Contents

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Epilogue

In The Doghouse by Violet Rae
Published by Violet Rae

www.authorvioletrae.com
Copyright © 2022 Violet Rae

All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission from the publisher, except as permitted by U.S. copyright law. For permissions contact: violet@authorvioletrae.com 

Cover art by Mae Harden

Editing & Formatting by Violet Rae 

Chapter One

Jonas

The woman sitting on the bench glares at me. I’m not sure what I’ve done to merit her icy regard other than walking my dog, Missy, in her vicinity—the large green park surrounding the lake in the middle of town.

She’s gorgeous. Shoulder-length dark curls, blue eyes, impossibly long eyelashes, and a flawless complexion. She’s a little on the skinny side, and there’s a haunting sadness hiding behind her frosty glare that piques my curiosity. I’ve never been so instantly drawn to a woman despite the thirty-foot ice wall surrounding her.

I’m so distracted that when Missy tugs on her leash, it slips from my hand, and she makes a beeline for the mysterious woman. Shit!

“Missy!”

I call her name, which usually brings her scurrying back to me, but this time she completely ignores the command in my voice. For a minute, I think she’s going to jump up at the woman, but oddly, she halts in front of her and plops her butt down. Missy gazes at the woman from her sitting position and lifts her front paw as if offering a doggy handshake.

The woman’s face breaks into the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen, and a tinkling laugh breaks free from her throat. The combination almost has me bending over and clutching my knees for support like an athlete recovering from a sprint race.

Holy shit. I thought she was gorgeous before, but that smile transforms her face into something else entirely. I’m half expecting a choir of heavenly angels to appear behind her with their palms pressed together to praise her beauty.

“Missy, come!”

My normally loyal and obedient corgi casts a look over her shoulder… and completely ignores me.

The woman leans forward, stroking her hands over Missy’s head and behind her ears. At that moment, I’d give anything to trade places with my dog, to have those soft hands stroking my head and other, more sensitive parts of my anatomy. My shaft twerks against the fly of my jeans in agreement.

“She likes you,” I say, tipping my head at Missy. “She’s usually cautious around strangers.” I’m not sure why, but my instincts scream that she and Missy have that in common.

“She’s adorable. Aren’t you, girl?” She laughs delightedly as Missy licks her hand.

“She sure is,” I mutter under my breath, but I’m not looking at Missy.

“How old is she?” The woman lifts her eyes to mine, her icy glare replaced with soft warmth.

The world slows around me as those haunting blue eyes turn me upside-down, inside-out, and back-to-front, rearranging the universe so she’s right at its center. 

“Are you okay?”

I clear my throat, realizing I’m standing there gaping at her like a drooling fuckwit. “Yeah, sorry. Three. She’s three years old.”

“You don’t see many corgis around,” she observes.

“You’re familiar with the breed?”

“Not really.” She shakes her head, sending her dark curls bobbing around her shoulders. “I always associate them with the Queen of England.”

“The Pembroke Welsh Corgi.” I nod. “I looked them up myself when I adopted Missy.”

“You didn’t have her from a puppy?”

“No. We met while I was in… when she was a year old,” I catch myself. I don’t want to scare this woman off with the truth about exactly how Missy and I met. “She was a rescue dog. Her previous owner abused her.”

The woman’s face pales. “Poor girl,” she whispers.

“May I?” I ask, tipping my head at the space next to her on the bench.

“Oh. Um, sure,” she says with a brittle smile.

She puts a little more space between us as I sit. “Jonas Castillo,” I say, holding a hand toward her.

“Megan Slater,” she replies, placing her small hand tentatively in mine.

Heat spreads up my arm, travels across my chest, and sinks through the barrier protecting my heart as I wrap my hand around hers. Megan’s fingers twitch a little as if she’s feeling it too.

Fuck. I think I’m in love.

“Pleasure to meet you, Megan,” I murmur, holding her indigo gaze. Megan. Who knew two syllables could feel so good on my tongue?

She smiles. “You too, Jonas.”

Okay, she went one better on the syllable thing because nothing sounds better than my name on her lips.

“I haven’t seen you here before,” Megan continues, seeming a little more relaxed. “I try to walk every day and often stop here for a rest, and I’m sure I would’ve remembered this beautiful girl.” She leans forward to stroke Missy where she’s now curled up at her feet.

“I grew up in Silver Springs but moved back a week ago. Logan told me they’d landscaped the area around the lake and built a park, so I thought I’d bring Missy.”

Megan’s forehead pinches in a frown. “Logan? Your brother is Logan Castillo?”

“You know him?”

“He’s my gardener,” she says with a soft laugh.

“Ah, of course.” I nod and grin. “I’m pretty sure Logan single-handedly tames the gardens of ninety percent of the town’s population.”

“He’s a hard worker, for sure,” Megan agrees. “Seems like he could do with an extra pair of hands. Is that why you moved back here? To help him with the business?”

“Not me,” I say with a chuckle. “Dad and Logan have the green thumbs in the family. Dad had his own landscaping business before moving to Medicine Bow, and Logan has picked up many of his old customers. But I leave the gardening stuff to them. I wouldn’t know the difference between sneezewort and skunk cabbage.”

Megan lets out an adorable snort of laughter, and her eyes dance with mirth. “Are they even real plants?”

“Yep. According to my brother, who’s a complete plant geek.”

She grins. “I guess it goes with the job.”

“Nah, he’s just a geek, period. And the best big brother I could ask for,” I add with a wink.

“You’re close?”

“Yeah. He’s been there for me through everything,” I say, sobering as dark memories bombard me.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to pry,” Megan says, picking up on my troubled thoughts.

I force a smile. “You weren’t prying, Megan. I have some shit I’m still working through.”

“Me too.” She blinks, looking faintly shocked as if she didn’t intend those words to slip out. “I—”

“I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours,” I cut her off, only half-joking. She’s surprisingly easy to talk to.

Megan’s laugh is heavy with bitterness, and she drops her eyes to the ground. “How long do you have?”

Instinctively, I reach out and place a finger beneath her chin, tilting her head up so I can see her beautiful eyes. She tenses but doesn’t pull away. “As long as you need.”

She searches my eyes and blows out a shaky breath. “Why are you so easy to talk to? I don’t trust people as a rule, but—”

“I know,” I say softly, cutting her off. “I feel it, too.”

My thumb grazes across her cheek as I get lost in her fathomless gaze. This woman has been deeply hurt, and my protective instincts roar to life. I clamp down on it, knowing first-hand how giving into those instincts only leads to shitty decisions.

I should walk away, leave Megan to whatever demons are haunting her. I have enough of my own to battle.

But my mouth has other ideas. “Would you like to grab a coffee with me sometime?” I hear myself asking.

My finger drops from Megan’s chin when she gives a slight shake of her head and whispers, “I don’t date.”

“Who said anything about a date? Russo’s in town serves the best Italian coffee. It would be nice not to drink it alone for a change.”

Megan’s mouth tips up in a small smile. “I can’t imagine a good-looking man like you would lack for company.”

“Good-looking, huh?” I go cross-eyed, stick out my tongue, and waggle my eyebrows.

Megan bursts out laughing. “Irresistible.”

I let out a rough laugh. “You’d be surprised, sweetheart. People have a habit of making assumptions about ex-cons.”

All the humor leaves Megan’s face, and her eyes widen in fear. “You… you’re…”

Ah, fuck. Me and my big mouth. “I was in prison for two years,” I say bluntly, almost defensively.

Three… two…

“I see.” She withdraws instantly, and disappointment flares in my sternum. This kind of reaction should get easier when people learn about my jail time, but for some reason, the fear and censure in Megan’s eyes cuts deeper than usual.

“I-I should go.” Megan stands, and I frown as she reaches for a walking cane propped against the bench.

She takes a step forward and winces. Next thing I know, she’s toppling face-first toward the hard ground.

I don’t think. I move instinctively, wrapping my arms around her and saving her from a nasty fall.

Her entire body stiffens in my arms, and she lifts a suddenly pale face to mine. “Take your hands off me!”

Chapter Two

Megan

I regret the words as soon as they leave my mouth. Unless this man is an exceptional liar, he won’t hurt me. I don’t trust easily, particularly men, but I know down to my bones that Jonas is nothing like my ex. I’ve known him for less than an hour, but some soul-deep part of me recognizes that I can trust him.

I see the pain and disappointment and… sadness in his eyes at my knee-jerk reaction. Pain that I would think he’d hurt me and disappointment at being judged for his past. But it’s the sadness that cuts me the deepest. It’s a sadness that resonates with me profoundly.

Jonas is holding me loosely in the circle of his arms to ensure I’m steady on my feet. I place a gentle hand on his arm as I look into his deep brown eyes. “I’m sorry. I-I overreacted.”

“I saw you falling and moved on instinct, but I would never hurt you, Megan. I’m sorry if I scared you.”

“You have nothing to apologize for. Thank you for saving me from eating the ground. My knee is still healing and sometimes it gives out on me.”

He frowns. “An injury?”

My mouth tightens. “Something like that.”

Part of me wants to tell him how I got my injury, but I bite my tongue. I’m not ready to spill my guts about how handsy my ex was. “And I didn’t mean to react the way I did, you know, about the jail thing. You took me by surprise, is all. I shouldn’t judge.”

Jonas shakes his head with a frown. “I don’t know why I said it. I don’t usually vomit a pile of overshare with someone I’ve just met. Soon as you mention you’ve done time, people’s perceptions of you change before they even know the circumstances.”

My heart contracts at the pain and regret in his eyes. “I’m sorry I made you feel that way.” I pause, tipping my head to the side, and give him a little smile. “I’m glad Missy introduced us today.”

Jonas grins. “Me too. So how about that coffee at Russo’s?”

I purse my lips, more tempted than I should be. “Can I take a raincheck? I need to head back to my car. I have a hospital appointment in a half-hour.”

“We’ll walk with you. We should be getting back anyway,” he says, calling to Missy, who’s sniffing a turd on the grass nearby.

She comes trotting over, and Jonas clips her leash to her collar, patting her head. “Good girl.”

My stomach flips at his soft words as he praises Missy. I didn’t think I would ever feel sexual desire again, but Jonas’s deep timber has certain parts of my anatomy pulsing in rhythm with my elevated heart rate.

I scoop up my cane where it’s propped against the bench, and we make our way along the path toward the small parking lot.

“Is it permanent?”

I glance at Jonas, who’s looking at my cane. “No. Hopefully, I’ll only need it for a few more weeks. I try not to use it unless I have to, like if I overdo it. I don’t want to become dependent on it.”

“Are you having physio?”

“Yeah. Dr. Manner referred me to a great physio. She’s been working wonders getting my strength back up.”

“Brayden?” Jonas asks, his dark eyebrows rising.

“Let me guess. You know him, too?” I ask with a soft laugh.

“He’s Logan’s best friend. They served together in Afghanistan. He’s your surgeon?”

