“They would’ve found loving homes, Tess.” I couldn’t tear my eyes away as she sank her fingers into the puppy's fur. Irrational jealousy caught me unaware. I wanted her to pet me. Stroke me. I wanted to be the beast she comforted not some imposter.

But I couldn’t help the slight thawing inside as the puppy looked at me, lolling out its tongue in welcome.

Balling my hands, so I didn’t reach out and touch the bastard, I snapped, “The animal shelters and charity I’ve started doesn’t condone killing. Each animal is given the best quality of life before their forever home is found.”

“Oh, I know. But…Q…I couldn’t leave them there. No matter how nice their pen was or the facilities at the shelter. They’re babies!”

Baby.

My heart clutched at the word. I couldn’t stop my mood from souring or the harshness in my tone. “That’s a ridiculous reason.”

“It’s a perfectly valid reason.” Tess passed the pup to me. “Name him, Q. He’s yours.”

I backed up, wanting nothing to do with something so breakable. I had a hard time keeping Tess safe from myself, let alone a flimsy baby with no sense of fear.

“Esclave…”

“No, Q. Hold him.” She gave me no choice, shoving the animal into my arms and backing away.

I held my breath as the squirming warm body did something to me that fucking hurt. All my life, I’d run from the notion of family. I never wanted children or weakness by giving my heart to too many people. Tess was the only one allowed to weaken me. If she died, I’d fucking perish with her. That was how deep my love for her went. I didn’t want to destroy myself by giving others such a godly power over me.

That wasn’t how I worked. I wanted to be strong by being alone. But then Tess came into my life and grabbed the beating organ without any permission from me.

She’d just done it again by giving me a dog that strained its scruffy black neck to lick my chin.

Ah, fuck.

Looking behind me, I focused on Frederick. “Take this. I wish to speak to my wife…alone.”

“It’s not a this, Q. It’s a puppy.” Tess scowled. “Give him a name. Any name you want.”

“Shut up.” I glared at Tess. “We’ll finish discussing this later.” Holding the dog like a soccer ball under my arm, I marched toward Franco. “Here, take it.”

Franco stood quickly, accepting the creature as it yelped with uncertainty. Tess stepped forward, whatever motherly instincts she had raging into gear.

But I held her back, my fingers lacerating her wrist.

“Go. All of you.”

The rumble of chairs pushed back and feet sliding over polished floorboards was the only sound as they filed from the hall. Frederick stopped and plucked the puppy from Franco’s arms, giving Tess a fleeting grin. “I’ve got a dog at home. I know how to give a hug. He’s safe with me.”

Tess gave him a grateful smile.

A flashback of him pulling Tess from my arms when I’d saved her the second time—just before I tore out the heart of the bastard who stole her—added despicable darkness to a sweet scene.

I waited until everyone had left. Staff included.

Once everyone had gone, I stormed toward the large doors and slammed them closed. My eyes darted around the space, searching for another entrance to block.

There was nothing.

As far as I was concerned, we wouldn’t be disturbed.

Which was good because depending on how Tess answered my next question, we might need a shit load of privacy.

Tess stood where I’d left her, her eyes never leaving my jerky movements.

Standing with a few metres between us, I kept my fisted hands hidden. “What else did you see, Tess?”

“See?”

“On my desk. In the office. I know there were more forms. Forms you haven’t mentioned.”

She flinched. “I didn’t snoop if that’s what you’re asking.”

“I’m not asking. I know. And I think you understand how it relates to my issue over the last few months.”

Her eyes shot wide. “I do?”

Keeping my voice measured, I lowered my brow. “What did you see?”

She backed away a little as I advanced. Her gaze remained on me, not looking where she was going.

“I…I saw another new charity that you’ve invested millions into.”

“And…”

“And what? I don’t know what you want me to say.”

“Say what it was.”

“The charity?”

I arched my eyebrow. She was playing coy; she knew what happened when she did that. My hand twitched to teach her a lesson. My skin crawled at the dragged out discomfort of such a topic. I hadn’t wanted to do this here. But once again, she hadn’t given me a choice. Making me face my deepest, darkest desires before I was ready.

I growled, “There was one for the shelters and another for…”

Tess swallowed. “Umm…”

The door clanged open. Angelique darted into the dining room.

Tess and I leapt apart as if we’d been caught doing something wrong.

Doing my best not to roar with frustration, I snapped, “I told you to leave us alone, Angelique.”

“I know…I just, Frederick told me—”

The man in question chased after his wife, taking my temper squarely on his shoulders. “I told her I needed to speak with you urgently.” Smiling kindly at Tess, he said, “If you go with Angelique, she’s arranging the chauffeur to drive us to the local village for a browse. I think it will do us all good to get some fresh air.”