Page 57 of Mafia Captor

Ashe leans over my lap, whispering to Sasha. “Hey, pretty girl. You like steak? Me too.”

Despite Sasha’s initial jealousy, Ashe’s soft words make her fluffy tail swish across the flooring.

Hmm… that’s interesting.

Sasha’s tail doesn’t wag for many people. She has a discerning eye for humans.

Ashley tells her more sweet nothings. “You sure are a pretty girl, aren’t you? And so patient.” Sasha’s tail wags again.

I watch in shock and awe as Sasha stands from her loyal spot beside me, where she’s dined every evening I’ve hosted company in this dining room, ever since I brought her home. Without a second glance at me, she trots over to the open space beside Ashely. Nuzzling against her new friend’s thigh, Sasha finds a new spot to sit.

“You kidding me, Sash?”

Ashely’s eyes light with delight. “Oh! I think I’ve found a new friend.” She gives Sasha a delicate pet, scratching behind her ears. Ashe turns to me, smiling. “Is she like this with everyone?”

“Yes,” I say, lying through my teeth. I can’t tell her the truth… Sasha doesn’t like women other than Ashe.

Neither do I.

My damn dog is every bit as in love with her as I am.

I was intrigued by Ashe when others spoke of her. Obsessed with the girl the moment I saw her.

Now? She passed the Sasha test?

Hell…

She’s got to be the one.

ChapterEighteen

Ashely

I look around the room,a feeling of happiness welling inside me. The soft glow of the candles lighting the room flickers over everyone’s faces. What sounds like a modern twist on classical music plays softly in the background. John’s chosen the music tonight. Boston asking him for a music recommendation for the meal was the only way we could get John away from the piano to join us.

The steak is cooked to perfection, juicy and tender. I take a sip of my wine. Rich and woodsy, warming me as it goes down.

Beckett’s all smiles tonight. He looks so at ease here, I feel a mother-like sense of relief. He chats with one of Boston’s younger brothers, River, who’s close to his age. I catch a bit about deadlifting to which I see Booker proudly flash the older guys a growing bicep. Beckett gives the young man a high five of congratulations. I’ve convinced Booker to stay another week. If I had my way, he’d just move into the guest house permanently while he finishes school since he’s online anyway.

This is everything I ever wanted. Not just the delicious meal and gorgeous surroundings—though the art of a well-planned menu and elegantly decorated home aren’t lost on me—but what’s making my heart warm and my throat tighten with emotion is a room filled with laughter, good food, family, and my man by my side.

My man…

It’s a new expression I’ll have to get used to. I can see me now, navigating the social circles in the city.Oh yes, Boston and I would love to attend your gala. Drinks Saturday night? Let me ask my man if we’re free.Okay, so I probably won’t say that, but it’s so nice to be a part of a “we.”

I never needed a man to take care of me. I also never knew how good it feels to have one.

Should I have said yes?

Running my fingers through Sasha’s fur, I sneak a glance at him. He’s leaned back in his seat, an easy smile on his face. The protective arm that seems to always be wrapped around me rests on the back of my chair. To an outsider looking in, we’d look like a legit couple. Two opposites that attracted to make the perfect couple. North and south magnets that overthrew the laws of physics to come together.

No one would guess our relationship started with a kidnapping.

Seems like a lifetime ago.

Now we’ve settled into a healthy rhythm. Wake, breakfast together, work, sneak off for sex, work some more, grab dinner together or with our separate friends, then fall into bed for more sex.

His voice draws me from my thoughts. “That dog’s in love with you.”

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