If anyone hurts me, I think Liam will kill them before PJ has the chance.It’s sweet though, him saying that.
“We should all go out to dinner or something,” PJ says with a resigned-sounding sigh.“Might be one of the last times we all get to hang out, considering…”
Considering I plan to leave town as soon as the money hits my bank account?Yeah.Throat still clogged with emotion, I can only nod.
But a few minutes later, when Channing and I are on the way to a nearby parking garage, I hear a high-pitched squeal, and then another.
“Do you hear that?”I can tell he already has, though, because his head is twitching side to side, searching for the source.I spot a tiny black ball of fuzz near the opposite curb, where a scrawny kitten is mewling its head off.It tries to stand but keeps falling down again.
There’s a car heading right for it.
Someone yells my name behind me as I dart into the street.The shiny Lexus coming our way lays on its horn, and its tires screech as I bend down to scoop the kitten up.When I stand, there’s a bumper two inches from my leg.
Whew.
There’s a lot of yelling and tsking and “you shouldn’t have done that” as I’m joined by the rest of the group once another stream of cars has passed.The guy in the Lexus puts his middle finger through the sunroof as he leaves.
“Oh, shit.”Simon comes over.I guess he’s not too mad at me to help a kitten.“It’s bleeding.”
At first I don’t see it, but then I realize why it wasn’t able to move earlier.There’s something wrong with its back leg.“We can’t leave it here.”
Simon stoops down for a closer look, a crease forming in the middle of his forehead.“We can take it to a vet, but I can already tell you the rescues are overloaded.Toe Beans has so many of these little guys they’re doing a BOGO on the adoption fee.I’d love to take it—” His boyfriend makes a loud and super obvious throat clear.“But we’re kind of at capacity right now.”
“Yeah, us too,” PJ agrees.
“Our place doesn’t allow pets,” Eve says sadly.
The rest respond with something similar; they can’t have pets at their place, or they don’t have time for one.Prince simply states, “I fucking hate cats.”
“A kitten, Daddy!”Dean’s daughter shrieks.Behind me, I can hear him explaining quietly why the kitten can’t go home with them either.
Hmm.
The small bundle in my hand is in rough shape.Something crusty around its eyes, the bit of blood on its leg.It’s a fighter, though, hissing and puffed up even though it can’t get away from me.It’s making these little squealing noises.A demand to be fed?For me to put him down?I don’t know.
It’s hurt, but it’s still fighting.Still making demands.I guess I know what that’s like.
The Belle Argo Premiere probably doesn’t allow pets either, but I can’t bring myself to drop the cat at an overcrowded shelter.I know what it’s like to have your parents leave you behind in an ugly world you weren’t prepared for.I’m sure as hell not leaving it here.
When I hold it up close to my face for a better look, it hisses but then changes course, sticking its tiny head out to boop its nose against mine.Well, clearly this kitten is a genius because it’s already found my kryptonite.That decides it.
Thinking back to the way Mr.Monroe’s brother was all nice to me before, I’m hoping they’ll be willing to make an exception at the hotel for this little guy.Or at least look the other way.
“Hey, guys?How about instead of going out to eat, we all order some pizzas and have them in my hotel suite, huh?Or maybe we could all hit the pool again?”
A few of the guys have come by to swim with me while I’ve been staying at the Premiere.Gotta admit, it feels awfully fancy getting to order drinks by the pool.Even if I’m only ordering sodas.Even if it’s more of a gilded cage situation.
Thankfully, everyone agrees.Holding my new bundle, I turn to an absolutely furious-looking Channing.Bet he tattles to Daniel Corvus about me.Not that I care.Where are they going to get another virgin to auction off?
I tuck the kitten against my chest like it’s already mine.“We’re going to need to stop at a pet store.”
Chapter Eighteen
Liam
“I’m only saying,why should I have to clean up after myself?That’s what the housekeeping staff is for.”
The cluster of dudebros in front of me are all laughing as if they’re above everyone else around them.As if acting like little shits has no consequences.Which, statistically, is disgustingly true.
