Page 13

“Shoes are the quickest way for women to achieve instant metamorphosis.”

– Manolo Blahnik

He knew about shoes.

The thought kept dancing in her mind as she drove to the animal shelter. Sierra went over last night’s encounter and poked for specific reasons Kane Masterson was a con man.

After all, he’d interrupted and ruined her date. Fed her oysters like he was her lover. Complimented not only her personality, but her worthiness. Created a detailed spreadsheet most men would never try to embark on.

And knew exactly what shoes meant to her.

God, it was awful. Even worse? She was terribly attracted to the way the man wore his clothes…and footwear. There was a pride in his appearance, and the way he seemed to realize fashion didn’t have to be about ego or money, but personality and choice. Kane could come out of a second-hand shop and still look as delicious as he did in custom designer suits, because he wore his clothes—his clothes did not wear him.

It took a mighty ego and confidence to own such male potency.

Sierra shook off her thoughts as she pulled into the Dare County Animal Rescue. She’d called for an appointment and was excited to hear they had a new litter of kittens to consider. Yes, a kitten would be a lot of work, but the idea of being the first to shape their infancy was enticing. Of course, she’d consider an older cat if she was friendly and well-behaved. Her new companion needed to fit into her shop well and not intimidate her customers. She imagined one of those bookstore cats, quiet and unassuming, prowling around the shelves with dignity and restraint as people browsed.

And of course, she did not want a male cat. Flirt was female driven, which was important to her.

Colette greeted her with a warm smile.

“It’s so nice to meet you, Sierra. Mal told me you’d be coming in, and I’m really excited for you meet all our cats today. Your application was approved so we’re all set to find you a forever fur baby.”

Sierra smiled back, loving her energy. With a messy ponytail, make-up free face, dusty jeans and work boots, the young woman gave off vibes that screamed animal love. They chatted a bit as she was brought across a small field to the main cat shelter. Crates were lined up, stuffed with blankets and various toys. A main play center with towers, balls, and tunnel mazes was in the rear, and Sierra saw a couple playing with a tiny gray kitten.

“This is our cat room. We have the kittens out in the play area so you can spend some time and see if you bond with any of them. And of course, we have various ages to pick from. Some were strays. Others were given up by their owners.”

Colette’s brown eyes filled with sadness.

“So many families just can’t afford pets, or to spay their cats so they go on to have multiple births and the population explodes.”

Sierra nodded.

“I can imagine how hard it must be nowadays.”

The woman’s face cleared. Freckles sprinkled her nose.

“Yes, but you’re here today and will make a big difference. The names are on their cage. Do you want to see the kittens first?”

“Yes, please.”

Excitement and nerves sparked. She wished Aspen was here, but Sierra had wanted to do this herself and rely on her own intuition. She entered the cat room and Colette spent some time pointing out the various kittens, citing names and sexes. Sierra sat down on the rug while eight small balls of fur mewed and tumbled over one another in obvious joy. She nodded at the couple, who seemed to have fallen in love with the charcoal one, cuddling to their chests. Sierra got choked up when she spotted tears in their eyes, as if they were adopting their first child.

Damn, she was getting emotional herself.

She took her time with the kittens, getting to know each of their personalities as she watched them play. Patsy—a black one with white paws kept to herself, surveying the wildness with a touch of worry. Sierra tried to coax her over but the kitten quickly hid in one of the tunnels.

Colette came in to check with her but Sierra still wasn’t sure. They were all adorable, and any one of them would probably be a lovely addition to her life. But there was no gut pull to one particular feline.

Maybe it wasn’t supposed to be like that? Maybe she was silly to think picking a cat could be like her one night with Kane, when she was guided by a primitive instinct she couldn’t fight?

Sierra left the kittens and perused the other cats awaiting rescue. One by one, she looked into their faces and watched them. A few she took out and spent some quality time with. Her heart ached to take them all, but she was only ready for one.

She just wanted to find the right one.

Sierra was about to go back to the kittens when her gaze caught on the last crate at the end of the row. There was no card displayed with a name. Curious, she walked over and stared through the spaces of the metal.

Her eyes widened.

A gigantic garish orange cat sat toward the back, staring at her, goldish eyes unblinking. One ear was cocked forward; the other ear fell limply to the side like it no longer worked. She was like any other TikTok user and loved a good cat video so she knew about grumpy cat, but this one raised the stakes. The frown from its odd mouth was intense, as if the world had not only disappointed but destroyed. Massive paws made him look like a lionfish, but Sierra couldn’t tell if he was fat or just overly large.

