Page 25 of The Mob Boss' Pet

Recognition crosses Megan’s soft blue eyes, but she doesn’t comment. As I pass her, I see a hint of envy touch her smile. She’s been with me long enough to understand my preferences, and I wonder how much of what she’s seen has made its way into her fantasies.

“Of course, Mr. Manetto,” she says and heads off toward the kitchen while I climb the stairs. It’s time for Roberto’s medicine, but after that Stephania will have her lunch, and if she’s a good girl about it, she’ll get dessert.

* * *

“I can easily teach you or one of your staff how to set up the infusion. It’s not hard now that the IV is in, and you wouldn’t need to keep bringing me to his room every six hours,” Stephania explains again as we walk back to my room.

She’s handled herself well so far today, aside from denying food. But I should take some of the blame. A phone call this morning had me up and out of my bedroom before I could reward her for being so good last night. Something I intend to correct, so long as she eats all of her lunch.

“And if you teach someone else to do it, you can go home and we won’t need you anymore,” I supply the next line of her request. She’s like a broken record, stuck on the same conversation over and over again. I don’t blame her for trying. If I were in her shoes, I’d do everything I could to get away from here. She’s not in real danger, but she doesn’t understand that.

“Exactly.” She smiles brilliantly at me, like she’s succeeded. I open my bedroom door and take a moment to enjoy the brightness of her eyes before I jerk my head toward the room.

“Get inside, pet.”

Her smile falters a little, but she’s not defeated. Good. I never want her to crumble, but I will make her bend.

I lock the door and flip the bolt to be sure none of the staff can get in while I have my pet at my pleasure. Stephania walks to the bathroom and a moment later I hear the water running.

When she returns, she’s drying her hands on a towel. “Thank you, by the way, for having some of my clothes brought over.” She nods toward the duffle bag on my dresser filled with some of her clothing. “I would have liked some underwear though,” she adds quietly.

“You won’t need that while you’re here,” I answer easily and peek into the bag. Mostly leggings and t-shirts. She’s wearing a pair of jeans and a concert shirt. I haven’t heard of the band before and it’s well worn. Probably from a long time ago.

She sighs and turns back into the bathroom, coming back out without the towel.

“You know, the hospital will start to look into my disappearance. My friends will notice I’m not returning text messages.” She leans against the doorjamb of the bathroom. She showered this morning, washing away what was left of her makeup. Her hair hangs softly around her shoulders.

“I’ve taken care of all that,” I tell her. “That’s why I wasn’t here to reward you this morning.”

Her gaze flitters away and a soft blush creeps up her neck.

“You thought I forgot?” I study her more closely. “Or did you not earn one?” I take a few steps in her direction. “Did you touch yourself while I slept, maybe while I was working this morning and you were left all alone?”

She turns her face away from me.

“You did,” I say forcefully.

She folds her arms over her chest, still not looking in my direction, but I can see the truth. My little pet had her way without permission.

“Stephania.” I snap her name and it gets me results. She’s staring at me, her face ablaze with a blush. Priceless.

“I’m not answering that,” she tells me.

I narrow my gaze. “You just did, pet.” I move to the tray with her lunch. A chicken Caesar salad with garlic bread on the side. “Why didn’t you eat?”

“I wasn’t hungry.” She pushes off the doorway and squares her shoulders. Does she think there’s going to be a battle between us? She’d never win, but it’s cute to watch her gear up for it.

“Are you hungry now?” I ask, giving her a chance.

“Not really. What I am is annoyed and pissed off, and I want to go home.”

I sigh. Better settle this now.

“You’re not going home,” I say in a hard tone. There can’t be any misunderstandings here. “I want you to stay until Roberto’s fully healed. Then, and only then, will we discuss your departure.” I walk over to her, stopping only when I can smell the scent of the shampoo she used. I like my fragrance on her. It belongs there.

She frowns at me.

“If I hear any more about it, a little comment, a snarky remark, a question, or even a muttering during your sleep, I will strip you bare and keep all clothing from you. You’ll be attending your patient nude and collared.”

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