Page 57 of Beautifully Broken
I silently follow Ashley through the facility as he explains how the shelter came to be and what his organization stands for. I'm in awe of everything he's accomplished at such a young age. It's amazing what he does for the animals but even more so for the people he employs. The foundation he partners withhis mom is so essential for the LGBTQIA+ community and providing a safe space for them.
When we exit the facility and head towards the barn, I'm a little confused. Don’t get me wrong… I want to learn everything I can about this place, but I really do want to see the puppies and help with their feeding. I might have a soft spot for the little girl I helped acclimate the other day.
I follow Ashley through the barn and up a set of stairs to a loft, where he pauses. "I probably should've mentioned the puppies are currently living in my apartment. They need bottle feeding several times a day, including throughout the night, and I hate going out in the cold. So, I set up an area in my bedroom for them, which has made night feedings a hell of a lot easier for me."
"Oh. Okay." I swallow hard as I fight the images flying through my mind, of having Ashley alone in his bedroom.
"Come on, Bear. Let's go see our babies."
When Ashley turns, I readjust my throbbing cock and will it to behave, but I know I'm fighting a losing battle. I have no idea how I'm going to survive this day without mauling him, but I'm going to try my damnedest to make it out in one piece. Something tells me if I cross that line with him, there's no going back.
Chapter 6
Ashley
Thank the goddess above that these sweet angels need round-the-clock care. Who knew they would be the key to getting the breathtaking bear behind me into my home.
I've thought about Talon nonstop since he left the shelter. Of course, Moxie teased me about sparks flying after the puppies had been all taken care of and settled. Surprisingly, they were in pretty good condition once we got them warmed up and fed, considering how they’d been found. It was no hardship to bring them home and bottle feed them for the next few weeks until they're old enough to start having dog food. That said, I'm not going to complain about having Talon's help.
For being such a large man, he's eerily silent as he moves through my apartment. If I didn't know he was following me, there's no way I'd know someone else is here with me. That's how I find myself running into him when I pivot at the last minute, to grab an extra bottle and formula out of the kitchen, instead of heading straight to my room like I planned.
If it weren't for Talon's strong arms, my ass would be sprawled across the floor right about now. Being plastered against him, I can't hide my body's reaction, which could be bad if my gaydar is off and he's actually straight.
My fears quickly disappear when I feel him thicken against my side, which pulls a whimper from me. A callused hand cups my jaw as it tilts my head back. My eyes are closed, lips parted as I breathe heavily. I can't help how turned on I am. I also can't have him if he's not right there with me.
"Baby, open those eyes." Talon's thumb caresses my jaw before running across my lower lip.
My eyes fly open only to meet the fire burning in his. Feeling emboldened, I dart out my tongue to tease his thumb. That fire flares, making me feel triumphant—I affect him as much as he does me.
"What I wouldn't give to lose myself in you right now, but if I start, I'll never want to stop, and we have a job to do."
I pout like a petulant child, bottom lip popped out and all, which makes Talon chuckle.
He leans down, placing the gentlest of kisses on my protruding lip, before straightening and turning me towards the kitchen. "Be a good boy and go get what you need so we can take care of the little ones."
Feeling my bratty side spilling free, I stick out my tongue before sulking towards the kitchen. "Fine. Whatever you say, Daddy."
Crack!
Holy. Shit! I yelp as my hand goes to my ass and rubs it in an attempt to relieve the sting from Talon's palm. I should be annoyed as hell right now, but that was hot as fuck.
"Do not use that term unless you mean it, you understand? I've not given into that kink in a long time, but that term is earned and an honor. I take it very seriously."
Properly chastised, I nod. Talon cocks his brow, and I know he needs my words. "I understand. It won't happen again."
"I didn't say it couldn't happen again. It's just something that would need to be discussed. Now, let's go take care of the pups."
"Okay."
I gather everything I need, then head towards my bedroom. For the most part, my apartment is all open except for the bedroom and the bathroom. I thought about just using dividers, but I like having the space closed off. It feels more private with four walls for my room.
Once in my room, we're greeted by the sweet little fluff balls. They're a mix of all different colors and textures of fur. Some are more wiry, like poodles, while others have coats more like labs. Regardless of their looks, they're all really sweet. Out of the seven, five are girls.
I'm able to gain composure by guiding Talon through the process of feeding the puppies. The sexual tension is still there, but it's hovering in the background instead of slamming us in the face.
While we feed the pups, we play twenty questions. Well, Talon asks me questions while he dodges answering any of mine. Good thing I don't mind talking about myself.
By the time we're done, I don't want Talon to leave. I've enjoyed this alone time with him and would love more. If he were any other person, I’d just ask him out, but something tells me he's different.
