“You have a deer in a cage.”
Mr. Man of Few Words made the statement as if I didn’t realize the little fawn was resting peacefully. “I know. She’s supposed to be there.”
“Why do you have a deer in a cage?”
“Well, Iama veterinarian, which means I treat more than just dogs,” I offered, grimacing when he cocked his head, offering the most chastising look I’d experienced since I was a teenager and my father had caught me dangling from a rope I’d used to climb out my bedroom window. “The fawn was hit by a car and my godfather brought her to me. I care for animals often overlooked by everyone else. Including two of the horses in the corral. That’s the reason for the sanctuary I mentioned, although at this rate I’ll be eighty years old before my dream comes true. The fawn’s condition was touch and go for a little while, but I think she’ll be okay.”
“She looks emaciated.” His voice was still gruff with uncertainty, but I sensed he cared about her condition.
“We have hunters all over the forests, some ignoring the laws, which pisses me the hell off. No longer are deer simply considered food. The yo-bob assholes like putting trophies on their walls. And to top it off, killing a baby fawn rates right up there with being awarded a gold medal at the Olympics.” I was breathing hard, my hand fisted, moving into what Darlene had started to call my explosive haze.
I thought the sexy but annoying man would take the opportunity to make fun of me. When his eyes clouded over, an obvious memory driving into the center of his brain, I was even more curious about him than before.
“Yeah, I know the type. They think they’re all bad boys who can do anything they want. Fuck ‘em.”
Wow. There was a story to tell there.
“Even in the wild, abuse happens, but the little girl’s mama is no doubt looking for her baby. I’m going to try to ensure they get back together.”
“How? Wasn’t she taken from her natural habitat?”
Viper was genuinely interested. Another shocker. “Yes, but animals have a way of sensing their own from miles away. They also know when a person is decent or dangerous.”
“By the scent.”
“Exactly.” The brief second where we managed to connect was powerful.
And terrifying.
“Why do you have a veterinary clinic in the middle of nowhere? State of the art too.”
Now I was beaming. “My father’s doing. He had no desire to set up shop in town.”
The way he was scrutinizing every exposed beam and every seam almost became irritating. I didn’t need to hear about the roof leak I hadn’t noticed until the last rain or about the way the overhead fluorescent light flickered every once in a while.
“What about the horses?” Now the same voice was deeper, gruffer.
More demanding.
Shaken that my nipples had immediately hardened, I moved toward my computer to see Sailor’s test results while Viper crouched down by the little fawn’s crate. “Two came from an abusive situation in Billings. I was lucky to get them, although caring for them takes a lot of time.”
With the way he remained on his toes, hunched over and staring through the bars, the tee shirt was stretched across his back, revealing just how muscular he was. I was momentarily at a loss for how to do anything, including breathing.
Only the not-so-subtle barking the two dogs were doing as they enjoyed romping around together brought my attention back to where it should be.
“So this sanctuary, it’s a mess. I’m surprised a couple buildings haven’t fallen down or that they passed community building inspection.”
“At least you’re frank.” My natural mothering instinct kicked in, even if it was all wrapped around a group of buildings and apiece of land. “I guess it’s a good thing the place isn’t for sale. Huh?”
After throwing me a look that could melt glaciers but for all the wrong reasons, he stuck his fingers through the bars, rubbing the little fawn’s head. “There’s no reason or enough time to mince words, Grace, but my intention wasn’t to offend you.”
When he said my name, a slow and steady shudder trickled through my body, which I wasn’t used to. “I get it and I suppose you’re right. Yes, the sanctuary is a dump and I don’t have the money or the knowledge to fix it up completely just yet, but that’s not going to stop me.”
“Your place?”
The answer hitched in my throat, causing a knot in my stomach. “My parents’. Or at least it was. The place is mine now. Anyway, I need to make sure Sailor is calm so I can give him an IV. I have a feeling he’s picked his person for life.”
“What’s that mean?”
