Under Her Wing Read online

  Under Her Wing

  Kassandra Haden loves working with kids, her quaint condo on the golf course, and most of all, her dog, Lula. She’s happy being alone, having convinced herself that people can’t be trusted. But when Lula gets lost, Kassandra’s thrown into a different world, one that insists she come out of her shell. As allured as she is frightened, Kassandra can’t seem to stay away from the dog shelter, and the devastatingly attractive owner seems to be the cause.

  Jayden Beaumont isn’t used to taking no for an answer. Running a no kill dog shelter isn’t easy, but Jayden embraces it. She lives for her work and saves many lives in the process. But in doing so, she’s neglected her own, and it’s about to cost her big. When Kassandra walks into Jayden’s shelter, two very different personalities collide. Can either woman open and trust in order to embrace the life they could have together?

  Table of Contents

  Synopsis

  Praise for Ronica Black

  By the Author

  Acknowledgments

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Chapter Twenty-two

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Chapter Twenty-four

  Chapter Twenty-five

  Chapter Twenty-six

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  Chapter Twenty-eight

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  About the Author

  Other Ronica Black Titles Available Via Amazon

  Books Available From Bold Strokes Books

  Praise for Ronica Black

  “Ronica Black’s debut novel In Too Deep has everything from nonstop action and intriguing well developed characters to steamy erotic love scenes. From the opening scenes where Black plunges the reader headfirst into the story to the explosive unexpected ending, In Too Deep has what it takes to rise to the top. Black has a winner with In Too Deep, one that will keep the reader turning the pages until the very last one.”—Independent Gay Writer

  “[A]n exciting, page turning read, full of mystery, sex, and suspense.”—MegaScene

  “[A] challenging murder mystery—sections of this mixed-genre novel are hot, hot, hot. Black juggles the assorted elements of her first book with assured pacing and estimable panache.”—Q Syndicate

  “Black’s characterization is skillful, and the sexual chemistry surrounding the three major characters is palpable and definitely hot-hot-hot…if you’re looking for a solid read with ample amounts of eroticism and a red herring or two you’re sure to find In Too Deep a satisfying read.”—L Word Literature

  “Black is a master at teasing the reader with her use of domination and desire. Black’s first novel, In Too Deep, was a finalist for a 2005 Lammy…With Wild Abandon, the author continues her winning ways, writing like a seasoned pro. This is one romance I will not soon forget.”—Just About Write

  “The sophomore novel [Wild Abandon] by Ronica Black is hot, hot, hot.”—Books to Watch Out For

  “Sleek storytelling and terrific characters are the backbone of Ronica Black’s third and best novel, Hearts Aflame. Prepare to hop on for an emotional ride with this thrilling story of love in the outback…Wonderful storytelling and rich characterization make this a high recommendation.”—Lambda Book Report

  “This sequel to Ronica Black’s debut novel, In Too Deep, is an electrifying thriller. The author’s development as a fine storyteller shines with this tightly written story.…[The mystery] keeps the story charged—never unraveling or leading us to a predictable conclusion. More than once I gasped in surprise at the dark and twisted paths this book took.”—Curve Magazine

  “Ronica Black handles a traditional range of lesbian fantasies with gusto and sincerity. The reader wants to know these women as well as they come to know each other. When Black’s characters ignore their realistic fears to follow their passion, this reader admires their chutzpah and cheers them on…These stories make good bedtime reading, and could lead to sweet dreams. Read them and see.”—Erotica Revealed

  “Ronica Black’s books just keep getting stronger and stronger…This is such a tightly written plot-driven novel that readers will find themselves glued to the pages and ignoring phone calls. The Seeker is a great read, with an exciting plot, great characters, and great sex.”—Just About Write

  “Ronica Black’s writing is fluid, and lots of dialogue makes this a fast read. If you like steamy erotica with intense sexual situations, you’ll like Chasing Love.”—Queer Magazine Online

  Under Her Wing

  Brought to you by

  eBooks from Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  http://www.boldstrokesbooks.com

  eBooks are not transferable. They cannot be sold, shared or given away as it is an infringement on the copyright of this work.

  Please respect the rights of the author and do not file share.

  Under Her Wing

  © 2017 By Ronica Black. All Rights Reserved.

  ISBN 13: 978-1-63555-078-8

  This Electronic Original is published by

  Bold Strokes Books, Inc.

  P.O. Box 249

  Valley Falls, NY 12185

  First Edition: November 2017

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

  This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

  Credits

  Editor: Cindy Cresap

  Production Design: Stacia Seaman

  Cover Design by Tammy Seidick

  By the Author

  In Too Deep

  Wild Abandon

  Deeper

  Hearts Aflame

  The Seeker

  Flesh and Bone

  Chasing Love

  Conquest

  Wholehearted

  The Midnight Room

  Snow Angel

  The Practitioner

  Freedom to Love

  Under Her Wing

  Acknowledgments

  Many thanks to Bold Strokes Books and my editor, Cindy Cresap. You all continue to change my life.

