Vice (Fireborn Wolves Book 1) by Genevieve Jack Page B

kitchen, even if it was sabotage. If I file a police report, this will be all over the news. Although, I will do it if I have to.”
    “You don’t have to.”
    She waited patiently as he stared her down. Why offer information you didn’t have to give? Information that might incriminate her?
    “Why did you blow off our date?”
    Surprised, Laina spread her hands. “I thought Becca explained.”
    “She implied you were dead! I think her exact words were ‘Due to a personal tragedy, the animal hospital is closing indefinitely and details can only be released to immediate family members.’ What the fuck happened? Why is a veterinarian from New Hampshire slinging beer in a hole-in-the-wall in rural Wisconsin? What are you doing here, Laina, besides trying to sabotage my club?”
    “Shhh.” She brought her finger to her lips. “No one can know who I am.”
    “Explain.”
    Her thoughts darted, searching for some shred of truth she could share with him, although why it pained her to lie was beyond her comprehension. “I can’t go into details,” she said slowly, “but it was a domestic violence situation. I’m in hiding.”
    “Husband or boyfriend?” His voice broke as he asked the question.
    “Neither. A relative. An enemy of my family. It’s a long and twisted story. He’s very powerful, and my survival depends on concealing my identity. I did what I did to your club because Monty would have thrown me out if I didn’t. I’m sorry. I’ll do whatever you want to make it up to you.”
    She’d stepped in closer, without even meaning to. Her lids drooping low as she breathed in his scent. Her wolf had forgotten all anger and fear and was panting, tongue out in his direction. Oh how she wanted his hands on her body, his mouth on hers. He was so close now, she could feel his heat, smell the cedar and pine scent that seemed to follow him everywhere. Had he moved that last inch, or had she?
    “Are you suggesting that you have something to offer me that would make up for your attempt to disrupt my business operations?” His breath brushed her face, and she looked up at him through her lashes.
    Wolf whimpering, a vivid fantasy played out in Laina’s head. She’d drop to her knees, unzip his pants, and take him between her lips, showing him exactly what she had to offer. With all the willpower left in her, she forced herself back a step. Her knees turned to liquid, and her bottom lowered onto a crate of vodka.
    “Hey, are you okay?” Kyle asked, suddenly concerned.
    She shook her head but didn’t elaborate. “Kyle, I’m sorry. I think you know this wasn’t my idea, despite what Monty says. He knows my secret and blackmailed me into it. I don’t know what to say to you, but I beg you not to get the Sable Creek PD involved. I’ll do anything. Anything you want. But please keep my secret.”
    He nodded. Relief flooded her body. Tension she didn’t even know she was holding eased and she blew out a deep breath.
    “I won’t tell anyone,” he said softly, “on one condition.”
    “What?” she asked. “Money?”
    He made a face as though she’d insulted him. “No, I don’t want your money.”
    “Sex?” she asked. Please let it be sex .
    “No,” he said curtly. “I would never extort sex from you or anyone else. While I am certain sex with you would be quite pleasant, if we partake in that particular activity, I want it to be because you enthusiastically desire it and not because you’re scared I’ll send you to prison or have you murdered.”
    She hung her head and forced her wolf, still trying desperately to show her enthusiasm for sex, down deeper into her psyche. “Then what can I give you?”
    “I need you to train my dog.”
    “Milo?”
    “Yes, Milo. He’s not adjusting well to the change in ownership. He’s made quite a mess of the place. I need you to come and stay with me for a while. Figure out what’s wrong with him and teach me what to do.”
    “You want me…wait, you want me