Page 98 of For the Sub

Margot was silent as she considered her response. “Do you really think that Niles would put you in that kind of situation? Reyes was an infant. This one isn’t. I can’t imagine him allowing anyone to treat you badly.”

“But I do work at the Den.”

“Jesus. Seriously? So what?” In exasperation, Margot sighed. “Look, Brandy. You’re starting to piss me off. Those hoity-toity gazillionaires aren’t any damn better than you are. And I’m tired of the way that Reyes and his bitchhole of a mother allowed you to think that.” She took a breath. “And frankly, you’re better than any human being I’ve ever known. I just don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“I appreciate you.” But how will I ever be able to make myself believe what you say?

“Seriously, call me. I’m here all day with nothing to do,” Margot said. “I could use a margarita at Teddy’s Lodge. Or some retail therapy on your card. Or, better yet, invite that pirate that you’ve told me about.”

“Gregorio?”

“He sounds swoon-worthy.”

“Are you serious? How many times have you told me that BDSM demeans participants?” she asked Margot, shocked.

“Maybe I should be more open-minded.”

Shaking her head, Brandy held the phone away from her ear. Was she still talking to her friend?

“He has an earring. Can you imagine him with an eye patch?” With that, she was gone, leaving Brandy staring at the blank screen, laughing.

Every fifteen minutes throughout the morning, Brandy checked her phone.

No calls.

No texts.

No emails.

It was as if the damned device had lost service.

Then, mid-afternoon, a delivery van arrived.

Frowning, she signed for the large, odd-shaped package.

There was no return address, and she carried the parcel to the kitchen counter to slice through the packaging tape, only to discover two more boxes.

Brandy opened the smallest to find a human-sized rubber foot inside. The biggest toe was gargantuan. “Oh my God.” She gasped and laughed.

Master Niles.

“I think this is for you.” Crouching, she offered the toy to MW.

Dana looked at the smaller dog then the foot, then she backed up, as if she were afraid.

With a growl, then an excited yip, MW attacked with unabashed glee.

The next box was heavy, and it contained a gigantic bone.

Sniffing the air, the Dane strolled over. “Of course you didn’t get left out,” Brandy said, putting the gift on the floor.

As she went to throw away the box, something else caught her eye.

A soft toy turtle, colored bright blue and green, lay on the bottom. She pulled it out, along with a tube of catnip.

Heaven help her.

In all her experiences, she’d never met anyone like him.

---