  And to Cait, for believing.

  For the love of a rescue dog. There’s no love quite like it.

  Chapter One

  The double doors flew open, followed quickly by a rage.

  “I hate this school. Hate everyone here. I’m so sick of this place!” A backpack propelled from the doors to the empty library tables, the owner unseen. But as Kassandra Haden rounded the checkout counter, she knew who the voice belonged to. And she wasn’t surprised.

  Tony Valdez stalked inside, lifted a chair, and threw it toward the bookshelves. His young face was contorted in anger and he was nearly hyperventilating. Veins bulged in his neck and temple. He was beyond the boiling point, and the two aides that stood just inside the doors looked shocked and helpless. One finally radioed for help on her walkie-talkie. But Kassandra knew no help was coming, for one could do little with Tony. It was once again up to her.

  “Tony,” she said softly. But he again tossed his backpack and grabbed his head
in frustration.

  “I hate it here. I fucking hate it.” He tried to kick a chair but missed.

  Kassandra approached, arms down, palms out, and spoke calmly.

  “Tony, it’s okay. You’re okay.” She knew the young man well; they had a rapport. He was an emotional guy, a sensitive one. And when something upset him, he had a hard time controlling himself. Once he lost his temper, he was irrational.

  “No, it’s not okay, Ms. Haden. It’s not.” He flipped another chair and continued to pace.

  “Tony, we don’t want to have to restrain you,” one of the aides said sternly.

  Kassandra motioned for her to give her a moment. Sometimes the aides got too confrontational, too focused on control. That was understandable in a room full of kids. But the library was currently empty with T minus ten minutes to the last bell. Every last teacher on campus was no doubt counting down the seconds. And she knew the aides were probably eager to start their Friday evening as well. But confrontation wasn’t going to help Tony now. With a soft, understanding smile, Kassandra pulled out a chair and sat at the table. Tony seemed surprised by the move, doing a double take. He was used to people keeping an arm’s length, being on high alert around him. He wasn’t used to normal conversation.

  “Tony? Why don’t you sit and tell me what’s going on?”

  He shook his head as he walked. “I can’t. I’m mad. I’m so mad.”

  “It’s okay to be mad,” Kassandra said. “You’re allowed to be mad.”

  “Then why is that bitch threatening to restrain me?” He didn’t bother to look back at the aides he was referring to.

  “You’re allowed to be mad, Tony,” Kassandra said. “But you can’t throw things. You could hurt someone or yourself.”

  “Yeah, well, I don’t care.”

  “That’s not true, Tony. You do care. I know you don’t want to hurt anyone.”

  “Just tell them to back off. They’re always up my ass.”

  “They’re backing off.”

  He looked back to the two women who had moved to walk behind bookshelves in the distance. He seemed to relax a little.

  “So, what’s going on? Can you sit and talk to me?”

  “I don’t know, I don’t know. I’m just so angry.”

  Kassandra noticed that he’d stopped pacing. His breathing had slowed a little and he was starting to take in his surroundings.

  She changed the subject, trying to get his mind off his anger. “I finished another chapter in that book.”

  He lifted his head and looked at her. “Really? Did he find his wife? Is she dead? I bet she’s dead.”

  Kassandra laughed a little. “Sit down and I’ll tell you.” She often shared the books she read with her students, hoping to inspire them to read. Tony was a big fan, always asking about what she was reading.

  He picked up the things he’d thrown and sat down across the table. His boyish face was flushed from anger all the way up into his scalp, which she could see due to his closely shaved haircut. He clenched his hands as a thin shin of sweat became visible on his brow and upper lip.

  Kassandra continued, meeting his gaze with a calm, friendly one. “Well, she’s back in the picture, but the husband doesn’t know it yet.”

  “She’s alive?”

  “Yes, but—”

  “She’s a bad guy, though, right? I knew it. I freaking knew it.”

  Kassandra smiled. “Yes, she’s up to no good. In fact, the whole marriage was a front.”

  “No way!”

  “Oh, yes. And she has the boy.”

  “Oh, my God! And he doesn’t know that his kid is okay?”

  Kassandra shook her head. “Nope.”

  “Ah, man. Ms. Haden, you gotta hurry and read. I gotta know what happens.”

  “I will. But you know in the meantime we need to keep reading your book.” Tony struggled with reading, but she helped by reading with him. He, however, didn’t care for the books at his reading level.

  “My book is so lame. Because I’m stupid. Your books are better.”

  “Tony, you aren’t stupid. You just need to practice reading. We’ve been over this.”

