Page 32 of Servitude to Serpents

My mood further sours knowing Stuart's ever-plotting mind is likely following the same path.

“Take a few of your women. Just because you can burn his empire alone, because you can take the blow on the cheek, doesn’t mean youshould. I can have you wheels up in three hours with your word, Sir.”

It’s said in the same manner he has used since my father was the head, a command given in the shape of a suggestion.Viper,his nickname, even at his age, fits him well. The man is deadly, a mastermind in his own right. Him being at our sides has toppled empires and grown ours. Dydicon has flourished under his guide, despite his hesitancy to prop a legally standing weapons manufacturing company as the face of my criminal empire. The man helped raise me to be cunning and cynical, but not even he could find fault in my manipulations, my reasons for doing so, the doors it has blown open.

“Yes, thank you,” I respond absently, anger dipping back under the surface.

Where the other houses operate fully under the shadows, limited in their reach, adhered to back doors and under the table dealings, I found a way to pollute the world at midday. I have the legitimacy they lack. That’s what Dydicon is: an advantage I’ve built brick by fucking bullet.

“Shall I ready the other women, or would you prefer to handle them yourself, perhaps? According to the staff, they’ve been rather…antsy with your absence.”

My eyes dart to Pup as she stills, her head turning ever so slightly to listen. I can already see the furrow in her brows despite the low light. I’ve taken to using more accent lighting to make the office functional, as the brighter overheads seem to hurt her eye.

“You can handle it. This will be Pup's first party in my care. She’ll require most of my attention.”

“Lucky me,” Stuart grumbles before seeing himself out. In all the years I’ve lived in proximity to the man, I’ve never seen him show any interest in women. I’ve often wondered why, made my own assumptions, but I keep them to myself. Lingering glances, loaded looks, and long nights at my father’s side—it’s not my business if he prefers cock or cunt either way.

Pup remains still, her chest rising and falling quickly as she glares at the fire like it did something terribly offensive to her. A smile tugs at the corners of my lips. Jealousy is a terrible quality in a slave.

“See yourself to your bathroom. I’ll be in shortly to help you get ready.”

Her small hands clench so tightly, I can see her nails digging into her delicate palms. “Yes, Sir.”

I raise my brow at her clipped tone. It seems I’ve spoiled her with far too much of my attention. That won’t work. She’s halfway out of the door before I call out to her again. “Oh, and Pup?”

She doesn’t turn to face me at first, only glancing over her shoulder. It’s a small slight, but one that has my cock throbbing all the same. In truth, I like it when she acts up, which is a puzzling first for me. Judging by my dick's reaction, I’m not as put off by her possessiveness either, however horridly misplaced.

“Yes, Master?”

“You are mydog, not my girlfriend. Do not forget that.”

Her shoulders stiffen before she forces one of those unnerving, sweet smiles onto her face. “Of course, Master. House of Bloom taught me quite well how to play with others.”

The armrest of my chair cracks as she clears the doorway.

It takes me an hour to compose myself enough to join her. When I walk into the bathroom, a dress laid over my arm, Pup is there, kneeling on the floor, staring blankly at her hands, one eye closed again. I have no right to be annoyed with her. She has behaved well today, aside from a few bratty comments here and there.

But Iamannoyed, something about the idea of her playing with others sitting poorly in my gut. An already barely contained need ignites like she’d dumped kerosene on it. I want her,badly, screaming, trussed up and stretching around my cock.

I motion for her to stand as she eyes the garment bag on my arm with open curiosity. Deciding to humor her and definitely not because I enjoy her reactions to my gifts, I unzip it slowly, showing off the navy-blue sheer gown inside. Her eyes widen with excitement, whatever jealousy or bitterness plaguing her momentarily forgotten. It’s adorable; she practically vibrates, excited even without understanding the meaning of the garment. Navy blue is a color often reserved for favorites. Her wardrobe is quickly becoming overrun with it. I’m finding more and more that I loathe to put her in any other color.

“Master, it's beautiful.”

I nod. “I wouldn’t have you out in anything less. You belong to the House of Serpents. Your position and behavior are expected to reflect that.” She watches me closely as I remove a long, black velvet box from my back pocket, pinning it against the wall with a finger. “Come.”

She hurries to my side, staring at the box with wide doe eyes.

“Put your head here. Do not use your hands.”

Her pale brows pinch together. “On the box, Sir?”

I nod, watching as she presses her forehead to the box. Her breath hitches as Istep behind her, leaning in until my lips graze her ear. “Careful not to drop that, yeah?”

She starts to nod her head, gasping when the box slips. “Oh, shit.” Another little gasp slips and she goes still, realizing her mistake. Pup is not allowed to curse.

I smirk against her neck, my hardened length pressing uncomfortably against my zipper.Yeah, you fucked up, little pet.“Spread your legs.”

She does, and I let her feel the press of my cock before I abruptly step back, landing a rough smack to her core. She screams, her legs nearly buckling, her hands flying out before she stops herself.

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