If it was even a him.

Sierra kept staring at the odd creature, waiting for him to dismiss her or hiss and try to creep back into the shadows. A light touch on her arm made her jump.

“Sorry!”

Colette said.

“I was saying your name but you didn’t respond. Everything good? Do you want to see any of the cats?”

She pointed a finger at the crate.

“Why doesn’t this one have a name?”

Unbelievably, Colette looked a bit uneasy.

“Oh, well, he’s newish and a bit…difficult. Of course, he must’ve had a hard time out there on his own. He was a stray. Found him limping on the side of the road but he put up a wicked fight. We’ve been calling him Garfield for now. Jamal’s been working with him—he’s our cat handler.”

Garfield didn’t fit at all. The cat seemed to agree, because he suddenly sprang forth and hissed at Colette in a temper tantrum.

Colette stepped back.

“He’s temperamental. Doesn’t seem to like many people”

She seemed to realize she wasn’t being positive and a flicker of guilt crossed her face.

“But I’m sure Garfield will be a great cat once he feels safe.”

“Hmm. Can I see him out of the crate?”

Colette looked like she swallowed a sharp object, but smiled gamely.

“Oh, sure. Let me just get some help getting Garfield…out.”

Sierra knew if this lovely woman was afraid, she should forget this whole meet and greet and move on. But she stayed silent as Colette got one of the other cat handlers, who wore long gloves to protect his arms, and tried to coax Garfield out of the crate.

“Come on, buddy, we’re just going to have a quick play session with someone nice.”

The handler seemed more comfortable than Colette, first offering a small treat, and moving with slow but firm movements. He expertly faced the cat away from him, lifted, and brought him calmly to the small meet and greet room.

“Garfield is a tough one. He hasn’t liked anyone yet and may hiss at you. Don’t look him in the eye or you’ll seem confrontational. Don’t try to move too fast. He

needs some patience.”

Colette gave her an apologetic stare.

“Sorry, I’m not familiar with Garfield like Becker is. He’s like the cat whisperer around here.”

“You’re doing great,”

he said kindly.

“How long has he been here?”

Sierra asked.

Becker scratched his head.

“We picked him up a while ago, but he needed to be neutered, get his shots, and be socialized a bit. He’s had a hard time. Definitely not comfortable with people. Temperamental. Jamal has been working with him, and he’s now able to be handled from the crate without a problem. But I always had a soft spot for Garfield. You don’t have any other animals, do you?”

“No.”

“Good.”

He smiled.

“I can stay if you want.”

Sierra watched Garfield shake out his orange fur and stalk around, getting the lay of the room. Fascinated, she shook her head.

“No, I’d like to be alone with him if that’s okay?”

“Of course, just yell if you need us.”

Colette and Becker closed the glass door behind them. Sierra knew they’d keep a close eye but she felt like they had the space to themselves so Garfield could be who he wanted. She took a cross-legged position on the floor from a distance away.

Up close, he was even more intimidating. He seemed to grow bigger as he stretched out, giant paws investigating his surroundings, nose twitching, limp ear hanging crooked. His tail swooshed and his mouth curved in pure displeasure and disgust.

No wonder everyone was afraid of him.

“I bet you’re pretty misunderstood,”

she said quietly.

“Everyone wants a cute kitten, right? Or a sweet, untroubled soul who didn’t have to deal with any of the bad stuff yet. That’s the type I wanted, too. Uncomplicated.”

He pawed at a rubber ball, then swatted it to the side. Prowled back and forth as if thinking about something important which had nothing to do with her.

Sierra sighed.

“I’m not even sure why I’m here. You probably wouldn’t be happy with

me. I think we’re complete opposites.”

He twitched, turned, and paced some more.

“I need a shop cat, like one who looks good in a bookstore. I own a boutique so I also wanted a female cat. You’d scare people and that’s not good for business.”

He gave her side eye. Swatted at something that moved on the floor. His fur bristled.

“My house is really nice and I’d want you to live inside. No going in and out dragging creatures in as gifts. I think you’re too old and set in your ways to be trained. I should get a kitten.”

Finally, he pivoted and sat on his rear. Blinked. Those gold eyes fascinated her, but she remembered not to look at him directly because it was confrontational and she didn’t want to piss him off.

