Helen didn''t presume to take them, ncing instinctively at Bet instead.


    From the alcohol, Bet''s eyes were bloodshot. His usual icy demeanor was softened, revealing a rare hint of vulnerability.


    He looked up at Yvonne, his eyes as calm and unreadable as ever.


    "Take the car. I''ll have Simon pick it up tomorrow," Bet said dismissively, then turned and strode toward the apartment building.


    Helen prepared to follow with Bullet, but the dog nted himself on the ground and refused to move. He just stared at Yvonne with pleading puppy-dog eyes.


    Helen couldn''t get him to budge, no matter how much she called or pulled, leaving her breathless and exasperated.


    Yvonne was about to tell Bullet to behave, but she couldn''t resist the pitiful look in his eyes as he panted, staring up at her.


    "Helen, how about I take Bullet with me tonight? Mr. Bet Thompson has had a lot to drink, and you''ll need to look after him. Having Bullet around would just be more trouble for you."


    Yvonne''s suggestion was reasonable and considerate of Helen. Besides, it wasn''t the first time Yvonne had looked after Bullet, so Helen trusted herpletely.


    "Alright then, I''ll leave Bullet with you tonight. I''ll have Simon pick him up when hees for the car tomorrow."


    "Okay," Yvonne agreed with a smile. She opened the car door and gave Bullet a knowing look.


    Bullet understood immediately and hopped into the car.


    Yvonne drove Bullet back to her rented apartment.


    The apartment had two bedrooms and a living room, with arge floor-to-ceiling window. Bullet''s bed was ced right in front of it, next to a shelf holding all his food


    and toys.


    "Bullet, time for a bath, then off to bed," Yvonne told him.


    Bullet obediently followed her into the bathroom. It took an hour to wash and dry his thick fur.


    After getting Bullet clean, Yvonne took a long, rxing bath herself.


    When she was done, she threw her clothes into the washing machine.


    Yvonne hadn''t had anything to drink, but carried the faint


    Sikely from wel


    t had leaned in close


    Her eyes softened as she remembered that moment, his breath so hot it felt like it could melt her.


    After her bath andundry were done, Yvonne finally went to bed.


    Early the next morning, Simon arrived. Yvonne handed him the car keys and Bullet.


    Bullet tried the same trick as the night before, refusing to leave, but Simon was not Helen.


    At nearly six-foot-three, Simon was a giant of a man. Lifting Bullet off the ground was effortless.


    He held the car keys in one hand and tucked Bullet under the other, a simple, honest smile on his face. "Ms. Jones sorry for all the trouble Bullet''s caused


    "No trouble at all, I love having him,


    ét


    with a smile, pattinge


    Bullet''s big head Be a good Bullet."


    boy


    Bullet let out a few barks in response, but his eyes were full of reluctance.


    "Well, Ms. Jones, I should get going. I still have to drive Mr. Thompson to the base," Simon added.


    Yvonne watched them leave, then tidied up her apartment and headed out as well.


    The shoot for Ms. Jane''s film was only halfway through, and the lead actress couldn''t just keep skipping work.