I nod. “He performed my second surgery. The first one… didn’t work, which is why it’s taken so long for my knee to heal. He’s been amazing. I couldn’t have asked for better care.”

“Brayden is the best surgeon I know. He’s married to Iris’s sister. Iris is Logan’s wife.”

I shake my head. “Does everyone know everyone in Silver Springs?”

“Seems like it, huh? Not in a bad way, though. We all look out for each other. My parents decided to move to Medicine Bow while Logan was in the army. I went with them, but—" he pauses as if searching for the right words, “—let’s just say Medicine Bow doesn’t hold great memories for me now, so I decided to move back here.”

“I’m sorry,” I say sympathetically. “I know how that feels. I left Denver for the same reason.”

“Sounds like we have a lot in common,” Jonas says with a wry smile.

Heat blooms in my cheeks as his dark eyes probe mine. He’s the most handsome man I’ve ever seen, but something about him speaks to me on a deeper level. I’m drawn to him in a way I’ve never been drawn to another person.

“Well, this is me.” I drag my eyes away as we reach my car.

“Nice wheels,” Jonas says, admiring the sleek lines of my BMW. His eyes narrow at the front of the vehicle. “Uh, did you know you have a flat?”

My eyes follow Jonas’s gaze to the front driver’s side, and sure enough, the tire is completely flat. I blow out a frustrated breath. “Ugh! Great. Just great.”

Jonas crouches down next to the tire, his expression one of anger. “Goddamn kids. Looks like it’s been slashed.”

My heart stutters in my chest, and I clamp down on the panic rising in my throat. No, he wouldn’t… would he? Besides, Lance is in Denver. He’s not supposed to come anywhere near me.

“Are you okay?” Jonas asks with a frown.

“I… Yeah, I’m fine.” I school my features to hide my fear. “Just annoyed someone would do something like that.”

“I’m guessing there’s no spare with this model?”

“Afraid not. I’ll have to call the garage.” I pull out my cell phone from my purse and call the garage that usually services the car, only to be told they can’t send someone out for a few hours.

“Come on. I’ll give you a ride to your appointment,” Jonas says, having heard my end of the conversation.

I hesitate, biting my lip indecisively. “I… If you’re sure? I don’t want to keep you from—”

“You’re not keeping me from anything, Megan,” he cuts across me.

I shiver as he says my name in that deep timber. “That would be wonderful, thank you.”

I follow him and Missy to a battered truck parked close by.

“Sorry. It’s a bit of a comedown from a Beamer,” he says, using the slang term for a BMW as he lifts me into the passenger seat. His warm hands linger on my waist, sending goosebumps skittering over my skin as he practically hoists me up into the truck.

“I’m not a car snob, and I’m grateful for the ride,” I say breathlessly, turning to face him.

He’s so tall that my movement brings me within inches of his face, and I lose myself in his ochre gaze. Oh, my, this man is dynamite. Everything about him is delicious, from his deep brown eyes and hair to his neatly trimmed beard and dusky skin tone, which hints at his Spanish heritage.

What crime did this man commit? Because I see nothing but goodness and honor in him. His soul shines with a beautiful light that speaks to me on an elemental level. It seems such a juxtaposition to his admission that he’s an ex-convict.

Lance was charming... in the beginning.

He was. But even then, some part of me knew Lance was not a good person—I just chose to ignore it because he showered me with attention and compliments. What a fool. He showed his true colors in the first week of our marriage with his physical and mental cruelty…

“Come back to me, Megan.”

I blink, refocusing on Jonas’s face.

“Where did you go?” he asks softly, cupping my face with one hand and smoothing his thumb across my cheek.

I want so badly to turn my face into his palm and place a kiss there. The instant connection I have with this man is faintly scary, especially given my past. I can’t afford to let Jonas’s appeal cloud my senses.

Jonas smiles. “Never mind. You’ll tell me when you’re ready.”

That pulls a reluctant laugh from me. “Cocky, much?”

“Not cocky so much as determined. You intrigue, Megan Slater, and I’d love the chance to get to know you better.”

His dark eyes kindle, and I suck in a surprised breath at his honesty, but he doesn’t wait for my reply. Instead, he closes my door and scoops Missy up, walking to the driver’s side and climbing in. Missy settles between us, placing her head on my lap as Jonas starts the engine.

“Where are we going?” he asks.

“Oh, uh, the medical center on Latimer Road, past the library.”

I stroke Missy’s head absently. Jonas’s masculine presence fills the cab of the truck. It’s disturbing being so close to him, but not how I would’ve thought. He doesn’t frighten me. If anything, the opposite is true. I feel safe for the first time in two years. My experience with Lance honed my gut instincts, and I know Jonas is a good person, despite whatever put him behind bars. I know it in the deepest part of my psyche.

We make light conversation on the short journey, and I direct Jonas to the clinic's parking lot, where Dr. Manner is based when he’s not at Parker General Hospital.

“Thanks for the ride,” I say quietly as Jonas cuts the engine.

“I’ll wait here. You’ll need a ride home,” he replies with a smile.

Before I can reply, he hops out of the truck and circles around to open the door for me. I expect him to hold out a hand to help me down, but as before, he wraps his hands around my waist and plucks me from my seat as if I’m no heavier than a feather—which I definitely am. 

“Thank you,” I repeat on a shaky exhale as he sets me on my feet. “I shouldn’t be more than an hour.”

“Take your time. We’ll be here when you’re done,” Jonas replies. Missy gives a little bark of agreement.

As I turn toward the medical center, bubbles of happiness swell and burst in my stomach, and I can’t help thinking I’ve just been adopted by a sinfully gorgeous man and his precious little corgi.

Chapter Three

Jonas

Once Megan is safely inside, I head for the garage that services her car on the outskirts of town. It doesn’t take long to pick up a replacement tire, and by the time Megan emerges from her appointment an hour later, Missy and I are waiting for her in the truck.

Her eyes automatically seek me out, and the smile she gives me as I hop out and walk toward her almost brings me to my knees. God, she’s beautiful. A flare of possessiveness streaks through me. I saw the fear she tried to hide earlier when I revealed someone had slashed her tire. My instincts are on alert, and I plan to keep an eye on her from now on. She’s not alone anymore. I need to tread carefully, but I plan to make this woman mine.

“I could get used to this,” Megan says, her cheeks flushed as I lift her into the passenger seat.

“Me too,” I murmur, my hands lingering on her waist before forcing myself to release her.

I climb behind the wheel, smiling as Missy licks Megan’s hand and settles her head on her lap again. An unfamiliar emotion washes over me, and it takes a few seconds for me to figure out what it is. Contentment. It’s been so long since I felt anything close to it that I almost didn’t recognize it. Having Megan and Missy next to me feels right. It’s crazy, this connection with Megan. I’ve only known her for a few hours, but she’s already carved a space for herself in my life. And Missy’s too, judging by my furry girl’s reaction to her. They say animals are a good judge of character, and I think Missy senses a kindred spirit in Megan.

“I should call the garage. See how they’re doing with that tire,” Megan says, reaching into her purse.

“No need. I took a drive over there while you were inside,” I say as I steer the truck into the late afternoon traffic. “There’s a new tire in the back.” I hook my thumb over my shoulder to indicate the flatbed.

“I… You didn’t have to do that,” Megan blusters.

“Made sense for me to go and collect it rather than wait on the garage to send someone. Won’t take long to change it.”

“Why are you being so nice to me?” Megan’s question is so quiet that I almost miss it.

I glance across at her with a frown, seeing the genuine curiosity in her eyes, as if she can’t comprehend why anyone would go out of their way for her.

“You’re not used to having anyone look out for you, are you?” I don’t need Megan’s slight head shake to confirm my suspicion. It’s painfully obvious she’s accustomed to wading through life by herself. “Well, things changed this afternoon when you threw yourself into my arms. Isn’t that right, Missy?”

Missy perks up her ears at the mention of her name and gives a little woof of agreement.

“I did not throw myself at you!” Megan huffs, but her eyes dance with humor as she strokes Missy’s head affectionately.

“Uh-huh. If you say so. I’m a sucker for a damsel in distress.” I give her an exaggerated wink.

Megan’s face closes up, and the sadness is back in her cerulean eyes. “Is that how you see me? As a hopeless case, who needs rescuing?”

I pull the truck into a parking spot next to her car and cut the engine before replying. “No. Anything but. I think you’ve been hurt, physically and emotionally, and it’s left you wary about trusting people. But you’re a lot stronger than you give yourself credit for. You’re a survivor like Missy. It’s why she’s so drawn to you. Why I’m so drawn to you.”

Megan pulls in a shaky breath. “I’m not someone you want to get close to, Jonas. I come with a lot of baggage.”

I reach for the hand gripping her purse and bring it to my mouth, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. “Why don’t you let me be the judge of that? Baggage doesn’t scare me, Megan. I have a shit ton of it myself, but it’s part of who I am today. I won’t let it hold me back from getting to know you better because there’s something between us. I sensed it the second Missy ran to you, and you looked up and smiled at me.”

“I’m damaged—physically and emotionally,” she blurts, biting her lip as she raises uncertain eyes to mine. “I’m not sure I have anything to offer.”

“You don’t have to offer me anything other than your company, Megan. I’ve been alone for a long time, and I think you have, too. So join me for that coffee tomorrow afternoon, and maybe we can unpack a little of that baggage together. No pressure. No expectations. Everything at your pace.”

Megan’s face breaks into a smile, reminding me that the best things in life are free. “I’d like that.”

“Good.” I unfurl her hand and place a kiss against her palm. “Now, stop flirting with me, woman, and let me get this tire changed.”

Megan’s mouth drops open in shock, and she bursts out laughing. It’s husky at first, then gains momentum as her vocal cords remember how to make the sound. It washes over me, radiating warmth throughout my body and tightening my balls. My heart is in so much trouble with this woman.

It doesn’t take long to change the tire. Megan takes Missy on another short walk while I work, returning as I’m tossing the slashed tire into the flatbed of the truck.

“All done,” I say, dusting my hands off on my jeans.

“What do I owe you?” Megan asks, holding onto Missy’s leash as she dances around my feet.

“The garage charged the tire to your account,” I tell her.

“And for your services?” Megan persists, quirking a dark eyebrow.

“A cup of Russo’s Italian coffee and a slice of their homemade tiramisu.”

Megan grins. “Done.”

“I’ll follow you home. Make sure you don’t have any more problems with the tire.”

“You don’t have to—”

I lift a hand to stall her. “I’d feel better seeing you home safely.”

Megan narrows her eyes at me and purses her lips. “Are you trying to get two pieces of tiramisu?”

I press my hand to my heart with a chuckle. “You got me.”

She grins. “Tiramisu, huh? Now I know your weakness.”

“Only one other thing makes me weaker,” I say meaningfully, capturing her gaze.

Her cheeks color adorably as she hurriedly hands me Missy’s leash. “Well, um, thanks again.”

