Page 345 of Black Reign

“Don't feed it.”

“Why?”

“Because then it stays.”

I tear off a piece.

Xavier stares at me.

“Don't.”

I give it to the dog.

He eats it.

Xavier closes his eyes.

“There. Now we have a dog.”

“We do not have a dog.”

The dog lies down on my bare foot.

I look at Xavier.

He looks at the dog.

I smile.

Xavier points at me.

“No.”

“I didn't say anything.”

“You're thinking.”

“I always think.”

“You're keeping it.”

“I have made no such decision.”

The dog's eyes close.

I stroke one ragged ear.

Xavier reaches for champagne.

“This marriage is already becoming expensive.”

“You own an airplane.”

“That doesn't mean I want a dog.”

“Your wife does.”

He stops with the glass halfway to his mouth.