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Viper cupped my face, catching the tears with his thumb as they slowly trickled down my face. “You’re the hero, Dr. Cavanaugh.” He lifted my chin, his eyes sweeping back and forth across mine. “A beautiful hero.”
As he lowered his head, I took several scattered breaths, placing my palm against his chest. There was such depth to the man that even the armor couldn’t hide the light shining through. “Do you really want to know why I became a vet?”
“Why?”
“Because my parents refused to allow me to have a pet as a child. Can you believe that? I made a career decision based on the fact I wasn’t allowed to own a puppy. That’s ridiculous.” I was laughing and crying at the same time, struggling to breathe as the cataclysm of memories hit me hard. I hadn’t fully embraced the truth until that moment.
“No, it’s not.” As he captured my mouth, he held me still, pulling me tightly against his chest. The moment was sweet, intimate yet tender, joyful in a way I couldn’t have imagined. There was no pretense, no lies required between us. This was easy and natural, as if we’d known each other for a long time, as if there was no question about trust or friendship.
I allowed myself to be carried away, sharing a private moment with a stranger, a dark, brooding stranger. When he slipped his hand under my hair, caressing my neck, I melted into him. Right now, he was my lifeline, the only person I could count on. His anger burned bright, threatening to blacken his soul, yet moments like this were a reminder of the man underneath the mask.
The kiss took on a life of its own, providing warmth and a hint of peace, even while the electricity soared. When he finally pulled away, he held me close, tipping his forehead against mine, his breathing as ragged. We remained that way for several minutes, his firm hold providing the strength I needed, the tears slowly subsiding.
No one had ever done that for me, providing a shoulder to cry on, a safe place to share my feelings. Not a single person.
“One day you’ll have a pack of dogs,” he said quietly.
I half laughed, lifting my head and peering into his eyes. “I’d like that.” I brushed the tips of my fingers down his cheek, surprised when he didn’t recoil when I touched his scar. He remained quiet, blinking his dark eyes, his long lashes skimming over his cheeks. I took my time, rolling one fingertip down the length. When I lifted my head, managing to press my lips against the lowest jagged edge, he shuddered audibly. Taking my hand into his, he pulled my fingers to his lips, kissing the tips of each one.
There were so many things I wanted to say to him. Words had never failed me but at this moment, nothing I thought of was fitting. My savior had managed to provide a moment of blissful joy that was personal and beautiful.
When he let my hand ago, he gave me a nod. “Then a pack of dogs it is.”
We sat in silence for another few seconds, but there were too many questions in my mind, fears of the unknown multiplying.
“What about communications? How will you know if it’s over?”
He gave me a sly grin. “Come with me, little girl. Then we’ll get settled.”
I followed him down the hallway to one of the rooms. I hadn’t noticed the door was locked. When he opened it, allowing me inside, I was shocked at the sight of the various pieces of communications equipment. “Wait a minute. How can this happen? No electricity. No running water? I don’t understand.”
He leaned against the doorway. “The Sandersons have satellite they allow me to feed off. I have generators, with enough fuel to last us at least two months before I’ll need to refill. That allows me to make a connection to the mainland if necessary.”
“Or to the people you work for.” I gave him a sly look, but he wasn’t falling for it, merely nodding in acknowledgement. “You keep it locked. Why?”
He rolled his eyes. “It may be primitive here, but I’m not risking tens of thousands of dollars when I’m gone just in case the island is invaded.”
“You are a cautious man.”
“In all things. Let me get the cistern started so we have water. Then we’ll get something to eat. It should take just a couple minutes. Why don’t you change? Take the bedroom.”
“There’s only one?”
“There was only one of me, sweetheart. I never planned on having anyone here with me.” His voice was gruff, but his eyes shifted to the same lust I’d seen before.
“I can’t take your bed.” He smiled before backing away and out of the room.
A shiver coursed down my spine, and I pressed my fingers against my lips remembering the last amazing kiss. After a few seconds, I grabbed the bag of clothes I’d been lucky enough we could bring, heading to the bedroom. It was just as spacious, minimal on furniture, but the bed was king-sized, a real mattress on a platform bed. I pushed down on the comforter, surprised how soft it felt.
I took my time gazing around the room, feeling almost as if I was intruding. Then I sat down on the bed, trying to put everything into perspective. While I understood that it would appear I’d been taken at random, I knew better, and I honestly didn’t think it had to do with human trafficking. It seemed more personal, although I wasn’t entirely certain why I felt that way.
Whatever the case, I wasn’t going to figure it out now, not without fitting missing pieces together. That wasn’t going to happen any time soon.
Exhaling, I grabbed the bag, digging through the items. Viper had tried to provide what he thought I’d need. I grabbed a pair of shorts and another tank top, heading for the bathroom. What struck me as I walked into small space was that I could live here except I’d miss my work.
And a working shower. What? No shower?
* * *