“Anytime, Megan. We’ll be here at three tomorrow afternoon if you want to join us for a walk before you buy me coffee.”

“Maybe,” she tosses over her shoulder as she climbs behind the wheel.

I chuckle at her attempted nonchalance. Yeah, she’s feeling it too, but she’s fighting it. That’s okay. I’m a patient man, and Megan is worth waiting for. Besides, I have a secret weapon in the shape of Missy, who’s fallen for Megan as hard as I have.

I follow Megan across town to one of the newer, prestigious housing developments. Large colonial-style houses line the wide street, screaming wealth and privilege. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know Megan isn’t struggling for money.

She toots her horn and lifts her hand in thanks and farewell as she guides the BMW up the driveway. I honk my horn in reply before turning around and heading home to my small but comfortable apartment.

Megan Slater is a mystery. And I intend to learn every one of her secrets.

Chapter Four

Megan

“So, what brought you back to Silver Springs?”  I ask, lifting an eyebrow as I savor a bite of tiramisu.

Two weeks have passed since I met Jonas and Missy in the park and he took me to my medical appointment. We’ve fallen into a comfortable routine, meeting up in the park every afternoon to walk Missy, followed by coffee at Russo’s Italian. The restaurant has a comfortable seating area with leather sofas and wingback chairs tucked away at the back, affording us some privacy from other diners. Frank is cool about allowing small dogs in this area, so Missy is curled up contentedly at our feet as we relax on the sofa.

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to pry or bring up bad memories,” I add as Jonas frowns.

We’ve kept our conversations light over the last few weeks, sticking to everyday topics like favorite TV programs and music, the state of the economy, and the places we’d like to travel.

“No, it’s fine. It’s just… I don’t want to scare you off with my lurid past,” Jonas says half-jokingly.

“You won’t scare me off, Jonas. I’m sorry I made you feel bad the day we met, but I think we’re beyond first impressions spoiling our friendship. I… trust you,” I say softly, realizing it’s true.

Sometime during the last few weeks, I’ve come to trust Jonas more than anyone. We’ve talked and laughed, and he’s been nothing but polite and respectful—maybe a little too polite and respectful, if I’m honest. Several times I almost reached for his hand while we walked Missy. It would’ve been the most natural thing in the world to lace my fingers with his, but I lost my courage each time.

“Means a hell of a lot coming from you,” Jonas replies, his dark eyes capturing mine. He pauses, taking a sip of his coffee before continuing. “I left Medicine Bow because I put a man in a coma.”

Jonas’s blunt explanation belies the agony in his eyes.

Despite my shock at his terse confession, I instinctively reach for his hand, clasping it in mine as we sit on the leather sofa. “Will you tell me what happened?”

Jonas squeezes my hand as if drawing strength from my touch. “It was a Friday night. I was drinking at The Lazy River. It’s the only bar in Medicine Bow, where we lived and had a bad reputation for brawls, mostly courtesy of Flynn Black.”

“Flynn Black?”

“Flynn’s an ex-UFC Champion. He was as untamed as they come and often got into fights before Molly got her hands on him. She worked her magic, and they’re happily married with two kids. Anyway, that’s not relevant to this story. I was just setting the scene—small town, one bar, lots of testosterone, so anytime a woman walked in, you could be sure she’d get a lot of attention. This particular night, a couple of women came in from out of town, and the local men buzzed around them like bees on honey. They only stayed for one drink, but as they left, I noticed a couple of guys follow them out. I knew them by reputation, and their intentions seemed pretty fucking obvious to me. So, I went after them.”

Jonas pauses, his gaze far away. Dread forms in my stomach, and I squeeze his hand tighter, guessing where this is going.

“Sure enough, when I got outside, one of the men was hassling the blonde woman. I’d had a few drinks myself, so when I saw him grab her and push her up against the car, I saw red. I didn’t think. I pulled him off her and planted my fist in his face. He went down like a sack of shit, smashed his head on the curb, and didn’t move. I honestly thought I’d killed him.”

Jonas scrubs his free hand over his face, his eyes dark with memories. He falls silent, and I shuffle closer, trying to comfort him with my presence.

“Long story short, I was arrested. The guy was taken to hospital with head trauma and fell into a coma. Turns out he was the son of some wealthy businessman who owns half of Colorado. He wanted justice for his son, so my ass was going down, regardless of the circumstances. Bill Bridges, the sheriff in Medicine Bow, did everything he could to keep me out of jail, but we live in a world where money talks and the guy’s father had lots of it.”

I sit there, trying to absorb Jonas’s story. I’m almost afraid to ask the next question. “What happened to him?”

“He made a full recovery. I got two years, but I was released early for good behavior. The silver lining is that’s how I met Missy. There’s an organization called Paws for Thought who work with rescue cats and dogs. They set up prison dog training programs to teach certain offenders how to train and prepare dogs for rehoming. It’s mutually beneficial for the prisoners and the dogs, most of whom have been abused or neglected in some shape or form. You think you’re helping them to socialize and trust humans again, but all the while, they’re burrowing their way into your heart. Missy and I bonded the second they brought her in. Rick, the founder of Paws for Thought, said he’d never seen anything like it. She didn’t want to leave me at the end of our session. Luckily, I was released as they were looking to rehome her, so I jumped at the chance to adopt her. Rick approached me a few weeks later and offered me a job with the company, so I’m currently studying to become one of their certified trainers. It means I can give something back, you know? Help the dogs and the prisoners. Feels like a win-win.”

Jonas finally lifts his eyes to mine as he finishes his story. They widen in horror as he sees the tears streaming down my cheeks. “Oh, shit. I didn’t mean to make you cry. I know it’s a lot to—”

I press my fingers to his lips, stalling him. “I am so proud of you.”

Jonas stares at me, his brow pulled down in a frown. “Why the fuck would you be proud of me?”

“Because you got dealt a shitty hand, but you didn’t let it define you. You could’ve chosen a different path, become bitter and twisted, but you didn’t. I’m so sorry for what you went through, but you turned a negative experience into something positive. That tells me everything I need to know about what kind of man you are.” I pause, wiping the tears from my cheeks. “I wish I’d had someone like you around. Maybe I wouldn’t have ended up with this bum knee.”

“Who hurt you?” Jonas asks, his voice eerily calm.

I lift my eyes to his. “My ex-husband.”

Chapter Five

Jonas

The raw emotion in Megan’s blue eyes knocks the breath from my lungs. I bring her hand to my mouth, kissing her cold fingers. “You’re safe with me, sweetheart.”

Her eyes fill with tears as she nods. “I know.”

Those two words knit some part of my soul back together. Having Megan’s trust is no small thing. I’d rather cut off my meat and two veg than break her faith in me.

“What happened?”

“I’ve known Lance for years. My father founded Slater Technologies in Denver, and Lance was his right-hand man.”

“I’ve heard of them. Don’t they supply healthcare technology to medical facilities?”

“They do. I inherited the company when my father died from a heart attack six years ago. He was only forty-eight. I never knew my mother. She died of cancer when I was two.”

“Jesus, that’s rough,” I growl, shaking my head.

“I wasn’t particularly close to my father. He worked long hours, and a succession of nannies raised me. Don’t get me wrong. I had everything I could want—except love. I was all set to go to college when my father died. I was nineteen and had no clue how to run a business, so the task fell to Lance, my father’s right-hand man. When he set his sights on me, I should've known that he only wanted the company, but I was too naïve to see him for what he was. I had a sheltered upbringing and went to an all-girls private school. I had no experience with men, so when he started showering me with affection and compliments, I fell for it hook, line, and sinker.

“We dated for a little while, and he was passionate with me but weren’t intimate until after the wedding. At the time, I thought it was romantic if a little old-fashioned, but he said he wanted to wait. It didn’t take long to discover why once we were married. God forbid he revealed his true nature before getting a ring on my finger. Nothing could have prepared me for our wedding night. He left me… bruised and sick to my stomach. The next day, Lance caught me packing a case and threw me down the stairs in a fit of rage.”

“Fuck!” I immediately regret my outburst when Megan jumps. I clench my jaw so tightly that I’m sure I’ll crack some molars.

“Jesus, Megan. I—" I shake my head, unable to find the right words.

“It’s okay. I’m okay,” she says softly, seeming to understand my raw reaction.

“I should be the one comforting you,” I rasp, pulling her close and wrapping my arms around her.

She melts against me with a shaky sigh that cracks my heart in two. She’s had no one to look out for her, to protect her from the coward who hurt her. I smooth my hand over her dark curls, warming her with my body as she continues.

“By the time the ambulance arrived, Lance was playing the role of distraught, concerned husband. He was so convincing, even in the hospital, and no one suspected a thing. I would’ve left then if I could, but I was in so much pain and spaced out on the meds they gave me. I had a concussion, a broken wrist, and a cracked rib which, thankfully, healed without any problems. My knee was a different story." She pauses and her hand unconsciously moves to her injured leg. “It was dislocated, and I had multiple torn ligaments. The first surgery would have been successful if—” she pauses again as her voice cracks, “—if Lance had left me alone. A few days after I left the hospital, he kicked me in my knee because he didn’t like the way I spoke to him. That’s when I called the cops and had him arrested for domestic abuse. They held him for the night, and I got the hell out of Dodge—or, Denver, in this case—and didn’t look back.”

“They didn’t charge him?” I ask incredulously.

“Not enough evidence. It was my word against his.”

“Not enough evidence? He could’ve killed you!” The words are ripped from my throat.

“The law is reactive, not proactive. Things are changing but not fast enough,” she says sadly.

“How long ago was this?” I ask through gritted teeth.

“I married him a little over a year ago. Three months and six days later, the divorce was final. I knew after our wedding night what a huge mistake I’d made. I know it sounds awful, but in some ways, it was a relief when he pushed me down the stairs because it kept him away from me. I can cope with the physical pain of my injuries, but I never want that man’s hands on me again.”

I try to control my anger. “Where is he now?”

“In Denver. I sold my father’s company and filed for a divorce as soon as I left. I discovered from my attorney that Lance was up to his neck in gambling debts, and the new owner fired him for misappropriating company funds. I gave Lance a more than generous settlement for a speedy divorce, but he’d already burned through that, and now he wants more.”

I stiffen, and my senses go on high alert. “What do you mean he wants more?”

“Somehow, he got hold of my cell phone number and called me, leaving threatening messages. He was furious because he couldn’t intimidate me into sending him more money. Lance is unstable, and I was worried about him coming after me, so I immediately blocked his number and changed mine before going to the town sheriff for help. Apart from my therapist, Huxley Carter is the only person who knows my situation with my ex-husband. Huxley took my concerns seriously and promised Lance wouldn’t get anywhere near me. He advised me on the best alarm system to install at the house and encouraged me to take out a restraining order, which I did.”

