The Loyal Puppet: A Love Built on Lies novel Chapter 1

Everyone in Chicago's elite circles knew one thing about Mason Davis—he only liked women who were 5'3".

But Chloe Parker, standing at 5'7", had been by his side for five years.

For her 25th birthday, Chloe had made plans with Mason a week in advance.

He promised to spend the day with her.

She took the day off from her residency, cooked a full dinner, and waited.

And waited.

But Mason never came home.

At 8:30, she called him.

The background noise was deafening—shouting, glasses clinking, laughter.

"Hey… are you coming home for dinner?"

Chloe didn't remind him it was her birthday.

With all that noise, she figured he'd long forgotten.

"I'm at Eclipse Lounge. Come pick me up."

Mason's voice was lazy, laced with alcohol, and then—click.

He hung up before she could say a word.

Half an hour later, Chloe wrapped herself in a trench coat and walked into Eclipse Lounge's VIP section.

"You hungry?"

"I'll have them bring you something before we go," Mason said over the raucous game happening at the table.

"No, I—"

"Bid higher, man! Take the risk!"

Mason cut her off, a card between his lips.

Someone glanced at Chloe and grinned.

"Five years and Mason still isn't tired of her?"

"Damn, maybe this one's for real."

Mason smacked the guy on the head with his cards.

"Shut up. If you don't know what you're talking about, don't talk."

"You don't get it. Even if it's just a pet, you'd feel a little something when you let it go."

"And Chloe—she's like a loyal little puppy."

"Can't be easy to kick her out."

"Shut your damn mouth."

Mason laughed, tossing a casual glance at Chloe.

She looked back at him, calm and composed.

He quickly averted his eyes.

No one cared that she was standing there.

No one cared what was being said.

Chloe was stunning—fair-skinned, long-legged.

At 5'7", she actually looked perfect beside Mason's 6'2" frame.

"Come back here."

She hesitated for two seconds.

Then, obediently, she moved to the backseat.

Mason leaned in, his breath warm against her skin.

He pressed a soft bite against her earlobe.

A hint of lime.

Chloe shivered.

A breathy gasp escaped her lips, her face heating all the way to her ears.

Mason grinned, emboldened.

He pulled her onto his lap, flipping her beneath him.

The car was suddenly too warm, the space too small.

His hands wandered, testing boundaries.

"Not here… the windows…"

Chloe whispered, pressing against his hands to stop him.

Mason didn't stop.

He reached for the window controls, rolling them up.

And then, his hands went to his belt.

The car rocked under the quiet night sky, swaying with the spring breeze.