“Mastinos are not regular dogs, Terry. Not only are Mastinos very wary of strangers, a lot of them attach to just one person. For Duke that one person was me. He was better than my gun because he reacted quicker and on instinct. He was fiercely protective and would have died for me, but he treated everyone else like a potential dinner.” A pause. “I am your Mastino. I will protect you to my death because I am attached to you. But only you. It’s always been only you. For better or worse.”

“But for me, you’ll protect Juleen, right?”

“Absolutely.”

“And Sanjay too?”

“And Sanjay too. I will do everything in my power to get your son and protect your kids because I love you utterly and completely. I may have something missing upstairs, but there aren’t many guys who would shell out millions of hard-earned dollars on other men’s children just to make their women happy—especially since the kids are from the man who stole my wife.”

That was the truth. Whatever he was, he rescued me. “Thank you, Chris. I mean it.”

“No thanks necessary, baby. Just please stop being pissed at me. It’s not my fault, Terry. I’m a dog—an unneutered male. My mind is basically occupied with three things: feeding, fighting, and fucking. Sometimes finances. Beyond that, I don’t give a shit about anything. So, pet me and give me treats and I’ll be your loyal companion for life.” He exhaled and hugged me. “Can we please have makeup sex?”

“No.”

“Can we do something sexual?”

“No.”

“Can you watch me while I do it to myself?”

“Eww. Gross. No!”

“Can I watch you while you do it to yourself?”

“No.”

“Can I pay you?”

“You mean like one of your sex workers?”

“I only give them their cut and tips. I’ll pay you the entire amount.”

“No.”

“Can I buy you something to persuade you? Like a diamond ring?”

I held up my left hand.

“Can I buy you a house?”

“You’re going to do that anyway.”

“Can I beg like a pathetic dog?”

“No.”

“Can I lick the dirt off your feet while you tell me everything I’ve done wrong in my life?”

“No. It would take too long.”

“You win.” He sighed. “I’m a broken man.”

“Go to sleep.”

Ten minutes passed and my brain was still whirling. One thought leaping to another. A minute later, I asked, “How many women did you sleep with while I was mad at you?”

“Ah, so that’s what—”

“I have multiple reasons to be angry with you, Donatti. Just answer the question.”

“Jealous?”

I turned over to face him. “Answer the question.”

“Zee-ro.” Silence. “I’ve haven’t touched anyone since you got here. And I won’t touch anyone until you leave. I told you that.”

“Your word isn’t worth anything.”