Cy's mental twists and turns did him no good. This little kid had him.
With a sigh of disgust, he thrust the leash holder into Alex's hands. "There you go, kid. Knock yourself out. He's just a sad-ass stray I took pity on, but if you want to give him a home, be my guest."
Alex frowned, not trusting the easily earned victory. "You're sure?"
Cy had to grit his teeth. All the plans he'd had for humiliating Jared... "Of course, I'm sure. What do I need with a lousy dog?"
Jared listened to the to and fro between Cy and the boy, all the time uncertain whether to rejoice or worry. After all, he had no idea what Alex might do with him.
He was tempted to bark and grovel and make a show of wanting to stay with Cy under the theory that sometimes it's the devil you know. In the end, though, he hung his head and accepted the change of ownership knowing there was a silver lining, and her name was Cassie.