Page 38 of Hot for Hostage

My patience evaporated. “Just fix their rent.”

He barked a laugh. “All right, all right. What’s an old man to do but indulge his son? Give me the name of the place.”

I answered through a clenched jaw. “Happy Tails Haven.”

How embarrassing.

His laughter dissolved into chuckles. “Happy Tails Haven,” he muttered in disbelief. “Okay. Consider it done.”

And now I owed him. This had better be worth it.

“Thanks,” I forced out.

But my father never let things go that easily. “You really don’t want to tell me what caused the sudden bleeding heart?”

“It’s just business.”

“…Business with a place called Happy Tails Haven?”

“I saw a new opportunity.” It wasn’t a lie. Sadie practically screamed opportunity. “Speaking of, do you have any buyers for the empty space next to Bruno’s?”

“No bites yet.”

“Good. He wants to expand, but I told him we’d think about it. He’s asking to tear down the wall.”

My father hummed again. “He’s been good to us, but I don’t see how it’d be a profitable return. We can discuss it when I stop by the compound tomorrow.”

Sebastian Reed would do whatever would make him the most money. He always had. It never mattered how long someone had been loyal.

I hadn’t expected anything less. “See you then.”

“Not so fast, son.” His tone turned glacial. “I’m not known for my indulgence, so think twice before giving me an order again.”

My shoulders stiffened. He wasn’t joking. He’d do his best to make me regret this.

“See you tomorrow,” was all I said before hanging up.

Jaw still clenched, I sent a text ordering my finance guy to make an anonymous donation to Sadie’s shelter. It’d cover the overcharged rent and then some.

Out in the fresh air, I crossed the street to the idling SUV without looking back. If I saw that shithole again, I’d end up staying, but I had business to take care of tonight.

Sadie had my number if she needed me.

someone owes sadie a door

. . .

Sadie

Sadie’s Guide toHostage-TakingBeing Taken HostageForming a Partnership with Your Hostage, Tip #12: Is it healthy to miss your hostage? Sorry, not a tip. Just curious.

Davian left after giving my forehead a kiss—one so sweet my cheeks were still warm hours later—and making sure I locked the door behind him.

I rolled my eyes at his protectiveness. I knew how to lock a silly door.

When I checked my phone and saw a bunch of texts and missed calls from Gladys, I winced. Hopefully she hadn’t been worrying for hours. I shot her a text to let her know Bear and I were okay and we’d catch up tomorrow at the shelter.

She replied with a few choice words better off not repeated.

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