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“I heard you.”

“One touched my foot!”

Her entire body shudders. Something primitive inside me rises. Not lust this time.

Protection.

The instinct to keep this woman safe is violent, immediate, and absolute.

Fact: I don't like her frightened.

Not at all.

“I've got you, Sweet.”

Her breathing slows. Just a little.

“I'll handle it.”

“You will?”

The trust in her eyes punches straight through me.

Fuck.

“Yeah.”

I tighten my hold before I can stop myself.

“No snake is getting near you.”

Her lips part. My gaze drops.

Bad idea. Very bad fucking idea.

I put her down. Fast as I can manage.

“Go use my shower.”

“Are you sure,” she begins, then glances at her house. “Yeah, I think I will.”

I almost smile.

“Thought so.”

When I get to Belinda’s house, there are seven snakes in the master bedroom.

Seven.

Apparently, Arrhythmia's plumbing has its own fucking ecosystem. But they’re here because of me. So I get to work.

I clear the drains, remove the snakes, remove my worms, and swear never to sabotage indoor plumbing again. By the time I finish, guilt has taken up permanent residence in my chest.

I straighten beneath the kitchen sink when I hear footsteps.

“I hope this is okay, um, I forgot clothes.”

I turn. And nearly crack my skull on the cabinet.