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“By you?”

“By his former owner, a Marine.”

“Oh, not you. Why was he given up?”

“Because the original owner is dead.” I don’t know what prompted me to be a dick. Maybe because over the last few years, I’d lost touch with how to be a decent human being. No, that wasn’t exactly the truth. I just didn’t give a shit about anyone else. Why should I?

I’d learned a long time before that most people were only out for themselves, eager to maintain their lifestyle while perpetuating their greed and self-worth at the expense of anyone around them.

The only people I’d seen different had been members of SEAL Team Six.

Maybe my hatred of people was the sole reason I’d packed up my truck with what little I’d owned and headed west given the good fortune my uncle had left me.

She peered down at Tank and her body swayed back and forth. “Oh, poor baby. Now you’re stuck with Mr. Grouchy.”Just before she fell to the floor, I managed to wrap my arm around her. She slumped against me, taking continuous shallow breaths. “What’s happening?” Even her words were slightly slurred.

Without thinking I scooped her into my arms and she flailed one hand toward me. Her eyes were as unfocused as they’d been inside the shithouse she’d been kept in. If I’d had time, I would have brutalized the fuckers for tormenting her for fucking days.

“You’re okay, Juliette. You’re just exhausted.” I moved toward the bed, yanking down the comforter and sheet. It didn’t matter she was filthy other than I’d need to check for wounds that could possibly lead to infection. But that would wait.

“Uh-huh,” she whispered. “I’m fine. Just let me rest for a little while.”

Well, at least she felt comfortable enough around me to pass out. Maybe that was saying something. After easing her down gently, I rubbed her hair from her face. Her lips were swollen, one eye slightly puffy and she had a cut near her ear. With my eyes traveling further, I captured the round fullness of her breasts, her slender waist, hips meant for a man to grab, and her long legs peeking out from thick denim shorts.

Get a grip, soldier.Hissing, I looked away briefly before continuing my examination.

From what I could tell, her injuries were minor. However, the scrape on her knee was deep and probably imbedded with gravel. A scratch on her arm was long and covered in dried blood. From what I could tell, she was lucky. Whoever had orchestrated her abduction had wanted her kept intact. I tugged off her tennis shoes, placing them by the bed. Her clothes wereripped, speckles of blood on her shirt. She’d need a change of clothes for our limited stay.

The more we were able to blend in, the better.

I pulled the sheet over her, exhaling as soon as I did.

This was a royal clusterfuck.

I stood back, hating myself for indulging in leering at her and shook my head. She also needed food. We both did. And some antiseptic and hydrogen peroxide. My first aid kit didn’t have either. Plus, the water supply was dwindling and I had no dogfood.

Well, fuck. I’d need to leave her alone. There was no way I could parade her around town, not with her appearance completely disheveled.

I turned toward Tank, crouching down beside him. He immediately moved closer. His tail always wagged. “You did good today, buddy. Real good. But I need you to do a huge favor for me. Take care of her. Watch out and don’t let anyone in the room or out. Especially don’t let our guest out of your sight. Okay? Can you do that for me?”

Tank woofed once, tipping his head as if acknowledging the importance of his job. Either that or he wanted his ears scratched. I obliged him for a few seconds.

After that, I headed to the chair on the other side of the room, pulling the duffle closer as I did. As soon as I had a fresh magazine in my handgun, I yanked my shirt from the waistband of my cargo pants. At least the weapon would be hidden from typical prying eyes.

The task accomplished, I glanced around the room, thinking of the best place to hide the weapons. I had a few ideas. I’d spend a half an hour or so making certain she was in a deep and restful sleep before heading out.

Her subtle moans kept my attention. Maybe now was the wrong time to ask myself this, but what the fuck was I doing here?

As I sat back, Tank turned his head toward me then glanced at Juliette. When he finally jumped onto the bed, I smiled.

“Traitor.”

CHAPTER 9

Juliette

Swimming.

The cool water felt good. I was spinning, floating. Feeling weightless.