Page 9 of The Family Pet

He startled, jumping in his chair at the sudden hardness of my tone, and he nodded furiously as he looked at me again. “Yeah. Those ladies.”

“Interesting.” I stroked my chin. “How much do your parents owe?”

He winced, but this time it wasn’t from physical pain, rather emotional. His bottom lip wobbled, but he gnashed his teeth against it to make it stop moving. “She—she said that they gave my parents one million each.”

“And they wanted it doubled, so a total of four million. Hm.”

I stared at Saint carefully, taking in the sharp lines of his face and strong nose. Saint was almost a clone of Johnny when he’d been in his twenties, except for Saint’s mouth, which was fuller. As much as I hated to admit it, he was handsome. My cock stirred at the thought of what he could do with those lips. I’d heard from Naomi at one point that Saint was gay, and she’d been distraught by the idea, but now I wondered how much he’d learn to do with a cock.

“Do you need help?” I smirked.

Ridge’s gaze shot to me and his mouth dropped open. He was about to say something, but I held up my hand to him, effectively stopping him.

Saint let out a small breath and blinked at me. “Would you help me?”

My smirk widened. “We’re family.”

Suspicion crossed his face. Saint was many things, but he was still a Godfrey, and he wasn’t stupid. There was also hopelessness in his expression. He was mentally tired of the bullshit his parents had left him. Was he worn down? Ready for a savior? “What do you want in return?”

I tapped the desk and pretended to think. “You know, I’ve always wanted to buy Ridge a pet.”

They frowned and the silence amused me.

I opened my arms. “And I’ve found him one.”

Saint glanced from me to Ridge, confusion twisting his bruised face. He shifted uncomfortably in his chair. “I don’t understand, Uncle Bowie.”

I pointed at him. “I’m going to help you, Saint. I’m going to pay Sapphira and Ms. Winters the money your family owes them. And trust me, if you don’t pay that money, they will take your kneecaps.”

He winced and cupped his knees nervously. “And you want me to find Ridge a dog?”

I fell back into my office chair and laughed so loudly that it hurt my stomach. I smoothed my hands over my face when the chuckling finally slowed down. Wiping the tears from my eyes, I shook my head. “No, I don’t want you to find him a dog. You are going to be our pet.”

He blinked at me in confusion, and so did Ridge.

“Father—”

I shushed Ridge, and he pursed his lips. “You owe us, Saint. Your parents made fools of us. Not only did they take our money, even worse, they threatened our name. We don’t take that lightly. We’re gods in New Gothenburg and your father nearly fucked that up for us.”

Saint’s shoulders slumped. “I don’t understand what you want. A slave?”

“Aren’t you listening? A pet.” I rose, and their gazes followed me as I strolled toward a cabinet to my right. I opened the top drawer and pulled out a black collar with pink jewels that alternated with silver studs. Attached to the dainty silver O-ring in the middle was a chain. I’d had a fun shopping trip over my lunch hour today, and now I was glad I’d taken the time to go. “I want you on your knees and serving us like the most loyal dog would.” My mouth curved to the side. “And while you’re in that position, doing favors for us wouldn’t hurt. I’ve heard from your mother you enjoy male company.”

Ridge tensed and his eyes widened again, while Saint stared in complete shock. It took a moment for my words to settle into their brains, and it was Saint who spoke first.

“I’m your nephew.”

“And?” I drawled in a bored tone. “I can’t get you pregnant, can I?”

He shook his head. “I need to work and pay rent and—” He jumped to his feet and was halfway across the room in seconds.

“We’ll pay off the Harlots and give you an allowance.” Ridge’s voice wobbled. He glanced at me, and for the first time in a long while, pride swelled in my chest. I nodded to keep him going. He stood and faced Saint, confidence returning to his stance as he crossed his arms. “Admit it, Saint, you belong to us now. No doubt you’re struggling to pay bills, am I right? And now you have the Harlots after you, and you need this. Us.”

Saint froze, his shoulders stiffening as he touched the doorknob.

“We’re not going to force you. We’re Godfreys, we don’t need to force anyone.” Ridge shot a look at me, and I waved my hand for him to continue. “But the life you knew is gone, and your future isn’t looking great. You have two choices now. Live how you are and risk losing your knees, and maybe even your life, because you can’t pay back dangerous bikers, or be our pet, live in a nice house and be obedient, and get a good payday. I know what I would choose if I were you.”

Saint spun on his heel and glared. The bruises on his face seemed more prominent, but the lighting was brighter near the door. “You’re not me. Your parents didn’t fuck you over.”