Page 90 of Tell Me Lies

She couldn’t help but tense up as Dalton picked Zero up into his arms. Zero settled in and she watched as his head rested on Dalton’s shoulder. It was adorable.

He took several steps toward her, but she couldn’t bring herself to back up.

Was he about to use the dogs to get his way? It made no sense because she had already agreed to be with him once.

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One night was never going to be enough. Dalton didn’t want just once chance with her, he wanted a fucking lifetime.

Staring at Emily, holding this cute and amazing dog, Dalton knew he might have hit the jackpot in acquiring her just the way he wanted her.

One night was for her mother’s freedom.

These dogs would get him forever.

He had seen her growing up, always rescuing animals, loving them.

One of the first times he saw her, she was petting a cat that had walked close to her. For everyone else, the cat attacked, hissing, scratching, and all those things a feral cat does. Emily was able to pet the cat, and eventually take it to a shelter. He knew she visited that cat until it was finally rescued.

Her love for all animals was absolute, but then he saw her with dogs, and knew they were her real passion. There were no bounds when it came to that kind of love.

She always volunteered at this shelter, and it looks like they eventually gave her a job. The pay was shit. Did she even realize the shelter had been looking for a buyer for some time?

“What’s that one’s name?”

“Bernie.”

“And that one?”

“Karla.”

He kept pointing at each kennel.

“What point are you trying to prove?” she asked.

“Simple, you love these dogs, don’t you?”

“Yes.”

“Just what are you willing to do to keep them here?”

“Look, Dalton, I’m not sure what you’re getting at.”

He put it out, plain and simple. “Jude is selling this land. He can’t support the animal shelter and he’s looking to retire. He’s trying to look for alternative accommodations for the dogs, but some will have to be euthanized unless he’s able to find a buyer who is willing to keep the shelter.”

He knew he was breaking her heart with each word he spoke. Jude had told him he hoped to retire, but he didn’t have a sound plan.

Dalton already bought the land. Jude couldn’t turn down his offer with all the ones and zeros. It would be prime space for development, but if Emily wanted to keep it, he’d be willing to make a new deal.

“Why are you lying?” she asked.

“I’m not lying.” He touched his head, still holding the dog close. “Shoot, you’re right, I am kind of telling a little lie. I already own this shelter, which is why I’m here, of course. I’m hoping to make a decision. Do you realize how many houses I could build on this plot? It’s an amazing opportunity for real estate.”

“Stop!” Emily held her hand up. “Jude wouldn’t sell to you.”

“Actually, he did sell to me, and we’ve already signed all the necessary paperwork.” He pressed a kiss to Zero’s head. “I’m afraid, Emily, you’re going to be out of a job.”

“What more do you want from me?” Emily shouted. “You wanted one night for my mother’s freedom. What do you want from me now?”

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