Page 13 of Savoring Her Snake

“I’m sure you do,” I say, sliding my arm around her waist. “You don’t have to this time.” I guide her toward the door, and Hunter helps Levi.

“Why?” she asks, staring at me.

“Not here.” My hand flexes on her hip, reveling in the closeness of her body. Her sweet scent draws me in more with every moment we are near. I want to coil around her and soak it up. “Are you in pain?” Now that we are walking outside and I’m delving deeper, pain is mixing with her natural smell.

“Oh, I guess my feet hurt.” She looks down and then at me. “How did you know that?”

“I have a very sensitive nose.” I unlock the car and open her door.

“Crap,” she mutters as she gets in. I smirk, shutting the door and walking to the driver's seat. Yes, I smell her desire for me. “You can smell everything?” she asks as I get behind the wheel, sliding my cane beside me.

“Yes.” I start the car and then lean over. “You don’t need to be in pain.” I slide my hand down her calf, grab her shoe, and remove it. I repeat the action with her other foot, and she groans. I don’t care whether it was caused by relief or desire; either way, it’s because of me.

“Thanks,” she says, watching me as I straighten. Her gaze darts to the back seat, but her brother is asleep.

“I have a suggestion,” I start while I navigate the parking lot. “Your brother may have complications through the night. Having Hunter close would be an advantage. Would you agree to stay at my place? You both would have your own room.” I can practically feel Hunter’s eyes roll. “We would be able to help him right away.”

“Your house?” she asks.

“I would never hurt you. Ever,” I say firmly. “Do you work tomorrow?”

“Not in the morning,” she says.

“Once we are assured Levi is on the mend, we can help you get him home.” My hand tightens on the wheel. I fear she can see I’m grasping at any excuse to have her with me. It would be much easier to throw her over my shoulder and lock her in my home. But she’s human, and that would only get me further away from my goals. Luckily, human mates feel the bond slightly, but never as severe as the shifter until they are mated.

“You think something will happen to him?” she asks, and I feel like an ass. Only she can make me regret it.

“Probably not,” I concede.

“Will you answer my questions if I come with you?”

“Yes, after you get some rest,” I say. She must feel the pull of the bond on some level. Her instinct is to trust me.

“Why do I want to agree?”

“You believe I would never hurt you, and if Hunter tried, I would kill him without hesitation,” I rumble. “He would never do it, though. He works for me, but we are friends. Your safety is above all else.”

Silence settles after my words. I wait for her decision, and she makes me wonder. If she denies me, I will be forced to camp outside where she lives. I refuse to leave her alone. Now that I found her, her life has changed. She’s mine, and I will not live without her.

“Fine,” she says. My body relaxes slightly. “One night. I want answers.”

I nod. All I need to do is convince her she needs me just as much as I need her.

I sit on the couch, holding my head and listening to Juliana in the shower. She said nothing when I returned to the club, but followed me through the thinning crowd. Her curiosity flared as I led us down to my home. Her brother spoke nonstop, excited even through the pain of seeing where I live. My mind was rebelling at the thought of allowing others into my safe space, but I would do anything for Juliana. Inviting her brother was a necessary step to get her to trust me.

Levi is sleeping in the first bedroom. The doctor gave him medication to take the edge off, and Hunter was thrilled to pick it up. When he returned, he threw it at me and went upstairs, escaping quickly. I asked him to stay close for the night and he’s not happy about sleeping in one of the fighters’ holding rooms on a lumpy couch.

Juliana is in my shower and in my bedroom, her scent filling the space and driving me crazy. I gave her a shirt of mine to wear. She locked the bathroom door as I left, and I don’t blame her. It would be so fucking easy if she was a shifter.

Picking up my phone, I scroll until I find Quinn’s name. “Do you know what time it is?” he growls.

“I do,” I sigh.

“What’s wrong?” he asks alertly.

“I met her,” I say.

“Who?”

---