Page 24 of Compelled Obedience

“I could have driven myself,” Kerri said from beside me. She’d said nothing since I’d spanked her, but I’d seen the wheels in her mind processing all the ugly acts she wanted to engage in.

“Why, so you could escape me instead?”

She snorted then covered her mouth, still laughing as she turned her head toward me. “Do I need to? Are you bad guy in sophisticated clothes?”

I twisted my hand around the steering wheel, holding out my other arm as I stole a quick glance at my attire. “In jeans with holes and well-worn boots?”

“Oh, please. Those jeans cost at least five hundred dollars, the boots easily one thousand. I’m sitting in a Maserati. All three are clear qualifiers.”

“So, that’s why you hate me. The fact I make money.”

“I hate you because you had the nerve to spank me and the fact you’re clearly involved with another woman yet you were a scathing pig and kissed me. Then you commanded me to come with you. Am I your prisoner? Is that how you get all your women, including the gorgeous blonde you were with last night?”

“You’re the only woman I’ve claimed in a very long time and Candace and I are just friends.”

“Uh-huh. I’ve heard that before. You’re a terrible liar. Your relationship with Candace Cane has been all over Instagram and TikTok.”

Sighing, I pulled out my phone, sliding my finger across the screen and pressing the Facetime app. While I enjoyed the banter, Kerri deserved to know the truth. I’d prepped Candy for a possible call. When she answered, I immediately pressed the speakerphone, allowing Kerri to see who I was talking to.

“Howdy, sunshine.”

The look of shock on Kerri’s face was priceless.

“Hi there, tough guy. Oh, look,” Candace cooed as she turned her very heated attention to my companion. “I finally get to meet the object of my friend’s desires.” As soon as Candy said the words, I growled at her. “What? Isn’t that the truth?”

“Just answer this question, Candy Cane. Are we dating?”

“Oh, God, no. I’m sorry. You’re my bestie and I adore you, but you and I are not compatible.”

“Is that because he’s a jerk?” Kerri threw out.

Candace lifted a single eyebrow. “Kerri. Right? I’ve known this man since his club was barely on the map. He’s opinionated, hotheaded, a pain in the ass, and he piles his dirty clothes in all the wrong places.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence, bestie,” I snarled.

Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed Candy had thrown up her hands. “Hold on now, Cowboy Joe.”

“Cowboy Joe?” Kerri repeated.

“A private joke,” Candy answered. “To those who know him the least in LA, he’d considered a dangerous man. That gives him an advantage. Granted, you wouldn’t want to cross him but he’s a softie inside like marshmallow.”

“I’m going to kill you,” I told her, unable to keep from laughing.

“I’m not saying anything that isn’t true,” Candy cooed. “I will say he’s intelligent, too much for his own good and is a sucker for a broken heart. Oh, and animals. He does love a furry critter.”

“What’s he like in real life?” Kerri’s tone remained sarcastic.

I glanced at Kerri. It would seem she was genuinely interested. “In real life,” Candace continued, and I expected a doozie out of her. “He’s a pussycat who laps milk from a bowl. And he’s the best friend a girl could have.”

At least the two women were laughing while I was shaking my head. “So much for our friendship, Candy.”

“Ha. Ha.”

“With such a glowing resume, seriously, why aren’t you two hooked up?” Kerri glanced toward me, still scowling. She had no idea how beautiful she was, fresh and unique in a city full of plastic.

Candy leaned into the phone, giving Kerri an exaggerated onceover. “Because he’s not my flavor, if you get what I mean. Now, you on the other hand…”

“Goodbye, Candy. I love you even after this.” I ended the call, still grumbling under my breath.

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