But Sierra couldn’t help it. She tried to use her periphery but this cat stared so intently, she literally felt the command to meet his gaze head-on.

She did.

Time stopped. In a flash, she saw things in those eyes. A knowledge of the outside of this shelter and the things he’d seen. Done. Experienced. A stubborn pride that overcame the world weariness most animals would succumb to on the street. A beautiful fuck-you to the masses who tried to break him into something and someone he was not.

Understanding passed between them.

“You’re perfect,”

Sierra whispered.

Slowly, he unfurled his legs and stalked over. She held her breath, not sure what to do, and then the giant cat went straight to her lap. Using his paws, he kneaded her legs as if trying to shape them into the perfect pillow.

Then dropped to her lap. The gesture screamed arrogance. He was making himself comfortable on his terms, not bending to her whim. Her heart began to speed up and she lifted a hand, gently petting his fur. The thick softness under her palm was the perfect antidote to any worries. Her mind eased, and the low rumbling of a purr filled the quiet room.

And in that moment, Sierra realized they were twin souls and this was the cat she was looking for.

He wasn’t the best one. He wouldn’t have been her pick.

But he chose her. And he was now hers.

Colette popped her head in.

“Everything going—oh, my goodness!”

Her jaw seemed to drop, then snap shut.

“I’ve never seen him do this before.”

Sierra smiled, refusing to look away from this magnificent creature before her.

“He’s the one I want.”

The cat stretched his neck to glance back. He seemed smug, as if promising her she made the right choice but he wouldn’t make it easy on her. Love never was.

For now, Sierra was okay with it.

“I’m so happy for you and Garfield.”

“His name is Montgomery,”

she corrected.

She knew no one with that name. It wasn’t from a famous celebrity or leader; it wasn’t picked from a beloved book or movie. But it was a name that screamed dignity. A name that spoke regalness. A name that was meant to be remembered.

Montgomery cocked his head as if considering. Then began licking his paw, obviously not giving a crap what she decided to name him. As long as it wasn’t a copycat of a cartoon who ate lasagna.

Sierra began to laugh, looking forward to her new adventure as a cat lady.

Two days later, Sierra stared out the side window, caught between astonishment and a betraying excitement she hated admitting. What was he doing here?

She looked down at her stretchy pants, oversize t-shirt and sock-clad feet. Sunday nights were reserved for cozying up to prep for the rest of the week. Not hosting hot men at her place while eating Chinese straight from the cartons.

“I’m bearing gifts!”

he shouted from the porch, obviously aware she was hesitating about letting him in.

Sierra blew out a breath and opened the door.

Kane held two giant tote bags in his hands. A devastating grin curved his full lips.

“Congratulations on your new addition. I can’t wait to meet him.”

She rolled her eyes.

“Really? You’re here to see my cat? Are we suddenly besties who come over each to other’s houses for late night visits?”

His face fell. The expression only gave him an adorable charm difficult to resist.

“Not yet, but I’m hoping. Aspen told Brick who told me so I figured it’d be nice to stop by.”

Damned if her lips didn’t twitch in a smile, but she kept her tone firm.

“You can come in for a minute. I don’t want to overwhelm him since this is all new to both of us.”

“Got it.”

He stepped through the threshold, sniffing the air.

“Is that Chinese?”

“Yes.”

“Any leftovers? I didn’t get to eat today—too busy.”

A suffering sigh escaped.

“Why are you reminding me of a stray cat yourself?”

“Because I know how they feel.”

His answer gave her pause. Sierra wanted to ask further questions but he was already setting the bags down and looking around.

“Is he hiding? Poor thing. I don’t want to intimidate him.”

“Montgomery likes to sleep in the sunroom but he’ll come out when he’s ready. What did you bring?”

“Montgomery, huh? Very distinguished.”

Kane began pulling items from the bags with an enthusiasm that amused her. She hadn’t seen this side of him, like a kid excited about giving gifts to please.

“I did some online research and found these were the best food and treats to give. It’s made with real ingredients and not that fake crap manufacturers try to push.”

He placed everything on the coffee table in a neat line.

“These toys are good for giving mental stimulation. These have catnip, but there’s a lot of disagreement on if it’s good to use but I figured you’d decide what’s best.”

He wriggled a large box from the bottom.

“This is a cat tower I can build for you. It’s got the highest reviews for safety. And this thing is motorized so he can play chase.”

The cute mouse was on roller wheels and made little squeaking sounds when Kane pressed it.

