.
The delight and relief in Fallon’s eyes were notable, maybe managing to crack a portion of my rough exterior.
“Come on. Let’s see what we’re dealing with. Then I’ll make a few calls. But you need to listen to me. You can’t go off halfcocked like that again.”
“The last time I looked, I was the mistress of my own destiny. I know what I’m capable of.”
Oh, the need to spank her was stronger than before.
She took a few seconds, her eyes darting back and forth across mine with such defiance I was shocked.
I’d be damned if she wasn’t trying to determine if she could trust me.
What in the hell had the woman been through?
It wasn’t my place or my business, but the continued thought of protecting her lingered in the forefront of my mind.
“Fine. Let’s see if we can help the dog.”
“The baby. She’s just a baby. I do appreciate your help.” She tossed out the last words even as she continued glaring at me.
Her words dripped of formality. “You’re welcome.” I held the door open and she took a few seconds studying the cottage. “The bathroom is this way.” The cottage itself was incredible with every amenity thought of.
The views were even better, the thought of vacationing here already entering my mind. First of all, I couldn’t remember the last time I’d taken some time off, but more than that, my distrust for Ludolf was only increasing.
I turned on the bathroom light and she immediately placed the pup on the bathroom counter, gingerly peeling away the shirt. The look on Fallon’s face captured my attention and the way she brushed fur from the dog’s face could melt even a soulless man’s heart.
Some might say I didn’t have one. I chuckled inwardly from the thought. Who knew I’d be worried about the fate of a wayward pup.
“I think she’s Great Pyrenees. She’s beautiful. Look at her eyes.”
She gently tipped the pup’s head so I could see. They were a beautiful chocolate brown with flecks of gold. Just like the woman tenderly caressing her.
“Soulful.”
She nodded. “Will you turn the water on in the bathtub? I’m going to check to see if she has any broken bones.”
“You’re sure she’s a her?”
Her laugh was sultry, her eyes flashing amusement. “I do know how to check and see if I’m dealing with a male.” With a wink, she returned her attention to the dog, slowly rubbing her hand down the front of the pup’s legs.
I shook my head, resisting the filthy retort my mind had already created. As I turned on the water, I listened to Fallon telling the dog everything was going to be okay.
I certainly admired her determination and courage.
“Don’t forget to pull down the handheld showerhead for me.
I cannot believe someone did this to you and what the fuck is wrong with the people who work here?
They knew she needed help long before she got to this point.
She’s emaciated. Don’t worry, Bella. You’ll never go another day hungry as long as I’m in your life. ”
“Bella?”
“I need to name her. She looks like a sweet Bella. Don’t you?”
The dog responded by licking her face. “Let me guess. You’re a Twilight fan.”
Even though she threw me a hardened look, an immediate blush swept across her jaw. “I was much younger when the movie came out. But you wouldn’t know since you’re so old.”
Her attempt at making a joke was momentarily lost on me until she laughed.
“The water? The showerhead? Now! Old man.”
“Yes, ma’am.” When I glanced into the mirror, I almost burst into laughter.
The reflection of her face had the opposite effect of what she was likely going for.
My cock was already twitching as another wave of desire hit me hard.
Just like had occurred when I’d been kissing her.
Or when she’d kissed me. “But you are going to get it for this.”
“We shall see. You couldn’t handle me.”
Being able to laugh with someone, truly laugh was as unusual as the way we’d met and connected. It was exactly what I’d needed. Seeing her with the dog allowed me to see just how incredible she was as a human being.
I did as she requested, even grabbing the bottle of shampoo so it would be handy for her. At least the beautiful tub would have some use.
“Thank God, I don’t think she has any broken bones. Just one cut and it’s not too deep. I think we got to her in time.” Fallon sounded relieved. “Is the water ready? Not too hot, but warm enough to take the chill off?”
The dog shook, covering her with salt water, which allowed me another chance to hear her lilting laugh. For a few seconds, I was lost in both memories and wishes. Only the wishes were no longer from the past. They were definitely about the here and now.
“Vissarian. Are you alive over there?”
“Absolutely.” After testing the water, it became impossible to keep a smile from my face. “Just as the doctor ordered.”
“Speaking of which. Are you going to use all your great connections to find a veterinarian? This baby needs attention we can’t provide alone. Pretty please?”
“You think I have connections on Saba Island? And here I thought you believed me to be a horrible person.”
She carefully placed the dog in the tub. “My guess is you have power and control everywhere you go. You can be either a good or bad man. The jury is still out with you.”
“Good girl. And you could be right. I’ll see what I can find.”
“And food. This dog needs to eat. She’s skin and bones. Nothing too rich. Maybe chicken. No fish. She doesn’t need bad breath on top of everything else.” A slight blush formed across her jaw. But there was no mistaking the way she was looking at me. My cock was already aching like a son of a bitch.
This time, I saluted, which earned me a wrinkle of her nose. She rubbed her face with her arm while trying to keep the pup in the tub.
I leaned against the doorway, watching and admiring how she handled the still shaking dog. Yet I could tell by the look in the pup’s eyes she was grateful for being saved. The two of them were already forming a bond. “When I was a kid, I asked my father for a dog. He said no.”
“Now, why would he say no?” She poured some shampoo on the pup’s back. Every movement was deliberate and somehow, she was able to keep the dog calm. She was even cooing in the sweetest voice.
“Because he thought I’d kill it.”
She stopped moving, slowly lifting her head. “Would you have done that? To an innocent creature?”
“No matter what you’ve read, I’m not interested in killing innocent creatures, humans or beasts. Only men who deserve to face my wrath.”
Her eyes remained pinned on mine. “Good to know. Make a phone call. Please.”
“On it.” I backed away, sighing as I tried to think how best to handle the situation. Counter to her belief, I knew no one in this part of the world. However, I did have money. There was still a landline inside the living room, which allowed me to contact the front desk.
“Yes, Mr. Dmitriyev. How can I help you?”
“I need a veterinarian who will make a house call. We found a stray.”
“Yes, everyone has heard. She’s been walking around the property for a week or so. I don’t know of a vet who will make house calls. I’m sorry. And being the weekend, I doubt I can find a veterinary office that’s open.”
I suddenly felt Fallon’s earlier anger, but what was the point in lashing out at the young girl answering the phone?
“Let me put it to you this way. I will have a veterinarian come to my suite. Talk with Mr. Hoffman. He owes me a favor. Money is no object, but there will be someone at my door in twenty minutes. And I need food. I assume someone can make some bland chicken so I can feed the pup.”
“Um, I’ll see what I can do, sir.”
“Don’t just see. Make it happen.” Maybe I’d been a little too rough with the girl, but I had no other choice.
The pup would get what she needed. If necessary, I’d use Hoffman’s connections.
Maybe it was something I’d regret later, but at this point, I’d face that round of antagonism instead of her disappointment.
It would seem the lovely Fallon Zimmerman, captain and animal lover, had already gotten under my skin.
Little did she know what that usually meant.
But she would soon learn.
As I returned to the bathroom, I had a huge smile on my face.