  “Yeah, yeah.” He took a deep breath and then rested his head on his arm. Fatigue was settling over him, just as it usually did after an episode. “I’m sorry I flipped out.”

  “I know,” she whispered. The last time it had taken fifteen minutes for him to calm down. He’d done better this time, getting his anger under control much quicker. “Next time, I think you’ll do even better.”

  “I don’t know. I’ll try.” He looked around. “It helps, coming in here. I hate the learning center.”

  Kassandra patted his hand in understanding. “I know you do.” She wasn’t a big fan herself. Students who had behavior issues in class often were sent to the learning center, where they were made to do their schoolwork. Unfortunately, the process wasn’t working. The kids were too keyed up, angry, frustrated, bored. And putting them all in the same room…Kassandra had seen firsthand how it was a disaster just waiting to happen.

  “I just get so mad.” He closed his eyes for a moment and then wiped them with frustration. He didn’t like to cry, but he often did when he was upset.

  “Why were you mad?”

  He pushed himself up and tears filled his eyes again. He avoided eye contact. “They’re making fun of my ears again.”

  Kassandra’s heart sank. He was so sensitive, and this was something that got to him every single time. “Tony, there’s nothing wrong with your ears. Absolutely nothing. They’re just saying that because they know it gets to you.”

  “Are you sure? They aren’t too big?”

  “No.”

  “You would tell me?”

  “Yes.”

  The two aides crossed to the table. One pointed at the clock. “We need to go.”

  Tony groaned and stood. “Can you tell them I’m allowed to come in here? They always try and stop me.”

  “You are welcome here anytime, Tony, as long as you’re not violent. The chair throwing—”

  “I won’t do it again. I promise.”

  “I’m going to hold you to that.” Kassandra rounded the counter to shut down her computer. Tony started to push through the double doors, but he paused, looking at her. “Thanks, Ms. H.”

  She gave him a reassuring smile. “Have a good evening, Tony.”

  She watched him go, hoping he would make it home okay. Tony was often bullied, which was bad enough, but his reactions to it only made matters worse for him. She said a silent prayer for him and got busy closing down shop. It had been a long week, and she was looking forward to going home and relaxing for the weekend.

  Life in the library was usually rather quiet and, honestly, often times boring. She checked books in and out and did the reshelving, she helped kids find books, helped them on the computers, and, as in Tony’s case, she read with them and often told them about the books she was reading. But the quiet moments were sometimes interrupted with trouble. Students coming in and goofing off, students running from an aide, students wanting to ditch class. And then there were those like Tony. The ones who only settled down with her. The ones who needed one-on-one attention in order to calm down. She didn’t know why they gravitated to her, but she took the role seriously and did her best to help. For the most part she found that the kids really just needed to know someone sincerely cared. But giving one-on-one attention to every student at the public day school for troubled kids was impossible. It often troubled her and left her feeling helpless. But in the library, there was little she could do.

  The bell rang and she grabbed her purse and crossed to the doors to lock up. She cut the lights and stepped out into the brightness. Noise came at her like the sunshine, nearly overwhelming, yet warming. Kids were talking and laughing, doing their best to get off campus. Teachers stood at their assigned duty posts, sunglasses on, ID badges around their necks. They were wishing the kids a good night and weekend.

&nb
sp; “See you at happy hour, Kassandra?” Dave Landry asked as she neared him. He taught math and the kids liked him. She stopped momentarily and stammered, always uncomfortable in these situations.

  “I can’t. I have plans.” She felt herself flush; she was never very good with lying. She hoped he didn’t notice.

  “Bummer. Next time?”

  “We’ll see.” She waved and hurried through the gates along with the mass of excited kids. She didn’t like to lie, but the truth only brought more questions. Telling Dave she had no plans and that she preferred to go home to her dog, Lula, would cause him to wonder why. So she just always said she had plans or she had an appointment. It was easier that way.

  The truth was she really didn’t like socializing all that much. People asked questions, and in her case, the more they knew about her the more they asked. The last happy hour she’d gone to, a question about her singlehood led to a coworker asking her out. It had made her very uncomfortable and she’d had to say no, which made things weird with him at work. Now he no longer spoke to her.

  She sighed with relief as she unlocked her car and slid inside. The air was heavy with heat and she relaxed in it, still a little chilled from the AC in the library. She started her car, left the air off to let the warmth seep in some more, and checked her reflection. She looked a little tired.

  She reached to put her car in reverse, but her phone rang, causing her to hold off.

  The call screen showed it was her neighbor, and her heart jumped to her throat. Lauren never called unless something was wrong.

  “Hello?”

  “Kassandra? It’s Lauren.”

  “What’s wrong?” She tried not to panic, but they’d had a fire recently at the condominium complex, and witnessing it firsthand still left her more than a little jumpy.