Page 54 of Wild Card
“He’s good with them,” Sherlee said to me. “Is that junkyard safe for the animals?”
“I haven’t examined the place, but they all looked healthy and happy to me,” I said.
“Well, I suppose they’re getting the ideal owner in the bargain.”
I glanced at her, surprised. “Ideal?”
“That man is in love with dogs and cats,” she said. “They’re all blessed to have him in their corner.”
“I guess so.” I nudged Sherlee. “Thanks for humoring me today. I wish there was more we could do.”
She hummed. “It’s not easy being in this business. Funding is always too tight. The needs always outweigh the resources, if I’m honest. But at night, I go home and I sleepgood.I know that I’ve done my part, you know? I’m betting it’s the same for that man over there.”
“Maybe…”
“You could always adopt and sleep a little better too,” she suggested, tone cagey.
I chuckled. “Sorry, I work too many hours. I’ve got a bird at home, and that’s about all I can handle.”
“Fair enough,” she said, patting me on the arm. “You stay as long as you want. Just put the cats back in their enclosures before you let yourself out.”
“Will do.”
Axel loved on the gray tabby, then returned it and took out a midnight-black kitten that mewled. He motioned me over, and I tentatively approached.
He grasped my hand, guiding me into a light stroke between the kitten’s ears. “There you go. Those big hands don’t have to be rough.”
I shot him a look, and he grinned unrepentantly as he handed off the kitten to fetch another cat.
For the next hour, Axel showered those animals with enough affection to make me a little jealous. Finally, once every cat had gotten some playtime, he turned to me.
“Thanks for bringing me today. I might have to talk my brothers into adopting.”
“No problem.” I opened the heavy metal door to head back into the lobby. “I kind of feel like we’re right back where we started, though.”
“Maybe, but it was enlightening. I wish the shelter had more support,” he said. “But I’m really glad I got to meet Sherlee. It makes me feel better to know that she cares as much as I do.”
“Careful, Ax, or you’ll lose your badass cred,” I said. “You’re just a soft, gooey mess inside, aren’t you?”
“Tell anyone, and I’ll gut you.”
My mouth dropped open as he strode past me to the doors. I caught up with him on the steps outside. “You really think it’s wise to threaten a law enforcement officer?”
“You’re off duty, aren’t you? Seems like I’m just threatening a guy.”
“Still illegal,” I grumbled.
He shoved my shoulder, making me stagger a step to the right. “Lighten up, Dalton. You know I’m not actually a murderer.”
“What a relief,” I said dryly. “He draws the line somewhere.”
Axel laughed. “Shut up and take me home.”
The words rekindled the ember of heat inside me. I couldn’t help but remember what had gone down the last time I was at Axel’s place. As wrong as it had been, with him in cuffs and all, I couldn’t get his hot mouth or that damn cock piercing out of my head. I jerked off to the memories every night, even while swearing to myself I could never go there again.
But I wanted to.
“I’ve got a lot of work to do,” Axel continued, oblivious to my internal lust spiral. “And it’s past time for Matteo to clock out.”
