Page 23 of Reptile Dysfunction
“Monday at 4:30,” he agrees. Sterling bobs gleefully.
“But when I outperform everyone, I get full acknowledgment,” he adds.
“Have you evenseensomeone work on a reformer?”
“I wrestled a selkie once. I can handle Pilates.”
“Oh, Gorgon. You’re going to beso sore.”
“Doubtful.”
“Wanna make it interesting?”
His eyes gleam. “What kind of interesting?”
“If you finish class without quitting or complaining, I’ll join your advanced swim class. As a participant.”
“And if I don’t?”
“You’re the guest star at the Silver Swimmers’ Revelation Day performance.”
Horror. Pure horror crosses his face. “That’s evil.”
“Scared already?”
“Fine.” He extends his hand.
As our palms meet again, his snakes sway in an almost hypnotic pattern—drawing me closer, breath catching as our bodies nearly touch.
Just then, Mabel swoops in, beaming. “Perfect! Time for the circle dance. You’ve avoided this tradition long enough, Thaddeus Fangborn. Besides, we need more tall people.”
“I don’t dance,” Thad protests, though his snakes sway happily to the music.
“Nonsense. Sloane needs a partner.”
Before we can resist, we’re swept into the outer ring. Thad looks panicked, which makes me laugh.
“Relax. Just basic steps. Even big, scary enforcers can manage.”
“I’d rather face werewolves,” he mutters, but clasps my hand as the dance begins.
The steps are simple—move in rhythm, duck under arms, switch partners—but watching Thad navigate it, mindful of his snakes and trying not to crush anyone, is downright delightful.
“Having fun?” I ask when we reconnect.
“Absolutely not.” But his snakes are bouncing, and there’s a smile lurking behind his scowl.
When the music ends, we’re both breathless and laughing.
“That wasn’t so bad,” I tease as we sit again.
“My reputation’s ruined.”
“Your reputation could use softening. The scary instructor who dances and does Pilates? That’s a whole new era.”
“Maybe that’s not a bad thing,” he says quietly enough that I glance over, surprised.
There’s something vulnerable in his expression—something raw and real beneath the enforcer act.
