Sin and Redemption

by Cora Reilly

He worked out almost every day, and it showed in every inch of his body, from his bulging biceps, over his broad chest to his six-pack and round ass.

“I hit the treadmill early, so I had to shower again. What’s up?”

“I’m still fertile…so…” I trailed off when Maximus’s expression hardened.

Talking about fertility always pushed his buttons. I wasn’t sure why it triggered him so much.

“I told you, I’ll do whatever you need me to do.”

Born in Blood, Sworn in Blood, I enter alive and I’ll leave dead.

They were written in cursive on his left pec and the head of a pitbull adorned his left bicep.

“Would you mind if I came to your parents’ with you today? Maybe I can help in some way that doesn’t involve handling any dogs?”

“You sure? I thought you made plans with your family?”

I’d never noticed it before, but when he said “your family,” his tone definitely changed. I knew his relationship with my family was as distant as mine with his.

Again, it was my fault. Well, and Flavio wasn’t fond of Maximus because of what had happened and I’d never been brav...

He held a cap in his hand but put his on when I reached him. “Ready?”

I reached for his chin, brushing over the growing beard. “This doesn’t qualify as a three-day stubble anymore. Are you growing a beard?”

“I’m not sure yet. I kind of like it. I’m not sure I’m the beard type.”

Growl and Primo were already outside, building a dog hut in a small barn with the doors open. They greeted us with a brief wave when we got out.

“Mom’s inside, preparing a second breakfast since you were too late for the first,” Primo said pointedly.

I flushed. His gaze moved from me to Maximus and he cocked an eyebrow. I hoped they didn’t ...

“Don’t pretend you won’t be hungry for a second break...

Growl tapped Primo’s shoulder. “Let’s focus on this. Stop tea...

she moved on to Maximus and cupped his face with a motherly look.

“A beard?”

Watching Cara treat Maximus with motherly tenderness reminded me ...

that Maximus might also be dealing with trauma. I knew I was asking a lot from him without giving him much in return, and I promised myself to...

He took a bite, then chewed heavily before he gave his mother a grimace.

“Not good?” she asked. He shook his head and swallowed in a way that suggested the dough was as dry as desert sand.

“Would you like me to bake chocolate cookies? I have a foolproof recipe with sea ...

“You can let them out of their prison,”

don’t want you to feel uncomfortable.”

“If I don’t face my fears, they won’t go away.”

“Are you sure?” Cara asked as she hovered in the doorway. “Yes.”

Excited barking rang out, followed by the sound of paws rushing down the stairs.

To my relief, the dogs barely spared me a glance.

they all rushed out through the doggy door. I glanced out of the kitchen window to watch them greet Maximus excitedly.

Especially the huge white dog, Bacon, almost ran him over in his excitement, wh...

Maximus laughed, his face transforming t...

Then as if he remembered that I was here with him, a frown took over his expression, and he looked toward me. He nodded toward the house as he said something to his father ...

Getting to know them. Well, I would be happy if my body didn’t automatically jump to flight mode whenever a dog came my way.

Bacon came inside to be with Maximus and approached me curiously. His tail wagged lightly and he sniffed at my legs carefully.

“If you want, you can hold your hand out to him. It’s a friendly way of saying hi to a dog.”

“I used to be terrified of Ryan’s dogs. You remind me of my past self,” Cara said.

Cara quickly retreated and pretended to be busy with something in the pantry.

Maximus put an arm around my back and kissed my lips as if it was the most natural thing in our marriage, and surprisingly it didn’t feel strange at all. “You’re welcome.”

Primo and Maximus were cursing as they were trying to put up the heavy pottery wheel in the barn.

I knew a new round of curses would follow once they tried to put the second wheel on the bed of Maximus’s truck.

Something wet touched my hand. I jumpe...

Bacon stood beside me and had touched his nose to my palm. I swallowed, then held out my hand to him. He sniffed then licked over it. I giggled. I’...

But it was kind of a sweet gesture of the dog, almost as if he was trying to become my friend. I lightly patted his back how Maximus had ...

Well, he planted his butt right on top of my boot and pressed his...

“If he gets too heavy, just shove him away. I think he’s takin...

“Just wait until he prefers her and doesn’t let you get into bed with her,” Primo said with a laugh.