Page 40 of Beautifully Broken

Ashley

Thank the goddess above that these sweet angels need round-the-clock care. Who knew they would be the key to getting the breathtaking bear behind me into my home.

I've thought about Talon nonstop since he left the shelter. Of course, Moxie teased me about sparks flying after the puppies had been all taken care of and settled. Surprisingly, they were in pretty good condition once we got them warmed up and fed, considering how they’d been found.

It was no hardship to bring them home and bottle feed them for the next few weeks until they're old enough to start having dog food.

That said, I'm not going to complain about having Talon's help.

For being such a large man, he's eerily silent as he moves through my apartment.

If I didn't know he was following me, there's no way I'd know someone else is here with me.

That's how I find myself running into him when I pivot at the last minute, to grab an extra bottle and formula out of the kitchen, instead of heading straight to my room like I planned.

If it weren't for Talon's strong arms, my ass would be sprawled across the floor right about now. Being plastered against him, I can't hide my body's reaction, which could be bad if my gaydar is off and he's actually straight.

My fears quickly disappear when I feel him thicken against my side, which pulls a whimper from me. A callused hand cups my jaw as it tilts my head back. My eyes are closed, lips parted as I breathe heavily. I can't help how turned on I am. I also can't have him if he's not right there with me.

"Baby, open those eyes." Talon's thumb caresses my jaw before running across my lower lip .

My eyes fly open only to meet the fire burning in his. Feeling emboldened, I dart out my tongue to tease his thumb. That fire flares, making me feel triumphant—I affect him as much as he does me.

"What I wouldn't give to lose myself in you right now, but if I start, I'll never want to stop, and we have a job to do."

I pout like a petulant child, bottom lip popped out and all, which makes Talon chuckle.

He leans down, placing the gentlest of kisses on my protruding lip, before straightening and turning me towards the kitchen. "Be a good boy and go get what you need so we can take care of the little ones."

Feeling my bratty side spilling free, I stick out my tongue before sulking towards the kitchen. "Fine. Whatever you say, Daddy."

Crack!

Holy. Shit! I yelp as my hand goes to my ass and rubs it in an attempt to relieve the sting from Talon's palm. I should be annoyed as hell right now, but that was hot as fuck.

"Do not use that term unless you mean it, you understand? I've not given into that kink in a long time, but that term is earned and an honor. I take it very seriously."

Properly chastised, I nod. Talon cocks his brow, and I know he needs my words. "I understand. It won't happen again."

"I didn't say it couldn't happen again. It's just something that would need to be discussed. Now, let's go take care of the pups."

"Okay."

I gather everything I need, then head towards my bedroom. For the most part, my apartment is all open except for the bedroom and the bathroom. I thought about just using dividers, but I like having the space closed off. It feels more private with four walls for my room.

Once in my room, we're greeted by the sweet little fluff balls. They're a mix of all different colors and textures of fur. Some are more wiry, like poodles, while others have coats more like labs. Regardless of their looks, they're all really sweet. Out of the seven, five are girls .

I'm able to gain composure by guiding Talon through the process of feeding the puppies. The sexual tension is still there, but it's hovering in the background instead of slamming us in the face.

While we feed the pups, we play twenty questions. Well, Talon asks me questions while he dodges answering any of mine. Good thing I don't mind talking about myself.

By the time we're done, I don't want Talon to leave. I've enjoyed this alone time with him and would love more. If he were any other person, I’d just ask him out, but something tells me he's different.

"Thanks for letting me help you out today. I've been thinking about the little buggers, and it's great to see for myself that they're doing just fine."

"Of course! It made my life easier having you join me. You're welcome back anytime you'd like, ya know."

Shit, was that flirting? There I go, doing what I said I wouldn't.

"I'd like that."

We're at my front door, but neither makes a move to leave.

"I—"

"Do you—"

We both pause before smiling. I gesture for him to go ahead, curious to see what he was going to say.

"Would you like to go out with me sometime?"

I go to respond, but he holds up a hand to stop me, so I impatiently wait.

"I need to be upfront. I've got a lot of baggage that's gonna take me a bit to open up to you about, but you’re the first person I've even wanted to let in for what feels like forever.

I'm probably gonna fuck shit up and I might hold some things back, but if you can be patient with me, I'd like to try. "

"Absolutely. I'm in. I haven't been able to get you off my mind since you walked into my shelter. Name the time and place, and I'll be there."

"Give me your phone."

I hand it over and watch as Talon enters his number.

"Text me your schedule." He leans down and places a chaste kiss on my lips, and then he’s gone .

It happens so quickly that I almost can't believe it, but my lips still tingle from the scratch of his beard. I have no idea what I just signed up for, but I can't wait to find out.