Page 55 of Savoring Her Snake

“I offered, but he hasn’t shown up,” I answer. Juliana’s expression eases, but her scent is the same. I kiss her hand, and her desire reaches my nose.

“Jules has been saying all kinds of nice things about you,” Saphira says, and I lightly bite Juliana’s knuckle. I grin at the dragon and stop torturing my mate. Everyone can smell how turned on she is, and I would never want to embarrass her. “She is very protective of you.”

“Good.”

Saphira smiles, and I know she is happy for me.

“She is your perfect match,” Micah says, and I nod.

“I’ll be right back,” Juliana says softly, standing.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, refusing to release her hand.

“I have to use the restroom,” she mumbles, and I let her go. I watch her progression to the back of the bar and wonder if there was another reason for her quick exit.

“She’s overwhelmed,” Sally says.

“She was anxious for your return,” Rylee adds. “I could smell her fear.”

I say nothing and stand, following her. There is a long hallway with three doors off of it. Two are restrooms, and the other is for employees only. The women's bathroom is at the end, with an alcove across from it. I lean against the hidden wall and think about telling the owners how unsafe it is. This is the darkest part of the bar. Anyone could stalk the women's bathroom; at least I have good intentions.

I stand straight as she walks out. “Darling,” I say, and she jumps.

“Shit, Heath.” She runs her hands through her hair.

“What’s wrong?” I ask, grabbing her hand.

“Nothing,” she says quickly.

“Lying, mate?” I pull her into the dark, turn her back against the wall, and press close. “Tell me.” I wrap my arm around her waist and slide my hand around her hip.

“I’m fine,” she insists.

“I want honesty between us,” I say, and she avoids meeting my eyes.

“Are you alright?” she asks.

“Of course,” I whisper.

“Would you hide any injury from me?”

“Yes, but not this time.” She glares, and I grin. “Darling, I’m good. Everything happened as planned.”

“Okay,” she exhales.

“I will always come back to you,” I say, cupping her cheek. “It was difficult to be away from you.”

“It was?” she says, dropping her head back.

“I could hardly bear it,” I confess, kissing her neck.

“Fuck, it was horrible being away from you,” she groans as I travel up her neck to her ear, biting.

“I’m glad,” I breathe and pull back, hovering over her mouth. “What else?”

“I said something,” she starts and licks her lips. “Expressing my doubt about their loyalty to you.”

“Mmm…”

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