Page 36 of Reptile Dysfunction
“Take all the time you need.” I trace patterns on her back, enjoying the way goosebumps follow my touch. “I’m not going anywhere.”
She settles against me again, her head tucked under my chin. Several snakes arrange themselves protectively around her, while others maintain watchful positions. Even in this most vulnerable moment, they’re still fulfilling their purpose—protecting what’s precious.
“Your snakes are very… attentive,” she observes sleepily.
“They know what’s important.” I press a kiss to the top of her head, feeling something profound and terrifying and wonderful unfurling in my chest. “Who’simportant.”
As she drifts toward sleep, safe in my arms with Sterling still maintaining his gentle claim around her throat, I realize what’s happening. The enforcer who spent centuries in shadows, who used fear to keep others away, is finally letting someone all the way in.
And somehow, miraculously, she wants to stay.
Chapter Fifteen
Sloane
Sunlight streams through the water tower’s curved windows, painting patterns across Thad’s sleeping face. His snakes are adorably rumpled from sleep, several still drooping while others begin to stir. Sterling, already alert, notices me watching and gives a pleased little wiggle.
“Showoff,” Thad mumbles without opening his eyes. “You’re supposed to be on guard duty, not flirting.”
“I think he’s multitasking. Is that snake yoga?” Propping myself up on one elbow, I watch Sterling demonstrate his best morning poses. “Very efficient.”
“He’s grandstanding.” But Thad’s other snakes are elongating into a tall crown of interested observers. “They’re all needy for your attention.”
“Can you blame them?” Reaching up, I scratch gently at his scalp. Every snake immediately melts, including the ones trying to maintain their dignity. “After all, I did choose them, too.”
His eyes open, amber and intense in the morning light. “No regrets?”
“About walking out on Bradley and choosing the scary enforcer with the not-so-scary snakes?” Leaning down, I kiss his nose with exquisite gentleness. “None.”
The shock on his face at my comment is priceless.
“Your father—”
“Can deal with it.” I put my phone on silent the moment Brad’s Tesla rooster-tailed away, leaving me by the side of the road last night. “Though I should probably check on Mom.”
His snakes all droop slightly at the mention of leaving, which might be the most endearing thing I’ve ever seen.
“I should head out soon too.”
“With your back still bothering you?” I trace my fingers along his forearm. “Maybe take it easy today.”
“Probably smart, though my performance last night should speak to the extent of my magical recovery.” His hand finds mine, thumb tracing patterns on my palm. “Though nothing about this is particularly smart.”
“Smart is overrated.” Sterling bobs in enthusiastic agreement. “Besides, I’m pretty sure your snakes would stage a revolt if I disappeared now.”
As if to demonstrate, several snakes perk up hopefully, while others try to look particularly pathetic at the thought of my departure. Sterling manages to combine both techniques, somehow looking both eager and miserable at the same time.
“They’re getting worse,” Thad grumbles, but his eyes crinkle at the corners. “Used to be, they could at least pretend to be intimidating.”
“I like them better this way.” Standing, I gather my wrinkled clothes from where they landed last night. “Though I’m not sure how I’m going to explain this outfit to my mother.”
“Tell her you were at a very successful business meeting.”
“In yesterday’s clothes?”
“Very, very successful?”
My laugh bursts free, and his snakes all sway in pleasure at the sound. Even the serious ones can’t maintain their aloof act when I’m happy.
