Page 25 of Savoring Her Snake

“Sally will be there. She is a good friend, but be aware that she is the queen of the group text.”

“That's good to know.” I shudder. The girls at work put me on one of those, and I wanted to get a new phone.

“She is a rabbit shifter, the same as Roxanne.”

“So unreal,” I whisper, pushing away my food.

“I’m sure it is,” he mutters. “Who knows who else will show up? I think I am getting invaded.”

“I know you have your reasons, but it sounds like they love you. Give them a chance. I always wanted a big family.” I drink the rest of my coffee.

“I can give you that,” he says, and I set the cup down with a thud. “I can give you them, and I will gladly sit through many gatherings with them if you are with me.” His eyes glow, and I gulp.

“Fuck, you know all the right things to say,” I groan.

“I just state the truth.” He closes his eyes. “I loved lying next to you. Your scent has invaded my home and body. I wasn’t sure I could control myself, but I was happy to try. You are all I see. I’ve been working for two hours and have no idea what I did. Seeing you leave my room in my shirt is driving me insane. I want to strip it off and lick every inch of your luscious, sexy body.” He opens his eyes, and I have the urge to strip for him. “I will continue to fight for control over my urges until you tell me I don’t have to. I realize all of this is odd to you, and I will strive to give you time to adjust for as long as possible.” The heat of his stare is possessive and filled with desire. For a moment, I forget the reasons for going slow. “Are you finished?” He glances down, breaking our connection.

“Uh…yes.” I run my fingers through my hair.

“What time do you have to work?” He takes the container and puts the remaining food in the fridge.

“Five,” I say as I glance at my phone.

“I’ll take you home to change and then to work,” he says, pushing his chair back. He’s giving me an hour to pull myself together and prepare for whatever tonight brings. “I’ll get my coat if you are ready.” I nod, and he moves behind me, pulling my chair out.

Heath dazzles me with his consideration, yet he also has a dark side that draws me in. As I step away from the table, he opens a door beside the stairs and pulls out a long black coat. I blink slowly as he throws it over his shoulders, slides his arms in, and smooths his palm over his chest.

“What?” I ask, my mouth dry. He’s looking at me expectantly, so he must have asked me a question.

“Ready?” he asks.

“Yes. Ready, yes.” I grab my phone and hustle toward him. His lips twist, his humor pushing to be released as he presses his hand to my back. I try to hide the shiver that skates over me while he locks the door behind us, and we start to ascend.

My body has never felt so alive. By the end of the night, I’ll be begging him to relieve it.

I have a feeling he likes that.

My shower was cold and fast. When we got to my house, Heath prowled through the small apartment and declared he would wait outside the door. I was absurdly pleased he was as uncomfortable with the desire flowing between us as I was. I was dressed in ripped jeans and an off-the-shoulder, tight, black long-sleeved shirt. Heath’s gaze kept gravitating to the skin peeking through the denim. The car was silent as he drove me to work, our desire simmering.

Reaching for my phone, I noticed Stanly called twice. He’s probably looking for Levi and I’m too pissed at him to clue him in. Heath informed me he was banned from the fights and he must be enraged.

Heath stops the car and gets out without a word. Opening my door, he offers his hand, and I slide my palm over his. Electricity sparks over my skin. Once I’m on my feet, he shuts the door, slides his hand to my elbow, turns, and places my hand in the crook of his arm. I walk on his left, his cane ever-present on his right. I feel like a treasured girlfriend as he leads me into work.

The bar is small but popular. We have many regular customers who are already sitting around the small area. The bar is against the right wall, spanning its length. As you enter, there is an area of tall tables, and beyond that is a small dance floor and stage. To the left, a few booths are against the wall, and beyond that, there are two pool tables. The gleaming walls are wood. I have worked as one of the bartenders for over a year and fill in as a waitress as needed.

“He is your boss,” Heath exhales sharply through his teeth. I frown and look around until I spot him.

“Yes, Bram,” I say. “Do you know him?”

“No.” His arm beneath my palm is tense. “Do you know what he is?” I thought he was human.

“Shit. He’s a shifter,” I guess. Bram has long black hair, brown eyes, and scruff on his face. If he’s working behind the bar, he wears his hair in a bun, but it flows past his shoulders tonight. He wears jeans and T-shirts almost always. When we met, I thought he was sexy. He’s slim, but his strength is obvious when he lugs around the containers of alcohol. He’s nice to his employees, pays well, and doesn’t date the servers. Many have tried. I jerk my attention away from Bram as Heath’s hissing becomes louder.

“I’m trying to be on my best behavior, darling,” he says. “Don’t push it.”

I lick my lips. “What kind of shifter is he?” I ask. I’m tempted to push him just to see what happens.

“A black wolf,” he says.

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