In between feedings, Cesare reviewed case files off and on, examining client histories and their submitted evidence.
He showed Dante how to make the milkshake for Freckles, and they tag teamed feedings with Walter in shifts until the sun slowly rose.
The three of them took a sleep-exhausted moment to walk out to the dock and watch the molten light of the sun slowly rise over the water’s horizon. The golden glow of the whole sky reflected off the water of the ocean bathing the world in warm golden light. Seagulls swooped in and out of the surf as the waves crashed upon the shoreline. Cesare had never seen anything quite like it.
“Do they have water in Philadelphia?” Walter asked gruffly.
Cesare shook his head. “Not like this.”
“Sabrina loves the water.” Walter spoke after a moment of consideration, reaching a hand up to scratch his beard. “But staying here is slowly killing her.”
Cesare turned to look at Walter, waiting for him to elaborate. He didn’t.
“Cesare has a water-front home. It’s no ocean, but the property goes along the banks of the Delaware River.” Dante said after a quiet moment.
“She’ll never willingly close the rescue.” Cesare responded, surprised to be playing the devil’s advocate.
Walter shrugged. “Maybe she doesn’t need to.”
Cesare looked at Walter, waiting again for more, but the man said nothing else.
As the sun finished cresting the horizon, Walter turned to look at Cesare with a thoughtful expression on his face. “Sabrina has a sister who’s been away from home for long enough.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
(Sabrina)
Sabrina woke up to a text from Walter telling her he’d handle feeding animals for the day.
She rolled over with a relieved sigh and immediately went back to sleep. She woke up again an hour later feeling so wonderful she had to take a moment to pinpoint why she was so happy.
Memories of Cesare’s hands on her body came rushing back, and Sabrina warmed just at the thought. She sat up in bed and drew a harsh breath at the sensation of pressure and sore muscles in her hips and between her legs. After a moment, she reached for her phone to text Cesare.
Sabrina: Good morning
Her phone immediately rang.
“Hello?” She asked, her voice still husky from sleep.
“Good morning, tesoro. Well done texting as you were told.”
Sabrina flushed at the praise, whilst simultaneously rankling at the wordsas you were told. To add further insult to injury, she could already feel herself growing wet at the sound of his voice.
“As I wastold?” She repeated slowly, mulling over the words even as they came out of her mouth.
“Mmm.” He rumbled through the line. “I look forward to ensuring it’s always a pleasurable experience for you.” His voice was low and husky, and Sabrina stifled a soft moan at the ache between her legs.
“How are you feeling this morning?” Cesare asked.
“I’m sore.” She chuckled ruefully. “But I feel good.”
Cesare's grin was audible over the phone. “Tesoro, if you only knew how good you feel.”
Sabrina turned pink. “I didn’t mean it like that, Cesare.”
“No?” He answered, amused.
Sabrina bit her lip shyly. “I should get ready.”
