Page 55 of Brutal Savage

“Oh, come on…” I groan.

They both look up at me, finally realizing I’m home.

“I’m so sorry!” Ruby’s shoulders deflate. “She’s relentless. And she seems to like your shoes more than anyone else’s. This is the third one she’s destroyed.”

“Great.” I clench my jaw, and when Brody catches my irritated look, his face falls.

Shit, I should relax. They’re just shoes. The kid’s happy; that’s all that matters.

“It’s okay, Ruby. I’ve got it from here.”

“Are you sure?” She’s visibly breathless, and I feel sorry for that.

“Yes, go relax. I’ve got the little monster.”

“Okay.” She shakes her head. “Puppies are tough.”

“I can see that.”

“Oh, and she peed in your office.”

“Ugh, fuck…”

“Language,” she tsks. She’s the only one I’d let reprimand me. “I cleaned it already, but wanted to let you know. You may want to hire a trainer.”

I shut my eyes, seriously regretting the decision to get Bubbles with each passing second.

She walks out of the room, leaving me with a pouting Brody and the dog running with a shoe in her mouth.

“It’s okay, buddy. I’m not mad.”

His mouth thins.

“Come on, Bubbles. Drop it.”

She stands in front of me, growling, tail wagging, shoe still in her mouth as though taunting me.

Kinda reminds me of Elara. I laugh to myself at the thought of that feisty woman whenever she stands up to me. I like that very much.

I pounce toward the pup, but at the last second, she jumps out of my way and starts for the den.

Brody runs after her, grinning wide, and that has me smiling too. She can destroy all the leather she wants if she can get him to smile like that.

“Maybe we should grab one of her treats to tempt her. Why don’t you get the new bones we got her? They should be in the kitchen under the sink.”

He nods and rushes out. Less than a minute later, he has one in his hand.

“Look what Brody has, Bubbles.”

As soon as I say his name, she turns and sees it in his hand, and that’s all it takes. She sprints toward him, dropping the shoe.

One look at it, and I groan, picking up the slobbery, torn-up loafer. Gonna have to hide all of my shoes from now on.

Brody brings Bubbles to her bed in the corner of the room, and she chews on her bone while I toss the shoe in the trash in the kitchen.

“Hello? Anyone home?” My father’s voice carries from the foyer, and I go to see what he wants, hoping he hasn’t come to pester me again.

“Hey, Dad.” I incline my chin in greeting as soon as I see him. “What are you doing here?”

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