Axle elbows Reaper. “Maybe next time.”
Reaper shakes his head at him. “I don’t know what else to do. The dog hates me.”
“He’ll warm up to you soon,” Ava coos as we all walk back inside.
“Ha! Highly doubtful,” Axle replies.
Ava’s eyes narrow at Axle. He shrugs. “What? It’s true.”
I smile at them. They remind me of the bickering and jokes from when I was young with Knox, Misty, and Kane.
After my shower,I put on light makeup and concealer under my eyes to hide my restless night. I spend the day in the living room watching trashy TV that the women have put on. Anything for a distraction, but it’s good chilling out, spending time with everyone.
“Who do you think the father is?” Candy asks.
“Her husband’s best friend for sure,” Twitch replies.
Mercedez is in his lap. She turns to him, nodding. “I think so too.”
I watch the TV as another man walks onto the stage. The crowd gasps and cheers. The husband stands. He gestures at the man while looking at his wife. “Who the fuck is this guy?” The woman’s hand flies to her mouth.
The presenter steps toward the new guy and leans over. “Why don’t you tell him and the audience who you are?”
“I’m the guy she’s been fucking for the last ten years.”
The crowd cheers.
Rage’s hands come up in disbelief.
The husband strides toward the man, his face full of anger, though two huge security guards dressed in black-collared shirts beat him to it and hold him back. “You asshole! I can’t wait until I get my hands on you!”
I stand to get fresh air. Knox tugs at my wrist, so I peer down at him. “I’m going to go outside for a bit.”
He holds eye contact and slowly nods.
I remember that there’s a dog outside, so I move to Ava, who glances up at me.
“The dog’s name is Conan, isn’t it? Does he bite?” I ask.
“Yes, that’s his name.” Ava smiles. “No, he’s fine with women.”
“Why is that?” I ask softly, not wanting to cause too much of a distraction to the others watching the TV. “Is he aggressive toward men?”
“If he senses a threat, he will react. He’s wary of men at the beginning, but after a while, he’s fine.”
“Thanks,” I mutter.
I make my way through the house and step outside. Heat from the sun meets my skin, instantly warming me. I look over at Conan, who has lifted his head and cocked his ears. When his eyes land on me, he wags his tail. As I walk toward him, he stands. I halt and allow him to come to me. He circles me, sniffing at my legs and feet. I put my hand out. He sniffs my hand, his nose cold against my skin. Then he licks me and nuzzles his head into me.
I pat him softly, but the more I pat him, the more he leans into me. I chuckle and step toward the table and chairs. “Come on. Over here, Conan.” His tail wags faster, and he follows me. As I take a seat, he positions himself in front of me, leaning in seeking more affectionate touches.
The back door opens and Knox walks out, though I’m not surprised to see him. As he makes his way to me, Conan rolls over, so I bend and pat his belly up and down in long, slow strokes.
Knox sits next to me. “I’ve called Kane. He’ll be here soon.”
I sit up. When my focus shifts to Knox, Conan whines.
“How did Kane sound on the phone?”