“Jesus Christ, what a nightmare,” I mumble, squeezing Megan tighter. A chilling thought occurs to me. “The slashed tire. That’s why you looked so scared when you saw it.”

Megan sighs wearily. “It occurred to me it could be Lance, so I called Sheriff Carter the same day to let him know. It’s the kind of thing Lance would do to intimidate me. He blames me for everything. For having him arrested. For selling the company and cutting off his money supply. I was his meal ticket—a wealthy, gullible young woman. He must’ve rubbed his hands together when he saw me coming,” she says bitterly.

I pull back to look at Megan, tucked against my side. “Don’t ever blame yourself for his actions. I was inside with several sexual predators, and men like that are skilled at hiding their true intentions and motives. Lance was in a position of trust in your father’s company, but once your father was out of the picture, he had a clear shot at you. Don’t let him win by allowing him to get in here,” I say, tapping a finger to her temple.

“I’m working on it,” she says, giving me a watery smile. “Still want to be my friend now you know my baggage, Jonas Castillo?”

I shake my head. “No.”

Megan’s face drops.

“I want to be much more than your friend, Megan Slater, but I can wait until you’re ready.”

Megan cocks her head, and her eyes roam over my face before settling on mine again. Her dilated pupils swallow those beautiful blue orbs as she says, “What if I’m ready now?”

I almost groan aloud as my cock jackknifes into ready position. “You’re not, but I’ll be the luckiest fucker alive when you are.”

Megan shivers. “You need to stop saying things like that.”

I raise an eyebrow. “Why?”

“What if I disappoint you?” she whispers. “I… have issues with intimacy after what… after Lance.”

The vulnerability and uncertainty in her eyes slay me. I smooth my fingers over her cheek in an exquisitely gentle touch. “You could never disappoint me, Megan. Not in a million years. Whatever it takes, whatever you need, I’m all in.” I glide my thumb across her bottom lip, and Megan catches her breath. “Besides, sexual attraction won’t be an issue for us.”

Her throat works as she swallows. “What makes you say that?”

“The way your breath catches and your pupils dilate when I touch you. How your cheeks flush, and your heart rate picks up whenever I’m close,” I murmur, pressing my thumb to the tell-tale pulse throbbing in her neck.

Megan’s tongue darts out to wet her lips. “I feel it too.”

I lean forward, and Megan’s eyelids flutter closed as I brush my lips across hers in a featherlight touch. I don’t linger, knowing if I do, I won’t be able to stop. I smile as I pull back, and her lips follow mine blindly, seeking more. Yeah, we’re gonna go up in flames when I finally claim her. I’ve barely touched her, and I’m harder than a teenager looking at his first centerfold.

“You’re not alone anymore,” I tell her, smoothing my hands down her arms. “You have me. And Sheriff Carter is on alert. Not to mention Missy. She may be small, but I’ve trained her to be a lethal weapon when someone she loves is threatened. She’s currently top of her class in Corgi Combat.”

“Corgi Combat?” Megan snorts, her indigo eyes dancing with humor.

“Black belt, aren’t you, Missy?”

Missy gives a little “woof” and scrambles to her feet at the mention of her name.

“Are you sure you’re not human?” Megan laughs, bending to scratch her ears.

Missy licks Megan’s hand in response and then looks at me expectantly.

“Okay, I hear you.” I chuckle. “Time to get my two best girls home.”

Chapter Six

Megan

I can’t remember the last time I was this happy. Probably never. It’s been two days since Jonas and I “unpacked our baggage.”

I was honored Jonas trusted me enough to tell me what happened in Medicine Bow. It seems crazy that he went to jail for stepping in to prevent a woman from being abused. Should Jonas have punched the other man? Maybe not. But what was the alternative? Would the other man have hurt the woman? Forced himself on her? Seems to me he got what he deserved, despite the unfortunate outcome for Jonas.

As for me, sharing my past with Jonas was much easier than I imagined. He didn’t judge me or make me feel foolish for falling for Lance’s lies. It’s so easy to see how he played me now I have some distance and perspective. Lance was a paragon of kindness until the bedroom door closed on our wedding night. Then, he took pleasure in subjugating me, humiliating me, and causing me pain.

I’ve avoided men ever since, but Jonas has broken through my defenses. It’s hard to believe it’s less than a month since he and Missy blew into my life. I fell for the little corgi that first afternoon when she lifted her paw to say hello, and over the following weeks, I’ve fallen for her gorgeous owner.

I’ve never met anyone like Jonas. He’s everything I dreamed a man should be—generous, caring, protective, and hot as hell. Suddenly, life seems full of opportunities.

I cast my eyes around the large kitchen as I sit at the table. This house is far too big for me, but it’s in a good neighborhood, protected by walls on all sides, and now has a state-of-the-art security system fitted. No one is getting into this house without my knowledge.

I collect the dirty dishes from my meal for one and wash them in the sink—no point running the dishwasher for a few plates. Maybe I’ll invite Jonas over for dinner. I can cook my signature chicken cacciatore, and I’m sure Missy would love to investigate this place. The thought brings a smile to my face. I haven’t felt lonely until now, but meeting Jonas and Missy has changed everything. I love spending time with them and miss them when they’re not around.

I’m still smiling as my cell phone goes off in my purse. I reach for it, answering it absently, distracted by thoughts of Jonas’s deep-brown eyes and sexy grin.

“Got yourself a new boyfriend, then.”

My stomach drops and the blood freezes in my veins at the familiar voice. “How did you get this number?”

“What’s his name?” Lance asks, ignoring my question.

“None of your business!” I hiss, my hand shaking as I grip the phone. “This needs to stop, Lance. We’re divorced. Get on with your life and stay out of mine!”

“I need more money.” There’s an edge of desperation in his voice. “I’m in hock to some bad people, Meg. They’ll hurt me if I don’t pay up.”

“Good. You’re not my problem anymore, Lance. You had a more than generous settlement in the divorce. Far more money than an abusive asshole like you deserves. Now, fuck off out of my life, or I swear to God, I’ll file harassment charges against you!”

My hands are shaking so badly that I have trouble ending the call. My threat feels empty, considering I already have a restraining order on my ex-husband, but I’m out of my element here.

I quickly write down the phone number Lance called from and put a call in to Sheriff Carter.

“I’ll get a trace on it, but I’m not holding my breath. Probably a burner phone. At the least, we might be able to get a ping from the nearest cell tower, make sure he’s not in the area,” Huxley Carter says once I’ve filled him in on Lance’s unexpected phone call.

“You think he’d risk it with the restraining order?” I ask as real fear washes over me. Suddenly, this house doesn’t feel so safe. Dear God, will I ever be free of this nightmare?

“He’d be crazy to do anything rash. He wants money, so he needs you alive and well,” Huxley points out.

Great. Not making me feel any better here.

“Are you sure there’s no one you can stay with for a few days?” he suggests.

He asked me the same question when I went to him for help the first time Lance called. Being new to town, I didn’t know anyone, but I do now. I bite my lip. “I… there is someone.”

“Who?”

“Jonas Castillo.”

“He’s a good man. If nothing else, having company will make you feel safer.”

That’s true, although I’m not sure how “safe” my heart will be with Jonas. That’s if he has the room and doesn’t mind an unexpected guest.

“If you hear from Lance again, you have my number. You can call anytime, day or night.”

“Thank you,” I whisper.

I end the call with Sheriff Carter's promise that he’ll be in touch.

Finally, I call Jonas.

Jonas doesn't hesitate when I fill him in on Lance's call, refusing to let me drive alone to his place and heading over to pick me up. While I’m waiting, I throw some clothes into a small suitcase, together with toiletries and my pain meds. My knee is doing great, getting stronger every day, and I’ve had to rely less and less on my walking cane over the last few weeks. Still, I grab it from its spot by the front door as the headlights from Jonas’s truck signal his arrival.

Jonas sweeps me up in his arms the second I open the door, wrapping me up in the safety of his arms. “You okay, sweetheart?”

“I am now,” I mumble against his chest.

“I’m gonna tear that fucker a new asshole when I catch up to him.”

I pull back to look at him, cupping his cheek in my hand and smoothing my thumb over his soft beard. “No, you won’t. I won’t have you risking your freedom for me, Jonas. Sheriff Carter will take care of him, okay?”

Jonas doesn’t reply, and the next thing I know, his mouth is on mine. I hold myself stiffly for a second before a small whimper escapes my throat, and I kiss him back.

I bunch the material of his brushed cotton shirt in my hands, and his hard muscles jerk under my fingers. I thought I was done with sexual desire and intimacy, but with Jonas, this feels so right, so perfect.

“Unless you want me to carry you to the nearest bed, you need to stop touching me like that, sweetheart,” Jonas growls against my mouth.  

I realize belatedly that my fingers have been exploring his muscular chest. “Shit. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” he says gently, stilling my backward movement as I go to pull away. “I’m not complaining. But you’re fucking gorgeous, and my body is reacting to you in ways I don’t think you’re ready for yet,” he says, lowering his eyes between us.

I follow his gaze, and my eyes widen as I take in the enormous bulge in the front of his jeans. I swallow hard. “Oh.”

“It’s been a long time since a woman affected me the way you do,” he admits, his cheeks ruddy.

His admission puts me at ease. Jonas isn’t a player. He’s not a sexual predator intent on inflicting pain.

He cups my face and strokes his thumb over my cheek.  “I want to replace the bad memories I see in your eyes with good ones, Megan.”

My heart races madly, and my breath comes in little pants. “Good ones?”

“Your ex-husband frightened you badly. Left you scared of physical contact. But not with me. You react to me in a normal, healthy way, and I can’t tell you how fucking happy that makes me.”

Proving his point, he tucks a dark curl behind my ear, and I shiver, but not from fear. My nipples pucker and press against the cotton of my t-shirt, betraying my desire.

“I’ve never felt this way before,” I whisper, lifting uncertain eyes to his.

“I know, baby. There’s so much I want to show you. But I won’t rush you, and I’ll never ask you for something you’re not willing to give me freely. A real man gives pleasure, he doesn’t take it away.”

I gaze at him, transfixed. Which cloud did this man fall from? I bite my lip. “Can you… will you kiss me again?”

Jonas’s eyes are intense as they burn into mine, but I’m not frightened. I’m aroused. It’s a wonderful feeling. My eyes flutter closed as he bends toward me, and then his lips are gently parting mine.

He hesitates as I stiffen.  “Okay, baby?”

My heart thuds at his unexpected tenderness, and I relax, moving closer. “I’m good. I know you won’t hurt me, Jonas.”

His eyes flare and he cups my face in both hands, claiming my mouth in a deeper kiss. His tongue swipes across my bottom lip, and I open for him with a moan. His breath catches as I tentatively meet the thrust of his tongue with mine, and an unexpected surge of empowerment rolls through me, knowing I affect him as powerfully as he does me.

His mouth consumes mine in an act much more profound than a kiss. He floods my senses, demanding everything inside me before filling me with something that isn’t me. It’s him… his gift to me as he pours himself inside me, somehow mending all my shattered pieces and making me whole again.

