Page 26 of Filthy Rich Bosses

I run through a few more basic commands—stay, down, come—and Zeus nails each one. My earlier frustrations start to fade, replaced by a growing sense of accomplishment.

"You're doing so well, buddy," I coo, risking getting closer to him. Zeus doesn't growl or back away, which I take as a good sign.

Feeling emboldened, I decide to push things a little further. "Want to try some agility work, Zeus?"

I set up a simple obstacle course using some equipment I spot in the yard—a low jump, a tunnel, and a weave pole. Lulu watches curiously from her spot near my feet.

"All right, Zeus," I say, opening the kennel door slowly. "Let's see what you can do."

As Zeus emerges, I can't help but hold my breath. This is the moment of truth. Will he bolt? Growl? Instead, he looks up at me, awaiting instruction.

"Good boy," I breathe, relief washing over me. "Now, heel."

I hook the leash to his collar for now, until I’m sure he’s not going to go after Lulu like she’s his next tasty treat. I let the two approach each other slowly. Zeus is guarded but shows no signs of aggression. I tell Lulu to lie down to make her less threatening.

Once I’m sure Zeus is comfortable with her, I walk them both over to the course I’ve set up.

We make our way through the course, Zeus responding to my commands with growing enthusiasm. By the third run-through, he's practically prancing.

"You're a natural, Zeus!" I laugh, my earlier tension completely forgotten. This is why I do what I do—for moments like this. I can’t wait to tell Grayson.

Chapter 12

Cole

Iwatch Tessa stomp off, her shoes smacking angrily against the hardwood floor. Her dramatic exit makes me roll my eyes. Christ, I'm so sick of this kind of theatrics. Women and their damn drama.

I don’t know what the hell Grayson was thinking bringing that human-sized ball of trouble into our lives. Well, maybe I do. And maybe part of me gets it. But he could have hired someone else—anyone else. Someone actually qualified for the job even.

But, no. We get a walking, talking temptation I want nothing to fucking do with.

My gaze shifts to Chase, who's staring after her with that look in his eyes. That soft, intrigued look that makes my stomach churn—even if it is mixed with hurt. I know exactly what he's thinking, and I don't have to like it one bit.

"You can't be serious," I mutter under my breath, shaking my head.

Chase turns to me, one eyebrow raised. "What was that?"

"What the hell is your problem, Chase?"

He looks up at me, those blue eyes wide with feigned innocence. "My problem? I don't have a problem, man. What's yours?"

The casual tone in his voice grates on my last nerve. I can feel a vein throbbing in my forehead as I glare down at him. "Don't play dumb with me. You know exactly what I'm talking about."

Chase sighs, running a hand through his disheveled blonde hair. "Look, Cole, if this is about Tessa—"

"Of course it's about Tessa!" I snap, cutting him off.

Chase sighs, his usual carefree demeanor slipping for a moment. "All right, all right. I'll spill." He leans forward, elbows on his knees. "We were out on that rescue mission, right? And it was…it was bad, Cole. She shouldn’t have been there at all."

I pinch the bridge of my nose, already sensing where this is going. "And let me guess, our little spitfire couldn't leave well enough alone?"

"Bingo," Chase nods, a hint of admiration in his voice that sets my teeth on edge. "She let herself in the damn house before I could stop her. Next thing I know, she's face-to-face with this huge dude, screaming her head off about animal abuse."

My jaw clenches. "Jesus Christ," I mutter, the anger bubbling up inside me. "What the hell was she thinking?"

Chase shrugs, his nonchalance only fueling my irritation. "Animals seem to matter more to her than her own safety apparently."

I start pacing, my mind racing. Why am I so worked up about this? It's not like I care what happens to her. But the thought of Tessa putting herself in danger still makes my stomach churn.

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