Page 29 of The Family Pet

I laughed along with her. “You know me. I like having a good project, and this one wasn’t hard to domesticate. Actually, it was quite easy.” I caressed my knuckles down Saint’s cheek, taking in the dark bruise. “Although, it did help that he was threatened out in the real world and beaten for his father’s actions.”

Sapphira crossed her arms, jaw tight, and if looks could kill, I would be six feet under.

“Oh? Someone hurt the pet?” Ms. Winters hummed in fake sympathy and laid a hand over her bosom. “Bless his heart, the poor thing. Nothing permanent, I hope.”

“No, and I’m here to make sure it stays that way.” I dug into the pocket of my suit jacket and pulled out two checks. I passed one to Ms. Winters and the other to Sapphira. “Two million per lovely lady, as promised by my brother. It will all look legitimate and stand up to scrutiny from the IRS.”

Ms. Winters bowed her head and slipped the check into the top of her low-cut dress, tucked tightly in her bra no doubt. “I appreciate your integrity, Mr. Godfrey, but I must admit that I am very upset by Johnny’s actions. If he does show his traitorous hide again in New Gothenburg, he may find himself face-to-face with some well-deserved consequences.”

I waved my hand noncommittally. “If you see Johnny before me, do whatever the hell you want to him. He deserves it.”

She laughed and slapped me on the arm. “That is delightful to hear.”

Sapphira waved the check at me. “This isn’t going to bounce, is it? Because if it is—”

“I have more pride in my name than my brother, Ms. McKinnon.” I scraped my fingers through Saint’s short dark hair to keep myself calm. “You won’t have any issues.”

Her gaze narrowed and she reached over her shoulder. The Harlot with the septum piercing grabbed the check from her, aiming a smirk at Saint as she did, before she went to sit back down. I had half a mind to call her out for daring to look at my pup, but it wasn’t worth the trouble. It was easier to stay on the Harlots’ and Ms. Winters’s good sides.

“Are you going to visit the Courtesan again, Bowie?” Ms. Winters asked, slipping in my name. It made sense because the business portion was over. Now we would all pretend to be friends. “Maybe with your pet and boy?”

I glanced at Ridge, who’d been silent during the entire exchange. At least he had some manners when it came to being around important people, but I didn’t think he would be dumb enough to rub the most dangerous ladies in New Gothenburg the wrong way. One day, my business would be his, and he needed to forge relationships now.

“Maybe,” I agreed with another charming smile. I let go of Saint’s hair so I could stroke my fingers across the back of Ridge’s neck, teasing the sliver of skin peeking above his sweater. “I do wish to teach them a few things, and you cater to kinks.”

Ms. Winters giggled, all charm. “That is something we pride ourselves on.” She grabbed her handbag and pulled out a gold business card holder, which she opened with a wink. She passed me one of her cards. “Call that number to directly contact my son, Darcy. I’ll let him know you’ll be in touch. As a thank-you for settling your brother’s debts, we can arrange something very special.”

The Courtesan Hotel seemed like any high-end accommodation to those who didn’t know what it truly was—a brothel for the rich. It had the handsomest whores a person could ask for, as well as rooms for men and women who already had a partner and wanted kinky toys and equipment to play with.

I raised the card to her after I took it. “I’ll make sure to do that.”

“Will you have a drink with us?” she asked, earning an eye roll from Sapphira. Clearly she didn’t like me much, but from what I’d heard, most men annoyed her.

I shook my head. “My pup, my boy, and I are going to have some fun today. I wanted to make sure you got your checks so my pup was safe from your wrath.” I sent the Harlot enforcer a glance over Sapphira’s shoulder, raising my eyebrows in a silent challenge: come near Saint again and you’ll regret it. She smirked in response. Bitch.

“He’s safe.” Ms. Winters fluttered her long, thin fingers at me. “So, go. Have fun.”

I winked at her, and she giggled some more as I stood. Curling my fingers under Saint’s black collar, I tugged it gently. “Stand, pup.”

Saint jumped to his feet, knocking the table with his knees as he did and making it shake. He winced apologetically, and I chuckled. Ridge stood as well, irritation at the situation twisting his face. I needed to fix this and quickly. While my original intention had been to shame Saint because of what his father had done, I’d never expected Saint to be such a good pup, and I was enjoying his submissiveness. And while Ridge had a lot to learn about his attitude, he was my boy, and I wanted them to get along.

We left the ladies and headed back down the stairs. I gave the doorman a tip, and the valet as well when he brought the McLaren back. Once Saint and Ridge were in the car, I headed away from the club.

“Where are we going now?” Ridge grumbled.

I smirked. “You’ll see.”

10

SAINT

This was torture. I let out a long breath as I shifted on Ridge’s lap. Uncle Bowie was focused on driving, not us, and seemed to be slipping into a serious mood—not that he was ever exactly lighthearted. Something was definitely up.

I hissed as Ridge slid his hands along my thighs and tugged me closer while he started a steady grind against my ass. I closed my eyes. Uncle Bowie could be driving us into the fucking lake for all I knew. After everything that had happened last night, I was feeling strange about being turned on with Ridge because. . . . Well, I still wasn’t sure he’d really wanted anything I’d done to him. I’d been forced to use the dick sheath on him. I guessed it didn’t matter because it all amounted to the same thing—I’d fucked him. I hadn’t felt him, but I’d been in him. He slipped his hands between my thighs and yanked them apart.

“I don’t have lube today, so no fucking in the car,” Uncle Bowie said mildly.

Guilt had me jolting. What the hell was I doing? I forced my eyes open, and Ridge let out a sad little sound that had Uncle Bowie chuckling.