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The woman was now staring at both of us with curiosity.
“Who’s your friend, sweetie?”
I turned toward Mina guardedly. She was blinking rapidly, fidgeting with her hands.
“He… I mean… he…”
Just as I was about to step in and answer so she wouldn’t be put on the spot any further, she blurted out.
“He’s my dog.”
A heavy silence settled over the shop. My temperature spiked, and I slowly turned to face her, but Mina refused to meet my gaze.
The woman blinked in bewilderment.
“Dog?”
Mina waved her hand nervously. “I mean… he’s my servant.”
“Oh.” The woman glanced at me, but Mina stepped in front me, blocking my view.
“He isn’t allowed to show his face in public. You know… I’m a bit jealous.”
She looked at the old woman with a proud, affectionate smile. The woman tilted her head back with a knowing sound.
“I knew it!” she bellowed. “I always knew you had eccentric tastes like that, sweetpea.”
“Hahah…” Mina tittered. “Yes, I’m eccentric. Such a weird woman I am…”
I fought with everything I had not to burst out laughing. Thank goodness for my mask; otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to enjoy watching her turn bright red.
“But my dear, good for you!” The woman leaned over the counter, and Mina rested her elbow, bringing her ear closer. “He’s got a fine build. Does he make you feel good?”
“Oh…” As both of their eyes scanned me up and down, I tried to stand tall, though Mina was already nodding eagerly. “Yes, ma’am. He does.”
For a moment, I completely forgot where we were and the mess our relationship was currently in. I offered a subtle bow.
“Thank you, milady.”
She had managed to coax praise out of Mina for me, even if it was fake. I owed her one.
A moment later, the click of high heels approached me. Mina stood with her arms crossed, staring at me with an amused glint in her eyes.
“What’s it? Enjoying compliments from others?” Her grin widened. She was so close, her freckles, her rosy cheeks, radiating confidence, and I could only pray she wouldn’t notice the heat creeping into my face.
“You need a punishment.”
Her hand reached out toward my face, her fingers slipping through the opening of the black iron mask to touch my skin. When she hold my chin and gently tilted it side to side, I didn’t resist. I wanted her to play with me however she pleased; I wanted her never to let go, to let me be her favorite toy. Let her shake me until my head spun and my mind blurred into haze…
“Oh dear!” At the sound of the old woman’s voice, Mina snatched her fingers from my chin. “Please don’t torture him on my account. He was only being polite.”
“Don’t defend him, ma’am. You’re only making his punishment worse.”
Keep talking, ma’am.
“Poor boy…” The woman chuckled heartily and turned back to her watch repairs, while Mina gasped out.
“Poor? If he wants to leave, he can leave. Get out of here, Remi.”
