Page 6 of Gentleman Sadist

“Done,” she said. “We’ll expect you around eight?”

He nodded. “Eight is perfect. I might have to stay a little bit.”

“Such a good daddy.” She hummed. “I’ll be right back.” When she returned, she had Dio with her along with a piece of construction paper. “You have a little artist.” She handed him the project Dio had made.

Pride filled Will. Three paw prints were transformed into a small bouquet of blue flowers. Who'd ever worked with the dogs to create their masterpieces also added a single paw pad with their name below it as a signature. He knelt in front of Dio. "Did you make me this?" The pup's eyes sparkled with excitement and he let out a yip answering Will. "It's beautiful. This is going to be hung in the museum. It's perfect."

Salina handed over Dio’s leash. “We’ll see you in the morning.”

“Thanks again,” he replied before heading out with Dio.

The rest of the week passed with relative ease. By Thursday night, he had everything packed for himself and Dio. He left Salina the hotel information along with his cell number and Devon's number in case he couldn't get back quick enough. The whole week he worried leaving Dio with Salina might not work due to his puppers being a bit of a cling-on. To Will's surprise, his pup did well, allowing Will to slip out of Salina's home unnoticed.

When his alarm blared the next morning, he groaned. The light pinks and purples on the horizon greeted him as he opened his eyes. He knew he should have shades or curtains on his bedroom window, but his room had been on the second floor and the view of the beach was amazing. The thought of not enjoying the gorgeous view before falling asleep at night, rubbed him the wrong way. He sat up and scrubbed his head before getting out of bed. He walked to his bathroom and grabbed a quick shower then dressed. He hoped to hell there was coffee when he arrived at Angie's house because he didn't do early mornings without the nectar of the gods sliding down his throat, waking him up.

He grabbed his bag on the way out of his room and walked downstairs and into the small kitchen. He grabbed his wallet and keys off the counter then headed out. One of the features he enjoyed about his new home was the security system. Once he set the alarm, any time someone tried to get into his home or came to the house while he wasn't there, he received an alert on his phone. It reassured him his place was safe and no one could enter without his permission. As he unlocked his vehicle, he also opened the garage door. The other feature he enjoyed was being able to arm the alarm on his phone.

By the time he pulled out of his driveway, the sun was climbing into the sky. The air grew wet with humidity and the heat of the coming day kissed his skin. He slipped his sunglasses on and drove away, maybe Kristen was right. He needed the trip after all. He'd spent more time alone since everything with Tristan and it was becoming apparent, he'd been punishing himself, perhaps, for something he couldn't control. Will had done nothing wrong. Sometimes crappy things happen to good people.

Unfortunately, he happened to make a crap roll of the dice.

Doesn’t matter now. As his mom would say, no more crying over spilled milk. He learned his lesson the hard way, and he had to move on. Didn't make it hurt less or make him kick himself less. It meant straightening his shoulders and facing whatever came next with his head held high.

To hell with all the rest.

Will pulled up in front of Angie’s apartment at exactly six and noticed he was the first one there. The lights were on inside and the front door was open. When he parked and got out, Ian appeared at the entrance with a mug of coffee in his hand. He wore a tight black shirt and loose fit jeans. His hair was a bit disheveled as well.

“Oh thank God, you remembered.” Will held his hand out, walking toward the house. “I’m not at my best without my first cup in the morning.”

Ian took a sip and grinned. “Get your own.”

“So mean. I don’t even know what Angie sees in you,” he huffed. “Angie, Ian won’t give me his coffee.”

“In here,” Angie called from the kitchen. “I have a travel mug already prepared for you.”

“You’re a lifesaver, doll.” Will joined Angie in the kitchen, Ian hot on his heels. After Will’s first sip of coffee, he sighed and slid onto one of the stools at the kitchen island. “Perfection. It’s an orgasm in a bean.” He took another sip. “Where is everyone?”

Ian huffed out a laugh, shaking his head.

“They’re on the way. Seems some people don’t understand arrival and departure times.” Angie frowned.

“Itisonly an hour away," Will reminded her.

“It’s no use,” Ian said. “I tried to explain the same thing to her when you pulled up. Angie is set in her ways.”

She crossed her arms. “I am not.”

“Sure, sweet cheeks.” Ian laughed.

Will continued to drink his coffee. “I’m sure everyone will be here soon, and we can get this show on the road.”

By the time everyone showed up, it was closer to seven, and Angie was antsy to get on the road. They took two vehicles allowing Will to leave his car at the compound where he knew no one would mess with it. Due to the hour, the traffic sucked. Rush hour always seemed to bring everything to a standstill. Throw in the ever-present construction zones, and it was worse than nails on a chalkboard. He hated it when he drove to work, like Angie, he always left early giving himself a cushion in case of accidents or other highway hazards which seemed to be abundantly present.

“Oh, I love this song!” Kristen said, turning up the radio. “Ugh, it’s been so long since I’ve heard it.”

Will nodded his head to the beat, humming along while Kristen and Angie belted out the lyrics in the worst, most endearing way possible. He chuckled at their dramatics and sang along with them softly. He hated to say it so soon, but he was having fun. His daily worries slipped away the farther from home he got.

"Get it, Will," Kristen said.

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