Remember Love: Saints Protection & Investigations by Maryann Jordan

at me. Then it was so late to meet you, but I knew you could help her, so I ran all the way.”
    Blaise glanced at the woman, seeing the tears form, stunned that she had run the several miles to get to the park. “It’s fine. She wasn’t upset with you. She was just protecting her injury,” he said, gently.
    She sniffed, wiping her nose and nodded forlornly. “I don’t know what’s wrong. If something happens to her, I don’t know what I’ll do…she’s my only friend.” This time, the battle to keep the tears at bay ended and a choked sob broke through.
    “She’s not going to die, sweetheart,” he assured, capturing her chin with his fingers, lifting her face to his. “Promise.”
    She held his gaze for a moment and then sucked in a ragged breath, nodding her affirmation.
    “It appears she stepped on something in the yard and she’s injured her paw.” He noticed Gypsy’s understanding gaze, as he gently probed the injured area and ran his hand lovingly down her fur.
    “We need to take her to my house. I have a clinic there. I do not have a private practice here, but I am licensed to treat animals, including the many strays that are given to me.” He expected her to hesitate, but her love for Gypsy was evident as she jumped up and immediately agreed.
    As they stood, his eyes now roamed around the room. Completely bare except for the pile of blankets, which he realized was her bed as well. Fuckin’ hell! An old broom stood in the corner, obviously used recently because, while the house itself was a barely-standing dump, it was swept clean. The windows, while dirty, would do nothing to keep someone from seeing her. He was sure there was no running water—no shower, no toilet, no drinking water.
    His eyes pierced hers and he ordered, “Grab whatever you want to take with us. She’ll need to stay overnight and I’m not letting you come back here.”
    She had no idea where she would stay but, if he allowed, she would bed down with Gypsy at his clinic. And his voice did not seem as though he was giving her a choice. Strangely, that was okay. Nodding, she said, “Let’s go. I want her taken care of. And anyway…” her voice grew soft. “I’ve got nothing to take, other than a change of clothes.” She bent and grabbed a small backpack, hoisted it over her shoulder and then bent toward Gypsy.
    Blaise gently pushed her out of the way, handing her his keys. “Go open the door and I’ll carry her.”
    Within a few minutes, they were back on the road. Blaise glanced in the rear-view mirror at Miss sitting with Gypsy’s head in her lap and smiled. As crazy as it seemed…this felt right.

Chapter 6
    S he looked through the window as they pulled onto a gravel driveway through the woods, suddenly realizing her situation. I’m in a vehicle, with a stranger, who’s taking me to his home. Oh, Jesus, don’t let this be a mistake!
    As if reading her thoughts, he said, “I know you’re scared. Please, Miss. I swear I only want to help you and Gypsy.”
    Holding his gaze in the mirror, the tight band around her throat eased and she breathed deeply. “Okay,” she whispered. “I trust you.”
    She jerked her head around as they parked, seeing a neat, older house at the end of the drive. The sound of dogs barking their greeting filled the air, causing Gypsy to lift her head, ears perked in alarm.
    Blaise hopped out of the driver’s seat and opened the back door. Leaning in, he handed his keys to her before lifting the dog into his strong arms.
    Following the pair, she noted how effortlessly he carried the large burden, as though it was nothing. Stepping around him, she unlocked the door, opening it for them. Blaise moved through the house with a purpose, straight past the living room, kitchen, stairs, and into a back room. At a quick glance, she could see it did resemble a veterinarian’s office.
    He placed the dog on the examining table and murmured comforting words. Gypsy laid quietly, her eyes full of