Soul Scars (Dog Haven Sanctuary Romance Book 2)

Soul Scars ~ Lulah and Vince

Raised by a gambling-addicted father, dog trainer Lulah Wallis yearns for some security in her life. And everything's looking good with a job promotion at Dog Haven Sanctuary in her sights, plus the opportunity to buy the modest cabin she calls home. Adding a hot, reliable boyfriend to the mix would see her totally fulfilled.

Combat PTSD from two tours in Afghanistan has left Vince Marr with a failed marriage and blocked access to his precious daughter. Crippled by flashbacks of the war that came home with him, he's keeping his head down to prevent anyone stateside becoming a victim of his inner battle. Finding a kindred spirit in Calliope, a rescued pit bull, he lets Lulah talk him into training her, together, as his service dog.

As Lulah and Vince work together, their connection unintentionally deepens. Vince isn't the rock Lulah hoped for, but she sees enough hope to persuade him to seek help for his condition. For Vince, having someone see the better man he could be is just what he needs to make the effort. Growing friendship ignites a passion neither can resist, but the doubts cast by their deep scars grow along with it—and old wounds are slow to heal. For both of them love is unsafe, and trust is a terrible risk. This time, it might be worth it.

Complete, full-length book. Second book in series but can be read standalone. Due to language and sexual content this book is not recommended for readers under the age of 17.

Excerpt

“We could have discussed it.”
Vince's breathing was ragged. The t-shirt Lulah wore was filthy from cleaning out the trailer and her cut-off denim shorts had a fresh rip on the outside seam of the left leg. He stood, continuing with a measured voice. “You’re not hearing me. You would never have agreed.”
As he stepped towards her she backed away, her eyes volcanic. “I haven’t finished—”
He took a firm hold of each side of her face. “Neither have I.”
His kiss was filled with the hunger of days of denial and when she met it, releasing her pent-up fury, heat roared through his veins like an accelerant ignited. Lulah’s tongue sparred with his, as if it was the only way to express her anger and he stayed with her, holding her head firmly to give her something to fight. She was like a boxer, a flyweight he kept on her toes, her small fist pummeling his shoulder as she released all of the frustration of the past week. Finally she broke the kiss, a fast withdrawal before she caught his lip with a piercing bite.
Holy hell, he’d really made her mad.
Lulah tried to duck her head. He knew that move, where she’d put her forehead on his chest, to his heart, using it as a method to calm him, her connection to slow things down. Well fuck that. After what he’d admitted he wasn’t cutting out now. He put his mouth hard against her cheekbone, close to her ear. His breath came harsh and hot, the blood from where she’d bitten him coppery in his mouth. “Let it out, imp, all of it.”
She remained a coil of wire, tightly strung and barbed in his arms, and Vince kept his head against hers as she struggled against him to pull herself free. To hold her was easy and if he released her now, she’d dive for composure and surface fine. Most times he’d be happy for her to do that, but not today. “Come on, all of it out.”
“No.” Her sob filled with anger.
“You can’t hurt me, keep going.” It was bullshit. Of course she could hurt him, but not with her fist.