“I always pay my debts,” I said before hanging up and calling a much
less fun number .
“Reed,” my pop answered after the first ring.
“You want to tell me why you hiked the rent on the blocks near
Acresfield Park?”
“Davian, my boy.” His tone warmed to one of a proud father. “What’s
this about rent?”
“There’ s a dog shelter that can’t afford to buy fucking kibble because
their rent was doubled.”
He chuckled. “Good. Maybe once they close up shop, we can put a
laundromat in there.”
A couple walked past me on the sidewalk, and I gritted my teeth until
they were out of hearing range. “Pop, I need you to put the shelter’s rent
back to what it was.”
“Do you?” He hummed softly. “Where’ s this coming from? Since when
do you give two shits about my properties?”
My patience evaporated. “Just fix their rent.”
He barked a laugh. “All right, all right. What’s an old man to do but
indulge his son? Give me the name of the place.”
I answered through a clenched jaw . “Happy Tails Haven.”
How embarrassing .
His laughter dissolved into chuckles. “Happy Tails Haven,” he muttered
in disbelief. “Okay . Consider it done.”
And now I owed him. This had better be worth it.
“Thanks,” I forced out.
But my father never let things go that easily. “You really don’t want to
tell me what caused the sudden bleeding heart?”
“It’s just business.”
“... Business with a place called Happy Tails Haven?”
“I saw a new opportunity .” It wasn’t a lie. Sadie practically screamed
opportunity . “Speaking of, do you have any buyers for the empty space next
to Bruno’ s?”
“No bites yet.”
“Good. He wants to expand, but I told him we’d think about it. He’s
asking to tear down the wall.”
My father hummed again. “He’s been good to us, but I don’t see how
it’d be a profitable return. We can discuss it when I stop by the compound
tomorrow .”
Sebastian Reed would do whatever would make him the most money.
He always had. It never mattered how long someone had been loyal.
I hadn’t expected anything less. “See you then.”
“Not so fast, son.” His tone turned glacial. “I’m not known for my
indulgence, so think twice before giving me an order again.”
My shoulders stiffened. He wasn’t joking. He’d do his best to make me
regret this.
“See you tomorrow ,” was all I said before hanging up.
Jaw still clenched, I sent a text ordering my finance guy to make an
anonymous donation to Sadie’s shelter. It’d cover the overchar ged rent and
then some.
Out in the fresh air, I crossed the street to the idling SUV without
looking back. If I saw that shithole again, I’d end up staying, but I had
business to take care of tonight.
Sadie had my number if she needed me.
S a d i e
Sadie’s Guide to Hostage-T aking Being T aken Hostage Forming a
Partnership with Y our Hostage, T ip #12: Is it healthy to miss your hostage?
Sorry, not a tip. Just curious.
Davian left after giving my forehead a kiss—one so sweet my cheeks were
still warm hours later—and making sure I locked the door behind him.
I rolled my eyes at his protectiveness. I knew how to lock a silly door .
When I checked my phone and saw a bunch of texts and missed calls
from Gladys, I winced. Hopefully she hadn’t been worrying for hours. I
shot her a text to let her know Bear and I were okay and we’d catch up
tomorrow at the shelter .
She r eplied with a few choice words better of f not r epeated.
Bear and I whipped up a fresh batch of peanut butter treats and watched
a wholesome puppy movie. Then I put on my paw print pajamas, and we
snuggled togethe r in bed. And all throughout, I couldn’ t shake Davian from
my thoughts.
He’d k ept his promise and rescued Bear .
I bit my lip. After Gladys’ s description of the man, Davian was nothing
like I’d expecte d. He was so sweet and protective. Okay, so maybe he’d
shot a kid in the leg, but that was to defend me and Bear. Then the way he’d
kissed me and what had happened in the SUV...
My whole body heated just thinking about it. What’s gotten into me?