Page 10 of Hell on Wheels

Kane’s snout lifted, and he inhaled a few times before his tail started wagging.

Uh-oh.

Before I had a chance to order him to stay put, he moved.

My loyal service dog went straight to the female, who lowered to her knees and began scratching behind his ears. Annoyed, I was tempted to scold Kane. He never went to other people. He was trained to protect me and never obeyed the impulse to seek out others, no matter how good they smelled.

I guess she was too great a temptation. Fuck me. I couldn’t blame him. She smelled like summer wind and fresh tangerine with a hint of spice.

Kane licked the side of her face, and she giggled. “Kane? That’s your name? Fits you, handsome.”

His tongue lolled out of his mouth as he stared at her and pleaded for more attention.

“You’re a traitor,” I mumbled, walking up the stairs and running to my room. There was a seabag and duffle bag I used in the Marine Corps, and I knew how to pack fast and efficiently. I had everything I needed in five minutes and loaded them both in my truck behind the front seats. Making my way into the kitchen, I picked up a cooler and began to pack it with drinks and snacks. The trip to Tonopah would take a few hours, but I wasn’t sure where she was headed, and I didn’t want to risk stopping until I reached my old friend from the Corps.

“You’re in the military, aren’t you?”

She must have noticed my gear. “I’m a Marine. No longer active duty,” I explained, squinting as a few flashes of light danced in my peripheral. This wasn’t the time for my vision to kick up a fuss.

“Well, I figured that out when I noticed the seabag. Had a cousin that served overseas.”

I didn’t know what to say to that. Any comment could spark a conversation I didn’t want to have—or worse, questions.

Lark sighed. “I’m not going with you.”

“Gotta say, I think that’s a mistake.”

“I figured that would be your response.”

Narrowing my eyes, I knew she couldn’t tell with the sunglasses, but I didn’t care. Crossing my arms over my chest, I didn’t hesitate to let her know what I thought. “Not smart, Lark. You can’t stay in Vegas.”

She shrugged. “I’m used to looking out for myself.”

Snorting, I didn’t point out the fact that she was literally having her ass kicked when I showed up. “You’re leaving.”

“No.”

“Isaidyou’releaving,” I emphasized, growling the words.

Slender fingers settled at her hips. “No. I’m not.”

If she thought she could win the battle of wills, she certainly didn’t have experience with a Marine. “It’s not safe. I won’t leave a man or a woman behind.” Damn. That was painful to say. My chest felt tight, and I had to take several deep breaths. “Unless you want me to drop you somewhere out of town, you’re coming with me.”

She must have noticed my struggle.

“Fine. Don’t lose your shit.”

My lip lifted in a snarl. “Get in the goddamn truck.”

She lifted her chin, debating whether or not she wanted to push it. “I’ll go. What do you need for Kane?”

Surprised, I blinked. “I’ll grab his stuff. Just take the leash and clip it to his collar for me. He knows to wait at the door.”

Lark sauntered off as Kane lifted his head, waiting for approval. “Go with Lark. Wait at the door.” Kane got the gist of what I was sayin’ and went straight to the door. “Sit,” I commanded firmly. He immediately dropped to his haunches. “Good job,” I praised.

At least someone knew how to listen.

Lark clipped his leash, and they both patiently waited as I gathered the rest of what I needed. Once the car was loaded with supplies, I ticked my head in the direction of the truck.

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