Page 19 of Unlawful Seduction

“It’s okay. It looks like the bullet went all the way through and I doubt it hit any vital organs, but we’re going to make certain of that. Why don’t you come back with me so I can take x-rays.”

“Can I… carry him?”

“Of course you can. He’s a beautiful and very large dog so that would be helpful.” I kept the door open heading into the back for the man, still surprised at his reactions. It was really true you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. “You never gave me your name. That would be of assistance instead of calling you something like ‘hey dude.’”

I was trying to break the man’s rapt attention, but as he placed Jax on the gurney, I could tell his world revolved around the dog.

“You can step just outside the room. It will only take a few seconds. I promise I’ll be right back.”

He finally backed out and I took the needed x-rays, returning to the other room.

“The name is Beckett. Beckett Callum.”

I threw out my arm. “Well, Beckett Callum, it’s nice to meet you.”

As soon as he shook my hand, blood that had seeped through his shirt was highlighted by the angle. Shit. What had really gone on? “You’ve been shot as well.”

“Doesn’t matter.”

“Yeah, it does. Get your jacket and shirt off. Don’t argue with me on this.” I dropped all thoughts as I grabbed my iPad, shifting to Jax’s x-rays, able to breathe a sigh of relief. “Your baby is lucky. I was correct. No vital organs were hit, the bullet going clean through.”

I could tell Beckett was a master of control, never allowing his emotions to take over under any circumstances. He said nothing yet winced when he removed his leather jacket.

‘I’m going to start Jax on some fluids including an antibiotic and I’ll clean the wound thoroughly.”

“You got your truck fixed.”

“Yes, I did. A new battery this morning. The mechanic told me I’d likely need a new everything soon.”

“Why keep it?”

“Sentimentality, plus it comes in handy while fixing up my dad’s old place. Take off your shirt, please.” At least he hadn’t grilled me about the truck or my dad. I wasn’t prepared to enter into any normal conversation with a stranger. Besides, it was all too personal.

He tilted his head, studying me with such fierce intensity I was pulled into a moment of blackness. As he yanked off his shirt from the back collar, I was completely and thoroughly mesmerized, trying not to fall into a moment of shock and awe.

His body was even more chiseled than I’d originally believed. Or maybe I should say had fantasized about. While his tight jeans allowed me a vision of his thick, powerful thighs, my mind swirled about his biceps and chest muscles, along with his six-pack abs.

They were carved to perfection as well, highlighting years of strict discipline as defined by weights. I did my best not to lick my lips. He tossed the shirt aside, but all the while kept his eyes burning into mine.

I was caught so off guard I cleared my throat, gave a quick glance over my shoulder to my other patient, and moved closer. Wow. Just being able to gather a scent of him was incredible, so musky that my breath was momentarily taken away. No man should have a scent so masculine and yet almost ominous.

“I just want to see how bad your injury is and then I’ll get Jax comfortable.”

“I’m fine,” he barked.

“You’re not fine, Beckett. You’ve been shot. I don’t think I need to remind you that if the bullet is still inside your shoulder or chest cavity, you’ll need to head over to the ER.”

He shook his head vehemently. “No. You’re a doctor. You get it out.”

He hadn’t been much of a talker up to this point, but what few words he growled sounded almost like orders. I eyed him warily, doing my best to keep my anger in check.

“I’m a veterinarian. There’s quite a bit of difference. But you wouldn’t know that unless you went to medical or veterinarian school.” There was a distinct aura of intrigue and danger with the man, so much so I was forced to blink several times the closer I came to him.

“I don’t care. You’ll do as I say. You also don’t know jack about me.”

“Other than you’re a surly asshole, you’re right.” I offered him a smile, but my anger was increasing. Why did he need to be so damn insolent?

“I got my reasons.” His chest puffed out. Did he think he was intimidating me? Not a chance.

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