Page 56 of Beautifully Broken
"Let's see what we've got." Moxie nods to Talon, who gently starts pulling puppies from his makeshift sling.
One by one, Talon passes the puppies into our waiting hands. In total, there are seven puppies that are cold, scared, and hungry. From the looks of them, I'd say they're some kind of a lab and poodle mix, and only maybe four or five weeks old. They're as sweet as can be but also look like they're in desperate need of food and warmth.
"Can you stay and help for a bit?" Dr. Moxie turns to Talon after passing two puppies off to Tilly.
"Sure. I'm kind of invested now. I need to know if they make it." He shrugs as red tints his cheeks.
I have puppies wrapped in warmed towels, gently massaging them for comfort as we slowly heat their bodies, but I can't tear my eyes from Talon as he diligently follows Dr. Moxie's instructions and helps the tiny puppy in his hands. His touch is gentle, which is surprising with how big he is.
The morning is chaotic, but in no time, Dr. Moxie gives the all-clear on all seven puppies.
At some point, Talon slips out undetected, much to my dismay. Even though I'm bummed that he gave me the slip, I’m happy that the puppies will not only survive but have a chance to thrive.
Now, if only I can shake Talon Connely from my every thought, I'll be as well off as these sweet pups.
Chapter 5
Talon
It's been three days since I found the puppies in the river, and I swore to myself I wouldn't go back, but I somehow find myself in the parking lot ofShelter Togetherthis morning. Try as I might to convince myself that I'm here to check on the puppies, I know that's not the whole truth.
Something happened when I locked stares with Ashley Stafford. It's like his jade-green eyes pierced my very soul and lit something in me that hadn't been truly alive in years. Somehow, I found myself stiffening in my work pants for the first time in what felt like forever.
Spinal injuries are a bitch. Even if my brain wasn't completely fucked, there is no telling what kind of damage my injury did to certain parts of my body. For the longest time, I had urinary issues. It is only logical to assume that I'd also have issues where sex is concerned. I was fine with all of that since the love of my life had been stolen from me in the same accident that had caused me all the pain.
To realize that my dick isn't broken had me spiraling. I managed to stay long enough to help the puppy, which truly was a sweet little thing, before quietly bailing once I knew I was no longer needed. It felt like the cowardly way out, but there was so much going on inside my head and my pants that I couldn't process it. I called out for the rest of the day and went straight home.
With Ashley's sweet face fresh in my mind, I feel myself stiffen fully as the heat of the hot water warms me from the outside in. Femme twinks aren't usually my type, but there's something about Ashley that pulled me in—silky-smooth face highlighted by a hint of makeup and long, brown hair piled in a mess on top of his head.
As my hand wraps around my aching dick, I imagine letting his hair down and fisting it as I guide his mouth to my cock. My dick is impossibly hard as Ipump it relentlessly. I let the fantasy of being with Ashley take over as my cock pulses and I come embarrassingly fast.
If I think about it, I'm just relieved I can still get off but feel a little guilty about jerking off to someone I barely know.
***
Over the past few days, I've jerked off more than I did as a teen boy. That's how I find myself at the shelter on my day off. I need to see if I’ve been building everything up in my head or if there truly is something between Ashley and me.
I don't know if I'm ready for any type of relationship since there's still so much fucked in my head, but I couldn't resist the pull to be here.
"Welcome toShelter Together. How can I help you?"
"Hi. Umm, is Ashley available?" A flush covers my cheeks as the goth-looking girl eyes me from behind the desk.
"Give me one second. I'll page him."
I wait impatiently but refrain from fidgeting, thanks to my years of SEAL training.
"Hey, Talon. It's great to see you again. What can I help you with?"
Nervously, I grab the back of my neck at a beaming Ashley. "Hey, I had the day off and was wondering how the puppies were doing. I figured I could stop in and check on them, and see if you need any help with them."
"Oh, I love that." His hand reaches out and squeezes my bicep.
I can't resist flexing, and I smirk when Ashley's eyes widen and his fingers tighten around my arm. He bites his lip as his hand lingers, which pulls a full smile on my face.
Glad I'm not the only one feeling this pull.
"Come with me. It's about time to feed them. You can help me."
