Page 74 of Riot

“In my defense, my eyes were closed,” I start.

She rolls her lips as I scruff Cookie behind the ears. Halo’s bed is low, so Cookie likely got up easily — not that he should be doing that with his leg the way it is.

“Uh huh.”

“They were!”

“Yep, and now I have a tongue that resembles a dog’s.” She’s got an amused look on her face as she moves toward me in her cute little PJ set.

“I was asleep.”

“You keep telling yourself that.” She hands me the mug as I sit up.

“You know, if you were in my place, you’d be handing that mug to me naked.”

Her eyes dart to me and her cheeks do that cute little thing they do when she pretends to be shy. After the places we’ve been, there’s no need to be shy.

“I think my vagina may need a little break from Godzilla.” She pats me on the arm.

I snort. “You’re namin’ my penis Godzilla? I guess that could be worse.”

“It’s a fantastic name for a penis. It’s manly.”

I smile, taking a sip from the mug. Goodman, this woman can brew coffee.

Cookie lies still, then all of a sudden he lets out a giant snore. My eyes meet Halo’s and we both laugh.

“I’d say he’s comfortable.” I glance down at him. “After his mornin’ lickin’ session, that is.”

“That means he loves you. He also rolls onto his back for us, which means he completely trusts us, though he didn’t like Ian.” She sits next to me, folding herself under the comforter.

“That makes two of us.”

“It isn’t like I knew he was coming here. It was as much a shock to me.”

“Did your parents call yet?”

She looks down at her hands and I know the answer. “I had three missed calls last night, and I’ve not quite gotten around to calling them back.”

“Don’t know what they’re thinkin’ with that douchebag. He’s not your type.”

She turns on her side to face me. “What is my type,Myles?”

I turn and grin down at her. “Me.”

She rolls her eyes. “I already know that. I’m just annoyed that they’d stoop to these lengths, and that Ian would go along with it. Has he no shame?”

“He must really be head over heels.” Even the idea makes me wanna punch a hole through the wall. “Pity he’s not gettin’ what I’m gettin’. If I run into him in the elevator, all bets are off.” I could get around what I’m gonna do quite easily.

I don’t like lying, but if it’s to protect Halo, then I’ll stretch the truth a little if I have to.

But he’s not gonna get away with trying to intimidate her like that. If he’s here, then he’s after her. He probably told her parents he’ll come and persuade her to come back home. Like Halo doesn’t have a mind of her own.

“Don’t do anything that will put you in danger,” she says. “I don’t want you going to prison for beating him.”

“Well then, he should’ve thought about that before he came knockin’ on your door.”

She sighs. “I’m going to call my parents later today, find out what the hell is going on and if they knew he was up to something.”

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