Page 78 of Theirs to Possess: The Marriage Claim

“Make it snappy.”

Yet we’d seemingly have all the time in the world for him to fuck me if I was agreeable.

Brennan kneels, his movements slow and deliberate, and coaxes Calypso closer with a low whistle. She hesitates, then pads over, sniffing his fingers before rubbing her cheek against them.

Who would have ever guessed that a man who punched the wall last night would be so gentle with a rescue cat?

He figures out the mechanics of zipping her into the carrier much faster than I did.

When Calypso is packed up, she squirms, letting out an indignant meow, but he cinches the drawstring gently, leaving her head peeking out. I can’t help but grin. She looks like a disgruntled monarch in a cotton pouch.

“There.” He stands, the carrier dangling from his hand. Calypso’s eyes glow with uncertainty. “She’s ready.”

“Kibble,” I remind him. “If we hope to get any sleep tonight.”

Dorian tips his head to one side. “What do you mean?”

“She’ll meow if she doesn’t have kibble available at three a.m.”

“Are you serious?”

I grin, thinking of her interrupting his beauty sleep. “If that doesn’t work, she’ll walk on your face.”

“Good God.”

“Kibble,” Brennan agrees. “Stat.”

“And litter!” I call after him as he leaves the room with Calypso.

“I’ll arrange for that to be taken care of,” Dorian contradicts.

No hotels that I know of handle that. But I’m not a billionaire accustomed to having my every wish fulfilled.

Thankfully he follows Brennan from the room, allowing me to close my eyes and release a deep breath, scattering my pent-up frustration.

Aware of the richness of Dorian’s voice as he talks on the phone, I hastily pack my toiletries, makeup, and vitamins.

Once I’ve dumped them in the suitcase, I add a couple of books, my journal, and my favorite pen. Then I scowl. Since the piece of luggage is less than half full, taking it seems ridiculous.

Annoyed at Dorian all over again, I dump out my belongings and transfer them to the duffel that I take to the gym.

“Better choice,” Dorian approves when I join the men in the living room.

He extends a hand to take the bag from me. “Don’t argue.” He cuts off my protest before I can even form the words. “Yes, I know you’re fully capable of carrying it and the cat, but I’m not going to let you.”

“If you insist.” Since the duffel is bulky and awkward,there’s no harm in letting him win when it suits my purposes and he’s actually being helpful.

After grabbing my phone charger and a couple of protein bars from the kitchen, I let them know I’m ready to go.

As if unsure of what’s going on, Calypso lets out a plaintive cry. “You’re okay,” I soothe her. But the truth is, I don’t know that everything will be all right.

Then I smile at Brennan. “Thank you for everything. But she’ll do better if I take her.”

Always the gentleman, he helps me adjust the carrier’s strap before picking up a bagful of the items he gathered for our four-legged companion before opening the front door.

As I leave my apartment, I glance wistfully over my shoulder. If I ever have the chance to come back, no doubt it will only be to pack a few things.

Maybe sensing my mood, Calypso meows again, and I stroke her head as I murmur some more nonsensical promises.