Anne's Courage [Le Club 3] (Siren Publishing Classic) by Skye Michaels

on. You are amazing. I really didn’t think this would turn out so well.”
    “It’s not over yet. He has a long way to go and some turning around to do,” he said. “He’ll probably need a touch up from time to time, teenage boys being teenage boys, but for a while, a raised eyebrow and glance at the crop on the wall will be sufficient to keep him in line.”
    “You have a lot of experience with teenage boys?” she asked, smiling.
    “Yeah. I was one.” He laughed. “They’re nothing but trouble. Justin and I gave Max heart failure more than a few times. When we were little, a spanking was followed by hugs and kisses, chocolate chip cookies, a bed time story, and being tucked in. When we got older, he had a harder time of it. We were always testing the boundaries. Every once in a while, we went too far over the line, and it was memorable. I don’t know what kind of life we would have had if not for Max. Sometime I’ll tell you about our father. He was a piece of work,” he said reflectively. “Anyway, I hope it works out for Mark. If he keeps on course, the Foundation will pay for college and grad school as well. Of course, he’s not to know that at this point.”
    “That’s a hell of a foundation,” she said in awe.
    “Justin runs it. Once you’re Devereau, you’re Devereau. We don’t throw the baby away with the bath water,” he said. “He and his mother will both eventually be eligible to participate in the Devereau Investments Retirement Fund as well.”
    Jamie called Justin in France and updated him on the situation. “It’s been handled, bro. Believe me, Mr. Taylor is going to be toeing the line for some time to come. I don’t think he’s a bad kid. He just needs to be redirected onto another path.”
    “If you’re satisfied, I’m satisfied. That was a good move, putting the fear of Max in him! God, I still remember that whipping. It was definitely a turning point in my life,” Justin said with a laugh.
    “Yeah, poor old Max. What a couple of hellions we were. Me more so than you, I have to admit. The martial arts gave you more self-discipline, but I was usually able to talk you into most anything. If I remember correctly, that trip to New Orleans was my idea. But Max beat you first because you were older and should have known better. Good luck with that! Give Kelly my love,” Jamie said, laughing. “Everything is fine here.”
    Tuesday morning, Max made inquiries about registering Mark at the Catholic school, made arrangements for transportation, and purchased the required uniforms. The first test came when Mark was advised of his schedule and that wearing a uniform was required. “Do I have to wear that stupid uniform? Why can’t I go to my old school?”
    Max, Jamie, and Mark were having a conference in the barn office. “Because I want you to have a structured environment and a fresh start,” Jamie said calmly. “Uniforms are required at the school. End of discussion.”
    “But...”
    Time to test the theory . “Do you remember the crop on the wall?”
    “Yes, Sir. That will be okay, Sir,” he hastily said.
    “Good. Father Macguire said you can start next Monday. In the meantime, Max or I will take you down for testing and orientation tomorrow or Thursday. You will finish out the school year, and we will see if you need any tutoring to catch up over the summer.”
    “Oh, man...”
    “Do not push your luck, young man,” Max said sternly. “Our patience will only stretch so far.”
    “Yes, Sir,” Mark said. He seemed resigned that Catholic school and uniforms were in his future.
    Jamie was glad to see things falling into place. It would be interesting to see how Mark adjusted to this new more disciplined life. He was also looking forward to seeing how Mark and Justin would get along. Since Jamie would have to be traveling back and forth to New Orleans on a regular basis, he needed to be sure Max and Justin had things under control—not that he had any doubts about