Page 74 of Devil's Thirst

We go outside and spend the next hour learning all about Freya’s training. It will take me some time to learn the commands, but they gave us a packet of information as a refresher. Watching her in action is awe-inspiring. She’s magnificent. A fearless warrior. A loyal companion.

I’ve never received a more thoughtful, incredible gift in my life.

Before we walk back toward the house, I leap into Sante’s arms. “Thank you,thank you. I love her so much. I can’t even tell you how happy this makes me.”

A heady cocktail of emotions swirls in his eyes. “I thought you might like her, and IknowI’ll feel better having her around.” He gives me a brief but ardent kiss, then eases my feet back to the ground.

“I adore her.”And I adore you.

I don’t say the words, but I get the sense he reads them in my eyes because his chest expands on a sudden breath. I’m glad. I want him to know how happy he’s made me. How he’s turned my world upside down in the very best ways.

Every day I spend with him, another one of my barriers drops. I’m in danger of falling hopelessly in love with Sante Mancini. But if this is what danger feels like, I’m ready for the front lines. I don’t want to go back to being alone. I want to seize this feeling with both hands and never let it go.

CHAPTER 35

AMELIE

I’mlegit torn about whether to sit in the front seat by Sante or in the back with Freya. For a hot minute, I even consider having her sit on my lap in the front. After two hours of bonding and learning all about our new fur baby, I’m completely smitten, and I don’t want her to be nervous leaving the only family she’s ever known.

When she hops in the back seat and immediately lies down with a doggy smile, I realize I may have been projecting. She doesn’t seem nearly as anxious as I do on her behalf.

We take the long drive back into the city, and I sneak regular peeks at Freya every few minutes. Neither of us had pets growing up, but Sante tells me about the animals on his uncle’s farm. We discuss how to manage walks and exercising her. I debate whether she’d allow me to put cute outfits on her. Sante stares at me like I’ve sprouted a second head. I concede that an array of festively themed collars might suffice.

On our way back to the apartment, we stop at a pet supply superstore. My gorgeous girl gets compliments right off the bat. I wear such an obnoxious grin as we browse the store that I’m lucky someone doesn’t suggest I be committed.

I give one more go at suggesting an adorable pink doggy shirt that saysgirl bossin sequins on the back.

“Probably best not to make the killing machine look inviting,” Sante says dryly.

I gape at him and cover Freya’s ears. “Don’t you dare call my princess a killing machine.”

He cocks a brow at me. “Babe, I didn’t pay fifty thousand for her to play fetch.”

My ears begin to ring.

“Fifty thousanddollars?” I breathe. “Tell me you’re joking.”

He flashes a satisfied smirk. “Nowshe gets it.”

I stand awestruck as he continues toward the leashes and collars. My trust fund is plenty sizable, but having money doesn’t mean I’m used to throwing it around. I’ve always thought of my savings as a backup plan. For the most part, I live on what I make. Fifty grand is a crap ton of money for a dog.

“What about this one?” Sante holds up a bright red collar when I catch up to him. The red would be pretty against her fur, but it’s so …boring. We were given her current collar and leash, but they’re black, which is even more boring than red. An exquisite dog deserves an exquisite collar.

I gasp when I spot a teal collar with bright pink flamingos, and it even has a flower made of the same fabric decorating the side. “Thisone.” I beam. “It’s perfect for summer.”

“I suppose that works,” he concedes in a teasing grumble.

We grab the matching leash, then head to the dog bed section. I insist on letting her pick out her bed. We place the options on the floor, then let her walk around them to see if she’s drawn to one. She walks right past the first two, then steps on the third and sniffs it with interest.

“We have a winner,” I say excitedly. “That leaves food, bowls, treats, bones, toys, and poop bags—anything else?”

“Should we think of something else, we can manage to find our way back here.”

“Definitely. We’ll need to get a Fourth of July collar at the very least.”

He shakes his head with a wry smirk. “I’ve created a monster.”

I hug his middle and snuggle my head under his chin. “Nah, you keep the monsters away.”

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