Page 30 of Thicker Than Blood

“We did,” I said softly.

“Don’t be late again or else—” he said but didn’t finish his threat.

“Yes, Master,” I whispered, shocked and relieved at his leniency especially when my misdemeanour was related to my family.

Did Stefanos Karalis have a heart?

Well, blow me down with a feather and call me Fido.

Chapter 21

Stefanos

Time passed quickly, and I came to terms with the fact that my pet had become part of my life in ways I’d never intended. My mind was constantly conflicted, trying to recapture the initial affront and anger but it was futile. Amari was far too young when they met to be involved. I knew this from the beginning but my fury sought to ruin them all. She would stick by her mother’s side as I would mine. The mess was all my father’s doing.

The bitterness was still there at my father’s betrayal. Yet, I became curious about the little girl who was a mixture of Christos and Amari’s mother. The girl’s face was similar to mine when I was younger. She looked healthier than I did at that age with her golden skin. I looked into all her school reports and she was doing well. The two sisters looked happy in the pictures at the theme park, and when I saw them, it sucked my anger out only to replace it with warmth.

She had lost the only father she knew. At least the old man set enough provisions for his child and her future generations. I could teach her how to manage her trust fund. My dilemma lay in the fact that Amari would no longer need to be my pet should I release all of the inheritance.

Over three months passed and Skýla was a perfectly trained submissive pet, primed to all my commands and needs. She slept with me on my bed, practically sleeping on top of me, and I grew accustomed to holding. Some nights when I lay awake itwas soothing to stroke her hair or back, listening to the sound of her breathing.

The light on my phone lit up and I gently untangled myself from Amari’s limbs to reach for my phone. It was Rurik.

Abrosimov:How is it going with your osobennaya ledi?

I knew conversational Russian and Rurik always kept me on my toes with it.

Me:My special lady is fine. Thank you for all your help. Any chance you found a woman to put up with your bad tempered ass?

I thought of Alessio Caruso and his fiancée. My head was a mess when I bumped into them and missed their wedding. I paused for a moment, vaguely remembering her dressed as a kitten. Interesting for a Dom and sub marriage, especially for a man like Alessio. Then again the owner of Club X got married and vanished. Rumour has it he found a pony and settled down.

Abrosimov:I have no intention of procuring a permanent sub. I travel too much to for the responsibility.

Me:It’s not as hard as you think. I manage most of my work online. When are you back in England? I owe you.

Abrosimov:It was nothing. I will be back in a week's time. I’m just finishing some business in Niger and Burkina Faso.

I smiled at his response because it didn’t surprise me in the least. He was a major producer and supplier of steel and his work took him all over the world but Rurik was known for his transparency in business. It was how we met, another associate recommended his company. His close team had various skillsets, which was why he was able to do so much for me.

Me:It will be good to catch up with you.

Abrosimov:Da. I hope you will introduce me to your lady.

Me:No way.

Abrosimov:It is probably for the best. She would fall in love with my baby blue eyes.

Me:I doubt it, she isn’t blind.

And she was mine.

The thought of my friend seeing my pet in all her glory made me uncomfortable. The asshole was trying to rile me up. I smiled recalling that his tastes were more inclined to the milking room in Club X.

I put the phone back, wondering what Amari saw in her ex. He looked like a nerd, but then again, she worked in compliance with the Financial Conduct Authority. It was a respectable job but one with little imagination or career prospects. I took control of my destiny within many industries knowing I could never work under anyone else, not even my father.

My pet turned over onto her side, leaning into me, the covers slid down her chest until her nipple peeked out. A devious thought inspired me to leave the warmth of the bed to collect a bottle locked away in my study. I planned for every outcome to ensnare Amari, not realising that she would capitulate to my threats so easily.

I climbed onto the bed, placing the sweet scented chloroform over her mouth and nose until she groaned, trying to smack my hand away. Within seconds she resumed her heavy slumber. This patented version was risk-free and perfect for tonight’s activities—the one thing my biotech company produced and not an aid from Rurik.

---