Page 25 of Innocent Intentions

It’s Rocco, the guy picking up Benny.

“What is it?” I snap.

“I’m having a problem with the dog, sir. He won’t come with me.”

I roll my eyes. “He’s a puppy. Just pick him up.”

“I don’t think he is. He’s huge.” Rocco hesitates. “Sir, you don’t understand. He has to be over 200lbs.”

I pause.

She has a massive guard dog?

I like that. I like that she has something looking after her.

“Is he attacking you?”

“No. He’s just lying there. Didn’t even look up when I walked in.” He deadpans. “This is the worst guard dog I’ve ever seen.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose. Of course. Of course she would have a lazy guard dog.

“Lure him out with some food. Make it quick.”

She has zero survival instincts.

She followed a stranger into a dark alley. Then she stayed after overhearing a murder being planned.

Really, it’s her fault I had to take her. How else was I supposed to handle the situation?

Maybe by not kidnapping her.

I ignore that thought.

***

I smell him before I see him.

The door opens, and in strolls a giant English mastiff.

Benny.

He doesn’t even look for Margot.

What a terrible guard dog.

“Where should we put his stuff?” Rocco asks, carrying an absurdly large, well-used dog bed and a bag of toys. “There’s more in the car. I just grabbed everything.”

I glance at Benny. I don’t trust thispuppyin my office. He’s eyeing my desktop cords.

“Put him in a downstairs bedroom.” I don’t want dog slobber on my furniture. And I’m certain if he found my pantry, he’d clear it out in under ten minutes.

Rocco nods and leaves.

Benny stares at me.

“Looks like it’s just you and me.”

His eyes narrow.

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