Page 52 of Riot

“Don’t see me complaining.”

He sits on my side, lifting his mug to his lips and taking a sip. “You have good coffee.”

“I’m glad you know how to use a machine.”

“Hey, I’m not totally useless.” He takes another sip. “I got a text from Nina.”

My heart rate kicks up ten thousand notches as I almost spill my coffee. “What? When? Is it Cookie? Is he okay?”

“Calm down, babe. Cookie is fine, he slept through the night and we might be able to collect him later this afternoon if you’re still okay with that?”

I bite my lip. Was Cookie really okay overnight, or was he scared and confused about where he was?

Guilt wraps around me when I think about being in Riot’s arms all night while we had fun, not giving Cookie one more thought before I fell asleep.

“So we’re allowed to just take him?”

“Yeah. Nina said he wasn’t chipped and in any case, he was dumped, babe. Trust me, when I find out who did this to him, there ain’t no hole he can hide in where I won’t find him.”

A shiver runs over my spine at his words. “But what if we grow too attached, and then someone comes looking for him?”

He rests his mug on my side table and turns to cup my face. “You’re adorable.” He kisses my nose, then my lips. “But he’s yours if you want him. Nobody is gonna take him away from you, I promise.”

I look up at him like he has all the answers. “Okay. I always knew I’d get another dog someday, but I never imagined it would be under these circumstances.”

“It was meant to be. Nina said he’s been really sweet, and he’s eaten some food, he’s drinking water. It’s all good here.”

I smile even wider. “Thank you, Riot. For being here and getting him to a vet.”

“Don’t have to thank me. I’d have done it no matter what.”

He really is the sweetest creature on the planet. It doesn't matter that he looks rough around the edges or lives and breathes the NOLA Rebels; he’s all heart.

“I know you would have. I know you have a good heart, that you cared enough to help him.”

“What kind of monster would I be if I didn’t?”

I stroke his cheek. Man, he’s so gorgeous, even thoroughly fucked first thing in the morning. I dread to think what I look like. It’s only then that I realize I should’ve run to the bathroom to wash my face and brush my hair.

“You’re not a monster.” I reach forward and brush my lips with his. Something about my words have his lips stilling against mine. He doesn't kiss me back. “Riot?”

My forehead touches his.

“Yeah?”

“Is everything okay?”

He brushes his lips against mine. “Everythin’s fine.” I know from his tone it’s not. It’s when I told him he wasn’t a monster. Something about it made him freeze up.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive.” He nips my chin. “Hungry?” I give him a wicked smile and he rolls his eyes. “I meant for actual food, not dick. Do you have a one-track mind?”

“Around you I seem to.”

I know he’s back when he kisses me for longer. “You sore?”

I bite my lip, then nod. “Yes, a little.” This only makes him grin wider. I tut. “Why does that seem to please you?”

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