Page 46 of Reptile Dysfunction
Several committee members hide smiles. The story of my Pilates-related humiliation has clearly made the rounds. Of course it has.
The tension seems to have faded, but I notice Bradley Harrington III watching from the doorway, his expensive suit and calculating eyes marking him as a predator of a different sort. My snakes track his movements as he slips away, phone already to his ear.
After the meeting, Sloane and I linger in the empty conference room.
“That went better than expected,” she says, moving to stand between my legs as I perch on the table’s edge. The intimate position sends heat spiraling through me, and I look around to see if maybe I can sneak a kiss.No, Thaddeus, the key word is professional.“Though I caught Bradley lurking. Something’s brewing there.”
“Guardian Solutions can handle it,” I say, but there’s an edge to my voice. “No matter what he’s planning.”
The door opens, and Sebastian appears. “Coming to dinner? Aspen’s making that muscle-relaxing tea for your back.”
“We have plans,” Sloane says smoothly. “Business paperwork.”
“Is that what they’re calling it now?” But he withdraws with a grin.
As we leave, I spot Bradley across the street, watching us from his parked car. My snakes form a protective crown, all traces of fatigue vanishing as they sense a potential threat.
“Problem?” Sloane asks, noticing their sudden alertness.
“Just a feeling,” I guide her toward my bike, keeping my body between her and Bradley’s watchful eyes. “Nothing Guardian Solutions can’t handle.”
But the enforcer instinct that’s kept me alive pounds a clear warning: Trouble is coming. And this time, it won’t stay in the shadows.
Chapter Twenty-One
Thad
Gods! Sloan’s beautiful. It’s worth waking up early just to watch the light play across her bare shoulder as she sleeps pressed against me.
It’s practically a feat of magic to glance at my email without waking the woman whose limbs are wound around mine. Guardian Solutions received three more contract requests overnight. Business emails flooded in after word spread about last night’s expert security presence at the town hall meeting. But none of that seems as important as the woman currently using my chest as a pillow.
Before Revelation Day, professional success meant staying invisible, avoiding attention, and keeping the peace through intimidation nobody acknowledged. Now it means buildingsomething public, legitimate, and protective without the shadows. The transformation still amazes me—from outcast enforcer to legitimate community protector.
The contrast hits me as I scan the contract details. Riverside Community Center wants security for its youth programs. Cedar Falls Hospital needs protection for its monster staff during shift changes. These aren’t jobs about making troublemakers disappear; they’re about creating safe spaces for people to thrive.
“You’re thinking too loud,” she mumbles against my collarbone, not opening her eyes.
“How can you tell?”
“Your snakes get restless when your brain goes into business mode.” She shifts slightly, and the movement sends heat spiraling through me. “They’re practically buzzing.”
She’s right. Several are moving in agitated patterns above us, picking up on my mental energy. Only Sterling remains calm, draped possessively across her throat like living jewelry.
“Three new contracts,” I tell her, running my fingers through her hair. “Mayor Branson from Cedar Falls, the Riverside Community Center, and—”
“Later.” Her lips brush my throat, making every snake freeze in absolute stillness. “Business talk later.”
“Later when?”
“After I remind you why taking professional risks was worth it.” She rises on one elbow, blue eyes dark with intent. “After I show you exactly how proud I am of the man who stood up in front of the entire town council and announced his new security business.”
My breath catches as she shifts to straddle my hips. The morning light illuminates her as if she’s carved from gold and desire. She’s absolutely flawless, and she’smine.
“Are you proud enough to be thoroughly unprofessional?” My voice drops to that register that makes her shiver.
“Absolutely.” Her hips roll against mine, making my already-hard cock throb. “Though I expect professional-grade results.”
“My woman’s demanding this morning.”