“I already put batteries in it. What do you think?”

Crap. What she thought led to danger. He was being sweet and a bit nerdy and her silly heart softened to mush. Once again, she realized how nice it was to have a man take an interest and care about something in her life. Sierra had Aspen and a ton of girlfriends but no men stayed in her life once she shut down the romance.

She stared at him with a new outlook. From the first, she’d been wary of getting her heart broken with this man. It was easier to keep the past firmly in her memory and not spoil the perfect night.

But right now? Sierra wondered if she was playing small in order to keep things in control. What if she gave Kane Masterson a chance? What if she opened herself up to the possibility of not only a great affair, but a great love? Was it just her stubbornness that made her believe they couldn’t try out a real relationship, with morning afters and dating? Could she navigate these type of feelings without constantly wondering if she was going to end up hurt and alone again?

She’d changed over the years. Achieved her dreams of a fulfilling career and independence on her terms.

Wasn’t it possible he’d changed, too?

The questions flooded her with confusion. She needed time to sort things out. One thing was clear—if she was ready to go down that unknown path, she wanted to tell her sister and Brick the truth. And she needed clarity on his actions that led him to jail and fleeing New York.

“You don’t like them?”

Kane frowned.

“I can return them. I didn’t mean to push. I tend to do that, huh?”

“We both do,”

she said quietly.

“But this was really nice, Kane. Thank you.”

Their gazes locked. Understanding mingled with the familiar heat, but instead of retreat, Sierra held her stance.

“Want some lo mein while we wait for Montgomery? You just can’t judge me for not using plates.”

“I’d love some. No judgment zone. Ever since I moved to my place, I barely put on clothes, let alone use plates.”

A jolt of awareness zapped her. The image of him striding around naked, all those ridged muscles on display for her gaze, made her falter. His wicked grin told her he knew, so Sierra refused to let him win this round.

“Me, too. Funny, a few minutes earlier and you would’ve caught me climbing out of my bubble bath. I like to walk around without a robe so my skin air dries. Much healthier.”

She hid her smug expression as she headed to the kitchen. The strangled sound from his lips was satisfying.

“That was cruel,” he said.

“You started it. Drink?”

“Sweet tea, please. One day, I’d like to finish it.”

She shot him a look and handed him the pint of noodles. Safe across the granite countertop, she poured two glasses, took out a fork, and slid them over. His green eyes heated but he nodded his thanks and began to eat. Sierra watched in silence for a few moments.

“If I let you finish it, what should I expect?”

He choked, placing the carton down quickly and drinking some tea. Kane shook his head and stared at her.

“Woman, are you trying to kill me?”

Feeling bold, she gave a half shrug.

“You’re the one doing the chasing. Showing up at my house, declaring it’s only a matter of time before you catch me. I’m simply asking what would happen next. Or is it the game that gives you the adrenaline rush? Just like closing one of your big deals?”

It was a fair question, but his menacing frown said he didn’t like it.

“Do you think this is a game?”

he asked softly.

“I don’t know.”

She crossed her arms in front of her chest.

“I don’t know you enough to make that call.”

“Because you wouldn’t give me a chance. You ran.”

He paused.

“You denied me.”

A shiver squeezed through her. He was right, but she hated thinking of herself as a coward.

“We don’t have to make this complicated. If we want to put some ghosts to rest, we can go into my bedroom right now. Maybe a few good orgasms will break the spell and we can both move on with our lives. No one has to know.”

He shook his head.

“God, you’re such a flirt.”

Her jaw dropped.

“Nothing I said was even close to flirty!”

“You’re so damn direct and bold, you can annihilate a man with one blast of that sharp tongue. It’s the hottest type of flirting imaginable.”

Was it wrong to feel a rush of satisfaction that this man seemed to know her? Oh, sure, she knew how to be soft and approachable around men. She loved the give and take; the dance of male and female that pulsed with possibilities. But few knew the woman behind the fa?ade. Her ex-husband, he told her she was too intimidating, and that she’d do better if she was less edgy. Sierra hadn’t thought to question his opinion. Instead, she spent too much time trying to mold herself into the perfect wife, so she could have the perfect life.

When that had all blown up, she’d finally said fuck it. But all her dates made her nervous. She worried she’d come on too strong, too fast and scare any potential relationships away. She got in her head and couldn’t seem to pull out. Until this moment, she hadn’t even realized she’d been policing herself or trying to be someone she wasn’t.

