Page 32 of Michael
I nod. “I know I can tame it.” My gaze angles to the cage, watching the pretty kitty as it licks its fuzzy paws.
“I’m sure you can.” He speaks with resolve. “You’d tame the fiercest beast with a single word.”
I’m immediately disarmed, my cheeks burning like bonfires.
“So, you’re taking it home then?” he says, and I’m incredibly grateful for him changing the subject.
I silently agree. The kodi looks so peaceful now—nothing like its wild state when we almost caught it yesterday. “Yeah,” I say finally, “I think we’ll make a wonderful family.”
“I think so too,” he breathes, watching me with galvanizing blue eyes. After a minute, Michael heaves a sigh. “Well, if you need any help taking care of him, don’t hesitate to ask.” He sets his hands on his hips and turns around, walking out of the bedroom wearing a soft smirk on his face.
My heart is about to burst out of my chest. It’s pounding so hard and so fast. As I pick up the kennel, my hands are slightly shaking—he’s got such a powerful effect on me.
“Amanda?” he whispers my name so sweetly, my breathing hitches.
“Yeah?” I reply, swinging my head towards him.
“I’m glad you’re feeling better.”
“Thanks.” I give him a faint smile.
Michael purses his lips. He means to say something more but wavers for a while. I think I’m going to lose my mind waiting when he finally manages, “I’ll drive you home, if that’s all right.”
CHAPTER18
Amanda
“You’regonna love it here, Kodi,” I tell him, setting thedefinitely maledemon pet free from the kennel into a spacious playpen in my living room.
For the first time ever, he locks his fierce blue eyes on mine. “D’you like that name?” I ask.
He stares at me intently, and I can feel a silent understanding between us. After a few moments, he turns around to explore his new home.
He walks around, curious, sniffing every corner of the pen and making himself comfortable. He’s already made it his own as he plays with a couple of toys strewn around before snuggling into the blanket I laid as a makeshift bed.
It’s clear that he knows this is now his home, and I’m filled with joy seeing him content in it. We’ll spend the next few days getting to know each other better as he slowly warms up to me.
“Then, that’s decided. Your name is Kodi.” My lips ease into a smile.
“Where were you?” This voice, cold and demanding, prickles my nape like thousand needles.
I turn on the ball of my feet so fast it makes me dizzy.
Standing before me is a tall figure in a flawlessly tailored dark suit. His intimidating presence sends chills down my spine.
I take a deep breath to steady myself before responding, “I was just getting my new kitty settled.”
He steps closer and I can feel the raw energy radiating off him. I am filled with fear as he stares into my eyes. After what feels like an eternity, he snarls, “Where. Were. You?”
“Richard…” I manage. This isn’t the seductive guy I’ve known for years, but a darker version of himself—the demonic one.
“You weren’t here last night.”
My heart races as I try to find the courage to speak up. I’ll just have to pretend to be fearless. “Sorry, Richard. I’m not feeling well. We’re not doing this tonight, okay?”
“You were with that loathsome bastard, weren’t you?” he snaps.
There’s no use denying it; I know better than to argue with him. My heart is pounding hard against my chest as I admit the truth: “Yes, but nothing happened between us. We were just talking. So please, just let it go.” I pause. “And, he happens to be a very nice guy once you get to know him.”
