Ray returned home. His warm, comfortable home—and most importantly, a house full of beauties.

Oh, and Leo, too.

Ray rubbed the dog's head while Leo sprawled on the floor, belly exposed, shamelessly currying favor. Showing its stomach like that was the clearest sign of trust and loyalty it could offer.

After petting the dog for a while, Ray went to take a shower. He'd been out all day, so getting dirty was inevitable. Besides, there would be "workout" later. If he washed up now, he wouldn't nee