Not with Kane.

He didn’t seem the least intimidated or turned off.

He looked exactly the opposite, jaw clenched, green eyes roving over her body with every dirty thought boldly crossing his face. Every part of her trembled to step forward and give in. Let him drag her to bed so this tormenting tension could break and either split her apart…or put her back together.

“Sierra?”

She tilted her head, waiting.

“I think you want me to push. Sex is easier to pigeonhole us, because we both know once I get you naked, you won’t be leaving that bedroom for a damn long time.”

Her mouth went dry. He continued.

“But I’m playing for bigger stakes. I want to take you out on a date. I want to help you plan the engagement party and stand beside you while we celebrate the two people we love. I want to tell the world the truth—that four years ago I fell hard and I haven’t stopped dreaming about you. That’s so much more than a few orgasms.”

She had no spit left. Sierra cleared her throat, body tight with tension.

“That’s a lot to process.”

The wolf retreated. His lip quirked and his face gentled. “It is.”

She faced him from across the counter and over lo mein noodles.

“You want a relationship with me. Not just sex?”

“Yes.”

“Have you ever been involved with someone long-term, Kane? Said I love you? Compromised and given up things you wanted for that other person? Put someone else first over your career?”

Direct hit. He jerked back as if slapped. Triumph mingled with regret at the truth on his face. This man had never thought of anyone but himself. He’d been in jail. He’d hurt people. Both Brick and Aspen knew very little of his past. Kane Masterson was a mystery. And though the connection was always there, Sierra was terrified he was full of words but no action.

“No. You’re right. I haven’t done any of those things.”

Disappointment hit, but she didn’t flinch. At least, he was being honest. She needed all of the ammunition to keep her heart safe. Sierra nodded.

“I thought so.”

“But it’s only for one reason, Sierra.”

His gaze crashed into hers, lit with a fire that stole her breath. The silence pulsed around them, stretching, as if knowing his next words would change everything.

“I was waiting for you.”

She shuddered at his stark tone, stripped of smart banter or pretty prose meant to entertain and seduce. No, this was spoken from the deeper, darker places in his soul, and her insides melted with the need to go to him, slide her arms around his neck, lean her head against his chest, and ask for his secrets; for his trust.

Frozen in place, a rush of emotions hit full force. Her fingers curled into fists. All she had to do was walk around and give in to the moment, and Kane Masterson would be hers.

Suddenly, a low hiss filled the air, startling them both.

Sierra blinked and focused on Montgomery, who’d finally made his way out to meet the new visitor. She’d been careful about giving the cat space and time to settle into his new home, but found after a few hours of exploration, he settled in like he belonged. She was able to handle him without issues, and after only two days, Sierra was already smitten with her new companion.

Aspen came over to meet him, and after a bit of hesitation over his size and demeanor, they’d taken to each other easily. If things continued, Sierra planned to bring him to Flirt and get slowly acquainted with the space and being around people.

But right now?

He looked like a demon cat ready to rip apart his greatest enemy.

Fur prickling, massive body crouched as if ready to attack, the hiss sounded deadly and made Kane still immediately.

Kane raised his hands in surrender.

“Umm, Sierra? Is that your…cat?”

Startled at the reaction, she frowned and came around the island.

“Montgomery? It’s okay. He’s a friend.”

She figured he was protecting her and once she showed Kane wasn’t threatening, the cat would relax. With slow, careful motions, she knelt down, putting herself in between them.

“He even brought you toys and treats. Did he scare you, baby?”

she crooned.

The cat’s giant golden eyes met hers, as if needing reassurance. Sierra’s heart melted.

“Mommy’s okay. Kane won’t hurt me. Wanna meet him?”

She reached out and patted Kane’s knee. Kane grit out in a whisper.

“That’s not a cat. It’s a monster.”

Sierra shot him a glare.

“Don’t say that about him. Montgomery was a stray and had a hard time of it. He just needs to know he’s safe.”

“What about my safety? ‘Cause he’s going to try to kill me.”

She rolled her eyes, putting out her other hand to stroke the cat’s prickly fur. Slowly, Montgomery began to settle, but his gaze stayed on Kane with a blatant warning.

“You’re being ridiculous. He’s been a sweetheart. He just needs time. Some relationships aren’t love at first sight.”

Kane snorted.

“Nice analogy. He must’ve had to be drugged to get him into that shelter. He’s a Cujo in cat form.”

