Page 48 of Ruin Me

“What are those?” I detoured towards the cages to find a German Shepherd resting in each cage.

“The rest of your security detail. No one will mess with you when they see two of the most fiercely protective dogs surrounding you.”

The two canines neared the bars of the cage to sniff my hands. Their size put them close to a year old. Big enough to make a stranger question approaching but young enough to train. The mix of gold and dark browns in their coat gleamed, speaking to the care they’d had before Kent purchased them. The dogs were cute, but I hardened my heart toward them.

I didn’t know what the future held after my upcoming conversation with Kent and didn’t want to get attached.

“You got me two dogs,” I said without emotion, then continued to the bedroom. My prior anxiousness was on a back burner as my anger simmered over this manipulative tactic.

“Now, when I can’t be with you, you can go wherever your heart desires.” Kent followed close behind me, adding fuel to the fire.

He closed the bedroom door, and his neutral features turned granite once we were alone.

“You couldn’t ask me if I wanted a dog, let alone two?” I rounded on him.

His nostrils flared. “You want to talk about dogs instead of the real problem here?”

I cackled. “If you don’t see how this is part of the real problem…”

“Don’t threaten me again with the ending of our relationship bullshit.”

My anger fled. I sat on the bed and stared at him in despair. “Do I like dogs?”

“What?”

I repeated my question and he frowned.

“Don’t you?”

“I’ve lived on my own long enough that if I wanted a dog, I would have gotten one for myself. I never did because they require so much time, and with my job I never had enough to give to an animal. And you chose one of the neediest breeds alive in terms of needing attention.”

“I chose one of the best family-friendly, protective dogs alive to ensure your safety.”

“Without discussing my needs with me.”

“Madison—”

“No, Kent. You can’t just decide for me and expect me to accept the results. I’m your girlfriend, not your employee.” I raised my hand to stop him from pointing out what had broughtme to Douglas. “Yes, you’ve contracted my company for a job, but I can fire you and return to D.C. I’m not beholden to you, professionally or personally, and I need you to understand that.”

“Anything else?” he gritted while the muscles in his jaw ticked.

“I love you, but I don’t want who I am to disappear because of my love for you. You’ve got me in a gilded cage that’s more like a hotel than a home where I have to answer to everyone but myself for what I want.”

“Madison, please. I’ve seen your selfies at your place in D.C. This apartment is homier than that blank space you live in.” He arched his brow as if he won.

So what if he was right about the empty walls and lack of personality in my apartment? I was only there long enough to rest my head before I was off traveling for work or pulling in long hours.

“A cage is still a cage no matter how pretty the trappings.”

Kent bobbed his head up and down but his expression gave nothing away. “You’ve made some good points.” He flicked the top button of his shirt free from its hole. “However, I have one question for you. Am I your man?”

“Don’t change the subject, Kent.”

“Answer me Madison. Am I your man?” He shrugged his shirt from his shoulders.

“I don’t see what?—”

“Answer the question.”

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