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"Hm?" I started to ask but noticed him reaching for the remote. "Nothing action," I specified. "I get enough of that in my daily life."
"A little action?" he asked, flicking through the OnDemand menu.
"A little," I allowed, remembering I forgot forks and other civilized things like napkins, placing the plates down to run back to grab them, smiling when I saw Linny circle then curl up on her new bed, half-asleep as her head hit the soft fabric. "Right," I grumbled to myself, realizing I didn't have napkins. But, then again, I was hosting a biker an outlaw biker. He and his brothers likely wiped their hands and mouths on sleeves. My paper towels were likely fine dining worthy. "What's this?" I asked, seeing the words Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang on the screen.
"Robert Downey Jr. and Val Kilmer in this smart-as-fuck noir. I've seen it a dozen times, but pick up on new shite each time. You'll like it," he informed me, patting the seat next to him, making me realize I had been standing there. Like I was afraid of sitting down.
Hell, maybe I was.
The couch was small.
We'd be brushing the whole time.
And we'd already established that my system was having issues controlling its urges around him.
I thought as I reached for my plate and lowered myself down a thought I was sure I had never thought before.
I really wish I had pants on.
My concerns that he might know what was going on in my head disappeared as soon as Adler picked up his plate.
Because, quite frankly, the man barely knew I existed as he plowed into his food.
"Is this some old family recipe?" he asked, spearing a piece of steak off my plate.
"You're risking a hand touching my food," I informed him, pulling my plate to balance it on the arm of the couch. "And, no. I just threw some stuff together. Glad it turned out alright."
"Duchess, anytime ya want to throw some stuff together, ya let me know. And I'll pay ya back."
"How so?" I asked, realizing the moment his eyes went devilish that I had made a mistake. "Ya know how I want to pay ya back. I'd get on my knees and pay ya back while ya are still fuckin' cookin' if ya want, duchess."
Oh, for fuck's sake.
I had been barely holding it together to begin with.
Then he had to go on and say that. No, not just say it. Say it with fucking need in his voice, like he'd enjoy it every bit as much as I would.
"I only cook on special occasions."
"Duchess, every day we're breathing is a special occasion."
"I don't... ooph," I grumbled as Linny came out of nowhere, leaping up onto my lap unexpectedly. "Well, hello," I greeted her, handing my plate off to an eager Adler - maybe the first time I had ever turned down a meal - so I had my hands free to rub her head, ears, belly.
"Face it, Lou. We spend our lives around evil fucks. It's a miracle we're alive."
"Evil is pushing it."
"Ya don't believe in evil?"
"I think evil takes a lot of forms. It's politicians passing laws to limit gay rights while getting fucked in the ass by one of his male interns. It's a Boy Scout leader who uses their power and trust to prey on the boys they are meant to teach. It's a cop who shows up when a woman calls about being raped, and rapes her again. It's judges handing out slaps on the wrists to men who assault women and children because of the negative impact it might have on the man's life. I think evil is something rooted inside people - not some mythological force whispering in our ears."
"Not a fan of people, huh?"
My lips curved up at that. "No, I don't like most people. Dogs, on the other hand," I went on, squeezing Linny's face a bit, "Dogs, I like."
"For the most part, I agree with ya. So, ya like her?"
"I love her," I corrected, sure I hadn't used that word - except maybe talking about eating food or kicking slimeball ass - in more than a decade. But there was no denying it. I loved the darn dog already. "Thank you," I added, feeling almost embarrassed to use the words, not sure when I was last in a position to be in someone's gratitude.
"Sometimes ya gotta just jump right in before yer body is used to the temperature of the water."
"And you're sure you can watch her for me here or there? You go out of town too."
"Even if we are outta town at the same time, Rey will keep an eye on her for us."
"She's the one with all the animals?"
"Got a heart bigger than Texas. Likes to try to fill it up with furry, feather, or scaly things. And Reeve now, 'course."