But all too soon, he draws away, his chest rising and falling beneath my hands as he rests his forehead against mine.

“Did I do something wrong?” I whisper.

“God, no,” he says roughly, pulling back and smoothing my hair away from my flushed cheeks. “But you’ve got me on fire from one kiss, and we need to take things slowly.”

I blow out a shaky breath. “This is all new to me. I never knew a man could be so tender and considerate.”

He trails his fingers trailed down my cheek. “He can if he truly cares about a woman.”

My stomach flips with excitement. I don’t want to examine his statement too closely—yet. Jonas is right—I need to take things slowly, but he’s already restored a fragment of my damaged soul with his kiss. Because it wasn’t simply a kiss, it was proof of his intentions, a promise that he would never hurt me and always put my needs above his.

It's humbling. And freeing. My spirit is a little lighter knowing there are men like Jonas in the world. But I don’t want a man like Jonas. I want him.

“I hate that he made you feel so unworthy of love and desire,” Jonas murmurs, and we both know who he’s referring to. “You’re a diamond, Megan, formed under conditions many wouldn’t survive.”

“No one’s ever made me feel like you do,” I confess.

“Good,” he growls, pressing a quick kiss to my mouth. “Because I’m claiming you, Meg. Gonna make you feel special every day from now on.” He wraps me in his arms again as if he can’t bear to let me go.

I like the sound of that—a lot. “Thank you for this. I couldn’t face being here alone after—”

“I told you before. You’re not alone,” he cuts me off. “You’ve got me, and Missy’s in the truck, waiting for an opportunity to use her combat skills on anyone who so much as looks at you the wrong way. She’s got her black belt tied around her head, and she’s wearing her night-vision goggles.”

I burst out laughing. I love how Jonas makes me laugh even when I’m at my lowest. I love everything about him. I love… him.

Oh, shit!

I love him. I’m in love with Jonas. When did that happen? He’s managed to burrow his way beneath my defenses, along with his precious little corgi, opening me up to the possibilities of life and love. Or, more specifically, a life of loving him.

Jonas releases me and grabs my small suitcase. I close and lock the door as he stashes it in the footwell of the cab before lifting me into the truck. I’m capable of doing it myself now my knee is stronger, but I’ll take any excuse to have Jonas’s hands on me. It dawns on me that I’ve come a long way from the woman who avoided human contact like the plague less than a month ago. More Jonas and Missy magic.

It doesn’t take long to reach Jonas’s place—a cozy ground-floor apartment in a small complex not far from the center of town. The complex is three stories and built in a square with a large green area in the middle—perfect for Missy to have a little run around and do her business during the day.

“Not much to see,” Jonas says as we enter his apartment. “Kitchen, living area, cloakroom, and bedroom with adjoining bathroom,” he explains, giving me a quick rundown with a sweep of his arm. “You can take the bedroom. I just need to change the bedding.”

“Oh, no, I can sleep here,” I say, indicating the large sofa in the living area.

“You’re having the bedroom, no arguments,” Jonas insists. “I can sleep anywhere after a lumpy prison mattress. The sofa opens into a bed, so I’ll be perfectly comfortable.”

“If you’re sure. I’m imposing on you enough without stealing your bed,” I say uncertainly.

“You’re not imposing. Is she, Missy?”

Missy gives a dutiful bark, her tongue lolling out as she looks between Logan and me before making a beeline for her basket in the living room

I grin, already feeling more at home here than I ever have in my huge, empty house. Despite Lance’s unexpected phone call and veiled threats, I’m optimistic about my future for the first time in years.

Chapter Seven

Jonas

I toss and turn on the sofa. My body is on fire, knowing Megan is sleeping a few short feet away. Having her in my apartment for the last few days has been equal parts bliss and torture.

Bliss because she’s a ray of sunshine, spreading light and laughter into every corner of my life. She’s unfurling like a flower in sunlight. The dark circles have disappeared beneath her eyes, and I can almost see the weight of her past lifting from her shoulders with each passing day.

And torture because my cock is at risk of permanent teeth-mark tattoos from my zipper. The fucker won’t go down when I’m around Megan. I’m surprised she hasn’t noticed how she makes me hard simply by looking at me. Or licking her lips. Or breathing.

Yeah, I’ve got it bad, but I promised not to rush her. She’s been through hell, and I want her to be sure I’m what she wants. I have no doubt she’s it for me, but it’s taking every ounce of my willpower not to drag her into my arms and kiss her breathless.

Sheriff Carter called Megan the morning after I brought her here to tell her the phone number she gave him was no longer active, and they haven't been able to trace it yet. I share Megan’s sense of frustration when it comes to her ex-husband. The guy is a fucking coward, preying on a woman as kind and gentle as Megan. She deserves to be cherished and loved, not beaten and abused by a fucking psychopath. So long as she’s with me, I’ll keep her safe. I’d even risk going back to jail if it meant ridding her of her waste-of-space ex.

We settle into a comfortable routine over the next few days. Megan hasn’t worked since she married Lance and subsequently sold her father’s company, but she confesses how she’d like to return to school to get her degree in counseling. I encourage her to apply to the local college, knowing she’ll make a perfect therapist, having the empathy required to help others with their trauma.

As for me, a lot of my training for Paws For Thought is online right now while I work through the study modules. Soon, I’ll be able to join Rick when he takes the dogs into the prisons. I never imagined I’d go back inside as part of a structured program, but it’s become my passion somewhere along the line, and I can’t wait to give something back. Meeting Missy in prison was a game-changer for me, and I hope I can help others experience the same.

Missy has adapted to having Megan around as if she’s always lived with us. Megan and I haven’t discussed how long she’s staying, but I’m in no rush for her to leave. Getting to know each other better and seeing her come out of herself is special. If I get my way, we’ll live under the same roof for the rest of our lives.

“No! Please!”

Megan’s sudden shout has me flying from the sofa toward her room. The door is ajar, and I move inside without thinking.

“Please, don’t!” Megan’s cry is pitiful as she thrashes on the bed, fighting unseen hands. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to work out whose hands they are. Fucking Lance. I want to kill him with my bare hands for what he’s done to her.

“Megan,” I say firmly, grasping her flailing arms so she doesn’t hurt herself. “Megan, it’s me. It’s Jonas. You’re safe, sweetheart.”

Megan’s eyes pop open, abject fear in their indigo depths. “J-Jonas?”

“It’s me, baby. You’re safe. It was a bad dream. No one is going to hurt you.”

“Oh, God! He was chasing me, and then he pushed me down the stairs. I thought I was back there. It felt so real,” she sobs. 

I sit on the bed and lift her into my arms, holding her against me as she cries. She curls into my body as if I’m her only lifeline and clings to me, shivering as tears run down her cheeks.

“I thought he was going to kill me,” she hiccups, her fingers digging into my bare chest.

“He’s not here, Meg. He’ll never get to you again, I swear to God,” I say roughly, hating that she’s in so much pain. I want to take it away from her, absorb it into myself.

I smooth my hand over her dark curls and kiss her forehead, trying to soothe her with my touch.

She burrows closer with a ragged sigh, her tears gradually slowing. Eventually, she pulls back to look at me with red-rimmed eyes. “I’m so sorry. I still have nightmares now and again. I didn’t mean to wake you.”

I smooth her hair back from her flushed face. “Don’t apologize. I couldn’t sleep, anyway.”

Megan lifts uncertain eyes to mine. “Will you… will you stay with me?”

“I’m not sure that’s a good—”

Megan cuts me off by pressing her mouth to mine. It’s a soft kiss, tentative, and the blood roars from my extremities to my rapidly swelling cock.

“Meg, you’re upset. You just had a nightmare, and I only have so much self-control. I won’t take advantage of you when you’re vulnerable.”

“I know, and that’s why I trust you. I need you, Jonas. “Please… touch me,” she whispers, her breath feathering across my lips.

Ah, shit. I’m a goner.

I cup her face in my hands, bringing her mouth to mine, kissing her gently. I want to be tender with her, but the fine thread of my control snaps when she opens up for me with a moan. I claim her mouth in a blistering kiss, licking inside and groaning as she meets the thrust of my tongue with hers.

“Jonas,” she whispers as I tear my mouth from hers and trail kisses down her neck. “I ache.”

“Where?” I ask hoarsely.

She catches my hand and draws it to her breasts. Her body arches toward me, her eyes misty with hunger, her plump lips parted. She fits my hand perfectly, and I slide my thumb over her nipple through her camisole.

She sucks in a breath and shudders at the light touch. “Oh, God, that feels so good.” She arches into my hand as I slide the strap down her arm, freeing her breast with its dusky tip.

“Jesus, you’re beautiful. So responsive,” I whisper, dipping my head and closing my mouth around her nipple.

“Jonas!” she chokes, threading her hands through my hair to hold me against her.

I ease the other strap down her shoulder so she’s bare from the waist up, and the only barrier between us is her sleep shorts and my boxers.

“Goddamn perfect,” I breathe, palming her tits in my hands and pinching her nipples into taut peaks.

“I never knew,” she whispers, gazing at me with something like awe. “I never knew it could feel like this.”

“This is only the tip of the iceberg,” I promise, humbled by the look in her eyes. “Do you trust me?”

Megan nods immediately. “More than anyone.”

Fuck. I swallow the lump in my throat. This woman is going to slay me. “Then let me show you how good it can be.”

She nods and bites her lip. “O-Okay.”

I smile as I brush my mouth across hers, slipping my hand into the front of her sleep shorts. She tenses and holds her breath.

“Relax, sweetheart. This is all part of making you feel good.”

She nods, her eyes shining with trust as my fingers tease through her neatly trimmed hair to open her slick folds.

“Oh!” She jerks as I find her clit with the tip of my finger. “No one’s ever touched me like this,” she confesses with a gasp, moving her hips instinctively.

Her confession doesn’t surprise me. From what she’s told me, her fuckwit ex-husband wasn’t interested in her pleasure, only in taking his own at her expense. Her innocent responses to my touch make me want to roar and beat my chest.

I move my mouth back to her breast, suckling and tugging at her nipple while my fingers dance over her clit, circling, teasing, pinching.

Minutes pass, the silence of the room broken only by Megan’s little gasps and moans. I slick her juices around her folds, using them as natural lube while I press, flick, and rub her swollen pearl. Megan’s head falls back, and she moans, grinding her hips against my hand as her body trembles, seeking release.

“Jonas,” she pants, a note of fear in her voice as her pleasure builds.

“It’s okay, sweet girl. Let go. I’ve got you,” I mutter, grazing my fingernail across her clit.

“Oh, God!” Her body bucks forward as her orgasm claims her.

I maintain the pressure of my fingers through her release until she collapses against me, her head resting on my shoulder as I cradle her in my lap.

