Page 272 of Ignite

“Okay. Confession one. When you were in Barbados, Georgia took Bertie on a hiking trail and let him off his lead.”

“I’m going to kill her.”

I chuckle, ignoring the stab of pain in my chest as I turn to her.

“Lily called me. I found him. He was fine, chilling by the lake. Having the time of his life.”

God, she looks hot when she’s all agitated.

She yanks her phone out, probably ready to murder someone by text. I place my hand over the screen.

“I took Bertie back to mine for the rest of the week and snuck him back to you before you got home.”

She gasps.

“I thought I was going mad,” she mutters, shaking her head with a grin.

“What?”

“I kept smelling your aftershave on his fur. I thought it was because I missed you.”

“Awww.” I stroke her cheek.

“Thank you, Conan. You didn’t have to. Especially not then.”

“Bertie’s your family too. I couldn’t not. Plus, he and I had a great time. His recall should be way better now. We worked on that in the woods behind my garage.”

“No way. That little traitor. I’ve been trying for years to train him.”

“Be more dominant, baby.” I wink, and that earns me a light smack.

Damn, I love that side of her. Something I never thought I’d want or need. Now, I crave it.

I’ll do anything she demands, as long as she calls me a good boy.

“I’m trying,” she protests, throwing her arms up.

“Yes. You’re trying with me, but not your dog, Hallie. Trust me, you’re doing a perfect job with me.”

She slaps her hand against my bicep. I catch her wrist in my palm.

“Don’t push it, though. You know I can turn,” I lean in, my mouth at her ear.

“Just as quickly as I submit.”

She shivers against me.

I release her and climb out of the car, jogging around before she can open her own door.

I help her out and link our hands as we walk into the cabin.

I once thought of this place as my peace.

But I was wrong.

Because I’m only at peace with her.

My peace isn’t a place. It’s a person.

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