Mario POV
Yesterday still burned under my skin.
Everything should have gone perfectly.
She should have been grateful. Quiet. Where I put her.
Instead, that dog interfered—parading around like some self-righteous hero, daring to look at what I claimed as if it was ever his to protect.
Thumper cried last night.
Clung to me.
Tried to soothe my temper with soft words and trembling hands.
I took what I wanted anyway.
Not because she offered—because I needed to remind her who decided when comfort was given and when it was taken. If it hurt her, that was the price of being tied to me. Even if it was s****l. Pain teaches obedience faster than kindness ever could.
Today, though, I didn’t touch her.
I left her behind on purpose.
The club was loud, dark, indulgent—full of people who knew