Warm wetness splashes against my shoulder and rolls down my back. “Thank you,” she whispers into my neck, kissing my throat as she clings to me.

My arms contract around her. I love her. More than anything, anyone. “Don’t thank me. What a gift, watching you come. Most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

She pulls back, placing a tender kiss on my lips. “What about you?”

I chuckle as I see her furious blush in the moonlight filtering through the window. “Nothing a cold shower won’t take care of.”

“But… do you want to…?” She lets her question trail off.

I force myself to think with the head on my shoulders and cup her face, pinning her with my gaze. “Yes, more than anything, but not tonight. Tonight was for you. I can wait until you’re ready. I’m not going anywhere, and we have all the time in the world.” I’ll wait an eternity for this woman.

More tears spill down her cheeks, and she presses another sweet kiss to my lips. I cover her perfect breasts with her camisole and tug her under the covers, tucking her against my body.

“Sorry about the boner,” I chuckle as she wriggles against me. “It’ll go down in a minute.”

She tips her head back to look at me. “Really?”

“No,” I sigh. “Fucker’s been hard from the minute I met you.”

“Sorry, not sorry,” she snorts, her shoulders shaking as she buries her face against my chest.

“Wicked woman,” I growl, making her squeal as I pinch her rounded ass cheek. I drop a kiss on top of her head. “Go to sleep before the monster in my boxers decides to find somewhere warm and wet to spend the night.”

Meg’s breath hitches. She likes the sound of that. Soon. Very soon, I hope, for the sake of the blisters on my right palm and the repetitive strain injury in my wrist.

I smooth my hands along her back in soothing circles, and before long, her steady breathing tells me she’s fallen asleep.

I pull her closer and hold her a little tighter. Now I have her in my arms, I’m not letting her go.

Chapter Eight

Megan

We’re woken the following morning by the harsh sound of the intercom buzzer. I’m wrapped in warmth, snuggled into Jonas’s arms. I slept soundly, and I don’t think I moved once.

“Morning, beautiful,” Jonas mumbles, kissing my forehead.

“Morning,” I breathe, feeling all warm and tingly inside.

My nightmare of last night seems like a distant memory, overshadowed by the pleasure I found in Jonas’s arms. God, the man is talented with his fingers and his mouth. That was some orgasm he gave me. The memory makes my core tingle and throb. It helps that he’s sexy as hell. I only have to look at him and my body goes into overdrive. I only experienced pain at the hands of my ex-husband, so it’s wonderful to know that intimacy is pleasurable with the right man—with Jonas.

The buzzer sounds again, dragging me from my pleasant thoughts.

“Dammit, who the hell is calling at—" Jonas pauses to check his phone on the bedside cabinet. “Shit! It’s almost midday!”

I get an uninterrupted view of his gorgeous body as he hops out of bed, almost drooling over his long, muscular back, tight butt, and broad shoulders.

“Having fun?” he teases, catching me gawping. He turns to face me, his cock tenting his boxers like the branch of a tree.

“Shit,” I whisper, eyes wide as I take him in. “That puts a whole new definition on morning wood.”

Jonas chuckles, and his cheeks turn ruddy. “You need to stop looking at me like that, or things are gonna get messy real quick.”

I waggle my eyebrows at him boldly. “Maybe I want to get messy.”

Jonas’s head falls back and he groans at the ceiling. “You’re killing me, woman.”

I laugh delightedly, enjoying our relaxed banter. It’s hard to believe how much has changed in a short space of time. I never dreamed I would feel this comfortable with intimacy—not that I want it with anyone other than Jonas. He’s brought me back life in every sense of the word.

“Okay, okay, I’m coming!” Jonas shouts as the buzzer goes off for the third time, even though the other person can’t hear him.

I climb out of bed and quickly use the bathroom, washing my face and brushing my teeth before pulling on a pair of black leggings and an oversized t-shirt.

Missy greets me as I open the bedroom door, her tail wagging enthusiastically. “Good morning, girl,” I murmur, bending to make a fuss of her.

Male voices drift from the living area, and Missy patters along beside me as I go to see who it is.

My eyes fall on the man sitting on the sofa. “Sheriff Carter!”

Huxley Carter is a tall man with a lean yet muscular build and brown hair streaked blond by the sun. His eyes are an unusual shade of dark gray and seem to see right through people. In his mid-thirties, he carries an innate sense of authority that inspires confidence and trust from the people he serves and protects. When I first met him, I wasn’t surprised to learn he’d been unanimously re-elected as sheriff for the last six years.

Jonas sits opposite the sheriff on the sofa, now dressed in a t-shirt and sports shorts. He looks delicious with his hair ruffled from sleep. 

“Is there any news?” I ask the sheriff, sitting next to Jonas.

“We managed to get a location from the cell tower for the number he called you from. He was in Denver when he made that call.”

I breathe a sigh of relief. “That’s good news. What about the tire? Do you think that was him?”

“It’s possible, although I’ve had patrols out, and there’ve been no sightings of him. He could be lying low, or more likely, had someone else slash your tires.”

I blow out a resigned breath. “He’s a control freak and a narcissist.”

The sheriff nods. “That he is. I have my officers on alert, and I was patrolling the area, so I thought I’d swing by to see how you’re doing.”

“Good, thanks to Jonas,” I reply, trying not to blush as I remember last night. “And Missy, of course.” I chuckle as she clambers up on the sofa and plants herself across my lap.

He nods in approval. “Looks like you’re in good hands. I know it’s easy to say, but try not to worry. Hoffman would be a fool to try anything with the restraining order in place,” he says, referring to Lance by his surname. “He’s trying to intimidate you into giving him more money. With any luck, he’ll soon get bored when he realizes he isn’t getting anywhere.”

“I want him out of my life. I never should’ve married the man. Hindsight is a wonderful teacher,” I say bitterly.

“It’s on him, not you, Megan,” the sheriff says, repeating what Jonas has already told me. “I should get going, so I’ll leave you to it. You have my number if you need me.”

“Thanks, Sheriff. And thanks for checking on me. I appreciate it.”

“All part of the job,” he replies, although I know he goes above and beyond in his duty of care.

“Doing okay?” Jonas asks once Sheriff Carter has left.

“I am,” I reply, surprised to find it’s true. “For the first time in a long time, I feel… good.”

“It’s the endorphins from the mind-blowing orgasm I gave you last night. You’re welcome,” he replies, straight-faced.

“Oh, my God!” I squeak, burying my burning cheeks in my hands.

Jonas drags me into his lap, earning an unimpressed “harumph” from Missy as she’s dislodged. He cups my face and kisses me soundly, nibbling on my bottom lip. “Good morning, sweet thing.”

“Now it is,’” I grin, pressing my forehead to his.

“It’s the weekend, so what would you like to do today?”

I shiver as he kisses a sensitive spot behind my ear. “I guess I should think about going back to my house.”

He pulls back to look at me with a frown. “Is that what you want?”

I shake my head. “No, but I can’t stay here forever.”

“What if I want you to stay forever?”

My heart almost bursts from my chest at his words, but I know he’s joking. “Jonas—”

“How about we enjoy the weekend and decide on Monday?”

I give him a bright smile. I’ll take whatever time I can get with this amazing man. “Deal.”

“Good. I—” He pauses, lifting his nose in the air. "Is that you?"

The smell hits me just as he says it. "No!' I squeal, pinching my  nose together.

We both look at Missy, who blinks at us innocently.

"Dear God, girl! I need to change your diet. There's a green haze hanging over your ass," Jonas says, looking at her in disgust.

I start laughing at his expression, and can't stop. Tears roll down my face as he shakes his head and wafts his hand in front of his face. Laughter really is the best medicine, and these two are a constant source of it.

Jonas gives me a quick kiss and sets me on my feet. “I need to run to the grocery store for a few things. You wanna come with me or stay here?”

“Do you mind if I stay here? I could use a shower.”

“No problem. Won’t be long.” Jonas leans in for another kiss before grabbing his keys from the kitchen counter and heading out the door.

I take a quick shower and throw on a pair of jeans and a t-shirt. Missy is waiting for me as I leave the bedroom, dancing around and whining.

“Hey, girl. What’s the matter? You need to pee?”

Missy is silent.

“You hungry?”

Silence.

“You want to go for a walk?”

Missy barks and I laugh, more convinced she’s part human than ever.

“Okay, just a short one before Jonas gets back. My knee could use the exercise.” I grab Missy's leash from the coat peg by the front door and snap it to her collar. I take my cane, just in case, along with the spare key Jonas gave me, and we head out the door.

It's a beautiful day. The sun is shining, but it’s not too hot, courtesy of the cooling breeze. I smile as Missy sniffs at every corner and tries to chase a leaf. After a few minutes, I turn left, cutting through a small copse toward the green area where Jonas and I have walked Missy the last few days.

I’m unprepared for the man who suddenly appears from behind the tree in front of me and almost plow into him. I jump back, jarring my knee, my heartbeat faltering as I look up at Lance.

“I was wondering when I’d catch you on your own,” he says, his watery-blue eyes moving over me.

He looks like shit. His usually neat hair is disheveled, his clothes rumpled, and dark shadows line his eyes. He also looks like he’s lost weight.

“What are you doing here?” I hiss, trying not to let him see how scared I am. I glance around quickly, hoping to see someone who can help me, but no one is around. It’s one thing to have to talk to Lance on the end of the phone and another to have him standing in front of me, a very real threat to my safety.

“You didn’t leave me any choice, Meg. I’m in trouble, and I need money.”

“As I told you the other day, not my problem. You’ve taken enough from me. You’re not taking any more.”

Lance takes a step toward me, and Missy growls. “I lost everything because of you. Why should you get to play happy families when I have nothing?” he demands, spittle flying from his mouth.

“You’re the reason you lost everything, Lance, not me. You’re a pathetic excuse for a human being, and your past is catching up with you. You deserve every ounce of shit coming your way after what you did to me,” I snap, indicating the cane in my hand.

“I’m sorry. I never meant for you to get hurt. It’s not my fault you lost your balance and fell down the stairs,” he says petulantly.

Dear God, this man is a piece of work. The engaging, charming persona he projected is long gone, leaving behind a bitter, desperate man.

“I need twenty thousand to get these guys off my back. Give me the money, and I swear you’ll never hear from me again,” he pleads. “It’s not like you’ll miss it. Twenty thousand is a drop in the ocean to you.”

I refuse to engage with him anymore. Reaching into my pocket, I pull out my phone. I’m about to hit the speed dial for the sheriff when Lance dives toward me, knocking the phone from my hand. It clatters on the hard ground as he grabs a handful of my hair and yanks my head back. I yelp as I step back awkwardly on my injured knee, and my eyes water at the pain from my scalp, where Lance seems determined to tear my hair from my head.

Lance releases me so suddenly that I almost fall in a heap on the ground. It takes me a few seconds to figure out why he suddenly let me go. Missy is snarling and growling, her jaws clamped around Lance’s calf. Even as I watch, Lance tears himself free and kicks Missy so hard that he launches her into the air. She yelps as she lands with a thud and doesn’t move.

