Page 14 of Bully's Darkness
I stop too and smile. “Misty is a crossbreed, Chihuahua and something else. She’s been here two years, since her owner died of old age. We think she’s around nine herself.” She holds a special place in my heart, and she’s so sad here. I’d have taken her myself, but my building doesn’t allow pets.
“I’ll take her.”
I frown. “She isn’t a match,” I argue.
“Let me in to say hello,” he demands.
“She’s quiet and withdrawn. She’ll hate the clubhouse.”
“Or she’ll love it.” I groan as I unlock her cage, and Bully slowly goes in, sitting on the floor. I wait, watching in surprise as Misty pushes to her feet and steps from her bed. She sniffs the air, and Bully holds out his hand. “That’s it, old girl,” he whispers. “Come and say hello.” The dog moves towards him, and her tail begins to wag.
“You’ve got to be kidding,” I mutter as she allows him to stroke her. “Don’t you want a bigger dog . . . one that’s moreyou?”
He scoops her up and holds her to his chest, letting her lick his face. “That’s stereotyping,” he says.
“I just know you and I know the club. A staffy would suit you.”
“Misty is perfect,” he confirms, standing.
“You want to take her now, like right now?”
“Is that okay? I don’t want to walk away and make her think I didn’t choose her.”
My heart twists as I glance from Misty and back to him. “Fine. Whatever.”
He follows me out to the front, and I get out Misty’s file. He takes a seat while I run through everything, then he signs the paperwork. “Any donations are welcome,” I tell him, passing him a card to scan. We always push for donations, even after our fees for each rehoming. They barely cover the vet bills.
“Have you had lunch?” he asks, sounding hopeful. “You could come to the clubhouse and help me settle her.”
I run my fingers through Misty’s soft hair, smiling as she snuggles against Bully’s chest and closes her eyes. “I already told you, I have plans.”
“With?”
“My friend.” When he arches his brow, I add, “Female.” I don’t know why I choose to lie. Maybe it’s to save the headache, or maybe it’s because I desperately regret this morning’s decision to have dinner with the guy. In fact, the minute Bully leaves, I’m going to cancel.
He steps close, and I tip my head back to look up. “I love you so much, Liv. More than you’ll ever know. I just want a chance.” My heart twists.Doesn’t he deserve a chance? Do I really want to give up everything?
The knock on the door makes me jump, and I spin to see Ann waving. I laugh and head over to unlock it. “Sorry, I was out back for a minute, so I locked it.”
“I also found this young man waiting around,” she adds, glancing back. I freeze at the sight of last night’s guy. “He’s got a date with you,” she adds, smirking mischievously. I feel my cheeks burning with embarrassment as he steps into the reception area. It suddenly feels too small, and my chest tightens as I glance back at Bully, who’s glaring at me.
“It’s not a . . . erm . . . it’s not . . . oh god.”
“What you’re trying to say is, it ain’t a fucking date because you’re married,” snaps Bully.
I gasp for breath, wincing. “I’m not married” is all I manage to spit out.
“Are you okay?” Ann asks, her face full of concern.
I shake my head frantically, my eyes wide, begging her to save me somehow. Darren looks just as concerned, and he steps closer, placing a hand on my arm. I let out a squeak, but it’s not enough warning for the force that is Bully, who shoves him back.
I’m mortified, but the guy doesn’t look at all put out. Instead, he smirks, straightening his shirt and squaring his shoulders like he’s ready to fight.
“No,” I shout, stepping in front of Bully, who’s still holding Misty under his arm. “Just leave.”
His eyes fall to me. “What?”
“Please, just go.”
