Page 73 of Love the Way You Lion
“Hell, we screwed the pooch big, didn’t we?”
“I didn’t want you to think I didn’t want to share blood with you.”
“It’s what I thought. I had some not so good feelings. That’s why I got so flustered about everything. That's why I didn’t tell anyone.”
“I mean, it would not be like tonight. I was going to take your hand and tell you that the awful night wasn’t about me judging you, and then I was running to ask you if you’d mind if I snaked your finger.”
Smacking her forehead, she sighs. “I am the queen of this situation. All hail Deli, the queen of Fuck Up. It’s always because of some mental hang-up.”
“I swear, it wasn’t your blood. I wasn’t judging you. I’m sorry it got a sod a dog-ish.”
She smiles down at me, looking rueful. “I didn’t think it was my blood, per se. I mean, it is magickal, which is kind of cool to anyone. I figured you guys don’t work that way and it was an acceptable way of telling me that without having to say, ‘look, you stupid bint, we don’t do that sharing thing and not with you’. The nonsense I cook up in my head when I get paranoid. I am aware—painfully so—that I have ties that make me less than desirable in some ways.”
“It’s like the ring thing. I’m not prying, but if you tell him, you tell me. It’s that kind of deal.”
She pinches her nose. “Christ, yes, like the ring thing. Just like that.”
I ponder for a minute, finding the corner of the sheet interesting. “Was that the night you felt attracted to me?”
“I mean, I always kind of thought, but I don’t, um, entertain that anymore, but when you came for the flowers and the baby you were cu—no, maybe not that. Sweet? Maybe? Yeah, I felt attracted before then. I just don’t—not anymore.”
I frown. “I thought you didn’t like me. I thought for sure you weren’t fond of me at all. That’s why I didn’t come back until you two goofs drained—I mean, you two swept away people drained each other.”
She shakes her head emphatically. “Damn. I didn’t mean to give off that vibe.”
“When I came back, I had on my death gear, so I could feel more in control.”
“Damn. I figured you didn’t come back because—hell, I had no idea. When you and Boneless showed up when we drained, I was too busy watching you two flirt to say much of anything.” She leans back and bangs her head again in what’s becoming a pattern.
“Stop banging.”
“It doesn’t hurt. It’s a reflex. You’ll get used to it. There’s nowhere to burrow in the middle of the bed, so I can’t hide.” Her nose wrinkles. “I like to hide when I’m on unsure footing.”
That explains Taurus and his ranting about sleeping in closets. It also explains why she turned herself inside out a moment ago when she was having trouble answering me. “I suppose I could offer to hold you, and you could burrow into me or something.”
Looking as if she’s considering the offer, she smiles. When she’s comfortable and playful, she is adorable. “Hm. That could work.”
I grab her and pull her close, hugging her. “Witch.”
“Ordained, even.” The purr starts again, and I smile. “Snake in the grass.”
“Pussy cat.”
“Sneaky serpent. I have the urge to ask about apples.”
“See why I don’t tell people what I am? Jokes, jokes, jokes.”
“Is it because they call you original sin?”
“Hey, I like that,” I grin, feeling pleased.
“You realize being a cat inspires a thousand and one jokes for all occasions, right?”
I kiss her forehead, feeling lighter. “Yeah, well, I’ve always seen you as more of a panther, all fierce on the outside, soft on the inside.”
“That’s right, Sin. That’s what she looks like.”
“You know I throw knives, right?”
