Page 106 of Tell Me Lies

He tried not to scoff. “Definitely not. Your mother may be a piece of work but even she wouldn’t go this far.”

Dalton pretended his phone vibrated. He pulled it from his pocket.

“I’ve got to take this. Eat, baby. I’ll be right back.”

Once alone outside around the back of the house, he called one of his security team.

“Someone’s been sleeping on the fucking job. Tell me how the fuck someone managed to put a letter on my woman’s car?”

“Boss—”

“No, I don’t want to hear excuses. Check the security footage over the past twenty-four hours. I want a name and address today. Do you understand me?” Dalton asked.

“Yes, it’s as good as done,” Carlo said.

“Until this is done, extra detail on Emily and the shelter. Tap both phones, too. Understand?”

“Of course.”

He put his cell away and took a cleansing breath. This was not how he hoped his evening would go. Dalton reached into his front pocket and took out the small black velvet box. He opened the box, the large diamond sparkling in the sunlight. Tonight he’d planned to propose to Emily, to make their relationship official, binding, and forever. It had taken him this long to work up the courage, certain she’d never say yes if given the choice.

Now it would have to wait.

He clenched his fist tight at his side. New possessive feelings grew inside him. He’d do anything to protect Emily. Whoever was behind this would live to regret it.

Chapter Nine

Dalton refused to pay the money, and Emily couldn’t help but be extra scared, not for herself, but for her precious pups. The animals at the shelter didn’t do anything wrong. They were innocent, but Dalton had assured her nothing would happen to them.

He certainly didn’t seem to be worried about himself or being exposed.

The days ticked by, and Dalton also took care of her mother. She didn’t have any odd phone calls or unexpected visits begging for money, which was a welcome relief.

She ran her fingers through her hair, as she walked down the long line of kennels. These dogs meant something to her. They were part of her family, and finding them forever homes was important to her.

Since Dalton had given her the rescue, she had taken the role to the next level. She was able to create a more detailed questionnaire, improve veterinary care, as well as employ more people who loved dogs.

During her time working at the shelter, prior to owning it, she had known some people who helped only to earn quick money and weren’t friendly to the dogs. For Emily, this wasn’t acceptable.

She’d also improved the kennels as well. There were comfortable beds in each one, warm blankets, and she hoped to upgrade the heating system as well. Little by little, she wanted this to be a safe haven for dogs. They deserved it.

As arms suddenly circled her waist, she jumped, but then she felt Dalton’s lips at her neck. “You know, if you’re not careful, I’m going to start thinking you love these dogs more than you love me,” he said.

Emily laughed. “I’m sorry. I know you said everything is going to be okay, and I hope you’re right.”

“But you’re worried.”

“Wouldn’t you be? I mean, imagine if all these dogs were Zero—” He spun her around, silencing any protest from her lips by slamming his down on hers.

All panic fled her mind, and she forgot, for just a second, what she’d been panicking about. Dalton had that way about him.

She couldn’t help but wonder what their life would have been like, if only Dalton had kissed her years ago, or she kissed him. It could have changed the whole course of their lives together.

“Stop,” Dalton whispered. “It’s because of how much I love Zero, that I’ve put extra protection detail on this rescue. Nothing is going to happen to those dogs. I promise you, Emily. I know what these dogs mean to you, and I know how much you love this shelter, and I wouldn’t allow anything to hurt them. I promise.”

Tears filled her eyes, and she cupped his face, staring into his eyes. “Have I told you lately how much I love you?” she asked.

Dalton stroked her cheek with the backs of his fingers. “No, I haven’t heard it nearly enough.”

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