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I wouldn’t know, as I’m under his spell the entire ride up. The fact that he has been running his fingers up and down my arms the whole way doesn’t help one bit. His touch, the way he looks at me—it’s all so intense.

The elevator pings and Ronan quickly turns as if just remembering something. That’s when I hear it. The low growl of not one but maybe two or more dogs. Ronan snaps out something I don’t understand and the three ponies standing before us all sit down and quiet on command.

“What the fuck?” I gasp.

“They won’t hurt ya. They know someone new is with their da and they want to know who ya are and if I’m safe.”

He reaches back for my hand and laces his fingers with mine. The big-ass dogs tilt their heads to the side as if they are taking in the gesture. I have to admit, they are gorgeous.

“One at a time,” Ronan says to them. “Blitz, come meet da’s new friend.”

The all-black one steps forward obediently. His coat is so shiny. All three of theirs are. I can tell they are well taken care of. They look healthy and strong as hell.

“I’m right here,” Ronan murmurs to me as he places my hand next to the dog’s ear then covers mine with his.

“That’s my boy. This is Danny. Ya keep her safe for da.” He then says something else I don’t understand before sending Blitz off and calling Bullet forward.

Bullet looks a lot like Blitz except for the white patch on his chest. This dog has a ton of personality. He nuzzles into my palm when Ronan guides my hand to pet him.

Again, Ronan says something to him I don’t understand. I look at him curiously. He only winks and gives Bullet a good rub.

“KD, come here, love,” he says to the last dog. This one seems to look me over then turns its back on me. “Ya have to forgive her. She always has a bit of an attitude.”

I swear she looks back at him and rolls her eyes. I can’t help snickering. If I thought Bullet had personality, this one takes the cake.

“Are you calling her Katy or KD?” I ask, wondering if I’m misunderstanding because of the accent.

“Ach, Killer Doll. KD for short.”

KD seems to perk up from the mention of her full name as if she’s proud. She turns back to face me and stands tall with her head held high like royalty.

“I like her. Her gray coat is so pretty, and her eyes shine so bright.”

“Aye, ya hear that, ya brat? She thinks yer pretty. Pretty ya are, but stubborn as a mule suits ya better.”

She makes a noise that sounds like a huff and comes over to us. Ronan squats and she presses her forehead to his. She then looks over her shoulder at me.

She looks me up and down then comes to sit at my feet, nearly knocking me over with her weight. If I’m not crazy, her ass laughs at me as I drop my book and throw my hands out to keep from falling. Lightning fasts, she jumps up and moves as if she’s going to try to break my fall.

“KD, that wasn’t nice,” Ronan chides.

She looks back at him with a sheepish expression, then looks at me and I swear the bitch shrugs. Like nothing happened, she walks off. The other two follow her. Ronan calls something after them in that other language before they all disappear through what looks like an oversized doggie door.

“What language are you speaking to them?”

“Gaelic. Sorry about her. Believe it or not, I think she might like ya.”

“Okay, if you say so. Where did they go?”

“They have an apartment on the level beneath this one. They’re probably going to their rooms for the night since they know I’m home now.”

“You’re joking, right?”

“Not at all. I’ll give ya a tour and show ya their place in the morning.”

He bends and picks up the box I dropped with my book inside. Taking my bag from my shoulder, he then walks off with my things to put them down. I take the chance to look around the place.

It’s breathtaking. Floor-to-ceiling windows wrap the apartment. The view from the windows reveals a spectacular view of the skyline and the city.