B0089ZO7UC EBOK by Jez Strider Read Free Book Online Page B

normal.”   Marc seemed retrained as he spoke, less like himself.
    His apartment was above his repair shop.   When we pulled up, we waited in the car until the assigned bodyguards had made sure the place was safe.   I could hear barking.   Lewis was none too happy about strangers invading his home.
    “Damn it.”   Marcus exited the car in a rush and opened my side, not waiting for me to get out, but picking me up once again and getting up to the apartment as quickly as possible with me in tow.
    The guards, one man and one woman, weren’t able to set foot inside the door.   The dog backed up a few steps as his master entered, but his teeth were still bared at the intruders.   Marcus sat me down on his cheap imitation leather sofa and went to his dog.
    “It’s okay, boy.”   He ruffled the dog’s ears and scratched under his chin.   “Good guard dog.  I missed you.”  
    The genuine grin on his face was heartwarming.   I knew the love he felt for the animal all too well.   It was the reason my most recent profession was veterinary medicine.   There was a fair share of sorrow with the job, but when you truly helped an animal and the owners, it was worth it.
    “I guess you didn’t have to worry about him going hungry.”   I pointed toward the kitchen.   It was a studio apartment, so you could see everywhere from the couch.  
    Marcus glanced at the bodyguards and gave them a dismissive wave.   “I can take care of her, unless you want to clean up this mess of dog food.”   He told them as he saw the huge bag of kibble torn to pieces and the contents strewn about.
    The female bodyguard spoke first.   “Just call me or my colleague at the first sign of trouble.   I’m Janet and this is….” The woman glared at her partner with crossed arms, while tapping her foot impatiently.
    “Nick.”   The man said simply.   He’d been watching a red lava lamp rather intently.  Strange.
    The two exited without another word.   Marcus and I were alone again.   He was silently sweeping up the dog food.   I felt uncomfortable.   There were many topics I wanted to address, but I didn’t know how to begin.
    Lewis ran over to me.   He seemed relieved the strangers were gone.   Usually the large dog would tackle me and lick my face, but seeing my distress he just hopped on the couch and laid down beside me.   His tail was in a constant state of motion.   I looked over toward Marc and caught his stare.   He looked away, running his hands through his disheveled dark locks of hair.
    “You hungry or…thirsty or anything?”   He asked awkwardly.  
    I yawned, closing my eyes for a moment.   “I’d kill for a Coke.”
    While he rummaged in the fridge, I searched for the television remote under old pizza boxes and Maxim magazines on the table.   This was going to be an interesting month living in a bachelor pad.   The only “art” in the house were gaming posters and half naked girls on the wall.   As for books, yeah, like I would even find one.   I wondered if it was appropriate to send the bodyguards to the library.
    “I don’t have any diet.” He walked over and handed me the drink.   The fizz and welcome burn of the soda helped my dry throat.  
    “Thanks.”   I said and I really meant it.   Not just for the drink, but for his devotion after such a shocking turn of events.
    He paused, seemed to be thinking, and then pushed the dog aside, taking the spot next to me.   “Share the lady, buddy.”  
    The retriever panted for a moment before laying his head on his paws and closing his eyes.  
    “Lewis seems happy to have you home.”   It did feel like home I realized, despite the mess and décor.   Marc’s youth invigorated me.   I didn’t feel as old or out of touch.  
    His arm slipped around me and I put my head against his chest.   I could feel his heart pumping the blood through his veins and I ached for it.   It made me a little bloodthirsty.   My eyes closed and I