Page 138 of Tainted

“You need to be worried about what I think, not her.”

“And what do you think?” A twinkle of amusement danced in Zara’s eyes as she smiled.

“I think we need to go upstairs.”

“That’s not happening.”

I leaned in, about to slip my tongue in her mouth when someone clearing their throat echoed in the hallway. I looked over my shoulder to see Uncle Leonne standing there, wearing an amused smirk playing on his lips.

“I’m not sure this is what your mama meant by making yourself at home."

I chuckled, pulling back from Zara, but not before giving her a quick wink. "Uncle Leonne," I said, stepping forward to give him a firm handshake, "This is my girlfriend, Nova.”

His eyes flickered before smiling at her, “That’s high praise from this one. Nice to meet you,” he said, offering his hand.

Zara smiled, taking his hand. "It's nice to meet you, Mr. Leonne."

“Please, just Leonne," he said, his voice smooth as ever.

“Aye, watch yourself.”

“I wouldn’t consider bothering yourgirlfriend,” Uncle Leonne joked.

Zara’s head dropped at her phone, lighting up in her hand.

“It’s Banana Girl, I need to take this.”

I pointed to the living room, and Zara rushed in the opposite direction.

“Girlfriend, huh?”

“Don’t start.”

“I mean, this is you we’re talking about.”

“Says the man who’s been single my whole life.”

Unc chuckled, “Touche.”

“Where’s your brother?”

“Speaking of, I need to call him before Mom curses me out.”

“Better get to it.”

Unc disappeared back to Pop’s office while I called Kross to relay Mom’s message. When I finished, I heard my mother's voice drifting from the kitchen, her gentle laughter mingling with the clatter of pots and pans.

Mom lifted her head as I walked into the kitchen.

“Where’s Nova?”

“In the living room. Her grandma called.”

“Hmm, I thought you’d convinced her to put your little ding-a-ling in her mouth or something.”

“I hope you don’t kiss your kids with that mouth, woman.”

“You kiss your mother with yours,” Mom’s face lit up with a grin like she missed having us all here. “Does she have a speechimpediment or something? I’m not judging. Your brother used to stutter, too. I’m just curious.”

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