“Noooo!” My scream is torn from my throat as fury lights up my blood. Somehow, I’ve managed to hold onto my cane, and I launch myself at Lance, smashing it across his face.

He roars in pain, and blood spurts from his nose—I’ve broken it. Good. I want to hurt the fucker. I want to tear him to pieces with my bare hands and rid this world of his evil.

His lips pull back from his teeth like a rabid dog, his eyes promising retribution as he stalks toward me.

Oh, shit.

I lift the cane to hit him again, but he stops the downward motion with his hand, ripping it from my grasp. I take a step back, lifting my arms to protect my head as I wait for him to grab me or hit me, but nothing happens.

I lower my arms. Lance is gone.

Chapter Nine

Megan

The next thirty minutes unfold in a blur. Lance was scared off by a passerby who heard me scream and came to investigate, then called the cops.

Then, Sheriff Carter is there, and so is Jonas, his face drawn and pale as he strides toward me. He lifts me off the ground as he gathers me up in his arms, blind and deaf to the comings and goings around us.

“Are you all right?” he rasps, pulling back to look at me.

My scalp is sore, and my knee throbs, but those slight discomforts pale next to my concern for Missy. “I’m f-fine. B-But Missy…”

The sheriff walks toward us with her wrapped in a blanket. “I’ve called ahead to the veterinary surgery on the other side of town. Dr. Brandon Cole will be waiting for you,” he says, handing a whimpering Missy to Jonas. “Megan, did he hurt you?” His face is grim as he studies me.

I shake my head, which feels like it’s stuffed with cotton balls. “No, I’m fine. Just shaken up.”

The sheriff runs a frustrated hand through his hair. “I’m sorry this happened. He won’t get far, I promise you.”

I nod my head woodenly. “We need to get Missy to the vet.” She’s our main concern now.

I climb into the truck, and Jonas places Missy on my lap. He drives like a wild man, his face drawn as he breaks speed limits. I cradle Missy in my arms, stroking her head gently and whispering to her as she whimpers.

The journey seems endless, but in reality, it’s only a matter of minutes before we’re pulling up in front of the vet’s surgery.

A tall man with dark hair is waiting outside. “Dr. Brandon Cole,” he introduces himself brusquely, his attention on Missy. “Bring her straight in.”

Jonas takes Missy from my arms and carries her inside. We follow Dr. Cole to a treatment room, and Jonas places her on the examination table. My heart breaks as Missy lets out a little whimper.

Jonas slips an arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. “Can you help her?”

“We don’t care what it costs,” I choke as tears slip down my cheeks.

Dr. Cole makes a cursory examination of Missy, moving his hands gently but expertly over her body and carrying out various visual checks. “I think she has some broken ribs, but I’ll need to run some tests and ensure there’s no internal bleeding. Who did this?” he asks, lifting stormy gray eyes to Jonas.

“My ex-husband,” I answer. “It’s a long story, but Missy was trying to protect me, and he k-kicked her… hard.” My throat seizes, and I close my eyes as the memory plays on a loop in my head.

Dr. Cole’s mouth tightens angrily. “Where is he now?”

“He ran like the coward he is,” Jonas replies, his fury toward Lance and his fear for Missy laid bare on his face. “Sheriff Carter has a BOLO out on him.”

Dr. Cole nods. “He won’t get far if Huxley has anything to do with it. The man goes without sleep to make sure this town is safe. If you need my testimony when they catch up with him, you’ve got it.”

Jonas nods. “Thank you. We’ll take you up on that.”

“Anyone who hurts an animal is capable of hurting people, too,” Dr. Cole says darkly.

“Too late,” I whisper.

“I see,” he says sadly as Jonas tightens his arm around me. “Don’t worry. Huxley will catch up with him, and he’ll throw the book at him when he does.”

I give the vet a jerky nod, hoping to God he’s right.

“Okay, let’s get this girl to X-ray. Will you be staying?”

“Yes,” Jonas and I answer.

I bite back another bout of tears as Jonas steers us to the waiting area. We sit, and I wrap my arms around his waist, letting him know I’m here for him without words.

“Are you okay?” he asks roughly.

“I’m fine, I promise.” I squeeze him tighter.

And the weird thing is, I am fine. Not in the greater sense of the word, but somehow, my fear of Lance has been replaced by a wave of determined anger. Something shifted in me when he hurt Missy. She’s my family, and I’ll do whatever it takes to protect the ones I love. Falling in love with Jonas and Missy has given me an inner strength I never knew I had and made me a better version of myself.

“She’ll be okay. She’s tough,” Jonas murmurs, dropping a kiss on my head.

“I should be the one comforting you,” I reply, pulling back to look at him. “She’s your dog.”

Jonas shakes his head. “No. She’s our dog. Missy adopted you the second she saw you. It’s why she was so determined to protect you. I hope Sheriff Carter gets that fucking asshole because if he doesn’t, I swear to God, I’ll hunt him down and—”

I stall him by placing my fingers over his mouth. “Sheriff Carter will get him,” I say firmly, believing it.

Huxley Carter is on the warpath. I could see it in his eyes earlier. He thinks he’s let me down by allowing Lance to get close, but the truth is, Lance would’ve found a way. I should’ve known and been more cautious.

Jonas grunts in reply, his eyes dark with unspent emotion.

I hug him tighter, and we wait.

“The good news is, there’s no internal bleeding,” Dr. Cole says, entering the waiting room thirty minutes later.

“And the bad news?” I force myself to ask the question.

“Two broken ribs and some bruising.”

“Will she be okay?” Jonas asks roughly.

“She will, with time and rest. I’ve given her a sedative and pain meds so she can rest, and we’ll keep her for a few days to monitor her. We need to limit her movement to avoid the risk of lung puncture from the broken ribs but provided there are no complications, she should make a full recovery in about four to eight weeks.”

“Thank you,” I say tearfully, hugging Dr. Cole before I can think better of it.

He chuckles and pats my shoulder. “It’s my job, although I’d give anything right now to give your ex-husband a taste of his own medicine.”

“Get in line,” Jonas says ominously. He extends his hand to Dr. Cole. “Thanks for acting so promptly. We appreciate it more than we can say.”

“You’re welcome. Call anytime if you want to check on Missy,” the vet replies. “Would you like to see her for a few minutes?”

Does a cow fart methane? Fortunately, I refrain from saying that out loud.

We follow Dr. Cole to where Missy is tucked up in a cage. He opens the door so we can stroke her gently, but she doesn’t stir, knocked out by the meds. We spend a few more minutes with her before leaving her in Dr. Cole’s capable hands.

I’m surprised to see it’s getting dark as we emerge from the surgery and climb into the truck.

“Feels weird without her,” Jonas says as he drives us back to his apartment.

“It does. Thank God she’s going to be okay. I’m so sorry I brought all this to your door.” I sigh wearily. “I never wanted anyone else to get caught up in my shit.”

Jonas reaches for my hand and brings it to his mouth, kissing my knuckles. “Lance is the one who should feel guilty here, not you. The only thing you brought to my door was you, Megan. Kind, caring, beautiful you. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me. And to Missy.”

His eyes hold mine for one intense second before returning his gaze to the road. A muscle tics in his jaw, and the cab is suddenly heavy with sexual tension.

God, I want this man more than my next breath. Not just sexually, but on every level. I trust him. I love him. And I’m ready to give myself to him in every way. If today has taught me anything, it’s that life is short and can change in an instant. We need to grab hold of the wonderful things while we can. Jonas is my wonderful thing, my perfect man, and I intend to grab him with both hands and never let go.

Jonas parks the truck, and we head into the apartment. As soon as he shuts the door, I snag his hand and link my fingers with his, tugging him toward the bedroom.

His ochre eyes darken as they settle on mine. “What are you doing?”

My heart flutters like the wings of a dragon taking flight. “I’m, um, trying to seduce you.”

Jonas’s nostrils flare, and his eyes darken to onyx. “You don’t need to try, sweetheart. I’m all yours. Have been since the moment I saw you.”

Chapter Ten

Jonas

“I feel the same,” Megan confesses, pulling me into the bedroom. “It just took me a little longer to let my defenses down.”

“Understandable,” I reply, cupping her face in my hands. “I almost lost it earlier when Sheriff Carter called me. I dumped the groceries in the middle of the aisle and broke speed records getting here. I expected—” I pause, shaking my head as I remember the fear for her safety. “I’m not sure what I expected, but the thought of losing you kills me, Meg. I can’t be without you because I love you.”

Her beautiful blue eyes gaze into mine, and I see my future reflected there. “I love you too. So much!”

My lips crash against hers, and I’m lost to everything but her. I thought our previous kisses were hot, but I was wrong. Nothing could prepare me for the intensity of this kiss. It washes over me like a tsunami of ravenous hunger and explosive lust. The kiss isn’t gentle and soft. It’s rough and demanding, and exactly what I need to reassure myself this precious woman in my arms is okay.

I’m not sure when or how our clothes come off, but suddenly we’re both naked. I lift Megan, and her legs wrap around my hips as I carry her to the bed, laying her down gently.

I stand there, drinking my fill of her full breasts, narrow waist, and long legs. An image of her belly swollen with my child hits me, almost bringing me to my knees. I want that. I want it all with her, the house, the family, the grandkids, all of it.

“You are so fucking beautiful. Every inch, every curve. Perfection,” I say hoarsely.

“So are you,” she whispers, her eyes drifting over my chest, narrow waist and hips, and muscular thighs. My cock juts out from my body, thick and long, as it points straight at my woman.

“Don’t worry. It’ll fit.” I grin, reading her expression as I lower myself to the bed.

She raises an eyebrow. “Are you sure? I’ve seen baseball bats smaller than that.”

I smirk. “Guess I better hit a home run, then.”

“Just the one?” she challenges saucily.

“Oh, I can slide home as many times as you can take me, sweetheart,” I promise.

She shivers. “Being intimate with you is so easy and natural, and… oh!”

She jerks as I dip my head and wrap my mouth around her nipple. I cup her other breast in my hand, rolling the nipple between my forefinger and thumb.

“Oh, shit,” she gasps, arching her back.

“You like that, sweetheart?”

“God, yes,” she pants.

Meg fists the sheets as I circle each nipple, biting down gently so she whimpers under my touch. I kiss, lick, and suck my way down her body, nudging her legs apart with my shoulders so my mouth is poised above her gorgeous pussy. It’s smooth apart from a strip of hair, and her folds glisten with her juices.

“Jonas, I’ve never… I don’t…”

I look up at her as she grinds to a halt, her cheeks flushed with a mixture of desire and embarrassment. “You’ve never had a man’s mouth on you here?”

She shakes her head. “No.”

I reach for her hand, linking my fingers with hers. “Do you trust me?”

“You know I do,” she replies immediately.

