“I know,” Ivy murmurs. “I didn’t choose this either.”
The vet tech comes out, smiling. She leads us back to an exam room before I can say a word to Ivy.
She opens the crate door, and Mr. Pickles spits at her. He’s arched up, his black fur standing on end, a low growl coming from his throat.
I reach in and scoop him out. He curls against me, claws digging into my suit jacket, hanging on for dear life.
“Now, Mr. Pickles, this nice lady isn’t going to hurt you.” I lower my lips to his ears. “Be good, and I’ll give you those treats you like.”
His head pops back, green eyes staring up at me.
“Three of them.”
He stares at me a moment longer. I put him on the exam table, where he promptly lies down. He looks annoyed but allows her to do her job.
The vet comes in a moment later, and I have to intervene and bargain with Mr. Pickles all over again to get him to calm down. But he does and even allows the vet to give him shots—as long as I keep giving him treats.
Ivy tries not to smile, which makes my heart swell. I was hoping she wouldn’t be able to stay irritated at me for very long.
When the appointment is finished, I put him back in the carrier and head to the front desk. Ivy stands beside me, closer than before.
I’m wearing her down.
I pay, and we leave. We’ve barely taken two steps outside the door when I see him. Every instinct in my body snaps to attention.
Silas strolls toward us like he owns the place. He’s all lazy confidence, sharp eyes, and a mouth already curling into a knowing smirk as his gaze sweeps over me.
Then it lands on Ivy.
His eyes move over her slowly.
Something hot and immediate coils low in my spine.
“Well,” Silas drawls, eyes flicking between us. “This is domestic.”
Ivy stiffens and shifts slightly, her shoulder brushing my arm.
My body reacts before my brain does.
I gently hand her the carrier and step forward, placing myself between her and him. Mr. Pickles yowls like he’s not a fan of Silas, either.
Silas blinks, and then his smile widens. “Wow,” he says. “Didn’t know you came with security now.”
“Don’t speak to her,” I snap. I don’t look back at Ivy. My focus is locked on him. “You’re not welcome here.”
Silas chuckles. “Relax. I’m just here for my dog.” His eyes flick past me again. “Didn’t realize she needed a guard dog.”
Something sharp slices through me. “I’ll do anything to keep you away from her,” I say.
Silas’s amusement fades, just a fraction.
The silence that follows is thick. Heavy. Charged.
Ivy is behind me, one hand clutching the back of my jacket. I feel the tension in her grip through the fabric.
“You’re safe with me,” I whisper over my shoulder. “He won’t get near you.”
I feel the relief in her shoulders. Feel her exhale against my skin.
