Chapter 3

After dinner, Max sprawled out on the floor, his belly bulging, looking utterly content. Claire walked over, gently wiped his mouth with a tissue, and gave his belly a soft rub. "You ate so much. Careful, you might get a tummy ache," she murmured.

Max squinted his eyes in bliss, soaking up Claire's gentle strokes. His whole body loosened up, and the worries about getting neutered were gone, replaced by nothing but pure relaxation.

That afternoon, Claire didn't have to work, so she sat at her desk on the balcony, going through some work files. Max quietly padded over and…