“Then let me give you this pleasure. Let me show you how good it can be.”

“Okay,” she whispers.

Releasing her hand, I press her legs wider and spread her lips with my thumbs. Her clit peeks out at me, swollen and ripe. With a groan, I dive in, swiping my tongue along her folds and circling her bundle of nerves.

“Oh, God,” she mewls, bucking her hips.

“You taste like fucking heaven,” I mumble, my mouth full of her sweetness.

I suck, lap, and lick at her, exploring every inch of her sweet pussy until she’s writhing under my mouth. I slowly slide a finger inside her, sealing my mouth around her clit as I drive it in and out of her tight channel.

“Holy crap,” Megan curses under her breath.

I push another finger inside her, stretching her walls while she bathes my hand in her juices. She whimpers my name, and I renew my efforts with my tongue, feeling the spasms starting to overtake her.  

“Jonas, you’re making me come. Oh, God, I’m coming!” She says it as if it’s some kind of miracle and she can’t quite believe it.

“That’s it, sweet girl. Spill your juices into my mouth. I want it all.”

My words tip her over the edge, and her back arches clean off the bed as her orgasm ripples through her. I lap her juices, not stopping until the last tremor leaves her and she collapses back to the bed, breathing hard.

“That was… God, that was beautiful,” she chokes, still trembling as I move up the bed and pull her against me.

“It was. And so are you,” I murmur, smoothing my hands along her bare back. “I’m never letting you go, Megan. You’re it for me until the end.”

A tear splashes onto my chest, and I cup her chin, lifting her face to mine for a tender kiss.

“Thank you,” she breathes against my lips.

“For what?”

“For bringing me back to life.” Before I can reply, she moves over me, scattering kisses over my chest and down my abs, working her way down my body until my shaft is in front of her face.

“Meg, you don’t need to… Ah, fuck,” I grunt as she gives my cock a slow, tentative lick. 

She looks up at me, her indigo eyes heavy with the desire to please me. “I’ve never done this before.”

I reach down, tangling my hand in her hair. “Anything goes, sweetheart.” I think about that for a second and grin. “Apart from teeth. Don’t bite it.”

She returns my grin, keeping her eyes on me as she wraps her lips around the crown of my cock and sucks lightly.

“Fuck, Meg,” I hiss through my teeth.

She becomes braver as she sees the pleasure I can’t hide, fisting my shaft at the base and sucking the head firmly. I can tell she loves being in control like this as she experiments, changing her pace and the pressure of her mouth and hand. My grunts of pleasure spur her on, and she sucks harder and takes me deeper, swirling her tongue around the sensitive head of my shaft.

“Jesus Christ, woman, I can’t take anymore. Come up here. I need you,” I growl when I think my balls are about to explode.

She does as I ask, moving up my body until she’s straddling my thighs.

I grip her hips as she hovers over me, my cock poised at her entrance. “You’re in control, Meg. This is all about you and your pleasure. Always.”

Her eyes well with tears. “I just fell in love with you a little more. You’re amazing. You make me feel safe and protected and… free.”

Our connection is beyond physical, beyond anything I could’ve imagined. She’s touching places inside me I never even knew existed, body and soul. And it's mutual. I see it in her eyes, hear it in her words, feel it in her touch.

Slowly, she lowers herself onto me, taking the tip inside her. My jaw flexes, but I force myself to lie still, giving her the control I promised. My hands bite into her hips as she lifts off me and lowers again, taking me deeper this time. She does it again and again until I’m fully seated inside her and we’re connected in the most elemental way.

“Jesus Christ, you feel good, Meg. So hot, so tight.”

“Incredible,” she whispers, catching her breath as she shifts on top of me. “Help me. I’ve never done it in this position,” she admits, embarrassed.

“Like this, sweetheart,” I say, guiding her hips on me as I slowly thrust my cock in and out of her tight heat. Her eyes are fixed on mine, alive with pleasure and love as we move together.

Her head falls back and she moans as I hit that perfect spot inside her with each thrust. Together, we find a rhythm, and she presses into me with each snap of my hips, taking me as deep as possible. 

“Touch yourself, Meg. I want to watch,” I urge, knowing I’m not going to last much longer.

This is new territory for her, and she pauses, embarrassed. “I can’t—"

“You can. Slide your hand between us and play with that juicy clit so we can come together.”

She moans at my words, keeping her eyes on mine as she reaches between us, leaning back a little so she can rub her clit. She shivers and writhes above me, rubbing in furious circles while I increase my tempo. 

“Yes, sweet girl. Gonna watch your face while you come and I spill inside you, fill you up with my cum and put a baby in your belly.”

“Yes, oh my God, I want that too!”

Her pussy contracts around me at my dirty talk, and I know she’s teetering on the edge of another orgasm.

“You’re close. Your pussy is squeezing me tight. So fucking perfect.”

“Yes, yes, oh...”

I flip her onto her back, opening her up further by hooking one of her legs around my waist so I can pound into her hard and fast.

“Oh, God, oh, God. Jonas!”

Meg shouts my name and her body bucks as her orgasm slams into her. With one final thrust, I strain against her, crying out hoarsely as I spill inside her and fill her with my hot seed. I ride the wave of pleasure, letting it toss me in ecstasy before gently lowering me back to earth.

Once our breathing steadies, I scoop her from the bed and carry her to the bathroom. Turning on the shower, I pull her beneath the hot spray with me. We bathe one other between lingering kisses and soft touches, learning each other in new and poignant ways as the hot water washes away the stress of the day.

I dry her off with a fluffy white towel before drying myself and carrying her back to bed. I snuggle her close, and she nuzzles into my shoulder.

“I love you, Jonas,” she whispers sleepily.

“Love you too, Meg. Always will.”

I never want to let this precious woman out of my sight again. She’s mine to protect. And with every breath I take, I swear I will.

Epilogue

Megan

Six Months Later

The small chapel is overflowing with flowers of every variety, and I clutch my bouquet tighter, my palms sweating.

“Ready to marry that man and gain the coolest sister-in-law in the world?” Iris teases from behind me, pushing her glasses up her nose.

She looks so pretty in her sky-blue bridesmaid dress, her blonde hair scooped into a fancy up-do, her blue eyes dancing with joy.

She and I have become close over the last six months, immediately hitting it off when we met, so choosing her to be my bridesmaid was easy. There was no question Jonas would have Logan as his best man. They’re close, best friends and siblings, and I was shocked at how physically alike they are when Jonas first introduced me to his big brother. Same dark eyes, muscular physique, neatly trimmed beard, and beautiful skin tone. But only Jonas can make my heart pound and my stomach swoop with excitement.

I grin. “You are the coolest sis-in-law. In fact, your bridesmaid gift is a plaque with those very words inscribed on it. You can hang it on the wall of that new house you’re building.”

Logan and Iris bought a plot of land on the outskirts of town and are building their dream home. I sold my house, and Jonas and I moved into a rambling ranch house on extensive grounds, a fifteen-minute drive from Logan and Iris’s new place. It needed some updating, so we lived in Jonas’s apartment until the contractors finished, finally moving into our new home a month ago. It’s perfect for us, especially now we have a multitude of animals to care for, including chickens, ducks, a cow called Mabel, and, of course, our precious girl, Missy, who made a full recovery.

I smile as I see her at the front of the church with Jonas’s parents, who adore her. She’s got a special role in today’s celebrations.

As for Lance, he didn’t fare so well. A few days after he attacked Missy and me, his body was found in a back alley in Denver, badly beaten with a single bullet wound in his head.

Despite my hatred for the man, I was shocked. The men he owed took his life as payment for his debt, no doubt making an example of him. I shiver at the thought. As much as the loss of life disturbs me, I’m relieved he’ll never hurt anyone again.

The music starts up, dragging me from my thoughts, and I take a deep breath. There’s only room for happy thoughts today, and I’m ready to claim my man.

“Shall we?” Huxley Carter asks, patting my hand where it’s looped through his arm.

I take another breath and nod. “Let’s do it.”

Huxley was my first choice to give me away and was genuinely humbled when I asked him to walk me down the aisle. I’m sad that neither of my parents are around to see me marry the man of my dreams, but I now have a whole new family in Silver Springs.

All eyes turn toward me in my elegant white gown as I walk slowly down the aisle with Huxley. The guests are like a who’s who of Silver Springs.

Local billionaire Asher Stanton and his wife, Cassidy. Dr. Brandon Cole and his wife, Fran. Deputy Sheriff Inola and Asher’s sister, Dani Stanton. Frank Russo, the owner of Russo’s Italian, is also here with his fiancée, Suzi, and her best friend, Olivia, who’s married to TV star Dalton Rayner. And last, but not least, Dr. Brayden Manner and his wife, Leilani, who is Iris’s sister.

Yeah, it’s a small world here in Silver Springs, but I only have eyes for my soon-to-be husband. He looks handsome and sexy and utterly edible in his dark gray suit and crisp white shirt, his ochre eyes burning with an intensity that steals what little breath I have.

I beam up at him as I reach him, and he snags my hand, linking his fingers with mine. “Stunning,” he murmurs, taking me in.

“You’re not so bad yourself,” I whisper, giving him a cheeky wink.

We turn to face the minister, a middle-aged woman with auburn hair. She smiles at us and greets our congregation before launching into the wedding ceremony.

My previous wedding was a hurried affair in a registry office in Denver. This time I listen to every word and absorb every moment as I pledge myself to my soul mate.

There’s a collective “aaahhh” from the congregation when Missy trots toward Logan with a velvet pouch in her mouth containing the wedding rings. Logan bends to retrieve the pouch and fusses her, stroking her head. It’s such a cute moment and a wonderful way to include her on our special day.

Then we say our vows and exchange rings, and the minister pronounces us husband and wife. My heart races with joy as Jonas cups my face in his big hands and bends his head to kiss me. It’s a kiss of love, hope, and promise for our future—a future I can’t wait to explore with my husband.

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When it comes to love, everybody has hard limits. Lines that can't be crossed. Boxes that must be ticked. For the heroes and heroines in this series, there's just one limit, line, and box: "Love me, love my dog." (or dogs!)

All Bark, No Bite by Ember Davis

Three Dog Night by Ava Pearl

Doggy Style by Karla Doyle

Heavy Petting by Andie Fenichel

Ruff & Wylde by Kelsie Calloway

Pet Peeves by Matilda Martel

Paws Off by Emma Bray

Puppy Love by Heather Dahlgren

Hot Diggity Dogs by Eve London

Doggone Cute by Haven Rose

Love and Leashes by Julia Jarrett

In the Doghouse by Violet Rae

Man’s Best Friend by Kat Baxter

Hound Dog by Mae Harden

Dog Tags by Kameron Claire

You can catch up with all the couples in the Silver Springs Series here:

Tarnished

Branded

Digging Deep with the Gardener

Bedside Manner

Pregnant by my Roommate

Hot Rod Summer

Thank you for all your support.