“He was hurt by a car, and the shelter got him medical help. He was alone in a crate for a while so he’s not used to people.”

She arched a brow.

“I’m surprised at you. I thought you liked animals.”

“Domesticated, cute, furry animals. Brick’s got a rat creature masquerading as a dog, and now you have a pet who looks like the orange gorilla from Jungle Book.”

Montgomery crouched back and hissed again.

“Don’t say things like that. He doesn’t like it,” she said.

“Sorry. Umm, listen, Mo, I’m not here to cause trouble. Wanna take a look at some of your presents?”

Sierra rose the same time as Kane. Moving carefully, they eased into the living room where the bags and boxes were spread out. The cat turned to keep him in sight.

“Try giving him a treat,”

Sierra suggested.

“Here you go, buddy. These are amazing. The most expensive ones on the shelf.”

Kane opened the pouch, knelt to the ground, and held out the tidbit.

“What do you say? Wanna give it a try? I’ve got more where that came from. Anything you want.”

Montgomery took a tentative step forward. His ears and nose twitched. Regarded the man and his treat before him, offering the bribe. Then with a sudden leap through the air, he landed in front of Kane’s outstretched hand. With one swift movement, the cat’s giant paw smacked out with a mighty strike.

Kane fell back, the treat falling out of his grip.

Montgomery gave a threatening hiss, then turned away, swishing his tail in dismissal at the whole charade. Nose stuck up, he stalked away and settled in front of Sierra as if guarding her from a man unworthy of her attention.

Kane’s jaw dropped. He stared at the cat in confusion, and the entire scene began to strike her as hysterical.

Holy crap, Montgomery had completely dissed him.

Sierra started to laugh as Kane tried to regather his composure and get off the floor. Swiping at his pants, he glared at the cat.

Montgomery glared back.

Yeah, it was officially war.

“He won’t let you buy him off,”

she said. Humor danced in her voice.

“Has there ever been anyone in your life you couldn’t charm?”

“No,”

he admitted.

“But I don’t think Mo is normal. Why couldn’t you get a cute, cuddly kitten?”

“They were boring,”

she said.

“I like complexity. He’s definitely an alpha and doesn’t like being challenged.”

“Sierra, you have to be careful. Don’t bring Mo to the shop. He’ll threaten the customers and cause issues.”

She looked down at her protector, who had settled and was nicely licking his paw, haunches firmly planted on her sock-clad feet.

“His name is Montgomery. And I think he’ll be great.”

Kane groaned.

“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

Sierra grinned.

“Yep. Kane Masterson has finally met his match. You can’t buy him, charm him, or intimidate him.”

“Very funny. Can we go back into the kitchen and finish our conversation? Maybe close Mo—umm, Montgomery—off in his room until we’re done?”

She regarded him thoughtfully, then made her decision.

“No. I think it’s time you went home. Montgomery’s still getting situated, and I don’t want to force him to spend time with someone he doesn’t like.”

Kane blinked.

“You’re throwing me out for a cat?”

Sierra smiled with satisfaction.

“Absolutely. There’s a reason he doesn’t trust you and until that’s settled, I’m not ready to dive into any type of relationship. When he’s comfortable in your presence, we can discuss our next steps.”

Those green-gold eyes widened.

“You want Mo to make the rules for us? A stray cat you picked up in a shelter two days ago? An animal that doesn’t know me or you or what we shared years ago?”

“Sounds good to me.”

She scooped Montgomery into her arms and walked to the door.

“I appreciate all the gifts, Kane. More than you know.”

It was the most she could give at the moment. She prepped for an argument, but he only followed her out, pausing on the threshold. His gaze took in the cat firmly held against her chest, then rose to her face. His voice was a husky murmur of sound, wrapping around her like a seductive cloud of darkness.

“I hope you feel safe tonight, sweetheart. Tucked in your bed with your feline guardian. But if you believe I’d back down from any challenge to keep you from being mine, you don’t know me. You bought a little more time. Time means nothing after years of waiting, so I’ll do what you need. Prove myself. Make that damn cat love me. Wait on the sidelines until you decide the reward is bigger than the risk to give me a chance.”

A smile touched his lips and then he turned, disappearing into the shadows.

“Good night, Montgomery.”

His sentence drifted in the humid air, as much a warning as an endearment.

Sierra shivered and stepped inside, shutting the door behind her.

Damn that man.