Page 48 of Avenging Azalea

“I’m going to burn in hell…fuck me….”

That was all it took to explode. I came so hard that I had to grab the side of the shower as my knees almost gave way.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck.” Each stream that shot from my cock was as equally delicious as it was intense, and when the last drop fell, so did I.

My ass hit the tile floor with a thud as my chest heaved with every breath. I kept my eyes closed, wanting to hang onto the image of my Little Bird for as long as possible before reality stole her away from me once more.

I’d always been a man of my word. Morals and loyalty were important to me. But the temptation to throw it all away just for the chance at happiness was so strong.

Pulling my knees up, I hung my head. I’d never known what desperation felt like until now. There was no one to blame but myself and no escape. I’d painted myself into a corner. Sharing a family portrait with a woman I could never love, framed in gold and filigree.

It was nothing more than dull metal without my Little Bird.

Chapter

Fifteen

FAWN

“Here we go, Mrs. Martinez,” I said, handing over the little Dachshund.

“Oh, my baby. Mommy is here. Don’t you worry, I’m going to take good care of you, Maxy poo,” she cooed to the dog.

The poor thing looked ridiculous and completely dejected with the cone on his head.

No matter how many times I did this, it never got old. I hated seeing an animal come into the clinic hurt or sick, but when we could help and send them home again, it always felt like a massive win.

“This is Max’s medication and all the instructions,” I said, holding out the plain white bag. “Remember, if you think anything is wrong or you see any bleeding, don’t hesitate to call. We’ll fit you in.”

“Thank you for saving Max. I don’t know what I’d do without him,” she said.

“I’ll let Dr. Taylor know that you said thank you. Here, let me get the door.” Jogging in front of her, I hit the automatic opener. I watched as she put Max on the passenger seat, then got in and drove away.

“Is everything okay?”

Dr. Taylor smiled as he walked in from the back, wiping his hands on a towel.

“Yes, Mrs. Martinez is very happy. I like to watch them leave. It feels good to see the animals go home,” I said, looking down as I tried to mask the tears.

Dr. Taylor walked over and grabbed the tissue box off the counter, then handed it to me. Humiliated, I took a couple and dabbed at my eyes.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be crying,” I said as Dr. Taylor laid his hand on my shoulder.

“It never gets any easier, I’m sorry to say,” he said, and I nodded.

“How do you do it? How do you keep your composure?”

It amazed me that Dr. Taylor remained caring yet tearless when the owners were crying, and all of the staff was a mess.

“A stiff drink when I get home from work,” he said, and I smirked. “Honestly, I had a hard time in the beginning. But my first year after I graduated was what did it for me.”

“What happened?”

He leaned against the counter and picked up one of the cat toys, staring at it like it was a small world of mysteries.

“We had this Mastiff come in one day. It had been hit by a car, and his back legs were shattered. We did everything we could, but the legs weren’t the only issue. There was also spinal damage and internal bleeding. There was no way to save him.”

I covered my mouth as the tears started again.