Page 83 of Fragile Sanctuary

I pulled up next to her SUV and climbed out.

“Thank God!” Rho huffed. “Can you please help me?”

“What exactly is going on?” I asked, my lips twitching.

“Don’t laugh at me!” Rho grunted as she tried to haul Biscuitup. “I’ve been trying to get him into the car for thirty minutes. We’re going to be late for his vet appointment.”

I watched as Biscuit simply went limp as she tried to lift him. “I’ve seen you get him into your SUV at least a dozen times. He just jumps in.”

Rho sent a scathing look my way. “It’s like heknows. I didn’t even say the V-word, but the moment we got outside, he wouldn’t get closer than ten feet to the SUV.”

The laugh tore free from my throat, the sound rusty like the action. But, God, it felt good.

Rho straightened, her expression softening. “Laughter looks good on you, Hunt.”

The sound faded, but the heat it sparked stayed as I stared at Rho.

She motioned me forward. “If you get his back end, and I take his front, we should be able to get him into the back seat. He’s heavier than he looks.”

I crossed to the dog, who still lay on the ground, sending me an over-your-dead-body stare. “How are you going to get himoutof the SUV once you’re at the vet?”

Rho clasped her hands beneath her chin and sent me a pleading look. “If you help me take him to his appointment, I’ll make you dinner.”

I groaned but knew I wouldn’t be able to say no. “Come on.”

I bent, hauling Biscuit into my arms. “What the hell have you been eating?” I grumbled.

The dog let out a grunt as he tried to spring out of my hold.

“Told you,” Rho said.

“No more treats for you, pal,” I said as I held on to the squirming dog. I managed to awkwardly get him into the SUV and shut the door. I leaned against it, breathing heavily.

Rho scowled. “It’s annoying how easy that was for you. I carry heavy things all day.”

I chuckled. “Pretty sure it’s a muscle mass issue, plus the fact that I’ve got almost a foot on you.”

“I’m still annoyed,” she grumbled as she moved toward the driver’s door.

We both climbed into the SUV, and she backed out of the makeshift parking spot. Biscuit let out a mournful howl.

I glanced over my shoulder. “Dude, have some pride.”

“Let him express his feelings,” Rho chided.

Of course, she would want her dog to embrace the same freedom she had, letting everything fly. Biscuit howled again in answer, and I just shook my head.

Rho slowed as she reached the end of her gravel drive, putting on her blinker. Biscuit didn’t miss the opportunity. He launched himself over the divider and landed hard in my lap.

Pain flared, hot and bright. I let out a strangled sound that didn’t resemble anything human.

“Biscuit!” Rho scolded. She winced as she took in my face. “Are you okay?”

“I’ll never have children, but other than that, dandy,” I rasped.

She sent me a strained smile. “I can try to get him in the back again.”

“Just leave him here. If he does that again, you’ll be taking me to the hospital instead.”

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